A Leader's Responsibility

Becoming a student tour guide, also known as a “George’s General,” seemed like a natural fit for Omari Watkins ’23, who felt a strong connection with the campus, and who’s enthusiasm and energy often appeals to prospective students and their families.

 

Being the first face to welcome families to Goose Nation is not a job that Omari takes lightly.

“It is a giant role, helping kids come to Washington College. You are not only impacting the College but also individual kids. One conversation or phrase can spark a kid's interest…A George's General is a leader on campus and takes on a lot of responsibility, because we are always ready and prepared for anything [we see or are asked on tour]. As a tour guide, we are constantly seen throughout campus and we need to carry ourselves with energeticness, so we can show families our best selves and the best version of campus. If you are not ready or in the right mood to give a tour, that family won’t be either,” he explained.

Connecting with new people is a highlight of Omari’s experience.

“My first tour [as a George’s General] ended with me dropping the family off at the Rose O’Neill Literary House, which gave us some extra time to talk. The family was engaging in conversation and the [campus] atmosphere. They wanted to know about my personal interests and passions. It feels good when the family is connecting with you—it means a lot.”

Not all tours start off with strangers, though!

“One of my best friends in high school decided to transfer here. I saw his name on the schedule for that day and I knew I needed to give his tour. It was great to see someone from my high school come here.”

Omari’s experience as a prospective student touring Washington College had a large impact on his decision to become George’s General, and has influenced the relationships he’s built while working as a tour guide.

“Cole Storm ’21 was a mentor to me when I became a George’s General. My shifts were pretty much only with Cole, it really was a 1 in a million chance moment. Imagine being a tour guide alongside the kid who gave you a tour!”

Now Omari has the opportunity to pass down the wisdom he’s received.

“It’s always great to see the new generals coming in year after year and to help them out. Dylan Harmon is like a mentee right now, especially since we both live in the same house.”

The Admissions Office isn’t the only place Omari is a leader. He takes the skills he’s developed as a George’s General and applies them to his interests outside of work.

In the Phi Delta Theta fraternity, Omari holds three leadership positions: Recruitment Chair, Brotherhood Chair, and Warden. Building relationships with his fraternity brothers through these positions has had a significant impact on his WC experience.

“It's not just the people in Phi Delta Theta, it’s the values that we hold each other accountable to: Friendship, Sound Learning, and Moral Rectitude. I’ll carry these values throughout my life. We help each other grow as people and to be the greatest version of ourselves. I take that responsibility seriously and I appreciate my brothers for their support.”

In addition to his leadership positions in Phi Delta Theta, Omari is president of the Rugby Club. Being in multiple leadership positions at the same time has allowed him to reflect on his experiences and the type of leader he is.

“As a leader you want to lead with others. Not just telling but also doing. My approach as a leader is that I show with my actions more than I talk, and I think that is a good skill to have. If you are the example, you’re going to help others with their goals and they will push themselves to be better.”

After graduation, Omari hopes to take his leadership experience into the world of athletics by combining his academic studies with his extracurricular experiences to build a career in sports media.

“I’d love to combine my passions of sports and photography, through sports video work, sports marketing, or even sports broadcasting.”