Oh my goodness! The past few weeks have been a whirlwind! As the title of this blog says, I finally feel like I'm catching my breath. I won't say things are slowing down, but things are becoming just a *bit* more manageable. I can focus on one thing without having 5 other things running through my mind!
It has been really great having the students back. I've loved seeing the tutors that I supervise, some of the students we led in our church's college ministry, and getting to know the students in my class. USC will have their first football game in a few hours and that brings a whole other level of excitement to campus and our city!
I realized the other day that I am "senior"...sort of. I'm starting my 4th year in my job and my 3rd year as a U101 instructor. That has been kind of neat to reflect on because I've noticed lately how much more comfortable I am with aspects of both my job and teaching. They haven't necessarily gotten easier...each new year definitely brings it's own dynamic and set of challenges, but I've noticed I know how to respond better...I know what to expect...for the most part I know what works and I've tried enough things and realized what doesn't (but again, still learning!). The credit for all of this simply goes to TIME! Through trying and failing and learning, I've become more comfortable...similar to my years in college. I loved coming back for my sophomore year because things weren't new anymore. I knew where to go and knew how to handle things. I still had a ton of growing to do, but time and experience definitely played to my comfort and confidence!
Thursday, August 28, 2014
Friday, August 15, 2014
Hard, but Good - The College Edition Part 2
The other day I shared some reflections on the lessons I learned in college. I have a few more to share and these are probably more of my favorite!
Hard, but Good #4 - I used campus resources
My #3 lesson was that I struggled and had some tough times in college. What helped me get through those various circumstances was using some of the resources that abound and are oftentimes free on a college campus. When I struggled in classes, I went to a tutor or Supplemental Instruction or even scarier, I went to my professor's office hours!!! Professors can be intimidating, but they are also human and they have their jobs because they want to help students and see them do well. If you are really stuck with your course material, step out of your comfort zone, believe the best (what's the worst that could happen?!), and get your questions answered by the ones who know best. Think too how it could pay off for you in the future. If professors start to get to know you, they'll be more inclined to serve as a reference for you in pontential jobs or maybe share different opportunities that fit your strengths and goals. As someone who does write a lot of recommendation letters, I know this is true!
In my role as Coordinator of Tutoring, I wish students would take more advantage of all the resources they have before them (I even wish I utilized more of the resources at my college!). Don't just see a tutor or use a resource when you are trouble; be proactive about using them so you can stay ahead and grow.
Hard, but Good #5 - I got involved
Getting involved in college is often what makes it such a special and significant time. This was true for me and many others I know. I dabbled in a few different things before I found my niche so it's okay if it takes you a year or so to find where you really want to invest your time. In college the key is quality, not quantity when it comes to getting involved. The two most significant outside the classroom activities/experiences I was involved in were Cru, a campus ministry organization, and being a Summer Orientation Leader. These two experiences really set the trajectory for my life.
Through Cru, I grew a ton in my faith and through that developed values and convictions that have driven almost all of my decisions and the way I live my life. I even spent a few years working for Cru and formed amazing friendships and had incredible, life-changing experiences and opportunities. Through being a Summer Orientation Leader, I realized I wanted to work with college students and being part of their college experience. I even learned about the University of South Carolina and it's commitment to first-year students and ended up coming to grad school AND working here! I also learned a ton about myself through that position and met some amazing people.
Hard, but Good #6 - I didn't date in college
Okay, please do not read this the wrong way...I am NOT against dating!!! :) In college or at any time! I LOVE love! We need more of it in the world! Did I want a boyfriend in college? Absolutely! I also think it's awesome that couples who did meet and date in college have those years as part of their story. However, as I look back on the years I was single, I am so grateful I had that time to be challenged, to learn more about myself, to try new things, to learn how to make decisions on my own, to be independent. And now that I've been married to my husband for almost year, I am even more grateful; he's my favorite example of God's perfect timing and plan. :)
So there you have it! And sorry to end on a sappy note! College is such a wonderful time and one that will (hopefully) provide tons and tons of memories, lessons, experiences, and friendships that will last your whole life!
