I work for an University. I have always wanted to work for an University. Why? The first time in my life I thought I found a place I really want to be was in college. I truly loved my experience. After grad school and my first job experience in the "real world", I soon realized I wanted to go back to college. I knew at this time, I would never get the same feelings or have the same fun I did the first time around, but I knew that is where I needed to go. I wanted to help a student find themselves or experience the time of their life like I did in college. So after six years of trying to get a job in an University, I am finally here.
A part of the position is doing a round of Director on Duty. During this time you are the point person for any situations that are deemed unusual or need the attention of a higher authority. Most of the situations are around housing of student conduct. It makes me so nervous. I want to make a right or more importantly the right decision in what could be a difficult situation. I have actually slept poorly all week waiting for the phone to ring. No major problems this week. Tonight is my last night. I know I will have another restless night sleep. I never knew students could make me so nervous.
This whole experience of my first week being on duty has made me appreciate my college experience once again. I had great friends. We did our best to make sure everyone was safe and was accounted for. No one walked home alone. If someone had too much to drink, we stayed up with them all night. We did our best to be the listener and knew that there would be a time would be need that ear to vent or shoulder to cry on. We were so lucky that we need had to make a scary phone call to love ones or had to question where are friends were. My friends and I were far from perfect. We definitely made dumb choices and decisions but our consequences were not as serve because we had each other to look out.