Sacrifice, Second Chances, and Taking Control

Last season, I began watching The Biggest Loser. I’m not necessarily sure what prompted me to begin, but I have really enjoyed the emotion and the personal stories that individuals have provided on their journey to finding themselves and relearning the way in which they can live. In a way, I have been able to relate to some of the same issues that these contestants have battled during their time on the ranch and back at home.

In December 2010, I went into the doctor’s office for a regular physical. It was my second year of graduate school, and I knew that I wasn’t in peak shape. I felt bad, I was self-conscious, and one of the things I could control was my consumption of food. Nancy (I will always remember her and thank her for this) was the nurse who helped me during my appointment. She came back, pamphlets in hand, and told me that I was obese and was in need of some significant changes. I had high cholesterol, and the concern was that high cholesterol and blood pressure run in my family. I didn’t know what to do at the time. There were some recommendations for me to begin taking cholesterol-lowering medication. I was always a little competitive and combatant...

As of this past December, I went from weighing 245 pounds and living with high cholesterol to losing 75 pounds and living a healthy and active life (with normal cholesterol and blood pressure levels). Watching The Biggest Loser contestants is really inspiring. When they talk about losing much more than the weight, it really means something. I used to think these “inspirational” confessionals were a hoax, grabbing at our emotions. In most reality shows, I still think that. The Biggest Loser is about second chances. These individuals are taking control and making sacrifices and are embodying that idea of a second chance. Making a significant life change takes risks. I am proud of the risks that these contestants are making; I can genuinely say that I know how it feels. I know what pain feels like. I know what sacrifice feels like. I know what pride feels like when you reach a goal.

Waking up at 5:00 in the morning to workout is not fun. Spending additional time post-work can be rejuvenating, yet oh-so-difficult. We are taking control of our lives and our destinies. This post doesn’t just apply to weight loss, though this is one of the events in my life in which I am most proud. This means so much more. Finding control in our lives (even when it feels helpless) is hard. It’s really, really hard. Making change is about the support; it’s about setting goals. Making change takes hard work and commitment. Be proud of yourself and look for ways to take back control. You have one life to live.

The Art in Taking Risks

Do I go with the apple or decide to try the pomegranate? Should I stay in to watch Netflix or go out with friends to see the latest and "greatest" horror flick? Why am I asking these questions?

We take risks everyday. In most cases, we don't even recognize that risk exists in our decision-making. Now some of the decisions above might not necessarily resonate as risks for some individuals, and that is okay! Whether professional or personal, I have really been examining how, why, and the importance of appropriate levels of risk taking recently. Through conversations with friends and colleagues, I have begun to realize the aversion to making difficult decisions to move forward. Whether it is a change in career, selecting a school or new job, or making a significant lifestyle alteration, a lot of thought goes into weighing out risks versus rewards. The fear of the unknown can heavily weigh in on one's decision to either maintain that current flow or seek change.

Over the past few years, I have really gotten involved with marketing and graphic design efforts. It has been a hobby of mine, as I have no formal training/schooling. Last semester, I saw a need to fill within our department and spoke with some individuals on the possibility of utilizing my skills within my current professional role. My idea was met with a mix of realism and optimism, but I ended up having the opportunity to design for various signature events, searches, and communities within the department. It have really been significantly happier in my role here, and a tiny part of that was due to me filling this need and contributing something in which I enjoy.

While not every risk will pan out, I do think that we need to take these bold moves in order to make changes. The change can be toward personal happiness and wellness. The change can be more professional in nature, leading one up the hierarchical ladder of an organization. We need to put our fears and natural tendency toward risk aversion aside for our personal or professional betterment. Now, some of you may be reading this and identifying selfish messages within this post. Through our own assessment of risk and reward, we (as individuals) are the ones who ultimately determine the outcomes. I am encouraging people to take risks, as there are no great changes or achievements without that push outside of one's own comfort zone.

T.S. Eliot stated, "Only those who will risk going too far can possibly find out how far one can go." While I don't encourage everyone to adopt the motto, I think it is important to assess where we need that extra push to take a chance. In some cases, individuals may need that push to take risks and stand up for oneself professionally. In other cases, risks need to be taken in one's personal life. No matter where you stand, think about who you are and where you want to be. It is up to the individual in order to determine how we take risks in our own lives. This blog post isn't meant to teach; it is meant for us to personally reflect on how we show up and how we want to live our lives.

