Patience Is A Virtue

I do not possess such virtue. The "waiting game" of my #SAGradHunt is slowly coming to an end. I will be finding out in the latter half of next week about two of my graduate schools. Needless to say, I'm a little on edge. Why? Well, Colorado State will inform me if I am invited to interviews by next Friday...but they let me know this bit of information along with another dense piece of information. They decided to let us know that they received 270 applications. I about died reading that e-mail yesterday. As my mentor keeps telling me, Let Go and Let God. That's easier said than done, obviously. Well here's to waiting...

Another reason I don't possess this virtue of patience is because my futuristic self is always wanting the next exciting event in my life to happen. Recently, I was overwhelmed with my constant obsession of perusing job postings, opportunities abroad, and contemplating my decision to head back to school. I walked into my mentor's office last week when the new SOCs had started a position I had started just a year ago. My mood changed completely. I felt a surge of happiness and energy just being in the very building that had been my home for a year and a half. Being around the hustle and bustle of confusion and excitement the new SOCs were experiencing ultimately made me feel better. I was excited and wished I could be there with them running around like a chicken with their head cut off. But why was I so hung on the idea of exploring options still? Later that night, my mentor called me because she does not particularly enjoy my ambiguity when I won't admit something is wrong. As usual, she knows me all too well. She made me talk about these feelings I was having and helped me realize something. The feelings I felt while being in her office around the craziness, was exactly why I took this year off. That was my affirming moment, the affirmation I needed for myself to be ready to commit to a graduate program.

The anxietyI have felt, is all surrounded by the fact that I am dying to get into Student Affairs work. It is what makes me happy, makes me feel whole, and what gives me a sense of purpose and direction in life. I'm ready to move forward, but that is still months away. This is why my inclination to view other opportunities is so strong. Patience is something I am having to learn, but it has never been a strong point because of my focus and futuristic strengths. The life I hope to live in the future is what motivates me, but the thought of knowing all the hoops I must jump to get there drives me up the wall. I'm hoping in ten years I'll be able to live in the moment, but for now...here's to the future.

New Year, New Adventures, New Challenges

Well, to really sum up 2011, I'd have to say it was probably the craziest roller coaster I've ever been on. It was filled with many more downs than ups, but I am confident that 2012 will be great. Also, I think 2012 kind of owes my family so that's why I'm so confident. The first part of 2012 will definitely be a little stressful as I await the notifications from my graduate schools. I applied to four, and I'm hoping I have the opportunity to interview with all of them. As I finished up 2011 with graduate school applications and finding ways to professionally develop, I have come to realize that it is time I go abroad again. I spent a good majority of my time the week of Christmas researching language schools in Argentina and Costa Rica. My goal is to finally be able to speak spanish more fluently. I can read, write and understand anyone that speaks Spanish to me but speaking back is quite the challenge. I know this is a major skill I need to develop as I head into the international programs aspect of Student Affairs. As of right now it looks like Costa Rica may be the spot as one the Programs Specialist in the CLU Study Abroad Center utilized the school. I'll know for sure if I can for the 10 weeks I want to once I hear back from schools and do interviews for assistantships, but really won't know until April.

That's one adventure I'll be having in 2012 hopefully! The next will hopefully be moving to a new place and going to graduate school. I say hopefully because at the end of the day Colorado State is where I want to be and if it doesn't happen this year, I may just wait it out and apply again the next year...we'll cross the bridge if and when it gets here though. I'm looking forward to the idea of moving to somewhere new, OUTSIDE of California. The five weeks I have left to wait is absolutely killing me! I don't know how I'll wait again after interviews!

The final challenge that will seem like the bandwagon challenge is working on my fitness. I'm not concerned with losing weight however. I've done that, and I'm very proud of what I have accomplished. I'm down an entire size in both bottoms and top and I've never worn these sizes in my entire life! Personally, I just need to get back on track with toning and building muscle. I'd love to get a handle on my abs, as even when you lose weight your abs just don't make you feel like you've really done anything if you don't work on tightening. So here are just a few of my goals for fitness in 2012:
1) Work out five days a week (doesn't have to be necessarily intense and at the gym)
2) Buy a new pair of skates and start skating again.
3) Become a runner
4) Run a 10K
5) Run a Half
6) Drink the daily recommended amount of water
7) SPINACH and VEGGIE smoothies!

