Quote from F. Scott Fitzgerald, an American author who is considered one of the greatest of the twentieth century. Most famous for The Great Gatsby. If you haven't read it, you should.
I am annoyed that I fell asleep on my couch ridiculously early and hauled myself to bed, only to wake up a few hours later and feel like it's morning, unable to go back to sleep. When's the last time I saw the hours of 1 and 2am for reasons that were not because I was out with friends? My plan to go to bed early and wake up early is now going to be seriously foiled because of my current insomnia. The positive is that I always have friends who are night-owls, mainly because in my younger days I used to be one. One of my old friends (we'll call him Jack) from my grad school days is still awake, as I figured, and is happily chatting to me online since neither one of us seem to be heading to bed soon. Jack's also really musically talented, and the benefit of this conversation is that I'm also going to get to hear some of stuff he's currently messing around with. A win on all parts.
Professional life has been busy with to-do lists. I have many going simultaneously, and it's fun to try and juggle between my worlds. Mostly I am working on completing things for closing and getting all the important documents squared away, but I also have those things I need to get done for my building and my staff, and my ever-growing personal to-do list (it's usually reminding me to change my shower curtain liner and I usually just ignore it). The end of the year is so near that I can taste it. How everything can be winding down already is beyond me, but it's happening whether I'm ready or not.
The end of the year is also bringing some major professional life changes. I'm watching a few more friends/colleagues than I initially thought leave our department in search of a better fit and/or better opportunities. It's hard to deal with, especially since I formed close friendships with a few people and excellent working relationships with other. Next year will definintely take some getting used to.
Meanwhile I press forward with summer plans.....and by that, I mean trying to come up with some. I'll definitely visit one of my close friends from grad school, spend some time back at home, hang out here and enjoy the peace. I made the decision awhile ago not to work this summer, and while my credit cards might wish that I was making some extra loot, my sanity is quite glad for the time off.
Random tidbit of the week.....I recently looked into a position that wasn't in higher ed that I think I would really love to do. I've thought about doing this type of thing before, but then settled on going to grad school and it was really only a fleeting thought. While I don't have intentions on applying now since I've committed to returning to my job next year, I will admit that the thought crossed my mind. And now I'm starting to wonder what else is out there beyond the higher ed realm that might interest me. That doesn't mean that I'm throwing in the towel with this profession.....it just means that I'm curious how else I can use this degree. We shall see.
Tuesday, April 14, 2009
Saturday, April 4, 2009
ACPA Wrap-Up
The idea of posting during the conference definitely did not work out as planned. ACPA was one big huge glob of events and sessions that was over before I really stomached that it started. My thoughts about this year.....
It was definitely great to get to experience the sessions at the conference and not worry about placement. I stepped into placement once, for about a minute while I was looking for someone, and then immediately left. I was not ready to handle the measurable level of stress in that room. The sessions that I went too were mostly good; I really started thinking about a few different topics through what I learned and I got excited about a few things. Some sessions were really bad, and I was generally disappointed by how many good sessions (at least in my opinion) were stacked on top of one another.
The social aspect of the conference was amazing. My old grad school friends were there and it was great to reconnect with people and see how they're doing a year later. I met lots of new people (yay for networking!) and had what was undoubtedly WAY too much fun. What you don't know until you go is that the OTHER side of ACPA is all about socializing to the max. I got swept up into that world and here I find myself wanting to be back there. It's incredibly euphoric to be able to absolutely have fun in a new place and not worry about your staff and your building and how you're getting home (because you're either in the hotel you're staying in or right down the street).
The downside to everything is that you come back feeling incredibly wiped out. I am finally feeling a bit more normal and like I've caught up on sleep (because at ACPA you always sleep much less than you do normally - there's just too much fun to be had!). It's a hard reality to face when you walk into your office and see piles of things on your desk and a full mailbox (both in real life and the virtual world). The post-conference snap back to reality is a little too much to bear at times, and leaves you counting down the days until you get to go back.
