The start of each academic year always seems
more hectic than the last. This year in particular felt overwhelming as a new
professional trying to figure out a different campus culture and learn my job. After
talking to folks from my cohort, I realize I am not alone in my
transition. Facebook also keeps me in
the loop about colleagues’ experiences across the United States and even the
world.
Let me
introduce you to my friend David Hibbler.
One night I was on Facebook after a busy day
and saw a status update from David that caught my eye. He was creating an
emergency hurricane kit! Prepping for move-in is always challenging. I can’t
even imagine prepping a building and preparing for a hurricane.
Here is a reflection from David about his
experience:
The decision to take a job across the country is never easy and
although I've spent my adulthood living all around the country, I still felt
some apprehension about moving to Florida. And that apprehension only increased
when I learned the National Weather Service was predicting a hurricane would
arrive in my area around the same time most of my students would move to
campus.
Like any good student affairs professional, I did everything I
could to prepare for the worst. I went to the store and purchased supplies for
a hurricane kit; I reviewed the universities emergency procedures with my
staff; I explained what was happening to my residents during their first hall
meetings. Most importantly, I relied on the rest of my staff, especially those
who are veteran Floridians, for advice and guidance.
Any
welcome week comes with lots of emotions, but preparing to welcome students to
campus while there's a major political convention in town and a hurricane
looming near can be extremely overwhelming and exhausting. However, I feel that
getting through both the literal and figurative storms helped my staff bond and
gave me a renewed sense of confidence. If I can handle Isaac, I can handle
anything.
David Hibbler Jr. is a
Residence Life Coordinator at the University of South Florida. He graduated
from Colorado State University’s Student Affairs in Higher Education Program in
May 2012 and is a proud alum of Butler University.
David, thanks so much for sharing. Student affairs professionals
and administrators affected by Hurricane Isaac, my thoughts are with you. I
know you were on the front lines supporting students at such a difficult time.
My thoughts are with all the folks affected by Hurricane Isaac
and those still recovering.
Stefanie Lucas-Waverly
@stefanie_lucas
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