Dress in purple, Taryn and I didn’t plan on matching, I had the opportunity to speak on behalf of Student Government Association. Student Government President truly has been one of the most rewarding leadership positions that I have held in my entire life. I learned so many transferable skills for life after college with the support and guidance from all of the faculty, staff, and my peers on campus. I recognized my executive board this evening for their overwhelming dedication to SGA this year and I took the opportunity to recognize some seniors as well with honor cords and a mortarboard because SGA wouldn’t be where it is today without their help. More importantly, I wouldn’t be the leader and activist for campus change and development that I am without my advisors, Jen and Anthony.

As the end of the year comes to an end I have started to get emotional with the thought of leaving behind a campus that has meant so much to me. However, Taryn obviously thought I needed to get more emotional as she addressed me in her speech prior to presenting me the Hundrieser Fellowship Award. She said, “I have a quote, because we love those this evening!’A good leader inspires people to have confidence in the leader; a great leader inspires people to have confidence in themselves.’ This individual has motivated students through every step he has taken on this campus,” and I thought I was going to tear, but it was when she said “I also had the privilege of speaking to the recipient’s mom today, and she wanted me to tell you this, ‘I love you, and I am so proud of you. Everything you have gotten you have earned, and I’m so lucky,’” that I lost it.  

As recipient of Returning RA of the Year and the Hundrieser Fellowship Award, I have a strong feeling of appreciation and gratitude for what I have earned. Furthermore, to see SGA be recognized as the Organization of the Year and for Civility Week to be Program of the Year, I look back on this past year and I am proud of our dedication, commitment, and passion for being a Lynn student.

You can definitely see how airlines are trying to overcome this recession. As I checked in at US Airways the first message that came up was a request to take an alternative flight for compensation because they were overbooked. I currently have (3) three vouchers with Delta because they are overbooking to ensure they have full planes. Normally I do not have a structured schedule so I always am the first to volunteer.

Anways…I have to get back to writing my commencement speech!

For those who didn’t know. I am attending this placement exchange in search for a residence hall director position. My experience on campus in Student Government, Programming, and Residence Life has propelled me to look into this opportunity.

I was really impressed that EKU is starting Greek Housing on their campus in the next upcoming year. Brotherhood and sisterhood development is so important to fraternity life, that I think they are going in the right direction. What really caught my attention was the fact that Nickole Hale, Associate Director of Academic Initiatives described the office enivornment as a “family”.  Lynn University is like a family to me and that is something that I am looking for in a higher ed job.

RA

Each semester we have to design door decorations for our residents. I always try to think outside of the box and create something that is unique and admirable by the students. This 2nd half of the semester I did Asian Culture…simply using Chinese boxes and chopsticks that were donated by local Chinese restaurants. Residents have raved about them! Their appreciation for what I do keeps me motivated in my role as an RA.

I was staying with my friend Ron who is an Residence Life Coordinator at UAB. Their campus is really unique, because it is practically the city. There are so many hospitals in the radius of their campus. Health, nursing, and pre-med are huge programs. I got a chance to meet his RA staff and it was tons of fun.

For the past year I have contemplated whether or not to do graduate school immediately following college. Hilton Vacation Ownership was on campus last spring and practically offered me a job at graduation. The Atlantic Resort and Spa offered me a job at the end of my internship. The opportunities out there are bountiful, but how often to you have an opportunity to be in college?

As I sit by the fireplace at home, I browse through the Business Week magazine which has recently ranked the MBA programs around the country. It’s the college search all over. It reminds me of the long days that I spent in my guidance counselor’s office browsing through schools trying to make the right choice. I luckily was inspired and astonished the moment after listening to John Lallo from Lynn. I knew this was the perfect match and I would never want to trade it…the campus, the professors, the connections, the friends, the networking, the atmosphere, the EVERYTHING!

…this makes me sad…having to leave behind memories…I am going to postponed this “after college” blog until later…not too much later because then I’ll be behind, but not now…

Those are just some of the words to describe the RHA and Residence Life Messy Games event. It was popular among 24 Resident Assistants during training so we thought we would bring it to campus. Eleven teams partcipated in a series of events (all very messy) with efforts to earn $300 CASH… Some of the events include:

• Twister
• Grape Spit
• Spam Toss
• Bobbing for Apples in Baked Beans
• Eat Race
• Body Paint
• Oatmeal Relay
• Peanut Butter Face 

 This event truly brings together team work and cooperation. We have done it for the last two years during RA training at a camp in Miami. The first time we did it, many of us were skeptical, but little did we know the fun you can have. Anything you are wearing, including under garmets, must be trashed at the end….this is why:

This year is a really small class compared to other years,  about 400 students. I remember when my class entered it was about 700. I guess it demonstrates that we are being more selective in admissions. It may also be because of the economy. State schools are over-enrolled and private schools are under-enrolled.

Best yet, everything was going smoothly and then a squirrel ate a transformer. Out went the power in Trinity, Freiburger and de Hoernle. Since all the buildings are key access now, the overflow came to EM Lynn. One parent comments, “What a great first impression!” Well, its not our fault humanity likes to get a charge from the transformer… 

Freshman begin to arrive on Thursday and we are on target for potential CAT 2 Hurricane Hanna. It is currently projected to stay east of us in the ocean and hit further north, but you never know. After surviving Hurricane Wilma as a freshman unfamiliar with hurricanes, I have some tips to survive as a college student during a hurricane:

1. Remember the residence halls are the safest place for you. Category five proof.
2. Fill up your car with gas prior to the hurricane. NOT THE NIGHT BEFORE…several days in advance.
3. Stock up on plenty of water and snacks. You never know how long it will last.
4. Refrain from alcohol, even if you are 21. Emergency centers are not able to respond as quickly during natural disasters.
5. Have a battery operated lantern and flashlights available with extra batteries.
6. Remember, Resident Assistants are on each floor/wing. They are experienced student leaders who are here to assist and provide comfort. Do not hesitate to ask them questions or seek advice.
7. Remain calm…bring out the old school board games.

8. Don’t forget any medications that you may need…
9. A radio is great to keep updated with the storm and a well charged cell phone!

10. It’s also a good idea to charge your laptop battery… you are going to appreciate the ability to watch a DVD on your laptop, or even get some much needed work done.

“Great leader and hard worker”
“You are a nut case but I love it. You are always wiling to help whenever possible”
“You are so helpful and make everyone feel great and you smell good right now.”
“Your inspiration is contagious. You’re the best!”
“I admire the hard work you do. Good luck in life. Hope you achieve your dreams.”
“As much as we fight, you’re one of the best people I know. Love you!”
“You are crazy sometimes, but you’re great…even though you pick on me all the time. Love you. Go Sox!”
“You are an amazing guy with a great personality and open mind. Very hardworking and knows how to have fun. Never gives up.”
“You are a great leader. I dunno how you handle all your responsibilities, but I admire you.”
“Hard worker, great personality. Keep up the great things you’re doing.”
“You’re a great leader. You’re going to go far.”