Kinard-University of Alabama, Community Service Center

Activities:

• Worked Orientation Table
• Familiarized myself with the office and its activities
• Explored the Campus
• Met with the Director of the Ferguson Center, Carl Bacon
• Met with the Senior Associate Vice President of Student Affairs, Dr. Kathleen Cramer
• Met with Ellen Price, Community Director of Ridgecrest East, West, and South
• Created and researched team builders and ice-breakers for Crimson for a Cause and for CSC staff retreat
• Met with a student group to develop a community service project

Reflection:

My first week at Alabama, has been an eventful one to say the least.  My first day I was immediately sent to work at the honors freshmen orientation discussing the Community Service Center (CSC).  It was trial by fire to say the least.  However, it was great to jump right in and get started.  I am trying to learn quickly and be a presence in the CSC office.  I was very excited all week, and it showed.  I am attempting to find the balance between being extremely enthusiastic and still be perceived as knowledgeable and mature.  I think that balance will come as I become more comfortable in the office. 

The conversations I have had this week with Director Bacon, Dr. Cramer, Mrs. Price and Wahnee have all be enlightening.  They have so much advise and wisdom that they are willing to share.  This information is invaluable to me as I am growing from this experience.  One theme from this week that stuck with me, is the need for a mirror in your life.  Mr. Bacon said that everyone should have another person in their life that will tell them the absolute truth about their work; good and bad.  It also has to be a person that is knowledgeable and whose opinion is trustworthy.  Although I have individuals in my life that serve as mirrors, most haven't seen me in a work environment.  In my conversation with Dr. Cramer, she too emphasized the importance of a mirror.  She expressed that she would be very interested to use my perspective of UA as a mirror for her.  She would like for me to email her with my impressions of campus, students, and staff before I leave.  I am hoping that Wahnee, my supervisor, can be a mirror for me and help me realize areas in which I am strong and areas in which I need improvement.

Revelation of the week: 
Housing, may not be out of the question after all.  Talking to Mrs. Price made housing, at least at some institutions, seem like a great area to work in.  I know, who would have thought it?!