Hard, but Good #4 - I used campus resources
My #3 lesson was that I struggled and had some tough times in college. What helped me get through those various circumstances was using some of the resources that abound and are oftentimes free on a college campus. When I struggled in classes, I went to a tutor or Supplemental Instruction or even scarier, I went to my professor's office hours!!! Professors can be intimidating, but they are also human and they have their jobs because they want to help students and see them do well. If you are really stuck with your course material, step out of your comfort zone, believe the best (what's the worst that could happen?!), and get your questions answered by the ones who know best. Think too how it could pay off for you in the future. If professors start to get to know you, they'll be more inclined to serve as a reference for you in pontential jobs or maybe share different opportunities that fit your strengths and goals. As someone who does write a lot of recommendation letters, I know this is true!
In my role as Coordinator of Tutoring, I wish students would take more advantage of all the resources they have before them (I even wish I utilized more of the resources at my college!). Don't just see a tutor or use a resource when you are trouble; be proactive about using them so you can stay ahead and grow.
Hard, but Good #5 - I got involved
Getting involved in college is often what makes it such a special and significant time. This was true for me and many others I know. I dabbled in a few different things before I found my niche so it's okay if it takes you a year or so to find where you really want to invest your time. In college the key is quality, not quantity when it comes to getting involved. The two most significant outside the classroom activities/experiences I was involved in were Cru, a campus ministry organization, and being a Summer Orientation Leader. These two experiences really set the trajectory for my life.
Through Cru, I grew a ton in my faith and through that developed values and convictions that have driven almost all of my decisions and the way I live my life. I even spent a few years working for Cru and formed amazing friendships and had incredible, life-changing experiences and opportunities. Through being a Summer Orientation Leader, I realized I wanted to work with college students and being part of their college experience. I even learned about the University of South Carolina and it's commitment to first-year students and ended up coming to grad school AND working here! I also learned a ton about myself through that position and met some amazing people.
Hard, but Good #6 - I didn't date in college
Okay, please do not read this the wrong way...I am NOT against dating!!! :) In college or at any time! I LOVE love! We need more of it in the world! Did I want a boyfriend in college? Absolutely! I also think it's awesome that couples who did meet and date in college have those years as part of their story. However, as I look back on the years I was single, I am so grateful I had that time to be challenged, to learn more about myself, to try new things, to learn how to make decisions on my own, to be independent. And now that I've been married to my husband for almost year, I am even more grateful; he's my favorite example of God's perfect timing and plan. :)
So there you have it! And sorry to end on a sappy note! College is such a wonderful time and one that will (hopefully) provide tons and tons of memories, lessons, experiences, and friendships that will last your whole life!
Tuesday, August 12, 2014
Hard, but Good - The College Edition
In my world, Fall has begun. I don't mean I'm eating apples, carving pumpkins, or wearing sweaters (being that I'm in SC, that last one is a loooong way off!), but I mean that my days at work are now centered around the Fall semester. Our grad students came back last week, we've been in training all week, new students start moving in to their residence halls in a few days, and each day there seems to be just a bit more traffic in Columbia.
Seeing all of this and seeing that this blog is a place for my students to reflect on their first year of college, it got me thinking and reflecting on my first year of college as well as my overall experience in college. As I started to thinking about it two themes emerged. The first is that my time in college was probably one of the most significant moments in my life. My 4 years at Miami University paved the way for where I am now, not just professionally, but also, and probably more so, where I am personally. Some of the values I hold most dear were established when I was in college. Another theme that emerged was that so many of my significant moments, lessons, and experiences from college could fall under a phrase we so often used while I worked in campus ministry - "hard, but good". This means that things weren't always roses and butterflies while you were going through it, but in the course of time, you are SO grateful you had that experience and became better for going through it. So here are a few of my "hard, but good" moments of college.
*Disclaimer - If you didn't do these things or had these experiences, please do not think that I think you did it wrong. I definitely have a host of regrets from college and wish I had done some things differently. This is simply a list of reflections from my own experience.
Hard, but Good #1 - Going to college far away
I went to a school that was 5 1/2 hours from where I grew up. I always wanted to go somewhat far away and I'm so glad I did! While in college, I met people from all over the country. I met people who grew up in completely different ways than I did and who had such unique experiences. I also met people who had very different views than me. My eyes were opened up to just how big and diverse the world is. I also think going far away to college gave me the courage to move and travel to other new places.
