As I blogged last week about my enthusiasm over Bulldog for a Day, little did I know I would actually get to experience one. When I arrived in the Admissions office last Wednesday morning for the typical campus tours, I was quickly informed that Bulldog for a Day was taking place on campus and I was going to experience it firsthand.
When I arrived at the Welcome Center, I learned that I would be a greeter – I stood outside the front door, along with four of the admissions counselors, and we welcomed the students and their families.
Fifty families were scheduled to visit the campus that day; however, only 16 arrived. The staff scurried around frantic, wondering what to do – do you push the event back a few minutes waiting on families to arrive late? Do you cancel the second shuttle because you don’t need it and proceed with the event as planned?
Even though I am sad those thirty-something families did not get the opportunity to experience MSU, I am glad the troublesome situation was presented to me because it just reminded me once again that nothing ever goes as planned. I feel that this was a good reminder for me to remember that is necessary to be flexible and open to whatever – especially in this career field.
As the day progressed, I chose to skip the campus visit and help some of the admissions counselors prepare for the presentation in Fowlkes Auditorium. The presentation consisted of the Orientation video and a presentation that consisted of general information including admissions requirements, scholarship information, and campus living.
As we have learned throughout our first year of graduate school, it is that Student Affairs professionals wear many hats throughout their careers. That statement continues to ring true – across departments and even within one. As a practitioner, we have to learn to be open, be flexible, be willing to do whatever is needed to be done – whether that may be touring the campus with students or completing tasks behind the scenes so the event flows smoothly.
Megan,
ReplyDeleteThe most enjoyable part of my job is the variety - hands down. Being a practitioner not only means being prepared, but also having that critical piece of flexibility. How do you respond when a student forgets to order electricity and you have no sound for your event? What do you do when the Union overbooks a room or no one shows up? I appreciate your consideration of how to "roll with the punches." I can see how this will have an impact on your future career plans in particular. Keep up the good work!
-Dr. H
Megan - Thanks for your post. I'm glad you got to jump right in and experience your work with the department. I can't imagine a better person to be at the door to welcome folks to campus! They probably thought, "Wow, if everyone's like her, we're gonna love it!" :)
ReplyDeleteI think being able to roll with the punches and changes in a day's schedule is a quality that is often under-appreciated. I work alongside quite a handful of people here in the Libraries who do NOT - I repeat, do NOT - like any little change whatsoever in their schedules. And some of these folks are in public services positions. I always want to ask them, "Why not?" when an opportunity arises to get up and do something different for a day. At the same time, I get to work with people who can, at a moment's notice, shift gears and move chairs, print multiple copies of a document and get them upstairs, order extra food for a luncheon, move an entire meeting down three floors, and more. These are the folks I appreciate the most.
I look forward to hearing more! See you soon - Lyle