But the best part is that my building survived! My staff had a handle on everything and nothing occurred that was beyond all repair. All my worry was for nothing, as I came back to normalcy. Spring semester moves on as I plan out closing the building and start thinking about what I want to do special for my staff before the year comes to close....
It was definitely great to get to experience the sessions at the conference and not worry about placement. I stepped into placement once, for about a minute while I was looking for someone, and then immediately left. I was not ready to handle the measurable level of stress in that room. The sessions that I went too were mostly good; I really started thinking about a few different topics through what I learned and I got excited about a few things. Some sessions were really bad, and I was generally disappointed by how many good sessions (at least in my opinion) were stacked on top of one another.
The social aspect of the conference was amazing. My old grad school friends were there and it was great to reconnect with people and see how they're doing a year later. I met lots of new people (yay for networking!) and had what was undoubtedly WAY too much fun. What you don't know until you go is that the OTHER side of ACPA is all about socializing to the max. I got swept up into that world and here I find myself wanting to be back there. It's incredibly euphoric to be able to absolutely have fun in a new place and not worry about your staff and your building and how you're getting home (because you're either in the hotel you're staying in or right down the street).
The downside to everything is that you come back feeling incredibly wiped out. I am finally feeling a bit more normal and like I've caught up on sleep (because at ACPA you always sleep much less than you do normally - there's just too much fun to be had!). It's a hard reality to face when you walk into your office and see piles of things on your desk and a full mailbox (both in real life and the virtual world). The post-conference snap back to reality is a little too much to bear at times, and leaves you counting down the days until you get to go back.
But the best part is that my building survived! My staff had a handle on everything and nothing occurred that was beyond all repair. All my worry was for nothing, as I came back to normalcy. Spring semester moves on as I plan out closing the building and start thinking about what I want to do special for my staff before the year comes to close....
Thursday, March 26, 2009
Pre-ACPA Anxiety (No quote needed)
There's planning to go to ACPA when you're a grad student.....and then planning to go to ACPA as a professional. Two VERY DIFFERENT things, as I'm learning this week. Let's chat.
Example One.....I am leaving on Saturday. It is now Thursday night and I have meetings for the first half of tomorrow and 2 events to attend tomorrow night. I just got out my suitcase today and it remains on my bed, completely empty. I have a very shady idea in my head as to what I intend to bring. Somehow I need to find the time to pack, when the grad school me would have been all packed by now minus the essentials.
Example Two....I have an incredibly large list of work related things to get done before I leave. Some I absolutely HAVE to get done, some I just really WANT to get done. Either way, there is not enough time in the day tomorrow to get everything finished before I intend on leaving my office to finish some last minute errands. The grad school me had everything completed and organized, tabbed and labeled, and ended up taking the day before the conference OFF because I was just that good.
Example Three....My apartment is an absolute disaster. There are shoes EVERYWHERE - literally in each room except the kitchen. Clothes are strewn about, my sink is full of dishes, my coffee table has a bunch of random things, my bedroom is a wreck. I really would like to clean tomorrow so I can come back to a relatively decent home, but let's not forget what Examples One and Two told you already about my to-do list. The grad school me would have already cleaned.
Example Four....I HAVE to do laundry tomorrow, especially since a few things I would like to take with me are dirty. And then I'd also be coming back to a gigantic amount of laundry, as I'd have what I already left here PLUS what I would be bringing back. The grad school me would be ironing my clothes already and placing them gently in my suitcase.
Example Five....I am more worried than I expected about leaving my building and staff for five days. I understand that this is NOT a big deal; they are adults (including the residents, despite what they make me believe certain days), they know how to do their job, they know what to do in an emergency. I'm just a little mom-like at this point and I'm having some anxiety about leaving them all alone. The grad school me didn't have these worries - I just shut the window and locked the door behind me, then dragged my stuff out of my apartment building.
