Then we got to know each other by using a little ice-breaker from the "Self Esteem Bowl" We wrote down questions and put them in the bowl and each person from the office took turns answering them. Some were very creative such as What is your Secret Dream Job? or What would the person to your left win most likely of in High School? It was such a fun way for the group to connect and add a playful environment to the meeting.
It was intimidating at first being the only first year HESA GA in the office, but things lighted up as I became more and more comfortable with the group. I'm actually so excited to have the 2nd year students help me and work with me in the assistantship.
The whole office is really quite neat. There are spaces for the GA's and Assistant Directors. It all seems to be a very connected office and each person has a very unique role in the big picture of Student Life and Learning. I was lucky enough that over the summer the organization had their Strategic Planning and had the overall plan discussed in this Orientation. It really helped me learn the bits and pieces of the office and how it all comes together and also who is the point person for each of these components.
I'm not going to lie. I felt like a still had SO much to learn and it seems overwhelming but I know walking into any job for the first time will always feel like everyone is miles ahead of you. Also, It seems like my position is relatively new and open to experimentation and growth. I'm excited to learn more and work in the COMU library. I'm excited to meet and work with Doug in the GLBT center.
We had many opportunities to socialize and break from the agenda. We had lunch at a Pizzaria in the downtown area of Bloomington. It was delicious and so much fun to further connect with the office staff.
Highlights from the day included giving Jared a new nickname of Jerediah, Michael's GRE story from his faculty interview, and Chris singing a Whole New World (of possibilities) and relating it to Strategic Planning.
After SLL Orientation I tried to hurry as fast as I could to the Student ID office in Engelmann to get my ID and bus pass before they closed at 5PM. It was so frustrating because I literally made it there at 4:59 and the closed the door in my face and said "sorry we're closed." I was so aggrivated! I told them please give me a chance since I was the only one there and I had a little trouble finding the area. They wouldn't give me the time of day. They told me that they close at 5pm and they are not allowed to stay a minute later. I felt completely spit on. I really think they need to do a serious re-evaluation of their office mission and values.
Later that evening we all went over to Steve (the director)'s house for an evening food social. It was such a nice place in a cute area of Bloomington. We had fruit, snacks, burgers, and hot dogs. And Judy brought the most AMAZING dip I'd ever seen. A cream cheese, chili, and 2-cheese layered dip.
It was so fun to chat with all the other students and directors from the office. It was nice to be informal and really get to know each other for the first day. Even though I'm totally new, I feel like it be easy to get comfortable with the office.
Now I'm back in the lab. My computer still has not arrived yet, but I know it'll be here tomorrow. I can't wait! I think I'm going to call it an early night and get some rest for the day tomorrow.
Smiling as always,
Cameron
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