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. :)