Summer “Break”
The academic year has officially come to a close. Students have returned to their homes for the summer (or signed up for summer classes, in some cases). It seems like everyone is ready for some rest and relaxation.
Now hold on just a minute. Rest? Relaxation? Who has time for that when there is still so much to be done?! When May rolls around, studying and test-taking may be out of the picture for most, but for many UT students, summer hardly entails a break.
For students involved in any of the nearly 200 student organizations on our campus, the summer is being spent preparing for the approaching fall semester. Whether it’s brainstorming new ideas and networking with other schools or planning events held at UT year after year, our student leaders are hard at work making sure they can provide great events for students to enjoy in the fall. On a personal level, I’ve been getting ready for the coming year as acting president of the Resident Student Association. Just weeks after final exams, a group of on-campus leaders, including resident advisors, RSA members, and members of the National Residence Hall Honorary boarded a plane and jetted off to Tucson, Arizona. As we set foot on the University of Arizona campus, we were immediately energized with our purpose there–attending and actively participating in the events of NACURH 2009.
NACURH (The National Association for College and University Residence Halls) is a linking of all the on-campus student leaders in the country. This dynamic group hosts a conference each year where member schools send a delegation of student leaders to network with other delegations and exchange ideas. Sounds productive, right? It actually happens to be tons of fun too! Each member of our delegation had a blast meeting students from across the country. Attending the conference was an invaluable experience for each of us. We all took away a wealth of knowledge that will undoubtedly inspire us to make the 2009-2010 academic year an incredible one.
Two UT's come together at NACURH: The University of Toledo and The University of Texas.
Since NACURH, I’ve returned with a renewed spirit and tons of energy. I can’t wait to bring everything I learned to The University of Toledo community.
After going to Arizona, most peoplle would think I got a break. Nothing could be further from the truth. I dove headfirst into preparing for the school year with RSA. The rest of the executive board and I have a great year planned. We’re all getting along very well, and I consider them awesome friends.
Quality RSA executive board bonding time!
Not only have I been working hard trying to step up and fulfill my RSA duties, I also have been working in a new and exciting environment. I’ve been granted the amazing opportunity to gain experience toward my career in law. In downtown Cleveland, the law firm of Javitch, Block, & Rathbone opened its doors (and the window of opportunity) for me to intern under the guidance and supervision of a reputable and experienced staff. I could not be luckier or more excited about this opportunity.
Phew. Undoubtedly, so many UT students and I have had summers that are more chaotic than relaxing. While this holds true, I know I would never have it another way. This is definitely the summer of a lifetime.
August 31st, 2009at 5:29 pm
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