I had orientation the other day, in a tiered classroom full of students, so full that the student helper had to pull chairs in from other rooms to seat everyone. As I was sitting there I observed the crowd. The bulk of the students were young (as I expected) but there was a surprising amount of students older than I am. This makes me happy. It makes me think of my mother, 64 and sitting in orientation ready to fulfill a life goal.
I love the campus I am going to. I went to the main branch years ago and everyone seemed so far away. Teachers, administration were extremely difficult to reach. I step foot on that campus and I can still feel that anxiety from years ago. Could have been the fact that I was so young and insecure, afraid, unknowing of the interaction between advisor and student. But not this branch campus. Everyone is so down to earth and accessible.
That was obvious to me when I went to register for my summer classes. (Yes already registered for summer and I haven't even started the spring semester yet. Odd, but I guess they want to stay on top of things) I signed in with my best friend who was also registering, and we went to sit down. They have 2 main general advisors on this campus and at this point I have talked with both, really don't have a preference. Although I AM supposed to have a specific Psychology advisor that I have yet to meet. Anyways we were sitting there and guess who dealt with Case and I??? The 'Director' of the campus! She actually got in there and registered students! Unheard of in the world of 'main' campus life. She is a lovely person, actually a pretty big family name in my area, and I was thrilled about her relaxed attitude. She's not afraid to get down and deal with 'lower' activities like registering! That pretty much sets the tone for this campus.
So orientation was pretty long and boring. About halfway through I had to pee terribly but I didn't want to move because I was trying pretty hard to stay focused and listen. I was interested in how things have changed since my previous stint. Now they have something called Academic Alert. This would have totally helped kick my butt when I was younger. Instead of just putting a student on probation, now the advisors receive reports as to who isn't going to class and who is struggling within the first few weeks. At that point they will send an email to the student and if the student does not reply, Josh (advisor) said he 'will literally blow up your phone until you answer.' Then he advises them into tutoring and tries to find out whatever is going on with the student. It is ultimately up to the student to succeed but he said he wants to see that success so he takes additional steps to get the student the help they need. I'm really very glad that they started this program for the younger students. I know first hand how easy it is to skip and forget about it.
I also wanted to hear about the clubs and organizations on campus and off. I've been looking for something to volunteer at for awhile to no avail. It is actually surprisingly difficult to get involved in those things if you do not know someone in my area. Anyways a group that spoke actually runs the crisis invention help-line in my county. They educate about violence, all types, and support those in need of help. I stopped at their table after orientation stating my education goals and wondering how it works on the college level. They explained that the 'college' students meet bi-weekly and mainly go to high schools and speak about whatever issues the school may need addressed. The big one around here lately (and probably all over the country) has been bullying. It would require 80 hours of training to work the crisis center (basic intervention training that I've already learned a ton about from my husband) and clearances to go into the high schools and speak, along with further training later on as the field changes. The strength of these women impressed me. Confident, secure women. I could read in their eyes that they are truly there for good purposes, how dedicated they are to helping. The coordinator and I spoke, she gave me her phone number in case I would like to know more about the program. And the women set me up with a few websites to gain more information. This is definitely something I am interested in so I'm pretty sure I'm attending the first meeting on the 8th. I really want to get in there and start helping, not just writing about ideas to help. What kind of life experience am I going to get just going to class and not participating in helping with actual people? The thing that kind of disturbed me about this was that they had a table set up the whole time, before and after orientation, and I was the first (hopefully not ONLY) one to sign up.
The school has other philanthropy clubs also but I think I like the structured nature of the crisis center. AND it's something that doesn't have to stop when I graduate.
So to summarize.
School is starting next week.
Orientation was a good experience.
I know that this campus has accessible administration willing and wanting to help.
And hopefully soon I can give back and be of some assistance to someone who really needs it.
Good vibes and good times ahead.
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