Quarter Life Crisis

Over the past few weeks, I have been going through some big changes. People have been leaving Stillwater one-by-one for a brighter future as full-time professionals in student affairs. I have a job, pending a background check. And I know it won't pull up any deep, dark past events or secrets. I have completed interviewing all individuals for my thesis and am in the process of finishing my last transcription and the general analysis of the data. And our department has transitioned into summer work, which means 20-hours a week of filling out online ROCs and completing flyers, graphic designs, and tasks for the Recognition Committee, taking off Thursdays and Fridays throughout June, and laying at the pool. It sounds like I'm living the difficult life.

This weekend, I decided it was time to spend some money, making me think that I'm experiencing my "Quarter Life Crisis." I'm not sure if this term really exists, but it sounds like a logical explanation for these recent events. On Sunday, I spent the day in Oklahoma City with Hanah. She was a good friend and helped me pick out new sunglasses, a new book, and a new phone. I'm not a materialistic person, which makes me think that there are some outside forces pushing me to do these crazy and erratic things. Or it may be due to the fact that I'm an "orange" based on True Colors... Who knows?!

It wasn't until yesterday that I was able to pick up my new iPhone. Even though I have been pretty independent financially and personally throughout college and graduate school, I feel like this was the first time that I am really beginning on my own. I changed my number, began my own plan, and am beginning  on a crazy journey as an adult.

Some of you may be reading this and thinking that this isn't too bad. Where are the big purchases? Let me tell you. They will take place next month and once I make my move to Virginia. I have it all mapped out, which is strange to me as I tend not to be much of a life planner. Before leaving Oklahoma, I plan on getting a tattoo to represent my time here. For those of you who don't know, I already have one to represent my time in North Carolina. It is a wave and is located on my forearm. I spent four years on the beach and was passionate about my studies in marine biology, so it seemed like the perfect fit, and I was able to design it myself. Within the next month, I am looking to get a barcode to wrap around my arm, directly below my elbow. I'm getting this to represent the growth I have undergone in understanding who I am as an individual (hence the barcode). Tattoos are not cheap, for those of you who have not gotten one.

Following my move, I am also hoping to get a guitar. Music is a passion of mine and is my life. And I have always wanted the opportunity to write my own songs, so it seems like the purchase of a lifetime. While these things may not be like buying a car or renting an apartment or purchasing a new home, they are a big deal. I'm finally moving on and starting anew! Plus, I'm frugal, so these purchases are going beyond what I have been comfortable spending. Let's hope these spontaneous decisions were for the best.

Happy Tuesday!

Be Your Own Chauffeur

I'm sure many of you have heard this before, but I feel like it is an important life lesson that we often take for granted. Maya Angelou said, "If you don't like something, change it. If you can't change it, change your attitude." Sound familiar? Even if you haven't heard this quote before, I'm sure your mentors, supervisors, friends, or people within your circle of acquaintances have talked about this general concept. This will be the focus through the rest of my piece.

In my opinion, graduate students and interns often get the short end of the stick when it comes to responsibilities and assignments. If a full-time professional does not want to take something on, they often pass it on to a graduate assistant or intern as part of the "other duties as assigned" portion of the job description. You know what? That's completely alright. You've also probably heard of the quote: "What doesn't kill you makes you stronger." As a Residence Director, I have done my fair share of complaining, griping, and doing what I could to impose change. Just because I didn't like something, I felt a need to change it. The most growth comes from these negative, and often challenging, experiences. I'm telling myself (and you, as a reader) to accept the pieces of your job that you can't change and to make the changes when they are only truly needed.

The title of this blog is "Be Your Own Chauffeur." Have you figured out the connection yet? It is important for us to be the driving forces in our own lives and to control the things we have the power to control. The greatest area in which many people and professionals in student affairs have direct influence is their own personal attitude. Yes, I have met many individuals in the profession who have terrible attitudes. Fortunately, this is our biggest area of self-influence.

This past week, I have been completing online Room Occupancy Checks (ROCs) through our StarRez system. It is not the most glamorous or most exciting job, and I will be the first to admit that. Have I been the most positive of influences to those around me? I would be lying if I said I was. Hopefully by writing this, I will be able to hold myself better accountable for my attitude and spheres of influence. What I am trying to get at is that it is important to make the most out of the worst of situations. That is how your friends, peers, other co-workers, and supervisors will remember you by. Attitude is a defining feature and is often the "make" or "break" when it comes to one candidate getting a job over another.

As you go through life, I hope you remember that you are a major influence in whether you are having a great day or a terrible one. Even in the most critical and negative of transitions, your attitude reflects who you are as a person and professional, in many cases. How do YOU want to be remembered? Make those changes and be the driving force in your life.

Oklahoma Bucket List

Last night kind of marked the beginning of the end for my cohort's time at Oklahoma State. Tomorrow is the day when individuals begin to leave Stillwater for home or greener pastures (or new jobs). It was probably the last time we will all be in the same place at once. Due to these upcoming farewells, I have decided to start an Oklahoma Bucket List for my last 40 days here:

1. New tattoo to represent my time in Oklahoma. And yes, I have finally figured out what it will be. There will be no tornadoes or pictures of Pistol Pete on my body, so I'm sorry to disappoint those who were thinking that a viable option.

