Oulton Open House: Changing Stories Building Belonging
How One Visit Can Change Your Story
Imagine young Harry Potter, living under the stairs, suddenly receiving a letter inviting him to a magical school he knows nothing about. He’s dropped into a completely foreign culture without preparation, facing uncertainty about the subjects, the teachers, and whether he even belongs there. His entry into the wizarding world is abrupt and overwhelming, confirmed with a chaotic trip to Diagon Alley where even buying a wand feels strange and public. He feels like he doesn’t belong at the Dursleys, believing he belongs instead in the wizarding world at Hogwarts.
But what if Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry had hosted an Open House before term started on September first?
A Preview of Belonging and Confidence
An Open House would have transformed Harry’s journey from one based on trust and mystery to one grounded in concrete experience. He could have explored the castle ahead of time, seeing classrooms, libraries, and potentially areas like the Hospital Wing or labs similar to where he’d learn Potions or Herbology. He might have observed live demonstrations, like a flying lesson, or even tried casting a simple spell.
This early exposure would offer several key benefits, mirroring those for prospective students considering Oulton College today:
- Familiarity: Hearing words like “Muggle,” “Spellwork,” “Charms,” and “Transfiguration” in a low-pressure environment would have made his first day less daunting. Seeing the physical spaces would make the abstract idea of Hogwarts feel real.
- Reduced Anxiety & Increased Confidence (Mental Affect): Instead of entering Hogwarts feeling confused and intimidated, trying to catch up, Harry could have arrived as someone who already felt a sense of belonging. His magical identity, a crucial aspect of his self-worth and belonging throughout the series, could have begun forming sooner. Gaining professional knowledge and seeing successful examples (like student demonstrations) contributes to an expectation of success, which is a positive predictor of intention.
- Building Relationships: At an Open House, Harry could have met professors like Dumbledore or McGonagall, building trust and comfort with authority figures before Day one. He might have connected with peers, potentially meeting Ron Weasley or even Draco Malfoy before their fated encounters, altering initial alliances and rivalries. Informal relationships with peers are of considerable importance to students’ sense of belonging.
Informed Choice and the Sorting Hat
An Open House provides an opportunity for informed choice. If Harry had visited beforehand, he could have toured the four House common rooms: Gryffindor, Slytherin, Ravenclaw, and Hufflepuff. He might have met students from each, seeing Slytherin as more than just “dark wizards”, discovering his intellectual curiosity aligned with Ravenclaw values, or feeling the warmth and inclusion of Hufflepuff.
Without the pressure of the Sorting Hat moment and the mystery surrounding his identity, he might have gone into the Sorting with a less rigid idea of where he should belong. The Sorting Hat reads a student’s thoughts, desires, and values at that moment. Harry’s early exposure to the nuances of each House during an Open House would have shaped what the Hat saw in his mind, adding nuance to his identity and potentially opening him up to possibilities beyond “Not Slytherin”. This parallels how real students explore different programs (“houses”) at an Open House to see where they might thrive.
Experiencing Oulton: Labs, Demos, and Your Future
Attending Oulton College’s Open House on May 16, 2025, offers a tangible, real-world opportunity to explore your future, much like a Hogwarts Open House would have demystified the magical world for Harry.- Tour Labs as Your Training Grounds: Just as Harry would visit classrooms for Charms or Potions, or the Hospital Wing for healing magic, you can tour Oulton’s cutting-edge labs. Get an inside look at our licensed Veterinary Lab, Medical Lab, and newly updated Nursing Lab. These spaces are where you’ll gain the professional knowledge essential for success in your chosen field.
- Live Demonstrations: Witnessing a Quidditch practice or a spell demonstration makes the magic real. At Oulton’s Open House, you’ll see live demonstrations by our skilled students, showcasing what you can achieve and building your expectation of success.
- Meet Faculty and Students: Just as meeting Dumbledore or connecting with potential friends is crucial, you’ll meet our faculty and current students. Ask questions, get real insights, and begin forming the informal relationships with peers that are of considerable importance to your sense of belonging.
