Think Before You Text

You may have seen the recent news about the release of emails written by Sarah Palin during her term as Governor of Alaska. In case you didn't, read here...
Sarah Palin's Emails

This brings up a very important topic that I like to address with students coming to college...Privacy. In today's digital age, what really is private anymore? NOTHING.

According to The Los Angeles Times, "The state redacted more than 2,200 pages worth of materials, citing exemptions to public-records laws, including the privacy provision of the Alaska Constitution, attorney-client privilege, work-product privilege and executive and deliberative-process privileges." Ok. So a few things remain private. But that email to your husband about the nosy neighbor you can't stand, or the office gossip, or the vacation you are taking next month, the new job your are looking for, that you can't stand your boss. Nope. Those are all out there for the public to see.

Be careful what you email. Even if it is to your BFF. Not only can the press request it, but your own employers can review what kind of messages you are sending.

We could go on a tangent here about other inappropriate uses of digital communication...

Anthony Weiner, need we say more?

Kwame, Kwame, Kwame

But seriously speaking, remember that old adage you heard from your grandmother? "If you don't have anything nice to say, don't say anything at all?" Or  how about, "Three may keep a secret, if two of them are dead?" -Benjamin Franklin.

It's worth noting, that nothing good comes from these situations. Jail time, a family in shambles, public shame...The list goes on and on. So my suggestion will be...Think First. Write Second. Don't put it out there on the Google server if you aren't comfortable with the whole world knowin' it. If you think your grandmother would roll over in her grave if she saw the text message you were about to send...don't send it. Think before you communicate. It could save you some heartache.

Taking Flight

In one week and two days...I will embark on a month of travel.
First, I should mention that I Hate Flying.

Photo courtesy pinterest

Leg One (two plane rides) Leg Two (two plane rides) Leg Three (one plane ride, shew) Leg Four (three plane rides) Leg Five (three plane rides). Leggo.

The anxiety started last night, when I realized that Leg Four requires me to get to the airport at about 9am. Fine, right? Except my husband will already be long gone to the hospital at that point. So now I have to figure out how to get to the airport. And the thoughts started rushing...

Now, I am a much better flier when accompanied by the hubs. But that's just leg three...the one stop shop.

photo courtesy pinterest

For those other legs, with the numerous layovers, it's just little ol' me. So to help me with my pre-flight anxiety...please don't share your worst inflight horror stories. Instead, tell me what to pack in my carry on to occupy my time!

It's not so bad...because all of those flights will take me here...

Arizona Biltmore

Then here...

Orlando, Universal Studios

And lastly...HERE...

Edinburgh, SCOTLAND!

I'll use this blog to keep you updated on my many travels; the people I'm meeting, the sights I'm seeing, the food I'm eating!

Now, I've got some serious packing to do...two completely different climates, although I do have one day at home to change suitcases!

Adrift...Academically Speaking

We had a book club at work this month. The selection?

Academically Adrift by: Richard Arum and Josipa Roska.

My colleagues are amazing, mind you. Brilliant thinkers. Insightful dreamers. Excellent student service delivery always on the mind. 

So when one of them said, "We are part of the village."

I stopped. And thought. We are, you are right, we are.

Of course, that colleague was referencing the interesting relationship between faculty and students, not staff and students (which I am, staff). And the comment was prefaced with "When is it going to occur to faculty that the nature of college has changed and that mentoring students is a part of the job description. We are a part of the village."

But still, it applied to me. Faculty or not.

Who doesn't get the reference, "it takes a village?" Just raise your hand.

But the village we are using to raise you up into education should come with a contract. An agreement. Not just that the faculty and staff are going to do our thing...but you. You too. There in the back row. With your head down. Texting. Posting TSM/TFM status updates on Facebook.

Should college come with a Warning Label? A big bold one, on the front of your orientation folder?

WARNING

higher education is a privilege

paying your tuition means you have the right to have a seat in this class- it doesn't mean you get an "A"

You will have to read-a TON (not skim)
We're not just doing this for show-we're doing this for a purpose
We need to stand behind our product-and our product is you
Paying your tuition is sort of like Netflix
Just 'cause you purchase it, it doesn't mean you are taking full advantage of it if you aren't renting those movies
GPA is great, UNDERSTANDING the information is better
Cheating is not acceptable

This is what it takes. We aren't going to force you, but if you want a "A" (whatever that's worth), here's what you have to do. Listen. Take advantage of the resources. Get involved. Find a mentor. Get an internship. Take good notes. Handwritten thank you cards are underutilized-get to practicin' the cursive. Respect yourself, and your dreams. And Dream Big.

Bigger. Or as we say in Gatton, "Do Big Things."

But have a concept of what it is going to take to get to that big dream (if you don't know, ask somebody). Like the village. We are here.