Under Pressure

Holy Toledo. Sunday was a whirlwind of chaos, but it is finally over!

Saturday night, admin (minus one) went out to dinner at the Blind Pig. It was nice to get off campus for a few beers before the students were due to arrive the next day. We tried to talk about everything under the sun other than TIP, making it an incredible night out.

I was back in Myers and in bed before 11PM and surprisingly, sleep came very easily. I fell into such a deep sleep that when I awoke I thought I was back in my queen sized bed in Pennsylvania. When I finally realized where I was, a slight disappointment set in (only slight though!).

To be awake at 6:45AM, bright eyed and bushy tailed, was asking for a lot from me, but I decided to fake it until I made it. It worked, for the most part. My staff was mostly on time for our meeting about the day and were ready to hit the ground running.

Glowing logo gave me the power
to survive move-in day

The day ran fairly smooth with only a few minor hiccups and a few major road blocks, but I learned today that I am an excellent problem solver. Yay for ResLife in college and being able to think on my feet! From room issues to nonexistent students to sassy parents to snarky kids, I was able to handle everything (mostly) with grace. I was incredibly impressed with my ability to diffuse all of the issues thrown at me today. I am much much much more confident in my abilities than I was before.

Thanks, anonymous, for this!

I had to help facilitate the parent meeting with my OSD. I don't usually get nervous speaking in front of people, but for some reason I felt incredibly incompetent right before I had to stand up and address the parents. (Great time to feel inadequate, right?) As I began to speak, the words just spilled out of my mouth. I didn't need to think about what I was saying anymore. When I was finished with my spiel, a bunch of parents' hands shot up. (Maybe I didn't do such a great job explaining everything...) Most of the questions were just clarifications. It seemed a bit like a rapid fire round to see if I knew my stuff. (Similarly to after a presentation to a class when your professor really tries to test your knowledge.) I answered everything and then some. I shut down those parents and was extremely proud of myself. (I'd like to think my OSD was proud as well.)

After the meeting, I decided to call my parents. I hadn't had the opportunity to chat with them much since I've been here so I figured my walk back to Myers Hall would be a good time to catch up. It was nice catching up with my dad because I rarely catch him on the phone. (My mom usually jumps at any opportunity to talk to me.) It was a short lived conversation, but at least they (err... my dad) knows I'm alive and well.

The rest of the afternoon flew by. I cleaned up the check-in area at 5PM and prepared myself for the student meeting. I didn't have time to eat before the meeting so I decided I would order something when I got back to the office.

Delusion set in around 8PM

We kicked off the student meeting with a(n invisible) roller coaster ride. I could try to explain it to you in text, but it would not make any sense. Just trust me when I say it is a silly, fun way to get the students to calm down. (Thank you, Sarah for this lovely trick!) Once the TIPsters were worn out from the crazy ride (okay, it wasn't actually crazy, but they were quiet!), our OSD began the meeting.

The meeting went so smoothly. The rules video was HILARIOUS this year. (The rules video is made by the RCs so the TIPsters can understand the rules in a lighthearted manner.) This year, the RCs set it as a 1950s infomercial. I could not stop laughing at it. If I can get access to it, I will be sure to post it at a later date.

Positive Gossip Wall in the office

After the meeting, the 4th years (the oldest TIPsters) had to stay behind for a '4th year meeting'. Basically, the RHLs laid out that they are role models and the TIPsters will look up to them. "TIP=Love so don't ruin it" was the main theme of the meeting. Once this was over, everyone returned to Myers Hall for their first RC Group meetings and then On-Hall time.

Thanks, Olivia! =D

The night seemed to drag on f o r e v e r. I just wanted it to be 2AM so I could go to sleep. I had to meet with my RCs and go over night duty with all of them. It was going to be a looooong night.

My staff thinks I'm weird

Once lights out hit at 10:45PM, I headed to the balcony and saw an issue arising. The OSD was knocking on a door for the students to prove they were in their rooms. (The RC expressed concern that they were not answering so our OSD stepped in.) After multiple attempts banging on the door and calling out the students' names, the OSD decided we needed to key into the room to make sure the students were okay. When we finally got in, the two students were sound asleep with blankets over their heads. The poor kids were so tired they slept through all of the noise, which I find hard to believe. The RC will be speaking with students today about the incident to make sure they do not fall asleep until we know they are in their assigned room.

When this was all said and done, I met my staff on the balcony. I was falling asleep and could barely form coherent sentences. After I went over all of the information I needed to with them, one of my staff members asked, "Allee, could you do us all a favor?". Of course I responded with, "Maybe? It depends on what it is..." "Go to sleep, please. You clearly need it." And so I did.

And I slept like a damn baby.

This morning started around 8:30AM in the office with a few minor issues and some paperwork. I had breakfast with our CO and then returned to the office again to solve some other issues. At 11:30AM, I went to lunch with a few admin members.

We had an admin meeting from 1-2PM and then returned to the office yet again. I've just been doing odd-jobs all day, but I am sure as time goes on I will be busier when I am in the office.

We don't have too many exciting things happening this evening, other than our evening activities (Project Runway, Sports, Board Game Night, etc.). I'm excited to hear about the activities, but not so excited about sitting in the office with nothing to do.

Tomorrow should be another uneventful day so I plan on visiting some classes.

Here's to a not so crazy week!