Fall Quarter Reflections

Today in RA class we read "Reflections from the Semester Past...Starting the Second Semester Strong"  by Jenn Thorpe, Director of Residence Life, Chestnut Hill College.  As the quarter winds down, I have been reflecting on my successful programs, challenging incidents, and many learning experiences.  In this article there is a list of 15 questions I used to ask myself how I'm doing as an R.A.  In our RA class I was asked to pick one point in which I excel at and one point in which I need to improve upon.  I can confidently say that "I feel I show the residents I have genuine care/concern for them".  I take the time to visit my two floors of residents at least once a week.  I use this time to bring them treats I baked while checking up on them to create a positive connection with my residents.  Hopefully, when I knock on their door and they see me, they remember me as the RA who takes the time to do something extra for them.

I take the time to make extra visits to my residents and plan interactive programs because I enjoy seeing the connections and feeling a sense of pride in my community.  However, I do have to remember to "do my job as a resident assistant and still have a social life".  Dedicating time to my residents comes naturally because I live beside them, but I have been learning to consciously make time for my friends outside of my community and myself.  I am taking this evening to relax and focus on my needs after a busy and tough week as an R.A.  I'm a resident too!

The Longest Journey

I am applying to University of San Diego's M.A. in Higher Education Leadership and I planned a trip to their campus to attend an information session and sit-in on a graduate class.  The stars seemed to align just for me in preparation of my trip.  My class at 1:00 p.m. on Thursday was cancelled and I had no school on Friday because of Veteran’s Day.  Brittany, my friend lives in San Marcos, just 30 minutes away from USD, so I planned on meeting up with her afterwards and spending the night.  

According to the directions on Google maps, my GPS and friends who have driven to San Diego from Cal Poly Pomona, it should have taken me around 2 hours to get to San Diego.  Just in case, I decided to leave by 2:00 p.m. so that I would have 3 and a half hours to get there in time for my information session at 5:30 p.m.  However, someone decided that my will power needed to be challenged during this trip and traffic was horrendous.  Unknown to me at the time, there was a Chargers game in the stadium off the 5 freeway in San Diego and it took me four hours to finally get off the freeway.  It was dark, I was already late for my information session, and I had gotten off the freeway early to avoid the traffic.  Needless to say I was worried and disappointed that my plans were not going smoothly.  I finally decided to pull over to call my supervisor from San Diego to get a better idea of how to get to USD.  Together we finally figured out that my GPS was correct and it was still about 30 minutes away via side streets.  

I finally arrived at the information session late, but I was not the only one as a result of the traffic.  Even though my journey getting there was not the most ideal, I had finally arrived and I decided to make it count. I talked to a faculty member for the program after the information session and sat in on the Leadership and Organizational Change graduate class.  This class was truly hands on as the students created their own organization and worked on a project which encompassed several organizational theories and the "occupy" movement around social justice and change.  As part of their project, the class is involving the community through a "Occupy ?" Facebook and blog and closing with a meditation/prayer event.  I was inspired by the passion behind this learning process and I could envision myself as a graduate student in USD's program taking that class.  

Seeking Independence

The dynamic of teamwork and friendship seems to be consistent throughout Residential Life because it's important to have a good relationship with those in your community, including your co-workers.  There is a balance between professionalism and personal connection with my coworkers, but sometimes I have to remind myself about the second part.  I can't forget that life does not have to be so serious all the time!  Sometimes I still have to remind myself that I'm not Super Woman, even though I would like to be invincible.

This epiphany came about after having some much needed one-on-one time with my Assistant Hall Coordinator and friend, Bernadette.  We talked about the struggles we have both faced as young women who have grown during our college experiences while still being viewed as only daughters through our parents eyes.  We both recognize the love and care that comes from our parents concerns but we also both identify with the frustrations that come along with being only daughters.  I am so grateful for living on campus at Cal Poly Pomona because it has given me the opportunity to become extremely involved and gain some independence.   As an undergraduate I have mostly put myself through college with loans and working at University Housing Services, in addition to some supplementary help with books from my parents.  At the same time, I am grateful for my parents who are still a 45 minute drive away and willing to help me when I turn to them.  

However, as a 21 year old graduating senior applying to graduate schools I have come to the realization that I need to take the next step as frightening as it may seem.  This is a really complicated situation to explain to anyone who is not in my shoes, but I am both scared and determined to grow more independent.  I am seriously looking at a range of graduate programs for Student Affairs and Higher Education.  Some are commuting distance, some are farther away in California, and some are out-of-state.  In order for me to build more independence and to diversify my experience in graduate school, I need to go just a little bit farther away from home.  I realize that I need to leave my comfort zone and actively seek the adventures I have always dreamed to take.  

