I just wanted to wish all of you good luck for the new academic year!
I'm in RA Training - students are moving in at the end of this week and classes will start on Monday. I can't believe how fast the summer went and that the new school year is already starting. I'm excited for my residents to get here and to see how things will work at my new institution; I'm also anxious and don't feel ready for the residents to be here already. But no matter how I feel, they're here and it's time to start a new year.
Good Luck to all of you as you start a new academic year! :)
Wednesday, August 19, 2009
Monday, August 3, 2009
Books, books, books
Okay, so one of you asked if I had any recommendations regarding good Student Affairs books (this would have been a lot easier if the questions was just books...haha...in that case, I would recommend Harry Potter, Anne of Green Gables, The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants and Pride & Prejudice).
But on a serious note: Below are some Student Affairs books that I've enjoyed reading (and no, these citations will not be in APA format but I'm sure you'll be able to still figure out what books I'm talking about...sorry, but I have never been a fan of APA format - even though the APA Manual is one of the books on my bookshelf - and when I don't have to cite things that way, I won't...LoL):
- Beginning Your Journey: A Guide for New Professionals in Student Affairs by Marilyn J. Amey and Lori M. Reesor, editors
I read this after graduating from my Master's Program. It had some good advice, definitely made me think about me as a professional and what I wanted to accomplish in my first position, and was an easy read.
- Learning Partnerships: Theory and models of practice to educate for self-authorship by Marcia Baxter Magolda and Patricia M. King, editors
Now I'm not really a theory person. I think there's a value in theory; I studied it like so many of us and I try to keep it in mind when I work with students; I use some theories (and of course best practices) when developing new initiatives; BUT you'll hardly ever find me raving about a theory book. This book, Learning Partnerships, I liked because while it gives you the basics of the theory, it also provides a lot of examples about how this theory has been utilized. It was easy for me to look at the programs that were similar to what I wanted to accomplish and utilize some of their strategies. This book was definitely a great help when I developed the Residential Curriculum for my living learning community.
- Toward Acceptance: Sexual Orientation Issues on Campus by Vernon A. Wall and Nancy J. Evans, editors
Another easy read that gives some practical examples and even some activities you can take straight out of the book and utilize with your students.
- White Awareness - Handbook for Anti-Racism Training by Judith H. Katz
Not necessarily my favorite read - Part 1 is a little hard to get through but it's only 30 pages and then follow over a 100 pages with exercises and activities that you can utilize or slightly alter when working with students and staff. :)
- Advising Student Groups and Organizations by Norvert W. Dunkel and John H. Schuh
A classic when it comes to working with student groups. If you have a lot of experience advising, this may not be the best book for you but if you're looking for a good introduction on how to work with student groups and some resources, this book is for you.
If you're looking for some related literature, one of my colleagues recently borrowed the book "Cutting: Understanding and Overcoming Self-Mutilation by Steven Levenkron" from me. Not the newest book on the topic but a good overview about cutting. It's a pretty easy read and addresses a topic that most of us problably don't know a lot about.
And if, after reading all this Student Affairs literature, your head hurts and you just want to read something fun, don't forget about my recommendation from the beginning of this post.
But on a serious note: Below are some Student Affairs books that I've enjoyed reading (and no, these citations will not be in APA format but I'm sure you'll be able to still figure out what books I'm talking about...sorry, but I have never been a fan of APA format - even though the APA Manual is one of the books on my bookshelf - and when I don't have to cite things that way, I won't...LoL):
- Beginning Your Journey: A Guide for New Professionals in Student Affairs by Marilyn J. Amey and Lori M. Reesor, editors
I read this after graduating from my Master's Program. It had some good advice, definitely made me think about me as a professional and what I wanted to accomplish in my first position, and was an easy read.
- Learning Partnerships: Theory and models of practice to educate for self-authorship by Marcia Baxter Magolda and Patricia M. King, editors
Now I'm not really a theory person. I think there's a value in theory; I studied it like so many of us and I try to keep it in mind when I work with students; I use some theories (and of course best practices) when developing new initiatives; BUT you'll hardly ever find me raving about a theory book. This book, Learning Partnerships, I liked because while it gives you the basics of the theory, it also provides a lot of examples about how this theory has been utilized. It was easy for me to look at the programs that were similar to what I wanted to accomplish and utilize some of their strategies. This book was definitely a great help when I developed the Residential Curriculum for my living learning community.
