The Bulletin

What is the biggest lesson you’ve learned working in the profession?

Each student is a unique individual; the same approach to development will not work with everyone. If you try to develop students with the same methods each time, you will quickly find humility. It keeps you on your toes, but that’s part of the job’s fun.  

When working with events, what factor is most likely to make or break its success?

In my experience, the success of events depends largely on the passion put into planning it. A passionate planner or team of planners will take their time going over details, envisioning the final product, and will be more likely to accept constructive criticism to make the event better in the long run.  

What is one project or innovation you’re proud to have helped implement?

I’ve led a student activities coordination program titled “60 in 6” the previous two years. The idea is to provide at least 60 events for students in the first six weeks of the academic year. I’ve been happy with the way students have internalized the name of the program and student leaders have jumped on board to help add their events to the common event calendar. 

Describe a memorable day on the job.

Two years ago I sunk a lot of time into building our programming board—recruiting, developing the group, managing conflict, and so forth. The most memorable day from that year was our year-end banquet, where everyone shared what they learned from the year. Not only was it encouraging to hear what they learned that year and vindicate my efforts, the group presented me with a gift: A group photo in a frame signed by everyone in the group. The photo is prominently displayed on a bookshelf in my office.