2. Trip to Dallas and Six Flags in Arlington, TX. Austin - you better be ready for this one!

3. Picnic by this nice little pond off of Western.

4. Go to a Casino, as I have never been to one before. I may watch Michael and others gamble, but I will be the moral support.

5. Spend an entire day at Aspen Coffee, listening to music and not feeling bad about it. I'll save this one for one of the Thursdays or Fridays I have off in June. :) (May 26, 2012)

6. Run 13.1 miles below 1 hour and 45 minutes.

7. Say what I mean and act on how I feel.

8. Float the Illinois River at least once. Was supposed to do this 2 summers back, but Oklahoma was in a drought (no one is surprised here).

9. Say "see you soon" to everyone who made this experience a great one! (May 23, 2012)

10. Play midnight bocce somewhere other than behind the Griffith Center. I'm flexible with this one. (May 17, 2012)

11. Spend an evening looking at the stars without any disturbances.

12. Go golfing a few times this summer. (May 19, 2012)

13. Learn how to shoot with a bow and arrow.

14. (Maybe) Get my nose pierced. This one depends on the money.

I feel as if this list is pretty reasonable. More will be added as I continue to think about things that I need to experience while I am still in Stillwater.

The Summer Season

It is no secret that summer is one of my favorite seasons. If we could keep both summer and fall and get rid of the other two, I would be content 24/7. So, I was thinking about what makes summer unique and special. I actually think I have worked more during the summer than I regularly do throughout the year. My first summer at Oklahoma State, I had the privilege of staying on-campus and working with New Student Orientation. Last summer, I got to travel back out east and work with some incredible friends and professionals at the University of South Carolina. With all of this work, why do I love summer so much? I know that is the question you are asking yourself, right? I will tell you everything that makes this season incredible (to me):

*Cool mornings
*Warm days
*Summer drives
*Loud music
*Windows down
*Eating watermelon
*Drinking lemonade
*Picnics at the lake
*The 4th of July
*Lounging at the pool
*White t-shirts
*Bright colors
*Summerfest
*Concerts
*Walking barefoot
*Wearing sandals
*Evening thunderstorms
*Afternoon rain showers
*Big sunglasses
*Cold beer
*Slushies
*Summer movies (this summer is a bit of a letdown...)
*Traveling
*Tennis
*Water parks
*Roller coasters
*Sleeping in
*Hiking and camping
*The beach
*Food Network programming
*Reading outside
*Running around Boomer
*Exploring
*Campfires
*Smores
*Stargazing
*Walking dogs
*Sand volleyball
*Everyone's nicer (not proven, but I'm sure it's true)

This is a condensed list. I'm sure there are more. Feel free to add your own, whether it is a comment to this page, on FB, or through Twitter. Thanks for reading. Enjoy the start to your summer season!

Cut... That's a Wrap

Most of you probably recognize this image on my profile. These incredible people (and Kyle Moore and Becca Morgan who are not pictured) have really pushed me in my work. This is the North Monroe Area professional staff at Oklahoma State, led by Delton Gordon (guy in orange). This semester, our area agreed that we would meet every morning for around 45 minutes to an hour. I loved this progressive idea and immediately jumped onboard. I know others were more hesitant and reluctant to the changes. BUT I can honestly say that despite the struggles with organizing my time, these were some of the best moments of the year. Thank you (from left to right) Michael DuPont, Eric Garrison, Kathryn Shore, Bryan Hinnen, Kendra Fringer, Kali Bell, Heather Wright, Delton Gordon, and Kyle and Becca for everything. This has been, by far, my favorite group of people in which I had the opportunity to work. Every morning was a new experience, and I can say that I have laughed more with this group of people than any other on campus. I will miss you all next year!

This goofy group is the Zink-Allen 2011-2012 staff. In my not-so-humble opinion, this was the best staff on campus this year. I am proud of everything this group has accomplished and am proud of you all as individuals in your growth this year. I am going to take some time to brag about these great student leaders (and soon-to-be professionals). We will start with the left and move to the right.

Kiara Walton - Keeping the group organized was always something you did so well. I am really proud of you in getting that photo editor position with the paper and am excited to continue hearing about your successes. You have a bright future. See you this summer, as I will probably be at Olive Garden every other day.

Robyn Latham - What haven't you accomplished this year? You represented OSU as the Student Staff Member of the Year for the region. And you were inducted into the Student Staff Hall of Fame! I'm excited for you, as you begin your graduate school journey at OSU this fall. You will make a huge difference in the world; I already know it.

Sage Kerr - You are one of the most mature and reflective individuals I know. And you are also one of the least likely individuals to be recognized for your hard work and accomplishments. I know you will be valued as the leader on staff next year. Thank you for our long discussions and chats. I hope they continue.

Esther Johnson - I've told you before: I don't know how you manage everything you are involved in! People see you as a leader, whether you are working with Housing or working on engineering projects. Congrats on your 2nd place finish in the Concrete Canoe Competition and on your Housing scholarship! Make sure to keep Austin in line next year. :)

Dylan West - I would say that we ended up with a tie in our overall racquetball score. And we never did end up playing tennis this semester! You have been one of the most creative staff members I had the chance in which to work. Your bulletin boards are OUTSTANDING. Make sure to keep up that drive and ideation with the staff next year.