Hard, but Good #2 - I lived in a residence hall
It's hard to believe that I survived and thrived living 2 school years and 2 summers in a 12x12 room with a roommate, a twin bed, and a community bathroom. However, living in the residence hall, especially my first year was so much FUN!!! I met some of my best friends of college through knocking on random doors, hanging out in the study lounges, and most importantly, sharing meals together in the dining halls. Such strong community and so many great memories were built in Collins Hall my first year of college that I cried pretty much every day of the last week I was there.
Hard, but Good #3 - I struggled!
I've always done well in school, but it never came easy for me, not even in high school. I've always had to work pretty hard. As it is for most students, college was not a walk in the park for me. I struggled with some courses which eventually led me to change my major and find something that was more in line with my strengths. Outside of the classroom though, I felt homesick, lonely, heartbroken, and stressed (one time it took me to the hospital!) more than once throughout my time at Miami. However, I knew Miami was the place for me; it was becoming home; and I started to see that experiencing such things was life. They were tough, but they would pass. This is a lesson I'm still trying to learn!
I have a few more things I want to share, but will save them for the next post! What lessons did you learn in college or if any of my students are reading this, what are you excited/anxious/nervous about?
Seeing all of this and seeing that this blog is a place for my students to reflect on their first year of college, it got me thinking and reflecting on my first year of college as well as my overall experience in college. As I started to thinking about it two themes emerged. The first is that my time in college was probably one of the most significant moments in my life. My 4 years at Miami University paved the way for where I am now, not just professionally, but also, and probably more so, where I am personally. Some of the values I hold most dear were established when I was in college. Another theme that emerged was that so many of my significant moments, lessons, and experiences from college could fall under a phrase we so often used while I worked in campus ministry - "hard, but good". This means that things weren't always roses and butterflies while you were going through it, but in the course of time, you are SO grateful you had that experience and became better for going through it. So here are a few of my "hard, but good" moments of college.
*Disclaimer - If you didn't do these things or had these experiences, please do not think that I think you did it wrong. I definitely have a host of regrets from college and wish I had done some things differently. This is simply a list of reflections from my own experience.
The prettiest campus there ever was!
Hard, but Good #1 - Going to college far away
I went to a school that was 5 1/2 hours from where I grew up. I always wanted to go somewhat far away and I'm so glad I did! While in college, I met people from all over the country. I met people who grew up in completely different ways than I did and who had such unique experiences. I also met people who had very different views than me. My eyes were opened up to just how big and diverse the world is. I also think going far away to college gave me the courage to move and travel to other new places.
Hard, but Good #2 - I lived in a residence hall
It's hard to believe that I survived and thrived living 2 school years and 2 summers in a 12x12 room with a roommate, a twin bed, and a community bathroom. However, living in the residence hall, especially my first year was so much FUN!!! I met some of my best friends of college through knocking on random doors, hanging out in the study lounges, and most importantly, sharing meals together in the dining halls. Such strong community and so many great memories were built in Collins Hall my first year of college that I cried pretty much every day of the last week I was there.
Hard, but Good #3 - I struggled!
I've always done well in school, but it never came easy for me, not even in high school. I've always had to work pretty hard. As it is for most students, college was not a walk in the park for me. I struggled with some courses which eventually led me to change my major and find something that was more in line with my strengths. Outside of the classroom though, I felt homesick, lonely, heartbroken, and stressed (one time it took me to the hospital!) more than once throughout my time at Miami. However, I knew Miami was the place for me; it was becoming home; and I started to see that experiencing such things was life. They were tough, but they would pass. This is a lesson I'm still trying to learn!
I have a few more things I want to share, but will save them for the next post! What lessons did you learn in college or if any of my students are reading this, what are you excited/anxious/nervous about?
Friday, August 1, 2014
High Five For Friday
It's been awhile since I posted on here! I was really wanting to post something at least once a week, but got busy, went out of town, and honestly, I had a case of writer's block! Yesterday I got a couple ideas for posts, but since it's Friday and I'll share my High Five Friday!
