Sometimes, like now, it can seem like this job sucks. Moving a thousand people out of a building can be slightly overwhelming. Not to mention working with RAs who are stressed out about finals. And custodial staff that is stressed out about the building falling apart around us. And students who are partying their way through finals week. So—I can’t believe I’m saying this—I just have to keep reminding myself that I have the best job ever.
Seriously, when I think about how much I love this job, I know I’ve made the right career choice. At least five hours of my work week are spent in one-on-ones. That’s right, I get to spend almost 15 percent of my time at work chatting and having fun with my student staff. Not only do I get to, I’m expected to. This year during one-on-ones, I’ve explored new restaurants, gone for walks, rollerskated, gone shopping, gone swinging at a park, worked out at the rec center, visited an on-campus museum, played a mean game of Guess Who?, and much more. Much of the rest of my time is spent meeting (not always for good purposes) with residents in the building. I am so lucky that one of my job expectations is to get to know such incredible students.
Not only do I have incredible students, I have wonderful colleagues. I have found the most amazing mentors and friends. There is just something special about Student Affairs professionals. I even receive professional development funds to network with more of these amazing people at professional conferences.
One of my favorite things I’ve gotten to do this year is work with my building’s hall government. In April, we put on our huge, traditional Battle of the Bands program and it was such a blast. As part of set-up I got to order a bunch of food, create some sweet t-shirts, listen to great demos, find amazing student talent, and order a moon bounce. The day of the event, there was a lot of on-the-spot trouble shooting and although a lot of things went wrong, it only brought us closer together. After we finally set up, right before the event began, we all put our arms around each other and sang the alma mater. I’ll never forget that moment or that day. I even get to attend all kinds of programs that I don’t have to plan—campus programs, organizational programs, individual floor programs—and there’s usually a lot of new people to meet, a lot of great food to eat, and sometimes even something to learn. Don’t even get me started on the free shirts.
OK, I know I’ve said it before, but I’ll say it again, we have the best stories in Student Affairs. Like the time I walked into the elevator and a guy was sitting in a chair playing his guitar. He just looked at me and said “elevator music.” Or the time a student started a protest about giving away fish at a program. He hung posters all over the building and even started a Facebook group about animal cruelty. It turns out it really is illegal in our state to give fish away as prizes.
Perhaps best of all, I get to be a part of an incredible university. It’s like having a huge family that always has something going on. Last weekend, I helped an intramural softball team win the championship, stayed up all night walking in Relay for Life, and went to a BBQ planned by my RA staff. When you work at a university, there is always something to do, something to learn, and some way to help. Sure, making movies and stuff sounds exciting, but I wouldn’t trade this job for anything.
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