Hey, Soul Sister!

Well, it's official. One work week of the internship down and my supervisor and I already have a theme song together. That's right! Train's "Hey, Soul Sister." Now every time we ride around Athens or listen to what's playing in the dining halls, we'll break out into karaoke. It is THE song! (But so is Lady Ga-Ga's "Telephone", Ke$ha's "Your Love is My Drug", and Lady Antebellum's "Need You Now".) The funny part of this is that some of the interns don't favor the song, so we tease them about that. LOL! All in all, I found this to be a GREAT start to a long-lasting friendship with a fellow Student Affairs colleague. Kara rocks!

A lot has taken place since I first started working in my office in Russell Hall. Most of my time has been spent visiting other offices and departments within UGA Student Affairs, such as the Office of Judicial Programs, Office for Violence Prevention, Center for Leadership and Service, and my fave so far Residence Hall Education and Services. (I'm so into Housing!) I'm very hopeful that my fellow graduate colleagues and other summer interns are given the opportunity to at least tour the many offices and departments that make up the Division of Student Affairs at their respective institutions. It's a great way to learn so much more about the institution, on top of the fun to be had at their internship positions. There is still MUCH more to cover in the next few days and I can't wait to meet the folks from the LGBT Resource Center, the Tate Student Center, the Career Center, and of course the Office of the Vice President of Student Affairs.

So an update on what I, myself, and doing at UGA. As a recap, I'm working as an ACUHO-I intern with the Freshman College Summer Experience (FCSE). This is a partnership between UGA Academic Enhancement and the Department of University Housing where incoming first-year students are given the chance to move-in and take classes within the later summer session for course credit. It gets better! These particular students get a chance to sample the UGA culture, learn more about college life sooner, and get a chance to sink their teeth into Bulldog territory inside and outside of the classroom. That's where I and my programming initiatives come in! I'm sitting on about 15 programs total and am so excited to see them unfold in July! (No, I won't share with you what those programs are just yet. I'll have to surprise you!)

Within all position descriptions there's always the "other duties as described by supervisor" disclaimer or some variation thereof. That's always a fun statement in Housing. On top of working with the FCSE this summer, I also get a chance to dabble in Conference Services within my building. (Choice!) In addition, I have the esteem pleasure to present to the Resident Assistants specifically hired to work with the residents in Freshman College. (Wicked!) I'll also get a chance to pick the brains of MANY of the big wigs in Housing (Rick Gibson, Ralphel Smith, and Gerry Kowalski, just to name a few) and the president of UGA's Residence Hall Association (RHA for short). (Rockin'!) It may sound like a lot now, but I've been working in Housing for about 4 years now. And yes I still adore it!

Whew! That's A LOT for a one-week update, and I haven't even gotten around to my summer reading list. It'll get done. Trust!

Later days! (^_^)