Well that sums it up! I'm hoping to fork up the money to join CrossFit because I think I could benefit from something like that but it's a little steep! It would make go at least three times a week though! That makes it completely worth the price!

Well, happy new year and hopefully 2012 will be good to all of us!

Happy...Applications, I Mean Holidays

So it has been a while again since I've written. Mostly because immediately after attending NASPA Western Regional in San Diego like became a little more hectic. Something is constantly changing in my life so, shocker, my graduate schools have changed again. I've actually removed Rutgers from my list. This leaves me with four applications to work on. For the last two weeks I've been working hard on my Colorado State application. As I began to look more in depth and discover new things about the program, I have found that this is the program I want to be in. It is my top choice, and I am so nervous as I put together everything. The letters of recommendation are flowing in. My statement of purpose is done (just need it to be reviewed with the edits now). I also have finished my resume. The only things left to do are to finish the program applications, send transcripts, and alter my statement for each school. 

This week has been emotionally draining for me and the application process. I've become emotionally attached to my goals and dreams (always have been but even more) and it has definitely had an affect on my attitude. The positivity and support from others is great. They believe that I will get into anywhere I want to go. It is a wonderful feeling when people hold you in such high regard; however, it also adds tons of pressure. I already put tons of pressure on  myself so it's worse when I feel it from others unintentionally. On top of that, the new SOCs have been chosen and I couldn't be happier for them. I am so proud of each and every one of them. At the same time, it brought a mixed feeling of emotions. I'm done with a program that has meant so much to me and been so much a part of the reason I'm going into this field. It is very hard to realize I'm done forever, but I was definitely also ready to be done. Mixed emotions are never good for the emotional type. 

My goal is to be done, mail out, and submit everything by the 19th. I do not want to have applications over my head during the holidays. Needless to say, I'll be restricting a lot of my free time to the process and letting go and letting God. I'm going to Colorado at the end of the month, which is slightly torture but I really want to see my friends. Anyways, wish me luck as I finished up everything in the next 9 days! 

#SAGradHunt & New Opportunities

Hello --

Happy almost turkey day, or for those of us in the Western Region of NASPA...happy almost #naspawr11 in San Diego! So there have definitely been some changes since I last spoke about my graduate school list. Shortly after creating that list I became engaged in conversation on Twitter with other Student Affairs hopefuls like myself, on the search for the perfect program for them. Utilizing the hash tag #SAGradHunt we are able to communicate about the processes and steps we are taking. It's been really great to have NASPA hold these conversations, as it introduces you to others who may one day be in your cohort. My graduate schools have only changed slightly since I last gave you list, first of all I had left one off, and secondly, I now have removed one. Basically, I'm still at five schools.

Officially I present to you to the programs that have made the Ashley cut:
1) New York University
2) Colorado State University
3) University of Vermont
4) Rutgers University
5) Michigan State University

I have also finally asked for my letters of recommendation, but still have one more to ask for since NYU needs two from a faculty and I just found that piece of information last night on the website.

I also have great news! The job hunt has finally ended after a two-month stint of applying constantly everyday. I have moved to Simi Valley, CA just outside my undergrad institution of CLU and I actually work at CLU. Great little resume builder in line with higher education if you ask me. I'm now the Administrative Assistant for Grants & Special Projects in the Graduate School of Education. Basically it's a really fancy name for helping develop all what the School of Ed stated when they applied for the grant money. Definitely a big girl job, mind you I base that on the following: my business cards, office name tag, set of keys, phone extension, and the huge 23' mac desktop I have. Oh and my OWN printer. What up!! (joke, I don't think I'm that cool). Anyways, it is definitely going to be a great learning experience to work with other supervisors outside of Student Life, especially since I was spoiled and worked with the same person and people for four years (minus my Semester at Sea staff). Well, I promise I'll get to blogging more!

I'm sure I'll have a handful of things to talk about while I'm at NASPA Western Regional 2011 in San Diego, CA starting Thursday. I'm so excited to meet with lots of people and a tad nervous! More importantly I'm excited to reunite with one of our NODA interns, Steven Wong from this summer. He is finishing his second year in Oregon State's program. He's flying in to LAX so he can come see the Transfer PAs he worked with all summer and the SOCs of course! I'm so excited, seriously though, I am! I love San Diego, and I love Student Affairs, talk about putting two great things together!