Jess Thompson - The past two years have been quite the journey. I am glad you made your way over to Zink-Allen from the Bennett bunch one year back. I am also proud of you for your work developing community and in putting on the Leadership Program of the Year: RAs Exposed. Continue to rock it out next year as a ZA returner!

Melissa Gleason (the one hiding) - You are one of the most brilliant people I know. Congratulations on everything you have accomplished this year: National RA of the Month for July, Housing scholarship, and on getting into PA school! I am really proud of your balance and dedication to your goals. Keep up with those finals study sheets you are so fond at making.

Sean Morrison - The newest Zink-Allen staff member and I could not have asked for a better person to join the team. It was tough, as you didn't get the training you may have needed when you made the transition in February. Your determination, effort, and drive has been unmatchable. That is probably why you won the Parachute Award this year. Congrats! You deserved it more than anyone I know.

Amy Gipson - My experience at OSU would not have been the same without you. We have both grown so much since we first started, and you were the most incredible Programming Assistant I know. You were the Advisor of the Semester, inducted into the Student Staff Hall of Fame, and were an incredible role model and leader. I'm proud of you and am excited to continue our conversations as you move to China this summer. Keep on making a difference.

Thank you all for making this year fun, entertaining, and incredible. You all kept me motivated to be a better person and professional, even when I didn't feel that motivation from others in the department. I will miss you all! And while I may not have cried (as some of you noted) when you all left over the past few days, I know it will hit me soon. Remember: It is a staff expectation to not thieve and to keep in touch.

As I finish up my thesis and officially graduate, I am grateful for all of the people I have met over the years. I am excited to keep up with Lena Kavaliauskas (shown above), as she starts her Ph.D. adventure at the University of Maryland. I am also thrilled for others, as they also make the move to the east coast. This will definitely ease this terrifying transition. And while it may not always seem like it, orange will forever be my favorite color and OSU will always hold a special place in my heart. I will always Live Orange!

And as we officially make the move to the summer months, I will leave you all with some incredible tunes. This is my Summer Sound 2012 playlist. I will continue to update it as new songs show up on my radar. Let me know if you want me to send you a copy; I am willing to mail you so you can share my experiences with me. Music is my life, and I love the linkage of music to the past and present. Share my summer with me as we all move on, in some shape and way.

Peace, love, and rock and roll.

A Year in 1 Post

I know I have been pretty terrible about keeping up with this blog. I may get better, I may not. Only time will tell, right?

To start, thank you for taking the time to read this. Chances are, you found this because you are a friend, professional connection, or a combination of the two. Whatever the relationship, you should know that you are important to me. Most of you know that I am terrible about keeping up (hell, it has been 11 months since I have updated this blog). Someone told me that you are only able to process 150 +/- 10 relationships at a time. This is my attempt to keep up with the 700+ people in my life. And I digressed...

So, this has been a year full of surprises, hardships, and reflection. I don't think I would be the same person or professional I am right now without everything that has happened, both good and bad. The theme of the past 11 months is this: Life is filled with learning. You can find success anywhere, as long as you are open to this idea of change. I have made my fair-share of mistakes this year, as a person and as a Residence Director. And through these mistakes, I have probably made even more mistakes. There were points in the past few months when I upheld the traits I hated most in others. There were points when I was treated with the utmost disrespect. There were points when I saw others treated in the same regard. I have developed my values through these experiences: The times I have seen myself at my best and at my worst through self-reflection and the observation of others and their actions.

At this point, you are probably asking yourself why I am writing about this. My first blog in 11 months, and I am standing on a soapbox. Well, I'm doing it to give perspective. What makes society both good and bad is its influence on us as people. Sure, it is important to take in the thoughts, ideas, and perspectives of others. It helps us grow. Don't let the negative influences and behaviors of others adversely impact you as an individual. Take these experiences and rise up to be the better person... the better professional. Stand up for the wrongs of the world. Be strategic in taking these risks.

I have done my share of complaining this year. What I didn't understand until recently was that I have learned from everything in which I have undertaken. I have met some of the most incredible friends and colleagues over the past few months, and I have a lot to be thankful for. Within a two-week period, I met nearly 100 professionals and made some significant connections in student affairs. I have graduated with a Masters (well, almost) and have a job with an institution that values who I am. Virginia Tech was a great fit, and I think they need me as much as I need them over the next 3 years. I have a family who loves me and friends who care about me. Most of all, I have changed. I am more confident in who I am, and I think I have this whole life thing figured out. I am outgoing. I am sarcastic. I am a scientist. I am an educator. I am a hippie. I am go-with-the-flow. I am brilliant. I am an advocate. I am a health nut. I am an athlete. I am a lover of music. I am addicted to Facebook and Twitter. I am listening to "Superman" by Joe Brooks on repeat while writing this. Love me or hate me, I am Scott Busiel.

And there you go! Welcome back to my blog. :)