- Toward Acceptance: Sexual Orientation Issues on Campus by Vernon A. Wall and Nancy J. Evans, editors
Another easy read that gives some practical examples and even some activities you can take straight out of the book and utilize with your students.
- White Awareness - Handbook for Anti-Racism Training by Judith H. Katz
Not necessarily my favorite read - Part 1 is a little hard to get through but it's only 30 pages and then follow over a 100 pages with exercises and activities that you can utilize or slightly alter when working with students and staff. :)
- Advising Student Groups and Organizations by Norvert W. Dunkel and John H. Schuh
A classic when it comes to working with student groups. If you have a lot of experience advising, this may not be the best book for you but if you're looking for a good introduction on how to work with student groups and some resources, this book is for you.
If you're looking for some related literature, one of my colleagues recently borrowed the book "Cutting: Understanding and Overcoming Self-Mutilation by Steven Levenkron" from me. Not the newest book on the topic but a good overview about cutting. It's a pretty easy read and addresses a topic that most of us problably don't know a lot about.
And if, after reading all this Student Affairs literature, your head hurts and you just want to read something fun, don't forget about my recommendation from the beginning of this post.
Sunday, July 5, 2009
The evening before...
Hey there,
I start my new job tomorrow. I really have no reason to be nervous; I've done this before - yes, at another institution but still. I know how to be run a residence hall, how to supervise an RA staff. For most of my colleagues, this will be their first full-time job after graduate school - I have the advantage of having previous experience. But I can't help it. I'm nervous. I don't like new beginnings. There's too much awkwardness - too much not-knowing. But talking about it just makes me more nervous, so let's change topics.
One of you asked if I had any Student Affairs book suggestions. I do - but all my books are still in boxes (I'm waiting until I can move into my office to unpack those) and I'm one of those readers who doesn't pay any attention to the author's name. It took me forever to remember that J.K. Rowling wrote Harry Potter - so there's no chance I'd remember the author of some Student Affairs book. Sorry!
Anyway, as soon as I've unpacked, I'll post some suggestions on this blog.
And of course I'll let you all know how my first days at work go....
I start my new job tomorrow. I really have no reason to be nervous; I've done this before - yes, at another institution but still. I know how to be run a residence hall, how to supervise an RA staff. For most of my colleagues, this will be their first full-time job after graduate school - I have the advantage of having previous experience. But I can't help it. I'm nervous. I don't like new beginnings. There's too much awkwardness - too much not-knowing. But talking about it just makes me more nervous, so let's change topics.
One of you asked if I had any Student Affairs book suggestions. I do - but all my books are still in boxes (I'm waiting until I can move into my office to unpack those) and I'm one of those readers who doesn't pay any attention to the author's name. It took me forever to remember that J.K. Rowling wrote Harry Potter - so there's no chance I'd remember the author of some Student Affairs book. Sorry!
Anyway, as soon as I've unpacked, I'll post some suggestions on this blog.
And of course I'll let you all know how my first days at work go....
Sunday, June 21, 2009
Roadtrip Update & Thoughts about the Future
Hello everyone,
It’s been a while. I apologize. I was traveling and didn’t have access to internet all that often. I actually don’t have access to internet right now but I decided to write this blog now and then copy and paste it into the actual blog tomorrow when I’ll be having lunch at a Panera Bread.
This has been my summer of random roadtrips. I’ve been to 11 states in the past month and there’s a few more to come in the next week; I’ve gotten really good at setting up my tent quickly and I’ve slept in my car twice (it’s really not that uncomfortable). I’ve also been to 8 concerts, strolled through various cities, explored national parks, visited two good friends from undergraduate, painted a shirt, made a video and and and. There definitely haven’t been a lot of dull moments. ;)
I’m currently at my new institution – I decided to drop off half of my belongings now before going to Invisible Children’s Lobby Days (Monday, Tuesday). Then I’ll get the rest of my stuff and return for good. One more week of vacation and on July 6, I’ll be starting my new job.
I’m excited – and nervous. New beginnings, new places, new people stress me out. I’m worried about making a good impression, about proving that they made a good decision by hiring me, about living up to my own expectations. I don’t like the feeling of not knowing what to do – how things are done here. I worry about my relationships with the other staff members – professional staff and student staff. I worry about vandalism in my building – after all, I’ll be in a new building and it’ll be horrible if my students “destroy” the new facilities. And even though I’m not responsible for their actions, there’ll always be the question, “ Was there something that I could have done?”
Did I mention that I have a tendency to overanalyze things and freak myself out?!?