The good thing is that I already have an idea for what sessions I want to see.....I already know what I'll be doing in my free time.....I already have made some plans with old friends from grad school. I might be ahead of the game in DC, but here in CollegeTown I am so far behind. My early bedtimes as of late are definitely not helping and I have a feeling that tomorrow could be a very late night. And of course instead of doing things now I am sitting here posting this, because as much as I want to get things taken care of, I still enjoy the good old feel of procrastination.
My goal is to try and blog regularly duing the conference. I did a decent job of it last year, but we'll see if I can actually pull this off.....
Example One.....I am leaving on Saturday. It is now Thursday night and I have meetings for the first half of tomorrow and 2 events to attend tomorrow night. I just got out my suitcase today and it remains on my bed, completely empty. I have a very shady idea in my head as to what I intend to bring. Somehow I need to find the time to pack, when the grad school me would have been all packed by now minus the essentials.
Example Two....I have an incredibly large list of work related things to get done before I leave. Some I absolutely HAVE to get done, some I just really WANT to get done. Either way, there is not enough time in the day tomorrow to get everything finished before I intend on leaving my office to finish some last minute errands. The grad school me had everything completed and organized, tabbed and labeled, and ended up taking the day before the conference OFF because I was just that good.
Example Three....My apartment is an absolute disaster. There are shoes EVERYWHERE - literally in each room except the kitchen. Clothes are strewn about, my sink is full of dishes, my coffee table has a bunch of random things, my bedroom is a wreck. I really would like to clean tomorrow so I can come back to a relatively decent home, but let's not forget what Examples One and Two told you already about my to-do list. The grad school me would have already cleaned.
Example Four....I HAVE to do laundry tomorrow, especially since a few things I would like to take with me are dirty. And then I'd also be coming back to a gigantic amount of laundry, as I'd have what I already left here PLUS what I would be bringing back. The grad school me would be ironing my clothes already and placing them gently in my suitcase.
Example Five....I am more worried than I expected about leaving my building and staff for five days. I understand that this is NOT a big deal; they are adults (including the residents, despite what they make me believe certain days), they know how to do their job, they know what to do in an emergency. I'm just a little mom-like at this point and I'm having some anxiety about leaving them all alone. The grad school me didn't have these worries - I just shut the window and locked the door behind me, then dragged my stuff out of my apartment building.
The good thing is that I already have an idea for what sessions I want to see.....I already know what I'll be doing in my free time.....I already have made some plans with old friends from grad school. I might be ahead of the game in DC, but here in CollegeTown I am so far behind. My early bedtimes as of late are definitely not helping and I have a feeling that tomorrow could be a very late night. And of course instead of doing things now I am sitting here posting this, because as much as I want to get things taken care of, I still enjoy the good old feel of procrastination.
My goal is to try and blog regularly duing the conference. I did a decent job of it last year, but we'll see if I can actually pull this off.....
Monday, March 23, 2009
"I don't need to pay a therapist to give me crap. I have a roommate that does it for free.”
Quote from Calista Flockhart's character Ally McBeal from the sitcom of the same name. Remember that dancing baby? I never watched that show but even I remember that baby. Calista Flockhart dates Harrison Ford and they just got engaged, as my people.com newsfeed tells me. (What can I say - I love celebrity gossip. It's guilty pleasures like this that make my day.) Roommate conflicts are all over this place these days, and I think this is fitting - especially for today.....
Tonight I spent an hour and a half helping to mediate a roommate conflict....one that transpired because no one was communicating and everyone stopped showing respect and common courtesy. It was one of the most frustrating things to deal with and just reminded me how much of a difference there is working with traditional first year students.
This was one little roadblock in my busy week of meetings and ACPA preparations. I am SO excited to attend this conference as a professional! I've already spent some time looking at the online conference schedule and figuring out what sessions I'd like to attend. There are so many that are interesting to me, making for a busy (and long!) conference if I end up attending all of these! I've planned in some sightseeing time as well and can't wait to meet up with some of my grad school friends that are now scattered at different institutions. I'm definitely excited for the socials, especially my grad school social as I've heard that a few of my old professors will be in attendance! Definitely lots of fun to be had!
