She Rambles and Rambles

I feel as though I have talked about perspective quite a few times in this blog. But it is so important. Today while I was browning ten pounds of meat for RA training meals on Thursday I had plenty of time to think. 

I am fortunate to work with many talented students and hall directors everyday. While at times I complain about the 18-24 year old crowd-they really are a very interesting bunch. I love to see new employees grow and change and I cannot speak enough about watching a college student move through four years of college and seeing those changes. That must be why aside from the occasional exclamation that I am quitting my job, I keep myself on the payroll. 

But even when times are challenging and we are dealing with mental health crisis or puzzling student behavior- I would not trade my team for anything. In my professional life I have been fortunate to work in residence life where the emphasis is always on the person. I have been able to get paid to build relationships and just have fun at times with some pretty awesome people. And believe it or not those times where we laugh at inappropriate poop jokes or probe too much into each other text messages to make fun of our scoompsie language make it easier to trust each other at three in the morning. 

I often think that a change in vocation would make the most sense. You know a crafty job where I can show off my Pinterest skills. Or as a professional Bob Ross instructor. Or even going back to my amazing skills in the local grocery or Bed Bath and Beyond locations. But I know I would miss that feeling that comes from working with my residence life staff. 

I know I am ten times more excited for my RAs to come back to campus then they are, actually ten times might be too low an estimate. And they make fun of me for taking so many pictures and loving residence life so much for the entire training. But I don't care. I am proud of my little team and what we try to do every semester for college students. 

So as we approach another hiring cycle of student staff members and professional staff as well I will keep my perspective. That while sometimes the day to day sucks quite a bit- it is worth it big picture. It is worth it for the perspective you gain in the position and for the amazing people you meet along the way. It is worth it when you see a staff support each other through hard things and they don't squabble over what is fair with duty- they just do what is right for the team. Or when one of us is not doing ok we all analyze what that person would appreciate as an introvert and respond accordingly. We know how the INFJ needs to be supported. We have done our homework. We also know about the ENTJ boss who jokes and teases but cares a whole lot.