Once again, I remember another reason I want to work with students, specifically residents, on a college campus. I want to provide them with a similar growth experience that I was able to attain while living on-campus and going to college.  I would not be the woman I am to today and aspire to become, if it were not for all of the mentors and experiences in college.   

Western Regional Careers in Student Affairs Day

I recently attended the Western Regional Careers in Student Affairs Day at USC with a group of Cal Poly Pomona students and professional staff members!  Thank you University Housing Services and Reyes Luna, Associate Director for Residence Life, for supporting student leaders like myself and funding the trip to this amazing conference! It was exactly what I needed to regain momentum and inspiration during my process of researching and applying for graduate programs in Higher Education and Student Affairs!

Before attending the conference I thought I had my mind set on a couple of  programs for Higher Education here in Southern California, but this conference made me aware of the variety and range of programs available throughout California as well as throughout the United States.  I was able to learn more about the programs in the CSU system I had previously researched including the programs at Fullerton, Long Beach, and Northridge, while also discovering programs I had previously disregarded because of financial concerns such as University of San Diego and Oregon State University.

I learned that private schools as well as out-of-state schools should still be on my radar because there are opportunities for scholarships and assistantships which can pay for some or even all of the cost of attending graduate school!  It can't hurt to apply because I have always wanted to travel and broaden my understanding of the world around me. Why not travel while continuing my education at the same time?

This conference also helped me make connections with faculty and graduate students at CSU Fullerton, CSU Long Beach, and the University of San Diego.  These were just a few of the programs with representation at the graduate fair during the conference, but I was grateful to make a special connection which each of the programs at the schools listed above.  As a result of these connections, I am attending several information sessions in the near future at these universities and am talking with several faculty members about the opportunity to sit in on graduate classes!  I am so excited to attend my first information session and hopefully sit-in on part of a graduate class next week at the beautiful University of San Diego and learn more about their M.A. in Higher Education Leadership/Student Affairs!

The Eight Hours of Check-In

After much preparation and anticipation by housing staff, the day we have all been waiting for finally arrived; Check-In (and all its chaotic glory)! The beautiful Vista de las Montañas and Vista de la Luna (Luntañas as we lovingly call it) is now filled with the sounds of residents settling in and music blasting from the annual Bronco Fusion event to kick off the start of the academic year. Although it was a long day, my encouraging staff along with the high-energy level of the residents kept me going. This calls for a special blog entry (with a familiar holiday tune) in order to immortalize this monumental day!

During the first hour of check-in Luntañas gave to me
A resident with the wrong key

During the second hour of check-in Luntañas gave to me
Two packs of muffins (Thanks Chelsea for baking us breakfast!)
And a resident with the wrong key

During the third hour of check-in Luntañas gave to me
Three orange bins
Two packs of muffins
And a resident with the wrong key

During the fourth hour of check-in Luntañas gave to me
Four shocked roommates
Three orange bins
Two packs of muffins
And a resident with the wrong key

During the fifth hour of check-in Luntañas gave to me
Five FDAs! (Front Desk Assistants)
Four shocked roommates
Three orange bins
Two packs of muffins
And a resident with the wrong key

During the sixth hour of check-in Luntañas gave to me
Six RAs greeting
Five FDAs!
Four shocked roommates
Three orange bins
Two packs of muffins
And a resident with the wrong key

During the seventh hour of check-in Luntañas gave to me
Seven families moving
Six RAs greeting
Five FDAs!
Four shocked roommates
Three orange bins
Two packs of muffins
And a resident with the wrong key

During the eighth hour of check-in Luntañas gave to me
Eight students yawning
Seven families moving
Six RAs greeting
Five FDAs!
Four shocked roommates
Three orange bins
Two packs of muffins
And a resident with the wrong key

Top 5 Things I Learned in R.A. Training

I Just finished three weeks of intensive R.A. training!  It was both exhilarating and exhausting at the same time! After attending hours of sessions, participating in numerous discussions, and playing MANY ice breakers and team builders I have created a simple list made up of insights about myself, advice given by others, and vital information.

1) Don't be a Teddy Bear

• When managing a conflict I need to resist my natural tendency to put other's goals before my own.  There may be very few instances in which giving up a trivial want of mine in order to avoid a conflict may be appropriate.  However, collaborating (like a wise owl)  is usually the best way to come to an understanding of both parties' wants and needs. (Try to avoid acting like other zoo animals such as the shark who overpowers opponents, or the fox who tends to compromise both parties.) 

