Activities:
- end of RD training
- RD retreat
- beginning RA training
Reflection:
I was on family vacation this past week and, although incredibly relaxing, I was ready to get back. Before I left, I was able to attend some of the RD retreat at Lake Tiak O'Kata in Louisville. It was really great to see everyone outside of the professional realm and get a better feel for their personalities, especially the new RD's. I am glad I had time for my family, but I really hated leaving the retreat early. That sort of environment (physically and mentally) is one in which I feel much more like myself. I enjoy making those connections with people and getting to know them better in those intimate settings. I hope to fit some more of that in as the weeks go on.
This week, RA training has kicked off. For now, only the new RA's are in training so I'm getting to see all the different preparation that goes into mentoring the new versus the returning RA's. Today, Kate and I made copies of the week's schedule for everyone and she printed out nearly 150 of them. My eyes almost fell out of my head. Sometimes I forget just how large MSU is. Physically, it's not overwhelming at all to me, but the internal network of just the Housing department itself is so much more intricate than I am sometimes aware. It will be interesting to see how training changes gears as more and more of these student leaders come onto campus for training. I am also starting my first week at my new assistantship in CASLE so I'm having to miss some of the daily activities of training, but that just means I get to go shopping at night for Harry Potter-themed decorations and such. If that ain't living the dream then I don't know what is.
I am learning something new every day about university residence life and the impact it has on the professionals, RD's, RA's, residents, and the greater campus community. I am not far along enough to be certain, but I may be considering applying for some housing jobs after graduation. The environment is so embedded into student life and is so diversified that I could easily see myself working in some realm of residence life. I suppose time will tell.
- Noelle
After being in Housing & Residence Life, what do you feel that other professional perceive of the departments in general? (Not necessarily at MSU). I feel like Housing is one of the busiest and most challenging departments to work in on most campuses, and typically has the most room for mistake. Do you feel that affects other professionals perceptions? Did that make sense?
ReplyDeleteThat was Kyle Mitchell.
ReplyDeleteNoelle!
ReplyDeleteI hope you experienced the autonomy within Housing and Residence Life. Working with and adjusting to seventeen different Housing GAs can be stressful, but it happens each year with the new incoming RDs and RAs.