Activities
-Researched grants and outside
funding for the G. V. “Sonny” Montgomery Center for
America’s Veterans
-Presented Green Zone Training
presentation to Residence Life Graduate and Professional Staff Leadership Training
-Discussed military experience with
veterans
Reflection
This week I had a powerful experience. I asked
several of the G.
V. “Sonny” Montgomery Center for America’s Veterans staff members to look over
the Green Zone presentation to ensure it represented the Center adequately. One
of the staff members, a veteran himself, made a deal with me; he would look at
my presentation if I looked at and critiqued a recruitment ad he created for a
military magazine. He started to look at it, but quickly stepped out of the
room. About 20 minutes later he returned. When I asked him for his feedback
after giving mine on the ad, he said he couldn’t. He then started to explain about
his experiences in the military; the content of the presentation hit home for
him and triggered an anxiety attack. I was moved. I heard his voice crack as he
said it is a great program and loves that the content of the presentation is
accurate, but he could not scrutinize it enough to give constructive feedback
due to his reaction. This one 15 minute conversation has fueled my desire to do
well in this practicum and to continue to advocate for Veterans Affairs as an
emerging and vital Student Affairs department.
Presenting
information on Green Zone was the highlight of a very stressful week. I was
filled with nerves as I went in to present to my fellow RDs and Residence Life
professional staff. I wanted to make sure they would see me as credible in this
arena as they know I just started my work with the Center in June. I didn’t
want my inexperience to muddle the message. It was a great asset to have the
two veterans present with me. The presentation was a blur. I know I talked
passionately; I was told there were points I spoke in my teacher voice and
others in my normal voice. I listened in awe as the veterans spoke to the
group. It was endearing to see several RDs become uncharacteristically engaged
in the discussion. I debriefed with several people. Each said the presentation
went well. I did, however, get constructive criticism; a slide on the benefits
of being Green Zone certified has been added now that Ken and I discussed the
content. I am extremely excited for the next presentation on July 30th.
Until then, I am working on creating a Green Zone certificate and doing grant
research.
Here goes
another week!
Kate,
ReplyDeleteI know it had to be hard for the presentation to trigger an anxiety attack on the veteran, but I feel that it truly made you experience a real-life situation of someone who has first-hand knowledge of such things. I am so glad to see that you are passionate about this division of student affairs. I also am excited to see the collaboration between Housing and Residence Life and Veterans Affairs. I would love to learn more about Green Zone myself. I hope you continue to have true emotional experiences that feed your passion for student affairs, particularly this division.
Nici McLarty
Kate,
ReplyDeleteI am so encouraged by this post! How special it must have been to have had that connection with the veteran. I think you are making a huge a impact in the lives of the people that you are working with because you are so passionate about this and in ensuring that the content is accurate. I am so happy to hear that you are getting to present on the Green Zone with some veterans alongside you!
It sounds like you're really enjoying your time there, and I am excited to hear how your next presentation goes!
-Brittany
Kate,
ReplyDeleteYou are so strong and passionate. I would have freaked out and quit if a veteran said something I had written triggered an attack. But, not you. Instead, you took that overwhelming moment and turned it into a moving, inspirational force that propelled you to be even more aware in the future. The impact you are having on each person you come in contact with at the Veteran Center is possibly greater than you realize. Way to keep up the great work and progress in the face of difficulty! All the best for your presentation next week!
Kimberly