- Explore Programs: Think of Oulton’s programs as your potential “House”. Explore all our diverse programs to find where you can best apply your talents and feel a sense of purpose and belonging.
- Enjoy a Complimentary Lunch: The Great Hall feast is a central gathering place in Harry’s world. Enjoying a complimentary lunch on campus is a simple way to experience the community atmosphere and connect with others in a relaxed setting.
The Power of Implementation Intentions
This process of exploring and envisioning your future is powered by a psychological concept called Implementation Intention Theory. It’s all about mentally preparing for action by forming specific “if-then” plans.
If Hogwarts had an Open House, Harry could have formed intentions like:
- “If I get accepted to Hogwarts, then I will take the train on September 1st because I’ve already seen where I’ll be going and know I belong there.”
- “If I feel drawn to Ravenclaw during the tour, then maybe I’ll let the Sorting Hat put me there.
Similarly, Oulton College’s Open House helps prospective students do exactly this. It transforms the abstract idea of college into a concrete, experienced reality. Students can picture themselves walking the halls, attending classes, and meeting instructors.
This allows them to create powerful “if-then” plans based on their positive mental affect and sense of belonging:
- “If I like what I see and feel comfortable during the Open House, then I will submit my application next week.”
- “If I connect with the instructors and see myself fitting in, then I can succeed here.”
This mental preparation strengthens the intention to enroll and succeed. It empowers students to make a more informed decision, grounded in experience rather than just reputation or abstract notions. The expectation of success, fueled by gaining professional knowledge and seeing successful examples (like student demonstrations), is a positive predictor of intention.
Inclusivity Matters:
Making Magic Accessible for All
Accessible open houses are no longer just about physical access; they must include prospective students with disabilities. Accommodations like captioning for live sessions and videos aren’t just critical for students with disabilities or their parents; they improve engagement for everyone. Making content accessible ensures students don’t have to ask for accommodations and feel included from the get-go. Implementing accessibility features can be relatively easy. By making our Open House inclusive, we ensure everyone has the chance to feel welcome and see themselves succeeding at Oulton College.
Just as an Open House could have given Harry Potter a crucial preview, boosting his confidence and shaping his identity from the start, attending Oulton College’s Open House provides you with the opportunity to:
- Explore your options thoroughly.
- Make educated decisions about your future based on firsthand experience.
- Form powerful implementation intentions that pave the way for success.
- Begin shaping your identity as a future student and professional, feeling confident and inspired.
Rewards for Taking the First Step
Just as Harry might receive gifts or earn House points for positive actions, taking the important step of attending the Open House comes with potential rewards. Prizes range from a pen to significant support for your educational journey, including a $1000 Early Bird Scholarship or a $500 Visa voucher. Think of these not just as prizes, but as resources — like finding a useful magical item or receiving unexpected aid — that can make your path to a professional future smoother and reinforce your commitment to your goal.
Take the First Step Towards Your Future
Harry’s initial journey was one of trust and mystery. Yours can be one of exploration and informed intent. Attending an Open House is a psychological step towards enrollment, helping you to see where you belong and reinforcing your commitment to your goals.
Join Us for Oulton College’s Open House – May 16, 2025!
Get an inside look at your future! Meet faculty and students, tour labs (including our licensed Veterinary Lab, Medical Lab, and newly updated Nursing Lab), see live demonstrations, and explore all our programs. Enjoy a complimentary lunch and win prizes, ranging from a pen to a $1000 early bird scholarship or $500 Visa voucher!
Whether you’re ready to apply or just exploring your options, this is the perfect chance to experience Oulton College firsthand. RSVP now and take the first step toward your future!
Book an Admissions Meeting Today!
Remember that by investing in your education, you are investing in your future, gaining the skills and connections you need to thrive in your career and life.
*Please note that information may be subject to modifications. We encourage current and prospective students to visit the websites in order to obtain the most recent information.