Meanwhile back in the real world I'm working on my end of the year report and keeping up to date on my budget. I'm trying to get through my training presentations and remind myself that the next month is going to FLY by. I realized that I need to start working on RA evaluations and also find the time to plan a meeting for my new staff next year so we can meet and greet.
I'm starting to try and brainstorm fantastic end-of-year activities. I've already got something in mind for my hall, but I'm hoping to do something special for my staff. I've always given them little treats along the way (just because, for birthdays, holidays, etc.) and I feel like I need to do something nice as a final send off. I'm considering cooking dinner for them, especially since a lot of them will probably run out of money on their meal plans near the end of the year. I'd also like to do something else....probably write them little notes thanking them for being a part of my first year and being fantastic. I have a few seniors who will be graduating and even though I didn't know them during their whole time here, this is an important event that needs to be recognized. I haven't quite figured out what I can do to honor this event, but I'm working on it. Something meaningful that doesn't cost a lot of money....
Tonight I spent an hour and a half helping to mediate a roommate conflict....one that transpired because no one was communicating and everyone stopped showing respect and common courtesy. It was one of the most frustrating things to deal with and just reminded me how much of a difference there is working with traditional first year students.
This was one little roadblock in my busy week of meetings and ACPA preparations. I am SO excited to attend this conference as a professional! I've already spent some time looking at the online conference schedule and figuring out what sessions I'd like to attend. There are so many that are interesting to me, making for a busy (and long!) conference if I end up attending all of these! I've planned in some sightseeing time as well and can't wait to meet up with some of my grad school friends that are now scattered at different institutions. I'm definitely excited for the socials, especially my grad school social as I've heard that a few of my old professors will be in attendance! Definitely lots of fun to be had!
Meanwhile back in the real world I'm working on my end of the year report and keeping up to date on my budget. I'm trying to get through my training presentations and remind myself that the next month is going to FLY by. I realized that I need to start working on RA evaluations and also find the time to plan a meeting for my new staff next year so we can meet and greet.
I'm starting to try and brainstorm fantastic end-of-year activities. I've already got something in mind for my hall, but I'm hoping to do something special for my staff. I've always given them little treats along the way (just because, for birthdays, holidays, etc.) and I feel like I need to do something nice as a final send off. I'm considering cooking dinner for them, especially since a lot of them will probably run out of money on their meal plans near the end of the year. I'd also like to do something else....probably write them little notes thanking them for being a part of my first year and being fantastic. I have a few seniors who will be graduating and even though I didn't know them during their whole time here, this is an important event that needs to be recognized. I haven't quite figured out what I can do to honor this event, but I'm working on it. Something meaningful that doesn't cost a lot of money....
Sunday, March 15, 2009
“Success is not final, failure is not fatal: it is the courage to continue that counts.”
Quote from Winston Churchill, British politician who was Prime Minister of Great Britain during World War II. Primarily famous for his leadership skills, but also did a ton of other things during his life.
My 2 weeks of silence encompassed getting ready for spring break, closing down my hall, and then reopening it. While I definitely appreciated the time off, it was weird to be able to lounge around without a holiday occurring.
My hall is slowly filling with the sounds of students reuniting, music blaring, and people running up and down the hallways. I'm not sure I'm ready for the week to begin and start having to attend meetings, teach class, and deal with all the randomness of the life of a residence life professional. The good news is that we have 2 months left of the semester. This year has completely flown by and I'm starting to realize why some people stay for years and years in this position - it's so easy to have time just fly by and not realize what's going on. I can't believe that all my kids are about to finish up their first year of college and head home for the summer.....this has been a whirlwind experience.
