Achievement Unlocked: Survive Week 1

I did it. I packed up my life and moved 556.5 miles to a new beginning.

I decided to record some thoughts about my first week. Some days were busier than others. Some days were better than others. However, in the grand scheme of things it really was a good week. I'm very happy being able to participate in professional staff training before RAs arrive. It's important and more institutions need to make sure they are doing what they can to offer professionals this kind of opportunity.

First Day:

• Overwhelmed by benefit information. Amazed by how Facilities Management operates and the opportunities that allow for input on my building/area. More intense items seem to be coming next week. Eek!

Second Day:

• No one told me the morning sessions time had changed, I was 30 minutes late. The session covered an introduction to our department of Campus Living for new staff. Luckily they didn't mind waiting. Afterward I went with two new colleagues to the Student Union as I had not been before and had Moe's for lunch. Which I have  never had, but it was good. No Chipotle, but it works. The day finished with learning about the Keys System and BASIS which is the card access system UB uses. I enjoyed knowing that I didn't have to actually scan a card to reprogram it! I'm excited for the new technology.

Third Day:

• Started the day with a session for an introduction to Judicial Affairs. I then returned to campus and worked on my expectations for my Assistant Hall Director and separate expectation lists for RAs during training and the upcoming year.  I had an Area Meeting, which consisted of speaking with my supervisor and colleague about things for the year. I look forward to these meetings as I'm able to get a lot of questions answered and a better understanding on certain topics. I finished the day with an ice cream social and local Trivia Night with colleagues. 
• Overall a success.

Fourth Day:

• Assistant Hall Directors arrived last night. Today they joined us for training. I was in my office early, still trying to figure out a new layout for my desk. The other night when I had tried it almost ended in an anxiety attack. I think I've figured it out - now just to get help moving furniture. I met with my AHD to discuss layout and then we both joined the rest of the Area for a staff meeting. Afterward we headed to North campus for lunch to rejoin the rest of the RHD/AHD staff for training. Coming from a staff of two it's crazy to see so many professionals in training sessions. 
• Residential Education Curriculum. Intense, but excited to learn!

Fifth Day:

• Sustainability - we have a solar panel grid on campus and we compost! This is awesome.
• Budgeting - I love this part of the job. I can't wait to configure my excel workbooks for the semester/year and work with the Budget Office on handling purchases.
• Community Development and Paraprofessional Programming Model - lots of new stuff. Lots of things I need to remember and get acquainted with, but nothing too far fetched that I won't be able to accomplish. Also, the interactive presentation for the programming model was a nice change up.
• Sessions ran long, but they were interactive and enjoyable. A lot of information to go over in a short period of time. The staff have done great in presenting material.

Final thoughts: Bring on week 2!