So it's been a bit since I've updated. Life has been absolutely insane, so let's delve right into it :)
Last week I had the awesome privilege to attend the annual ACPA conference in Louisville, KY. If I had any lingering doubts about being in this field, they're gone now. I had the time of my LIFE at the conference and I learned so much about myself and about how I can be a better student affairs practitioner.
Now for those of you who have NO IDEA what a student affairs conference entails, let me give you the quick run-down. During the day there are TONS of different sessions offered on a WIDE range of topics, and you get to pick and choose which sessions you go to based on whatever interests you. In the evening there are socials and other events for different areas of student affairs (different grad schools, different commissions such as residence life, etc) where everyone has a chance to network and get to know others in the field who share the same interests and passions. You get to make the entire experience your own and just have fun with it.
I had the opportunity to attend many sessions during the conference ranging from how to create a successful Gender Neutral Housing program to how to use social media to help connect with my students. I learned how to make myself be unique when job searching, and I learned that the "quarter life crisis" is not something to be scared of. I networked with students from other graduate programs and learned how their programs work and got ideas to take back to my own cohort. I met friends of friends from other schools from all across the country. I had the opportunity to see a drag show sponsored by one of the commissions...and let me tell you that was probably the MOST fun I have had in a LONG time. I love that I am in a field that is SO open and accepting of people from all walks of life. The more I am exposed to this field, the more confident I am in my decision.
The conference closed with an address from Lisa Ling (someone I remembered watching on Channel 1 News back in 5th grade!!!) who gave the inspirational quote (told to her by Oprah) "now that you know, you can't pretend you don't." That right there sums up student affairs. We as student affairs practitioners must work to make our students' lives better. We cannot ignore the warning signs and pretend that everything is peachy. Sometimes we have to be the bad guy. Sometimes being the bad guy STINKS. But we still do it. Why? Because at the end of the day we have those students who come up to us and thank us for doing what we do. Those students who say "oh my gosh thank you! You just made my day!"
That is what makes this field worth it. I wouldn't trade this experience for anything in the world.
But that's not all going on in my life!!
I'm working right now to create an alumnae Panhellenic association for North-Central Ohio...this comes from trying to help my undergraduate sorority chapter create the strongest case they can to appeal their closing. I love my sisters dearly and I want to be able to do what I can to help them since I can't actually BE there right now. April is going to be an INSANE month so I sadly don't have time to go see anyone in Ashland...so this is me doing what I can from Kent. Hopefully my help is felt all the way in Ashland.
Today I was inducted into the National Residence Hall Honorary (NRHH) as an honorary member. This prestigious organization represents the top 1% of residence hall students. While I cannot be a "full member" due to being in grad school, it's still SUCH an honor to be inducted to the chapter. The ceremony only solidified my reasons for being in residence life. I think Dad might think I'm a bit crazy after seeing what my life is ACTUALLY like (I mean we all stood up and roared like dinosaurs in the middle of the ceremony!) but it's nice that he finally got to see part of it. And I know he supports me, so that's a nice feeling.
On top of everything else going on, I still have four weeks left of class. I cannot believe that the semester is already almost over. It feels like this year FLEW by. I still feel like I was just moving into this apartment yesterday...and now I'm going to have to move out. Moving out makes me sad. I really am not ready to leave. Not at all. Leaving means that the first year is done...it means I only have a year left of this crazy, awesome, amazing journey.
But moving also means I am one step closer to the job of my dreams.
I am so blessed and thankful to be in this field.
No comments:
Post a Comment