Last but not least -- the SOC applications came out yesterday, can't believe it is already time for somone to take over my job, tear! Either way, I wish them all the best of luck! Follow me on Twitter, as that has a lot more updates and conversation on Student Affairs from the future professional prospective. Especially one who comes from a small liberal arts school and is looking at larger universities. Watch the change!

Much Love
A-Ram.

Words to the Undergrads

So below is what I wrote on Facebook to my friends still in school at CLU or any university for that matter it applies to. Just some words of encouragement to get through the hard times that we face in college. 

Stressed. Overwhelmed. Confused. Ahhh!!!

So lately I've heard a lot of above from you. Let me tell you a secret -- if someone isn't feeling that way, they are probably lying to themselves or just extremely optimistic to the point that they forget about these feelings. For those of you who know me really well; you know that I am constantly ALL of those things. It's probably good that I'm not longer in college then right? WRONG. Oh man, taking a year off is definitely challenging for someone like me with a futuristic mindset who always has everything figured out.

So lets get to my words of encouragement that I tried to tell myself in school all the time. I'm sure many of you are overwhelmed with midterms, papers, extracurriculars, and future plans. Right? Right. So here are my 5 nuggets of wisdom for you:

1) What you are doing now, is a very SMALL piece of the bigger goal you have in life. Don't let yourself get bogged down by the homework, papers, and responsibilities of your extracurriculars.. You are on the current path for a reason.

2) No one said life was easy (cliche right?). But seriously, how boring would life be if everything in life was easy and you never had a challenge? I don't know about you but as much as I hate the stress, I really enjoy the feeling of accomplishment; even the accomplishment of procrastination.

3) Your grades on homework, tests, papers, and the overall semester grade are not a representation of who you are as a person. I'll tell you right now that as much as I would have loved to graduate with honors, I didn't and I'm okay with that. Why? Well, I graduated with two degrees, a 3.4 GPA, a kick-ass resume, a year of study abroad experience, and TONS more memories from CLU. That is way more important to me as it helped build the person I became -- classes and graduating were honestly just a stop on my way to my bigger future.

4) I DARE YOU, to blow off being productive for one night and do something for yourself. Hang out with your friends. Play video games. Watch movies. Heck, go out to Hollywood or the beach for a night. Guess what, you'll be okay the next day and you'll be 100x more productive because you took some time for yourself.

5) Finally, enjoy the time. With what? Everything. Trust me when I tell you, it is really different once you leave college. Remember this is a time of discovery. You don't have to know every step and do it correctly every time. We won't talk about how many times I took the same steps over and over again and still did it wrong. Don't rush the process. Sure, pull all-nighters working on homework, studying, or whatever else academically, but don't forget about pulling an all-nighter with your friends and classmates.

Remember -- you are what you choose to be. You choose how you define yourself, not the things you do or don't do. Confused? Be confused. Explore everything and realize that you have the opportunity of a lifetime right now. At this age, we can travel, study, intern, work, and do a million other things that allow us to grow. Don't grow UP...just grow. Good luck with papers, midterms, and anything else going in your life right now. Let's just say, I actually miss this feeling you all have currently!


Love A-Ram

Update: Jobs & Grad School

Sorry for being gone for so long, being unemployed for some reason is still quite busy. I've had a number of job interviews recently, but alas still no job. Part of the problem is a majority of them are part-time jobs and since I'm graduated they view it as I'm just taking anything till I find something better. In this case, they don't realize that something better is just graduate school 11 months from now. Anyways, on to more exciting news. I recently had a job interview with International Studies Abroad (ISA). I am hoping I get a second interview because this is the job opportunity of a lifetime especially for me and my confused mind. If everything works out, which I am not really sure if it will --trying to stay positive though, I would move to Austin, TX. It would be perfect since UT-Austin has a higher education program. Again, everyone keep your fingers crossed for me. 

I have finally narrowed my graduate school list to the six schools I plan on applying to for admission in Fall 2012. Here is the list for your personal viewing along with the why. Mind you, it is early October so chances that one or two can change is highly likely, but I'm hoping that is not the case. These are also ranked in order for me as well:

1. New York University - M.A in Higher Education & Student Affairs. 

• This is my number one choice for a number reasons: it's a completely different experience than my undergraduate experience. I would have the opportunity to live in a major city with lots to do all the time. The school is 15x the size of my university, and I have the opportunity to get experience at several types of schools. 
• Unfortunately, if I get into the program, the only way I'll be able to attend is if I can manage to land an assistantship in residence life and have a very good package put together. 

