Project Linus

Project Linus, a set on Flickr.

"Wow!"

That's really all I could think last night.

Last night, I held the second of three programs that I have to hold as a CA. For this program, which I mentioned in a previous entry, I engaged students in a volunteer opportunity to make tie-blankets that would then be donated to Project Linus.

I had also previously spoken to some individuals on campus to get the word out about the volunteer opportunity. I had a feeling that I was going to get quite a few people, but I wasn't expecting 53. (The minimum number of people at a program has to be 8 for programs held by CAs at my school.)

The majority of the student volunteers were from various Greek organizations on campus, but everyone worked really well together and made it an incredibly successful program. I can only hope that this will inspire some of those students who volunteered last night to continue to volunteer at other events in the future.

Dear March: Bring it. ~Cary

I'm generally not a worrier. I'm a planner. I see things that need done, I do them (case in point: I recently re-did my residence hall's mailroom. I made sure the roster was up to date, that the combinations were correct, and assigned all of the new residents mailboxes). I hate seeing things go undone or not done at all. It irks me... just one of my little quirks.

Despite the fact there is a pile of bulletin board material on my floor (cut out for next week), a basket of shirts that need folded, and some class notes that need rearranged, I still consider myself a pretty organized person. The first programs of this semester are due today (Friday). I had my program last Tuesday and handed in the evaluation for it that Thursday. In addition, I also submitted my program proposal on this Tuesday and it was approved a short time later. Earlier today, I got funding for the program (and some extra, too, which was a nice surprise).

Even though it's only February 17 and my second program isn't due until March 30, I knew I had to get it done early. You might be asking yourself why I'm doing my program so early. Well, this is my March calendar (and with the busy life I lead, I won't be surprised to find myself adding more to it).

Dear March: Bring it.

Needless to say, it's going to be a busy month. But I'm ready for the challenge.

I'm also very excited about my program, which is probably why I keep mentioning it. Over the summer, I read about an organization called Project Linus. My aunt had also helped during an event to help the organization. Through blanket-making volunteers, Project Linus donates the handmade blankets to children who are "seriously ill, traumatized, or otherwise in need" (http://projectlinus.org/).

I'm also meeting with an individual on campus next week to discuss making this a volunteer opportunity/community service hours project.  I'm hoping to get a lot of people involved with this program because I absolutely love volunteer work and helping the community at large, while also engaging others to do the same (my internship last summer allowed me to do both - I was an intern at the American Red Cross).

I can't wait to see how many people are interested in helping with this program - here's hoping it's an awesome experience for everyone involved!

Interview and connections and honors, oh my!

This week has been both exciting and scary for the same reasons... And it's only Wednesday!

On Monday, I was offered an interview at my top choice graduate school. I couldn't believe it. I had gotten an email the prior Wednesday stating that all of my application materials had been received and that they would begin to review everything. Sunday evening rolled around, which is when the application fee and transcripts were due, and I breathed a sigh of relief, knowing everything had already been submitted.

Fast-forward about 24 hours, and I read the email that said I was selected for an interview. I couldn't believe that I had been informed so soon. Needless to say, I was ecstatic (and still am) that I was chosen. As my residence hall director has advised me, I'm not putting all of my eggs in one basket, even though this basket is my top choice.

Today, I talked to an individual I know from when I had a work-study like position in a different office on campus who recently moved over to the Student Affairs division.  She is an absolutely incredible woman who I am so fortunate to know.  We talked for just about an hour, but in that hour, I realized how much passion I have for this field and how much I truly love it.

She helped me with some possible interview questions, eased some of my fears and trepidation that I was feeling, and simply just listened to my questions, as ridiculous as some of them probably were.

Having connections to people like this on campus make me glad I'm as involved as I am.  Sure, sometimes it all seems like a bit much, but looking back on how much I have done, I wouldn't change anything for the world.

I also learned earlier that I will be inducted into Pi Gamma Mu, which is the social sciences honors society.  Needless to say, I'm pretty excited about that!  During my freshman year of college, I was in a different major than I am now, and wasn't very happy.  As a result, my grades weren't the best, and I'll be the first to admit that.

However, after my freshman year, I not only changed my major, but I added two minor fields of study as well.  So, in only three years' time, I have completed all three of these things and changed my overall GPA from a 2.7 to my current 3.0 - and I couldn't be happier.

I'm excited to see what's next on the horizon for grad school and my future.  So, here we go...!

I always enjoy your company

Every so often, I sit in my room at school and think. Sometimes for ten minutes, sometimes for an hour and ten minutes. I think about the assignments I have due for the week, what residence life duties I need to complete, and if I'll get into my first choice of graduate schools.

I wonder how different my life would be if I wasn't a Community Assistant. And then I realize how strange that concept seems. During the past three semesters of college, this job has been a huge part of who I am and who I'm becoming. If I didn't have this job, I would never have had the confidence to apply (and accept) a summer internship last year. I wouldn't have met people who have changed my life.

Sure, there are times where it all seems overwhelming and that five classes, six office hours, one night on-call, six-ten hours of work study, meetings, and more every week seems like insanity... But then there are those moments that I realize how truly happy I am in this job, in this field.

I experienced so many things my first year as a CA (2010-2011) that I often questioned reapplying. I had 44 residents, and it was difficult to main semblance of a community (not only was I still in the stages of being the somewhat clueless staff member, I lived on the first floor, so my residents were split).

However, I did wind up reapplying, and this year, I have 71 residents. Despite this stark increase, I wouldn't change it for the world. My residents are some of the funniest, most caring people I know. I keep my door open more and they stop in and say hi, they love the bulletin boards I make (which is one of my favorite parts of the job), and seem to really appreciate what I do.

Two nights ago, on Thursday, I was doing my final round through the building. I noticed a resident sitting by themselves in one of the lounges. I stopped and sat down, asking if they were okay. The resident opened up to me about an issue that they'd experienced the previous semester, talked about classes, and was just happy to have someone to talk to.

As we said good-bye nearly forty minutes later, they said something that made me realize why I love this job:

I always enjoy your company.

That single statement made my entire night, and helped me to realize it really is the little things that I do as a CA that helps my residents so much. I love helping them realize their potential, to see them achieve their goals, and grow as students and people.