Week 2 has been amazing! I am working with New Student Programs and Family Outreach for a week and a half! Working with New Student Programs and Family Outreach is very familiar to me because I have worked with them as a START leader for 2 summers and as an intern this past summer. I am working on the new student blog and creating a reception for the Parent and Family Association members to attend on Dad’s Weekend! I am really enjoying working on the Parent and Family Association reception because I have not had much experience in planning events. It’s interesting to see what goes on behind the scenes and how much effort is put forth to plan and carry out a single event.
Although it may seem like writing a blog is something small, it is actually a very important part of student affairs. I am learning how to connect to students through social media outlets. Things like facebook and new student blogs are a very effective way to keep students updated and aware of what is happening on campus. I was a little intimidated when I first found out I was going to be choosing the topics as well as writing about them, but I have found the whole process much easier than I envisioned and not only beneficial to the new students, but for myself as well.
On Tuesday I attended the “What is Student Affairs?” seminar and learned quite a bit. It was a great experience and it was insightful to hear about how professionals in this field got the where they are today. My aspirations to work in student affairs were solidified in the one hour that I sat and listened to them speak. When I hear these people talk about their experiences, talk to my supervisors and interact with anyone who works in student affairs, the one thing that stands out to me is that everyone wants to be here. I have not heard people complain about not liking their job or being upset over something they have to work on. The professionals and people above me do not see working in student affairs as a job, and neither do I. I am excited to come to work every day and I know that no 2 days will be the same. I start working with Healthy Campus Initiative on Wednesday and I am very excited to see this aspect of student affairs. It is different that the areas I have experienced previously and I know that I will be learning a lot!