I like to set new goals for myself over the summer but I’m having a hard time doing that this year. There’s just so much you don’t know when you start a new job. I mean, I know how to be a hall director; but I don’t know how to be a hall director HERE.
As always, I have the goal of making my personal life a bit more of a priority; as always, we’ll see how that goes. I have a few friends here; maybe that’ll help. I drove around today and saw all the shops and restaurants – so at least IF I want to go somewhere, there’ll be places to go. And there’s the beach!!! I can’t wait to go to the beach; just stretch out on a towel and relax, daydream, read a good book. I really want a boat! Haha, I know I’m crazy. But seriously, could you imagine anything more amazing than going out on a boat, turning off the motor and just floating around while reading a good book. That’d be so relaxing! :D I even thought of some good boat names: I was thinking Lily or Phoenix (both inspired by Harry Potter), Bregenz or Elisabeth (Austria), Fantaghiro (princess in my favorite fairy tale), See The World (hmmm, maybe inspired by a band I know…LoL), dragonfly or imagine. Any thoughts?
I’ve spent a lot of time thinking about the future lately. It all started when one of my friends told me that she got engaged and will be getting married next summer. Since then, my friends and I have talked about weddings, bachelorette parties, our dream vacation home in Tuscany (we want to rent one – or later buy it – and get our four families to go there and hang out), children, etc. Yeah, our topics of conversation have changed quite a bit from when we first starting hanging out. LoL.
If this was my summer of random roadtrips, next year will be my summer of international wedding. I’m going to India for one of my friend’s weddings and then I’ll be going to Austria for my other friend’s wedding. I just hope none of the dates overlap (I also hope they don’t overlap with the NACURH conference since I’ll be the RHA Advisor next year….yay!!!...and would love to take a delegation to NACURH). And I should probably start saving money and vacation days now because that’ll be quite a bit of traveling – and not as cheap as me driving around the US and sleeping in my car, a tent or a cheap hotel room that I reserved through hotwire.com the night before.
Well, I’m off to bed. I’m too lazy to get sheets out of one of my boxes; I think I’ll just use my sleeping bag. I’ve gotten so used to the simple life.
I hope you’re all enjoying the summer!
Friday, May 29, 2009
Summer
I am procrastinating from packing. I just moved a bunch of stuff down to the storage room in the basement, so i figured I'd deserve a little break, right?
My apartment is starting to look empty, so at least I'm making some progress. I have to be out of here Monday. My supervisor - or I guess, former supervisor now - is coming over at 8 am to check me out. Argh, so much for sleeping in on my last day here. Oh well, more time to travel, right? ;)
I've packed up all my Student Affairs book. Usually, I try to read some thing for work on vacation, but I decided that this year I'll really really be on vacation and for once not think about work. I can't really prepare for next year anyway, since I'm moving to a new institution.
It feels strange though. At this time of the summer, I would usually be pouring over Student Affairs literature, trying to revise my curriculum for the year, developing new initiatives. Instead I'm re-reading Harry Potter and getting ready for a quite adventurous vacation with camping, concerts and visiting friends.
I have been thinking a little about next year. I mean, last semester I organized this huge Invisible Children Challenge. So what should my next project be? I could do Invisible Children again. I'm not sure how much my new students would get into that. I could also try to pick another organization and figure out something new. I'm just not sure. But I know I'd like to do something again....
Okay, I think I'll have some ice cream and then it's back to packing. The goal is to get the majority packed tonight, do laundry and finish up a few more things tomorrow, and then just relax and do nothing on Sunday. Sounds like a plan, right?
Oh, I apologize in advance if I don't update this in a while. I'm going camping/hiking and don't know when I'll have access to internet. I'm sure I'll stop by a Panera Break occasionally though and will update all of you then.
My apartment is starting to look empty, so at least I'm making some progress. I have to be out of here Monday. My supervisor - or I guess, former supervisor now - is coming over at 8 am to check me out. Argh, so much for sleeping in on my last day here. Oh well, more time to travel, right? ;)
I've packed up all my Student Affairs book. Usually, I try to read some thing for work on vacation, but I decided that this year I'll really really be on vacation and for once not think about work. I can't really prepare for next year anyway, since I'm moving to a new institution.
It feels strange though. At this time of the summer, I would usually be pouring over Student Affairs literature, trying to revise my curriculum for the year, developing new initiatives. Instead I'm re-reading Harry Potter and getting ready for a quite adventurous vacation with camping, concerts and visiting friends.