2. Colorado State University - M.S in Student Affairs & Higher Education

• Number two simply because it is a great program and the cohort is larger than most other well-known programs. I don't think a relatively small cohort like 8-12 people is for me. The woo in me really needs to have some options (joke). I also really like this program because there is opportunity to gain experience in Greek Life without having been a part of it. It's something that I know I won't have the opportunity to learn or gain experience in unless I had personal experience. This opportunity is huge to me. Also it's Colorado...duh. 
• Not really a down side to this program..I just hope I get in!

3. Penn State University - M.Ed in College Student Affairs

• The bonus and reason here is that they have a dual-title degree program with International & Comparative Education. This is a huge plus for me given my professional goals and aspirations as a Student Affairs & International Education professional...see how I combined those two. YUP, you'll see me soon being famous for something.
• I don't know how much University Park, PA is a place I'll be able to enjoy, we'll have to wait and see. The other down side, is the one requires the GRE and I don't know that my score will be good enough. Also, my friend's cohort is currently 6 people, it's a little small for me.

4. Michigan State University - M.A in Student Affairs Administration

• This school just kind of happened by accident on my list. It has a really interesting program, it's a large school with the D1 atmosphere I've never had. The location isn't major city, but it's a great city nonetheless. Also, the flights to Minneapolis aren't so bad. 
• Downside: It will be miserably cold -- but I mean where isn't it going to be cold that I'm applying. Also, green, is just not a color I like to wear -- then again that's how I felt about purple. We'll see!!!

5. Rutgers University - M.Ed in College Student Affairs

• This is an up and coming program at a major university. The program is already well-known after being only a few years old! It's not that far away from New York City, in the event that I can't go there. The package is not that bad financially, I wouldn't have to pay a dime the first year and the second year I wouldn't have to if I become a resident (ooh..resident of New Jersey, what up Sn00ki and JWoww)
• Downside: New Brunswick, is not the best place to be by yourself at night. I don't know how much of a problem this would be if I am trying to go out to NYC some nights!

Well, there it is, the completed list. Obviously, I'm going to need a back up plan if none of these work out but let's not think about that. My one back up school will definitely be University of Kansas though. It has a program, financial aid, and it's KU, my favorite basketball team ever!! Anyway...here's to my application process. The next step for me is ask for my letters of recommendation. This will be fun! 

Appreciation.

We all long for the feeling of appreciation. In fact, sometimes we need it to continue our passions in life...or do we. While I am not yet anywhere near and expert on Student Affairs, I am an expert in my myriad of leadership and student life experiences that have taught me something early on. We cannot expect appreciation, we cannot let it be the source of our energy, especially when appreciation isn't always shown in the most obvious ways. Something that a Peer Advisor struggles with, as I'm sure many in the profession do at one point or another, is not feeling appreciated. But why? Why do we need the verbal or visual respect of appreciation? Maybe it is just me, but sometimes, you just will not be and other times you will not know you are. Humans are hilarious. We have no problem fist-pumping, dancing like no one is watching, or become completely intoxicated in public...but to show how much you care and appreciate someone is a complete challenge. Showing our emotions is a problem. Opening up...well, it can sometimes take a professional to do that.

What I have lived by in my experiences is that you just can't allow yourself to be bogged down by the way someone shows lack of respect and appreciation. Most of the time, we forget the simple "thank you" or don't realize how body language of actions can lead others to believe you are unappreciative. As a student leader or professional, we really go out of our way for our students more than they will ever understand. If you understand that going into it, or you help them understand -- you will become less bothered by a lack of appreciation. You have to remember that you never did the job to be appreciated. You did the job because you care, and because you want to make a difference. Just know that you made a difference and don't expect to see that difference. Focus on the ones who do let you know how much you have done for them, and focus on those ones. Do not focus on the negative, focus on the positive. That's my biggest piece of advice to anyone who feels under appreciated.

Remember why you do what you do, and stay positive on the ones who energize you. When you focus on the negative you are asking for trouble and unhappiness.

A-Ram