1. Last weekend we spent a few days in Charlottesville, VA with my mom, sister, brother-in-law, and nephew. It was so great to spend time with them. Charlottesville is about a 6 hour drive for each of us. We stayed at a great little resort called the Boars Head Inn. To our surprise, it has nothing to do with the deli meat brand, but it was so quaint and classy. It's connected with the University of Virginia and the sports club on site is where their tennis team practices and has indoor matches. That facility was incredible! We also went to Monticello, home of Thomas Jefferson, walked around campus, ate at some good restaurants, relaxed, and enjoyed time together!
2. It's Tax-Free Weekend here in South Carolina! Having grown up in Pennsylvania and Delaware where there is no sales tax on clothes and shoes (no sales tax at ALL in DE!!!), I still cringe a little bit when my purchase is 8% more than what's on the tags. Tax-free weekend is meant to be a perk for back-to-school shoppers so there's no tax on clothes, shoes, bedding, electronics, etc. I don't really need much right now, but I'm hoping I can take advantage of the "holiday" and get down to the sidewalk sale on Devine Street here in Columbia which has some adorable little stores and boutiques.
3. The weather the past few days has been awesome! Low humidity and low temps for July (never hit 90!). I've been loving it! This morning it rained pretty hard and there's rain in the forecast all weekend so that's kind of a bummer, but some times those rainy days are nice because you don't feel the pressure to be doing anything.
4. I love to cook and in the past few months and year I've tried some recipes that have become part of our dinner rotation. We had two this week:
Grilled Honey Mustard Chicken
Chipotle Shrimp and Cheddar Grits
I don't have pictures, but trust me, they're great! :)
5. I broke down and got a parking pass for one of the garages on campus. I have mixed feelings about high-fiving this one. Since I've been at USC, I always got the free parking passes which were, of course, for lots a decent walk away from my office. I just couldn't justify to pay to park at work and I also usually didn't mind the walk. In a few weeks, though, my beloved free lot is being closed to be turned into an apartment building (don't even get me started on that!). There is going to be another free lot, but it will be even further away. The nice thing about having the pass is the shorter drive and shorter walk, which I was especially grateful for today as a downpour hit right when I got to campus! :)
Have a great weekend y'all!!! :)
1. Last weekend we spent a few days in Charlottesville, VA with my mom, sister, brother-in-law, and nephew. It was so great to spend time with them. Charlottesville is about a 6 hour drive for each of us. We stayed at a great little resort called the Boars Head Inn. To our surprise, it has nothing to do with the deli meat brand, but it was so quaint and classy. It's connected with the University of Virginia and the sports club on site is where their tennis team practices and has indoor matches. That facility was incredible! We also went to Monticello, home of Thomas Jefferson, walked around campus, ate at some good restaurants, relaxed, and enjoyed time together!
2. It's Tax-Free Weekend here in South Carolina! Having grown up in Pennsylvania and Delaware where there is no sales tax on clothes and shoes (no sales tax at ALL in DE!!!), I still cringe a little bit when my purchase is 8% more than what's on the tags. Tax-free weekend is meant to be a perk for back-to-school shoppers so there's no tax on clothes, shoes, bedding, electronics, etc. I don't really need much right now, but I'm hoping I can take advantage of the "holiday" and get down to the sidewalk sale on Devine Street here in Columbia which has some adorable little stores and boutiques.
3. The weather the past few days has been awesome! Low humidity and low temps for July (never hit 90!). I've been loving it! This morning it rained pretty hard and there's rain in the forecast all weekend so that's kind of a bummer, but some times those rainy days are nice because you don't feel the pressure to be doing anything.
4. I love to cook and in the past few months and year I've tried some recipes that have become part of our dinner rotation. We had two this week:
Grilled Honey Mustard Chicken
Chipotle Shrimp and Cheddar Grits
I don't have pictures, but trust me, they're great! :)
5. I broke down and got a parking pass for one of the garages on campus. I have mixed feelings about high-fiving this one. Since I've been at USC, I always got the free parking passes which were, of course, for lots a decent walk away from my office. I just couldn't justify to pay to park at work and I also usually didn't mind the walk. In a few weeks, though, my beloved free lot is being closed to be turned into an apartment building (don't even get me started on that!). There is going to be another free lot, but it will be even further away. The nice thing about having the pass is the shorter drive and shorter walk, which I was especially grateful for today as a downpour hit right when I got to campus! :)
Have a great weekend y'all!!! :)
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