Does your current path align with the path to your future? Do I need to take that "leap of faith" to get there?

why the Hunger Games has EVERYTHING to do with leadership

Have you gotten into this whole Hunger Games craze yet? If not, maybe you should really consider it. While the whole idea of the Hunger Games can be a bit disturbing and gruesome, there is a bit more than one would think. That is for later in the blog, though...

One of my favorite books is "The Last Lecture" by Randy Pausch. If you are not familiar with the book, it speaks about the importance of following childhood dreams and the power of being raw and real. Randy was a Professor at Carnegie Mellon University, and he past away due to pancreatic cancer. He wrote and provided his last lecture to inspire others around him, (spoiler alert) particularly his daughters and wife. In one of the chapters, Randy described the power of the "head fake." A head fake is essentially a front, a cover up, a sneak attack if you will.

For individuals outside of Housing and Residence Life at Virginia Tech, we have begun developing and utilizing a curriculum for student learning and the residence hall experience. While we may not be providing academic instruction within the residence halls, we are helping to personally develop and create socially just citizens by the time in which individuals graduate from our institution. Has it been easy? No... There has been a significant amount of tension, feedback, and resistance. I stepped into this professional to help others find themselves, to help students reach their goals and dreams. The curriculum has the potential to accomplish these things.

Some of you may be wondering how I was able to start with the Hunger Games, why I went into "The Last Lecture," and how I ended with our curriculum model. It's simply, actually. If we are to accomplish things nowadays, we may need to initiate a head fake somewhere down the road. If we want our students to learn, we may need to pull in topics in which they are familiar in order to reach our own end goals. The Hunger Games is a perfect tool. Last year, I happily co-presented on Harry Potter and True Colors. This was a widely-acclaimed presentation that was applicable for RAs in their endeavors to teach their residents. Now, I have made the transition to the Hunger Games. Are there significant moral quandaries within the series? Are there issues of leadership in the trilogy? Can our students relate to some piece or character within the three novels? I would be hard pressed to think that one would answer "no" to any of these three questions.

On Tuesday, I will happily reveal my 90-minute workshop on leadership and the Hunger Games. While some may not agree with my approach to leadership development and best practices in group dynamics, I do not waver from my stance. I think it is essential for us to understand popular culture and ways in which to reach out to the students in which we serve. Who knows? Maybe I will learn a thing or two during my own presentation.

For student staff members (and professionals) in HRL, come out to my workshop this upcoming Tuesday. It will be from 2:30 - 4:00 PM, and I would like to get some feedback. I promise that residence hall learning will be brought to a new level. Enjoy the bits and pieces from my presentation while you wait in anticipation. :)

New Year, New You?

 

So, after a few years, I'm going to give this a go... again! I appreciate the faithful viewers who have awaited the day in which I created a new post.

 

We are officially in the new year, and it is 2014. It is pretty crazy how time flies, huh? One year ago, I was enjoying month 6 of my new career. Two years ago, I was struggling to finish my last semester of graduate school (and that darn thesis). Five years ago, I was finishing my last year of my undergraduate career and going through that identity crisis in which many of us undergo. It is that internal battle in deciding whether you are in the right field, right place, right career. During these years, I've undergone a number of transformations. A number of years back... 7 to be exact, I decided that I would give up red meat. I didn't stop there, no. At some point, I thought it was brilliant to become a full-blown vegetarian. While that didn't last long, I recognized that I was using the new year to create a new me. Like most folks, I was taking on a resolution and not maintaining commitment past January. Through every success, I was finding an opportunity to cheat my system and commitment.

Ultimately, I've been thinking about why we commit to these things. Why does it take the new year to create a new me? I think this can be interpreted in a lot of ways. Many individuals take to healthy eating and working out. Some folks commit to further reading and enhancing their knowledge. A number of people take to creating a one word theme for the year. But why? In the midst of these New Year's Resolutions, why do people commit to things when statistics show that 88% of people will fail? Let me tell you; it is to create a sense of purpose. It is to inspire hope.