One of the more fun parts of this job (at least in my opinion) is preparing for training once we return for the fall. I've always loved being a part of training, even when I was an RA and got to help out once I had been there a year. It was so odd in the beginning of the year to have to be someone who just sits and learns instead of having the ability to teach others. Now I've been assigned lots of sessions for this upcoming year, and I'm finding myself having to relearn more things than I thought. In the end I know it'll make me stronger in my position, but right now it's almost a bit of a pain in the ass. At least this will keep me busy and involved during training, and will indulge the diva inside of me - I definitely LOVE being on stage :)
I'm starting to think more and more about next year and what it will be like. I'm excited for my staff and to be able to get a lot of my opening tasks completed before the end of this year or at least over the summer. I'm already trying to think about some programming initiatives I can bring to the table and what we can do to get students excited about our community. I'm trying to do a little inner searching as well, thinking about what sort of experience I want to get out of my second year of work and how this position is preparing me for where I want to go next and what I want to do (both of which are major unknowns for me). I'm looking at some leadership opportunities within the office, hoping that I'll be able to show to everyone that I have what it takes to accomplish what I want. I think I need to really get myself in gear for these last two months and finish on a strong note so that I can look back on the not-so-great times but know that I pulled it all out in the end.
....which means less sitting around daydreaming and more action. Less being lazy and more taking initiative. Less thinking and more doing. And most importantly, much, MUCH more caffeine.
My 2 weeks of silence encompassed getting ready for spring break, closing down my hall, and then reopening it. While I definitely appreciated the time off, it was weird to be able to lounge around without a holiday occurring.
My hall is slowly filling with the sounds of students reuniting, music blaring, and people running up and down the hallways. I'm not sure I'm ready for the week to begin and start having to attend meetings, teach class, and deal with all the randomness of the life of a residence life professional. The good news is that we have 2 months left of the semester. This year has completely flown by and I'm starting to realize why some people stay for years and years in this position - it's so easy to have time just fly by and not realize what's going on. I can't believe that all my kids are about to finish up their first year of college and head home for the summer.....this has been a whirlwind experience.
One of the more fun parts of this job (at least in my opinion) is preparing for training once we return for the fall. I've always loved being a part of training, even when I was an RA and got to help out once I had been there a year. It was so odd in the beginning of the year to have to be someone who just sits and learns instead of having the ability to teach others. Now I've been assigned lots of sessions for this upcoming year, and I'm finding myself having to relearn more things than I thought. In the end I know it'll make me stronger in my position, but right now it's almost a bit of a pain in the ass. At least this will keep me busy and involved during training, and will indulge the diva inside of me - I definitely LOVE being on stage :)
I'm starting to think more and more about next year and what it will be like. I'm excited for my staff and to be able to get a lot of my opening tasks completed before the end of this year or at least over the summer. I'm already trying to think about some programming initiatives I can bring to the table and what we can do to get students excited about our community. I'm trying to do a little inner searching as well, thinking about what sort of experience I want to get out of my second year of work and how this position is preparing me for where I want to go next and what I want to do (both of which are major unknowns for me). I'm looking at some leadership opportunities within the office, hoping that I'll be able to show to everyone that I have what it takes to accomplish what I want. I think I need to really get myself in gear for these last two months and finish on a strong note so that I can look back on the not-so-great times but know that I pulled it all out in the end.
....which means less sitting around daydreaming and more action. Less being lazy and more taking initiative. Less thinking and more doing. And most importantly, much, MUCH more caffeine.
Sunday, March 1, 2009
“College is like a fountain of knowledge - and the students are there to drink”
I don't know who said the above quote, but dammit if whoever it was isn't write. Read on for more details.
We are entering in what I consider the most wonderful time of year in student affairs.....conference season.