I have been thinking a little about next year. I mean, last semester I organized this huge Invisible Children Challenge. So what should my next project be? I could do Invisible Children again. I'm not sure how much my new students would get into that. I could also try to pick another organization and figure out something new. I'm just not sure. But I know I'd like to do something again....
Okay, I think I'll have some ice cream and then it's back to packing. The goal is to get the majority packed tonight, do laundry and finish up a few more things tomorrow, and then just relax and do nothing on Sunday. Sounds like a plan, right?
Oh, I apologize in advance if I don't update this in a while. I'm going camping/hiking and don't know when I'll have access to internet. I'm sure I'll stop by a Panera Break occasionally though and will update all of you then.
Sunday, May 24, 2009
Life on the Road - Part 1
Ten month contracts are great! I'm going to miss having the opportunity to have the summer off. But hey, at least I'll have vacation days now, so if I really really really need to go somewhere (like an Invisible Children event or a concert), I'd be able to do that. ;)
On May 31st (the latest...maybe a few days before), I'll be checking out of my apartment. I'm not sure yet when I'll be moving into my new apartment at my new institution, but it probably won't be until much later in June or even July 1 or so (I start work on July 6). What will I be doing in between? Yeah, that is a good question. LoL.
I'm definitely going to visit some friends. I've also thought about going camping - I would have to buy a tent though - you know, just drive to some National Park, set up my tent and then go hiking on a different trail every day. I like hiking. And I'll be in Washington D.C. for Invisible Children's Lobby Days June 22nd and the 23rd. Other than that, who knows.
This week has been a good preparation for life on the road. I got in my car Tuesday morning, drove five hours, hung out with friends, crashed on a friend's couch. I stayed there for a few days. Then back on the road. Saw a concert, drove until I was too tired so I got a hotel room. The next day, I "explored" the area, then stayed at another hotel. And tomorrow, I'll be heading back - I almost wrote "heading back home" but then, is it really home? I mean, I'll only be living there for a few more days, the majority of my apartment is already packed up and mentally I've definitely said goodbye already.
So here are a few things I've learned about life on the road:
- I love singing along to CDs. Roadtrips on your own are a great time to learn lyrics to new songs...LoL.
- Hotwire is awesome. If you book a hotel room the day before, you can find something really cheap in awesome locations.
- Stop at Panera Bread. Free Wi-Fi and relatively healthy food. ;) (No, I do not get paid for promoting businesses or bands...haha.)
- And if you start feeling lonely, get out your phone, call a friend and tell them funny stories from the road.
Well, I should get back to work. I got roped into doing a training session about the summer reading program for our Orientation Staff. I've been off contract for over a week and I still get sucked into doing things - argh! I know, I know, I could have just said no but you know me, "no" isn't really in my vocabulary. ;)
On May 31st (the latest...maybe a few days before), I'll be checking out of my apartment. I'm not sure yet when I'll be moving into my new apartment at my new institution, but it probably won't be until much later in June or even July 1 or so (I start work on July 6). What will I be doing in between? Yeah, that is a good question. LoL.
I'm definitely going to visit some friends. I've also thought about going camping - I would have to buy a tent though - you know, just drive to some National Park, set up my tent and then go hiking on a different trail every day. I like hiking. And I'll be in Washington D.C. for Invisible Children's Lobby Days June 22nd and the 23rd. Other than that, who knows.
This week has been a good preparation for life on the road. I got in my car Tuesday morning, drove five hours, hung out with friends, crashed on a friend's couch. I stayed there for a few days. Then back on the road. Saw a concert, drove until I was too tired so I got a hotel room. The next day, I "explored" the area, then stayed at another hotel. And tomorrow, I'll be heading back - I almost wrote "heading back home" but then, is it really home? I mean, I'll only be living there for a few more days, the majority of my apartment is already packed up and mentally I've definitely said goodbye already.
So here are a few things I've learned about life on the road:
- I love singing along to CDs. Roadtrips on your own are a great time to learn lyrics to new songs...LoL.
- Hotwire is awesome. If you book a hotel room the day before, you can find something really cheap in awesome locations.
- Stop at Panera Bread. Free Wi-Fi and relatively healthy food. ;) (No, I do not get paid for promoting businesses or bands...haha.)
- And if you start feeling lonely, get out your phone, call a friend and tell them funny stories from the road.
Well, I should get back to work. I got roped into doing a training session about the summer reading program for our Orientation Staff. I've been off contract for over a week and I still get sucked into doing things - argh! I know, I know, I could have just said no but you know me, "no" isn't really in my vocabulary. ;)
Tuesday, May 19, 2009
The Adventure begins...