2) Call for back-up

• As part of Residence Life I have a huge team I can count on!  Not only do I have my amazing Luntanas staff (Montanas + Luna) that I can turn to for help, but countless other Resident Advisors, student leaders, and professional staff members.  I can't forget to call University Police (x3070) if there is an emergency or major incident.

3) Use my resources

• Since Cal Poly Pomona has such a diverse population, there is a variety of on-campus resources for the range of student needs.  This includes the library, Writing Center, cultural centers, Learning Resource Center, Career Center, Counseling and Psychological Services, Disability Resource Center, and many more!  I can refer residents to these abundant resources when their needs can be better met by those who are educated and trained in specific areas.  Although, I should still become acquainted with as many resources as possible and use them for myself as well.

4) Know my community

• Getting to know my community is crucial!  By knowing the residents I can gauge programs and  events, and understand how I can better interact with them based on their identities backgrounds, beliefs, goals, talents, and interests.

5) Remain calm, confident, and objective

• I was reminded by an inspirational speaker in Student Affairs at the end of training that we were all hired for a reason.  He explained to us that he would much rather have R.A.s who are extremely passionate with average skills instead of R.A.s with top-of-the-line skills without the motivation to back them up.  Still, I know that I obtain both the passion and the skills.  Confident?  Yes.  I just need to remind myself of this realization throughout the year as I continue to work with residents and may be challenged with new experiences.  Does this mean that I know everything?  Far from that.  It also does not mean that I won't make mistakes.  I'm human!  It does mean that I am here for a reason.  I'm here to help the residents while learning how to help them in the best way that I can.

The Next Chapter

After 2 years, I finished my last week as a Student Assistant for Residence Life! Although I may be sad to leave as an assistant, I am proud to say that I would not be beginning my position as a Resident Advisor without that valuable experience. Not only did I learn administrative skills, I learned about the inspiring Residence Life Team that works so hard to create community!

I can genuinely say that all the staff members are truly passionate because they understand the difference they make to the residents on campus. The Residence Life Team took me under their wing and watched me grow as an administrative assistant and student leader! Before letting me spread my wings they introduced me to the new Student Assistant, MaLissa.

After meeting MaLissa I immediately could tell they hired a very motivated addition to the team! She came in already possessing many skills and remaining open to learning more. I am so grateful for the opportunity to pass on my knowledge and advice to such an eager individual. I am even more excited about the new friend that I made!

These are just a few examples as to why Student Affairs makes me smile so much.  Do you know of many jobs that give you the opportunity to give back to the community which helped you grow so much? How many coworkers do you admire or consider some of your closest friends? Exactly.

Want to go to CSULB?

Want to go to CSULB? This is the question I asked myself when researching degrees for Higher Education and Student Affairs. It was also the question my friend Corey spontaneously asked me after we went kayaking in Long Beach last weekend. Since CSULB is one of my top choices for graduate school in California, of course I had planned on visiting…when I was a little more prepared.

I had not yet scheduled an official tour or a meeting with a faculty member from the graduate program. Instead, I traipsed onto campus with my friends in our still damp bathing suites and board shorts.

We started out driving through the campus in my friend’s car and I could picture myself going to class on this breezy campus. After passing by the residence halls, we noticed that they had an Alamitos Hall almost identical to the one at Cal Poly Pomona. We decided to check it out! Soon we were scoping out other places on campus to pop on by, including the College of Education. Before I knew it, we were out of the car taking pictures!

This experience reminded me of another day at the beach with my family when I was a kid. I asked if I could just get my feet wet but slowly inched closer to the water until I “accidentally” fell in. I guess I have always loved to be close to the water. Wouldn’t it be amazing if my love for both the water and Student Affairs lead me to attend graduate school by the beach? Go Beach!

The Beginning of an Adventure!

Three years ago I convinced my parents (and myself) that I was ready to take the step to move out and live on a college campus. When I moved into my residence hall at Cal Poly Pomona, my stomach was turning. At that time I did not realize that living on campus would change my life in ways that I could not even comprehend. Eventually...I caught the Student Affairs bug.

During my last three years I lived in three very different residential communities including the traditional residence halls (not “dorms”), the Center for Regenerative Studies, and the residential suites. I continued to be an active leader within housing organizations including Welcome Week, the National Residence Hall Honorary, and InterHall Council. As a Student Assistant for the Residence Life Team, I even learned about the administrative side of housing services. All of these experiences, along with my mentors, have cultivated my passion for leadership within Student Affairs.

Within a couple of short weeks I start training as a Resident Advisor, a role I have admired since my first year in college! I am also in the process of applying for graduate programs for Student Development in Higher Education. I am excited to continue to work with dedicated student leaders and staff members in order to help build a community that residents can call “home”. I cannot wait for this next part of my journey I am about to embark on!