People are all atwitter about their plans; what conference they are attending, how they're getting there, and who they're going to see. Spring just carries an infectious energy to it, especially now as a new professional, because not only does conference season give you the ability to stretch your professional development abilities, it's also the time to get out of being at work :)
I got hip to conference season 2 years ago during my first year of grad school when I went to the NASPA/ACPA joint conference. It was an amazing experience and I realized that I enjoyed nothing more than being able to be around a ton of other people that love doing the same other things as me. Last year I was at ACPA as a placement candidate and that worked out incredibly well, as I managed to keep my sanity and still have fun while interviewing what felt like non-stop. This year I'm heading back to ACPA again, looking forward to going to some sessions (I didn't get to go to any last year) and also enjoying be back in DC again. I'm branching out and going to another conference a little later in the spring, but I'm presenting! Something else to add to the resume.
Meanwhile I am also looking forward to spring break and closing up my hall. Everyone in my hall has suddenly lost all sense, and alcohol is flowing freely. They are shocked when they are written up, and I suddenly get flooded with emails asking how they can appeal such a charge. With such cut-and-dry situations, I wonder what they think they can possibly appeal - not only are they underage, but they're in a dry residence hall. The only thing that minimalizes the annoyance of having to follow up with all of these students is the amusement that I get in listening to their sob stories. I don't think I have a sympathetic bone left in my body.
We are entering in what I consider the most wonderful time of year in student affairs.....conference season.
People are all atwitter about their plans; what conference they are attending, how they're getting there, and who they're going to see. Spring just carries an infectious energy to it, especially now as a new professional, because not only does conference season give you the ability to stretch your professional development abilities, it's also the time to get out of being at work :)
I got hip to conference season 2 years ago during my first year of grad school when I went to the NASPA/ACPA joint conference. It was an amazing experience and I realized that I enjoyed nothing more than being able to be around a ton of other people that love doing the same other things as me. Last year I was at ACPA as a placement candidate and that worked out incredibly well, as I managed to keep my sanity and still have fun while interviewing what felt like non-stop. This year I'm heading back to ACPA again, looking forward to going to some sessions (I didn't get to go to any last year) and also enjoying be back in DC again. I'm branching out and going to another conference a little later in the spring, but I'm presenting! Something else to add to the resume.
Meanwhile I am also looking forward to spring break and closing up my hall. Everyone in my hall has suddenly lost all sense, and alcohol is flowing freely. They are shocked when they are written up, and I suddenly get flooded with emails asking how they can appeal such a charge. With such cut-and-dry situations, I wonder what they think they can possibly appeal - not only are they underage, but they're in a dry residence hall. The only thing that minimalizes the annoyance of having to follow up with all of these students is the amusement that I get in listening to their sob stories. I don't think I have a sympathetic bone left in my body.
Thursday, February 19, 2009
"I don't answer the phone. I get the feeling whenever I do that there will be someone on the other end."
Quote from Fred Couples, American professional golfer who has won a ton of championships/accolades/awards for being a superawesome golfer. He also apparently has the same issues as me, but more on that later in this post.....
The past few weeks have been a little emotionally hell-like.
Just when things calm down with my job and I'm finding more and more time to relax in my office and daydream about the summertime, I am hit from behind with my personal life. I find myself locked in struggle with my thoughts over my relationship, turning 25, and my friendships. I start trying to dissect every nuance of my life, trying to sequence out why things happen and how they've managed to turn me into the person I am now. I end up, in essence, driving myself to hysteria. It's a quiet and personal one until a late night conversation hits too close to home and suddenly feel like I'm standing in the rain watching a movie of what things could be like.
Another day and a clearer view of reality proves that things aren't nearly as foul as I think they are, and with a few honest talks with people I start to feel like a normal human again. Before I know it it's Thursday evening and I'm realizing that a weekend of fun and excitement with my coworkers is upon me, and in a few short weeks it will be spring break - meaning for me that I'll be able to enjoy the peace of an empty building and then the exhaustion of a whirlwind trip back to my hometown.
