The past two days have really tested me.
Last night, after not a bad, but not a particularly good day, my brother called and told me that he's been ordered to deploy. Again. Even though he his new job was supposed to keep him stateside for 2 years. I guess you can never really trust the military's decisions, but it was shocking nonetheless. It made me really sad because he leaves in a few weeks and will miss my birthday, Christmas, and possibly even Easter. Not that any of those were ever a guarantee anyway, but we were expecting that this time.
So anyway, with every deployment, my heart broke. And I did not have the best outlook for today as a result.
But the universe works in mysterious ways! I am neither religious nor spiritual, but my general attitude is positivity yields good things. And today I think that happened.
This morning I had my Functions class, and I'll be honest, it's the one class I don't look forward to. However, we had good discussion this time about professional ethics and while most of it is common sense, I like thinking about it in terms of my field and I enjoyed today's class. Plus we got an assignment that I am THRILLED about and want to start NOW!
Then I had lunch with my Cohort Connect and it was a lot of fun! She's always fun but it was nice getting to chill and eat with her. She came to see where I work and it was nice showing someone what I really do.
Work was a bit stressful, but I told my boss about my brother's deployment and that I was thinking of flying out to see him before he goes, and she was so supportive she even looked up flights for me! I truly love my office and feel so fortunate to have made a really good connection with these people at interview days. I would NOT want to be anywhere else! Then we went to the nicest restaurant in town for the Study Abroad Re-Entry Celebration Dinner (for the students abroad during spring and summer 2013) and it was so cool to meet those students and hear their stories. A-MAZING!
When I got home tonight, I checked my mail and got my loan disbursement and realized that my assistantship covers ALL of my tuition -- not just the in-state like they originally said. Tuition in full! 100%! $$$$ :D
FINALLY, I also had a package from my best friend.
All in all, today was just wonderful. I feel so much better.
Lesson: Put positive energy out there, no matter how bad things seem, and positive energy will come back to you.
Love,
J
Thursday, September 12, 2013
Friday, September 6, 2013
Quick Note
Hi!
It's after 11pm and I'm exhausted, but I just read Pam's Swaziland Peace Corps update so I felt compelled to at least give a quick one on mine!
Maybe I'll find time to write a substantial post later this weekend, but classes have started and the thing about grad school is there is a legitimate amount of reading. And by legitimate, I mean it's CONSTANT!
But what I want to say now before I go to bed, is that the idea was introduced in my theory class this week that as student affairs professionals, we are "environmental engineers."
Environmental engineers. That really struck me, because it's true. We collaborate to shape the overall experience of the student. We control their activities, their curriculum, their leadership, etc. We are the reasons why they grow. Without us, they can surely become educated; but they cannot lead, they cannot serve, they cannot achieve.
It gives me an easier idea of how to describe my career to my friends and family without higher education experience who have no idea what I'm doing. "Student affairs, what's that?" I mean, am I right?
Anyway, I love my classes. I really feel like I'm preparing for my career, where as in my undergrad I was definitely enjoying my classes, but more so as a hobby. And of course, my cohort is fantastic. The program itself, really, is incredible. Positive experiences all around!
Before I go, a change in direction: apparently September is Childhood Cancer Awareness Month. If you're looking for ways to help the cause, one way how I've done my part is through Pantene's "Beautiful Lengths" campaign: if you have hair long enough to donate 8+ inches, consider it! The hair goes into making wigs that are donated to people who've lost their hair from cancer treatments! Unlike other hair donation programs, this one doesn't charge for the wig! This past Wednesday, I donated 10 inches of my hair (to my mom's dismay). It's a great cause and (unless you're my dad) your hair will grow back! :)
Lots of love,
J
It's after 11pm and I'm exhausted, but I just read Pam's Swaziland Peace Corps update so I felt compelled to at least give a quick one on mine!
Maybe I'll find time to write a substantial post later this weekend, but classes have started and the thing about grad school is there is a legitimate amount of reading. And by legitimate, I mean it's CONSTANT!
But what I want to say now before I go to bed, is that the idea was introduced in my theory class this week that as student affairs professionals, we are "environmental engineers."
Environmental engineers. That really struck me, because it's true. We collaborate to shape the overall experience of the student. We control their activities, their curriculum, their leadership, etc. We are the reasons why they grow. Without us, they can surely become educated; but they cannot lead, they cannot serve, they cannot achieve.
It gives me an easier idea of how to describe my career to my friends and family without higher education experience who have no idea what I'm doing. "Student affairs, what's that?" I mean, am I right?
Anyway, I love my classes. I really feel like I'm preparing for my career, where as in my undergrad I was definitely enjoying my classes, but more so as a hobby. And of course, my cohort is fantastic. The program itself, really, is incredible. Positive experiences all around!
Before I go, a change in direction: apparently September is Childhood Cancer Awareness Month. If you're looking for ways to help the cause, one way how I've done my part is through Pantene's "Beautiful Lengths" campaign: if you have hair long enough to donate 8+ inches, consider it! The hair goes into making wigs that are donated to people who've lost their hair from cancer treatments! Unlike other hair donation programs, this one doesn't charge for the wig! This past Wednesday, I donated 10 inches of my hair (to my mom's dismay). It's a great cause and (unless you're my dad) your hair will grow back! :)
Lots of love,
J
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