This year, I challenge you to create your own purpose. What are you hoping for this year? I am committing to reading more and taking more personal time. Maybe I should commit to writing more... And you all can hold me to it, since it is in writing. :) With this coming of 2014, I hope it brings about a better you. I hope it brings about a new habit. Find something that speaks to you, a resolution in which you can be happy committing. Take care, and Happy New Year!

Fall: Royalty Among Seasons

Most people know that fall is my favorite season. My love for the season is not a secret. I figured I would post a blog specifically dedicated to fall. Here are a few reasons why fall is the greatest time of the year:

*Changing colors

*Cool days

*Colder nights

*Perfect running weather

*Beer festivals

*Apple cider

*Hot chocolate

*Great hiking

*Halloween

*Thanksgiving

*Pumpkin patches

*Apple orchards

*Scary movies

*Haunted houses

*Fall jackets

*New season of The Amazing Race

*Baking

*Rainy days

Excited to be spending a fall in Blacksburg, VA. Wilmington and Stillwater were not able to quench my thirst for this time of year. Expect a lot of fall pictures in the next few months. :)

Hokie Blindside

Today was an interesting day, to say the least. It was the first time in a few weeks in which the professional staff had the opportunity to branch out and take some much-needed time off from work. Needless to say, Jenny and I ventured out and spent some time together... for good or for worse.

In the afternoon, we decided to go to Target on Move-In weekend. It is like we were amateurs at this whole "moving to college" thing. Luckily, we found a parking spot or two and continued our journey to stock up on some necessities. You know you have been cooped up when you are excited to purchase a new toothbrush.

Once we got back, we planned to meet in 30 minutes to attend this Hokie Hi Picnic thing. Apparently, it is a big thing at Virginia Tech to attend this picnic. All of the dining halls close during this time to prep for the students, staff, friends, and families who attend this event. Strategically, we came an hour after it started to ensure there was no line for the food. When Jenny and I arrived, we were confused upon the entrance to this little shindig. There was a split entrance with band members going to the left and what appeared to be the general public going to the right. Luckily for us, this fine volunteer pointed us in the direction of the band...

Continuing down the walkway, we were greeted by about 10 other volunteers. They were super pumped about giving some hi-fives. Jenny and I were super confused. As we continued down the tunnel, we began to realize we were the only ones who were heading into the football player entrance to Lane Stadium. And we were surrounded by about 50 people waiting to cheer us on. Where was everyone else?!

Let me tell you... they were happily sitting in their seats watching this fiasco unfold. Apparently, we were corralled into the entrance for first-year students who wanted to rush the field. We looked less-than-thrilled. It wasn't until we got our food and our seats that we realized there was another entrance and that we were the only individuals within the past 30 minutes to make an entrance. And we also realized that this was truly not a picnic... #HokieFail

This image is to represent our entrance into Lane Stadium. McKayla is not impressed...

Why I RLC

The Peddrew-Yates area at Virginia Tech has organized a blog to allow individuals the opportunity to share their stories. This is why I am where I am today. Thanks to all who made a difference. :)

Hello, all!

My name is Scott Busiel, and I am one of two Residential Learning Coordinators (RLC) in Pritchard Hall this year. I'm excited to join the Hokie Family as this is my first year within the role. Recently, I obtained my Masters of Science in Educational Leadership from Oklahoma State University... Go Pokes!

I didn't expect to end up where I currently am. I began my education planning on being a marine biologist. And no, I did not want to be a dolphin trainer with the degree. That is a common misconception of marine biology majors, as many individuals don't end up working with marine mammals. I will save that story for another time. I did end up where I am due to my role as the Night Director for a marine biology summer camp. While I got the chance to teach about the sciences, it was the interpersonal relationships I built with the students in the camp that allowed me to reflect on who I was meant to be. I worked with students through familial issues, mental health issues, and served as the confidant they needed. It changed my life, and I realized I was able to change theirs.

From this point on, I knew I wanted to work with students and serve as their teacher, their mentor, and their support. I am passionate about helping individuals reach their potential, even if they don't realize it in the present tense. Even with the long days, longer nights, and countless hours of helping others, I could not imagine doing anything else. That is why I RLC.