In the meantime I'll be fielding an unbelievably large amount of parent phone calls. Nope, not my parents (with my busy life and tendency to be bitchy when interrupted they usually leave the dialing up to me), but rather the parents of what feels like any student from my building that might be the teeniest bit unsatisfied/frustrated with basically any part of his or her college career. When I see that I have voicemail I automatically tense up and wait to hear which Mr or Mrs So-and-So I need to call back. The voicemail light taunts me, gleaming all proud as if to say, "Haha! Look at what YOU have to deal with!!". I have learned within my professional experience this year that the voicemail light is the bane of all existance, that even if it's from someone else you work with there's some pressing issue going on which is why they've called instead of just popping off an email or just trying the call again later. The voicemail light is there to add anxiety and stress to your day, causing you to rearrange your schedule so you can make time for the call-back - which will last at least 30 minutes, if not longer. The voicemail light is there to make you doubt your abilities in your job, the competency of your staff, and the tenure of your position.
I used to giggle at my assitantship supervisors when they would sigh and moan when their voicemail lights were on. I thought it was funny that such a thing could cause such immediate exhaustion and frustration. They weren't even working in residence life yet it was still a pain in the ass and something that was sure to either be utterly ridiculous, extreme anger-inducing, or (when you were lucky) just a hang-up. Now I understand and realize that perhaps karma is paying me back for all those smirks and sad faces I would make. Retribution is here, my friends. My personal emotions have waved the white flag and surrendered, allowing me full control over my thoughts once more, but the war rages on with my voicemail light with absolutely no end in sight.
The past few weeks have been a little emotionally hell-like.
Just when things calm down with my job and I'm finding more and more time to relax in my office and daydream about the summertime, I am hit from behind with my personal life. I find myself locked in struggle with my thoughts over my relationship, turning 25, and my friendships. I start trying to dissect every nuance of my life, trying to sequence out why things happen and how they've managed to turn me into the person I am now. I end up, in essence, driving myself to hysteria. It's a quiet and personal one until a late night conversation hits too close to home and suddenly feel like I'm standing in the rain watching a movie of what things could be like.
Another day and a clearer view of reality proves that things aren't nearly as foul as I think they are, and with a few honest talks with people I start to feel like a normal human again. Before I know it it's Thursday evening and I'm realizing that a weekend of fun and excitement with my coworkers is upon me, and in a few short weeks it will be spring break - meaning for me that I'll be able to enjoy the peace of an empty building and then the exhaustion of a whirlwind trip back to my hometown.
In the meantime I'll be fielding an unbelievably large amount of parent phone calls. Nope, not my parents (with my busy life and tendency to be bitchy when interrupted they usually leave the dialing up to me), but rather the parents of what feels like any student from my building that might be the teeniest bit unsatisfied/frustrated with basically any part of his or her college career. When I see that I have voicemail I automatically tense up and wait to hear which Mr or Mrs So-and-So I need to call back. The voicemail light taunts me, gleaming all proud as if to say, "Haha! Look at what YOU have to deal with!!". I have learned within my professional experience this year that the voicemail light is the bane of all existance, that even if it's from someone else you work with there's some pressing issue going on which is why they've called instead of just popping off an email or just trying the call again later. The voicemail light is there to add anxiety and stress to your day, causing you to rearrange your schedule so you can make time for the call-back - which will last at least 30 minutes, if not longer. The voicemail light is there to make you doubt your abilities in your job, the competency of your staff, and the tenure of your position.
I used to giggle at my assitantship supervisors when they would sigh and moan when their voicemail lights were on. I thought it was funny that such a thing could cause such immediate exhaustion and frustration. They weren't even working in residence life yet it was still a pain in the ass and something that was sure to either be utterly ridiculous, extreme anger-inducing, or (when you were lucky) just a hang-up. Now I understand and realize that perhaps karma is paying me back for all those smirks and sad faces I would make. Retribution is here, my friends. My personal emotions have waved the white flag and surrendered, allowing me full control over my thoughts once more, but the war rages on with my voicemail light with absolutely no end in sight.
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