I love not having any work to do!!!
As I'm sure anyone who follows this blog knows, I am a workaholic. When I'm working, I work all the time - and when I'm not working, I think about work.
But I also LOVE vacations. Like with everything else in my life, I don't just have time off or go on vacation - I go all out. So if I'm "relaxing at home," I may not get out of bed all day and just sleep and read and sleep and read (usually a Harry Potter book). And when I decide to leave and go somewhere, I don't just go somewhere on some boring grown-up vacation; oh no, it has to be an adventure.
After a few boring days of packing, I decided it was time to GO SOMEWHERE. I haven't stopped thinking about going to that concert 11 1/2 hours away - and after some phone calls, it didn't seem like such a crazy idea anymore - well, maybe a little crazy but in a good way, right? I mean, I don't have to do the drive in one day - I have NOTHING TO DO RIGHT NOW!!! Haha. I'm really excited about that in case you haven't noticed.
So I got up early this morning, packed a bag, got in the car and drove five hours to see one of my former RAs. I've missed her!!! We hung out, chatted, laughed - it was so nice just to catch up - and yes, I realize it's only been a little more than a week since we last saw each other. And it's nice not being the supervisor anymore. ;) Not that it was ever a challenge supervising her - she was one of my superstar RAs, but it's nice just being the mentor/older friend.
In the late afternoon, we drove another two hours to a concert - haha, big surprise there!
The concert was at a church - a youth group thing. Yes, the same band I saw Saturday. I could seriously watch them every day - they're simply AMAZING! Their lead singer - let's call him Jeremy, Jasper or whatever (sorry, inside joke) - just gets so into it and it's obvious that he just LOVES what he does and is having the time of his life. I love watching people that are passionate about what they're doing. I mean, that's what I love about Student Affairs - the fact that I have the opportunity to help students figure out what they are passionate about and then support them in achieving their dreams. And here's someone who is living his dream. It's so inspiring to see that and get to be a tiny part of it.
Now, I'm sure you're wondering what the name of this mystery band is? Because I KNOW you are all itching to go to their MySpace page and listen to their music...so here you go:
See The World
http://seetheworldmusic.com/
http://myspace.com/seetheworldmusic
Check them out and get inspired!
As I'm sure anyone who follows this blog knows, I am a workaholic. When I'm working, I work all the time - and when I'm not working, I think about work.
But I also LOVE vacations. Like with everything else in my life, I don't just have time off or go on vacation - I go all out. So if I'm "relaxing at home," I may not get out of bed all day and just sleep and read and sleep and read (usually a Harry Potter book). And when I decide to leave and go somewhere, I don't just go somewhere on some boring grown-up vacation; oh no, it has to be an adventure.
After a few boring days of packing, I decided it was time to GO SOMEWHERE. I haven't stopped thinking about going to that concert 11 1/2 hours away - and after some phone calls, it didn't seem like such a crazy idea anymore - well, maybe a little crazy but in a good way, right? I mean, I don't have to do the drive in one day - I have NOTHING TO DO RIGHT NOW!!! Haha. I'm really excited about that in case you haven't noticed.
So I got up early this morning, packed a bag, got in the car and drove five hours to see one of my former RAs. I've missed her!!! We hung out, chatted, laughed - it was so nice just to catch up - and yes, I realize it's only been a little more than a week since we last saw each other. And it's nice not being the supervisor anymore. ;) Not that it was ever a challenge supervising her - she was one of my superstar RAs, but it's nice just being the mentor/older friend.
In the late afternoon, we drove another two hours to a concert - haha, big surprise there!
The concert was at a church - a youth group thing. Yes, the same band I saw Saturday. I could seriously watch them every day - they're simply AMAZING! Their lead singer - let's call him Jeremy, Jasper or whatever (sorry, inside joke) - just gets so into it and it's obvious that he just LOVES what he does and is having the time of his life. I love watching people that are passionate about what they're doing. I mean, that's what I love about Student Affairs - the fact that I have the opportunity to help students figure out what they are passionate about and then support them in achieving their dreams. And here's someone who is living his dream. It's so inspiring to see that and get to be a tiny part of it.
Now, I'm sure you're wondering what the name of this mystery band is? Because I KNOW you are all itching to go to their MySpace page and listen to their music...so here you go:
See The World
http://seetheworldmusic.com/
http://myspace.com/seetheworldmusic
Check them out and get inspired!
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