Ok, so the title of this post was sort of a lie. I've actually been at Ole Miss for 6 weeks already. So what have I been up to since I moved here that prevented me from blogging?
Weeks 1-2
My first two weeks here consisted of Graduate Community Director training. We had a 2 day retreat, a day at the ropes course, and a LOT of educational sessions.
Weeks 3-4
The next two weeks were filled with Community Assistant training. The first week of their training was quite intense, with the second week only having 2 full days, and the rest as "in-hall prep" time.
Week 5
Move-In week! Our residents moved in on Tuesday, and since they were coming from the airport, there were 4 shuttle busses, starting at noon and ending at midnight.
Week 6
The first week of school!
My Graduate Community Director position is really unique and very different from the "traditional" residence halls for a few reasons.
1. This is a brand new position. In the past, the Office of Global Engagement (formerly International Outreach) had housed their International students at an off campus apartment complex called University Trails. This is the first year that the Department of Student Housing has been involved in their housing process. Because its new it is requiring a ton of patience and flexibility from my CAs and I.
2. We're off campus. Its harder for me to be social with the other GCDs, but its especially hard for my residents. They can't go out on the weekends without taking expensive taxis, and they can't go anywhere on Sundays because the busses don't run then.
3. I have all International students. Between their culture shock and homesickness, I also have a large majority of my residents who are here to learn how to speak English. This has caused some difficulties in explaining policies and procedures, but we're adapting and making it work.
Hopefully I'll have more time to write about my job, my classes, and my future career goals.
