I could be cliche and begin every post with....wow, I haven't written in this in such a long time, OR we could all just pretend that it's only been a day or so since I've last written, cause sometimes it feels like that ;-)
Yes, it's been a while, but there are big reasons for that - the past 1.5 months have been INSANE! Between pro-staff training, getting my building back from conference services, getting the RA's back, RA Training, Front desk workers, Schedule, Hiring, Firing, Parents, Student Conduct, Building Council....the list goes on and on. I have been so busy I don't know what to do with myself. 2 weekends ago was the first time I had a day where I was not doing some sort of work-related activity or event in 40 days (it was like the worst lent ever).
While things have been crazy, things have also been amazing. My sister Danielle is due in 3.5 weeks, she's getting bigger and more beautiful by the second. I can't wait to meet my darling Goddaughter ----k---- BIG HUGS!! I'm blonde again (and LOVING it). My sister Katie is turning 21 tomorrow! Two good friends are getting married in October and I'm able to come down for both weddings which is super exciting! I took a day trip to Washington D.C. with my friend Spencer and his friend Lamar and had a fantastic time (Video footage to come shortly)! I'm going to New York this weekend to meet up with Mary, who will be here for her friend Audra's wedding - SO EXCITED ABOUT THAT!
ANNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNND I just applied for a Ph.D Program up here at the University of Maryland College Park focusing on Education Leadership, Higher Education, and International Education - so we'll see how that goes.
I've been doing some research on Millennial Students (this will help to define Millennials for those of you that don't know - http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_qa3955/is_200704/ai_n19198048/ - let me know if it doesn't work ) for one of the committees I'm working on in the department, and have really jumped head first into the project. My work focuses on trying to understand why students today aren't as affected by hate-bias incidents as students used to be. It talks about how Millennials fear is manifested in a way that isn't physical in nature, it's cerebral. For example: If a student's cell phone was stolen - they wouldn't feel scared that someone stole their phone or that they were in danger because someone stole their personal belongings, they would feel scared because they can't get in contact with anyone to help them. Millennials have grown up feeling "safe" all the time, they're always with somebody - parents, teachers, counselors, after-school programs, etc...they've never experienced the latchkey childhood many before them did. So in the 70's or 80's if someone were to write the N-word on someone's door that student would feel scared for their personal safety whereas students today think it's more likely that it's a joke or not that serious. Anyway, that's what I'm working on now...we'll see where it goes, but I'll stop because I'm sure I'm boring all of you.
As far as I go, I'm good. I've set up my apartment to almost completion. I bought a desk at Ikea and put it together by myself :-) I also bought a sofa there and put that together and in my living room. Once everything is finished and cleaned I'll take pictures - I know I've been promising, but I want it to be perfect! I'm a little homesick, but it's not taking over my entire existence, I'm sure I'll be fine when I can see my family sooner rather than later. I'm just getting over a nasty sinus infection - the little snot-rocket germ generators I live with spread sicknesses faster than Trojan on your computer, it's ridiculous - however, a liberal dose of antibiotics and sleep have me well on my way to good health.
I think that's all I've got in me to write about today. I'll work on the pictures of my apartment and video of my trip to the capitol.
Mad Love
Kelly McNell :-)
