Great Conversations

I've been ridiculously busy but life has been so much better this Fall. And you know why it's been so much better? Because I'm in MY BUILDING and I can get to know my residents.

My staff and I don't always see eye-to-eye. I don't always agree with how we do things in this department. But then there are those moments, when you have a great conversation with a student, and that reminds you of why you are in this field.

The other night, I walked into a lounge and found two students, one an exchange student from Germany, the other an American student, discussing the differences between education systems and talking about what they like about each system. The conversation eventually turned toward economic backgrounds, the pros and cons of having to pay for your education, welfare and much more. I shared some of my experience of having done service and worked with underprivileged students. The students shared their thoughts, asked questions - LEARNING WAS HAPPENING. :-)

Another day, I was in the office and one of my students sent me a message on Facebook telling me that she had made it into the next round for Homecoming Queen. The next hurdle is an interview with faculty. The student talked about needing to prepare for the interview and I told her that she'd do well - especially living in the Global House Learning Community and being interested in global awareness - I mean, let's be honest, faculty and staff LOVE those students, right? ;) The student then shared that she wanted to do doctors without borders after school and we talked about service opportunities here and alternative spring break trips. Students like that just INSPIRE ME - I know they have a great future ahead of them and I'm happy to be a small part of their life.