RA training through labor day weekend is always crazy busy in the student affairs world. at least it is when your job includes tasks from residence life, orientation, student activities and judicial affairs. my already 20+ hour (emphasis on the plus part) job turns into a 40+ hour job but these are some of thee best weeks of the year, busyness and all.
the RA staff is incredible. enough said. orientation was a new experience, one that i tried to think critically about and reflect on as our staff began thinking over our transition to the area. most of the activities were wildly successful and the less successful event should prove to be an outstanding learning experience for myself and especially my students. pictured below is a reclaimed tradition, the hello dance, with over 600 students attending in their best 80s prom gear.
in the last three weeks i hired and trained 17 student employees, made 120 enchiladas for staff development dinners, worked over half a dozen 14 hour days, completed a, at least partially, successful teach for america application, confiscated 2 fake IDs, drove around one name-loving musician and caught zero live birds.
now classes have begun and the readings are long and dense but each article greatly impacts my impression of myself and my position. i am rethinking my philosophy of leadership, making changes so that i can be a more transformational leader. my understanding of my many identities is more complete. my perceptions about privilege and power are more realistic. i am starting to feel confident that i can create positive change and sustain success.
moral of the story - i have come a long way and the road ahead looks promising. cheesy, i know, but it feels wonderful to have so much optimism.
i think it's safe to go to sleep now, knock on wood. here's to the journey ahead.
cheers.
R.
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