In Medias Res #1-The Other Shoe

I just got an email from ACPA asking me to fill out a survey about whether or not I use my graduate school education in my work as student affairs professional. Maybe, it’s because I’ve only just gotten my degree framed, or perhaps it is the result of a conversation I had with a grad school friend the other day, but the answer seemed obvious. OF COURSE!

Granted, I’m not constantly citing research, or referencing my student development book, but I do find that way more than I expected I have taken the lessons of graduate school to heart. I find myself balancing challenge and support. I find myself reading new literature to stay abreast of the field. Hell, a colleague and I are even putting the finishing touches on an ACPA proposal (perhaps the greatest fulfillment of Grad School learning, no?).

But you didn’t come here to see if I’m using my learning. Probably, you came here to see if that job search was worth it. Now that I have my first paycheck in my hand, and I’m more or less moved into my office do I feel like I made a good choice? Uhm, yes?

Listen, I’ve been here two months so far and at the moment my complaints are minimal. I like my office (a lot). I like my coworkers (plenty). I love my job so far. That said, this summer is nothing like I know the year will be. Why is that, In Medias Res, you ask me dear reader? Well, basically there are no students around. I’m out the door by five o’clock every day. I get home at a decent hour (interesting completely unrelated side note-the sun is always to my back as I commute which is a nice thing). I pay my bills, cook dinner, and exercise a little. I relax! This cannot be Student Affairs work, can it?

I am waiting for the other shoe to drop, dear reader. I am waiting for the late nights. The weeks of meals at my desk and of rushed dinners with friends in order to return to campus for a program. I don’t mean to suggest this is a bad thing. It is just a different life (one more in line with my expectations) than what I am living now.

Thus far I find myself adjusting to my new city pretty well. I have a routine-which for me is incredibly important. I know where things are. I have health, vision, and dental, so I can even get my teeth cleaned. I am making friends..slowly. I work in a very traditional office setting, and few of my coworkers are my age. Most of them are settled and have families. I am fortunate in that I have some college friends who moved here, but on the whole my social life is pretty limited. I’m also newly single which is actually kind of nice. I forgot how much fun dating can be-although I reserve the right to reverse that position in the coming weeks, dear reader. I will admit: you don’t know how much you miss sex until it is gone. That’s not necessarily sage advice I’m sharing with students, but it is true. (Joanie Mitchell never lied).

If my complaints are minimal, my joys are pretty abundant. I like the students and I have met so far, and this job is exactly what I wanted. Institution type, location, position responsibilities. Everything is sort of optimal. Yes, I might have preferred a slightly larger city, but honestly to even entertain that notion at this point in my career just seems greedy. On the whole I am happy. Let’s see how quickly that changes. (Just kidding, dear reader. I know you don’t come to In Medias Res for cynicism!)

I’m excited for the year, and that seems like as good a place as any to pause for now.