What is TRIO?

Who Wants a Clean House???

Right now, I can hear Niecy Nash's voice as I type my latest blot title.  I once regularly watched the reality show, "Clean House"--watching her small crew transform living rooms, bedrooms, and kitchens into clean, beautiful, newly furnished functional spaces after convincing the homeowners to sell their  "Babysitter's Club" books, Beanie Babies, and rusty 8-track players.

As I sit and type...I will admit that my house is a mess.  Normally I do not function well in a chaotic environment, but the mess has me thinking...when is it okay to hold on and keep things?  In the case of my professional development, I've realized, when recently tasked to develop an electronic portfolio, that I failed to hold on to the artifacts tied to my professional accomplishments.  Not thinking solid tangibles would be needed; that my memories would all but cover it, I am at a loss.  So from now on, hubby's stuff is still first in line for the shredder, goodwill, or the dump, but I may need to give my things a second glance.  Treasures may lie within.

Why such a boring blog name?

When thinking up a blog name, I thought of "Student Life".  I've been running the name by friends and colleagues and all think it's a snoozer.  I don't necessarily disagree, but what I liked about the name is its multiple meaning.  I have worked in student life and student affairs all of my professional life and this field drives me and the work that I do.  Secondly, as a director of advising, the academic and personal lives of my students essentially frame my everyday.  My advisees' shared stories of successes and struggles add meaning to my work and better inform me as to the issues that adult,working professionals face as they as they navigate the sometimes murky waters of higher education.  Thinking strategically of new ways to assist and connect with these extremely busy students is a top priority for me and for my unit as we contend with the challenges of connecting with a commuter student population.

Final rationale for "Student Life":  As a fairly new doctoral student returning to school after 8 years  and now with a family and job in tow, my life as a student is not as I predicted.  Balancing work, school, and family has been a challenge.  This student's life is certainly a challenge and parallels the experiences I've been hearing about from my students for so long!   The respect I have for my students has deepened as I embark on my educational journey.  Sleepless nights, crazy deadlines, and a lack of "me" time are future stories I wish to share alongside the great moments, successes, and personal and professional growth this experience has in store for me.  Keep reading as more stories come.  This advisor is seeking advice from any and all!  Perhaps a new catchier name for my blog??? :)