Homecoming and lots of plans

Homecoming has kept me busy over the past few weeks. A group of my Learning Community students participated in Homecoming events - everything from marching in the parade to chalking cars to making a banner and competing in the Alma Mater Sing and the LipSync. We even had two candidates for Homecoming King & Queen, who made it past the first round of voting but then unfortunately didn't pass the second round. But considering one of them was a first-year students, even just participating was quite the accomplishment (and something I was very proud of) and making it past that first round was simply amazing!!! The candidates tabled and asked residents to vote for them, made fliers and spread the word to everyone they knew. It was proof of how far dedication and commitment can get you; even in a total popularity contest.

Homecoming was beyond stressful (LipSync practices from 9:30 pm until 1 in the morning, running errands, going to events and and and) but it was also a wonderful experience. It really helped me bond with the students, who participated in it. It reminded me of how much fun this job can be. It was great to see the students step up to leadership roles, to take initiative...and now they're excited and are planning things for next year already...and that makes me excited and eager to plan for the future. I know some of them are interested in applying to be RAs and I know they'll be great. Some of them I may be able to retain as student leaders in the community, and that's one of the roles I'd love to make a little more formal. Instead of just hoping that some of the returning community members will step up to leadership roles, I'd like to actually create a leadership position for them to apply to and then hold. I'm still trying to work out what it would really be like (would they get certain privileges or would we make it part of a class they get credit for? how many leaders should we have? what exactly will their job responsibilities be?) but it's given me a lot to think about. I've started taking some notes and I'm going to set up meetings in the next couple of weeks.

I'm also still thinking about the programming model and how we can improve it. I've had some meetings already and would like to continue exploring some options there.


And I recently volunteered to help with some of our assessment initiatives for the department.

All in all, I'm sure not to get bored around here. ;)