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!

Now that it's official

Photo courtesy of HigherEdJobs.com

As some of my readers (Do I actually have readers?) are aware I have been a Resident Director at Southern Maine Community College since February 2011. I looked at this opportunity to expand my scope of expertise, to gain experience in the public sector, and to explore a new city. All of which I believe I have been able to accomplish. In doing so I have also dealt with some personal struggles that pulled on my heart strings to be closer to my family.
After a long few months of applying and interviewing I have completed another job search. The result of this is that I will be leaving my current position on Friday, July 26, 2013. I have been offered and accepted a position at the University at Buffalo in Buffalo, NY. I am excited for this transition and the new journey I am about to begin. 

Photo courtesy of buffalo.edu

Reflecting back on my experiences while at SMCC is bittersweet. I enjoyed having the chance to teach, learn, and grow with my staff, residents, and colleagues. Being here has been filled with a lot of growth for me as a professional and I have enjoyed that. I am going to miss the students; those who I have helped, those who I have pushed academically and socially, and those who I may not have had the opportunity of working with. I appreciate the students I had the opportunity of sharing Spring Point Hall with and wish them all the best of luck. 
Reflecting back on my experiences while at SMCC is bittersweet. I enjoyed having the chance to teach, learn, and grow with my staff, residents, and colleagues. Being here has been filled with a lot of growth for me as a professional and I have enjoyed that. I am going to miss the students; those who I have helped, those who I have pushed academically and socially, and those who I may not have had the opportunity of working with. I appreciate the students I had the opportunity of sharing Spring Point Hall with and wish them all the best of luck. 

Sightseeing:

• Bug Light Lighthouse
• Spring Point Ledgelight
• Fort Williams Park/Portland Head Light
• Willard Beach
• Maine Wildlife Park

Eateries:

• Becky's Diner
• Docks Seafood
• The Great Lost Bear
• Kamasouptra
• Portland Lobster Co.

Thank you. 

Overall the past 2.5 years has been a great adventure. I was able to continue with my career and explore a new location. I may not have fallen completely head over heels for Maine, but it did offer some good things. If you are ever in the area and want to indulge in some of it's gems, check out these places:

I look forward to joining a new staff and continuing to grow and develop as a professional. I'm also excited to meet new students. I entered my career in Higher Education because I wanted to make a difference, either big or small. I wanted to be someone that a lost, confused, or even completely put together student may need. I wanted to be someone that I needed when I was applying to college. I still want to be that person. I think most of my drive and passion for the field comes from my own experience - the good and bad - when I was a college student. It's not easy work. At times it's a very thankless position, but one I don't think I could see myself not doing.

As a chapter closes, a new one is being written.