Now that I’ve grabbed your attention with my dramatic title, this is not my last blog post ever because I will be coming back this summer! Whoop Whoop 🙂 I am so grateful for the opportunity to work with Student Health Promotion and I am honored to be able to continue my time with such an amazing group of people! But before I get ahead of myself, I would like to share what I have learned through my time at SHP 🙂
1. You are the face of Student Health Promotion. SHP is maybe 85% student engagement so, with the opportunity to represent SHP, simple gestures go a long way. During tabling events (Mobile clinics, HIV/ STI testing on the main campus, etc.) majority of students are either nervous or hesitant to approach your table. So, finding ways to break the ice will initiate the chance to have an engaging conversation. The easiest way to do this is by having a smile on your face. That small affirmation can brighten a student’s day more than you know!
2. Make the best of every situation. There is always an opportunity for growth in everything you do at SHP. I was not particularly passionate about sexual health but stepping outside my comfort zone opened my eyes to the interest in program development and educating students. In the beginning, you couldn’t pay me the money to use proper verbiage for describing a male/females body part. But I have grown LOL. And now I have developed the skill to properly talk about sexual health and present a condom demonstration in front of my peers. Another great learning experience was the practice of meditation with our WONDERFUL liaison Linnie. The most memorable experience was participating in the Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction program. It was an amazing 8-week program that taught me new practices of mindfulness that stay with me forever!
3. No need to panic. Professional staff and your fellow Graduate Students got your back. In a time of tension because of academic requirements, family problems, or whatever you may be going through, SHP is supportive of your needs. There were times that I had to miss work due to a family emergency and professional staff – Tammy, Johnny, and Camilla were always accommodating and understanding of my situation. I appreciate each of them for all they have done for me while my time with SHP!!
4. Be non-reactive or non-judgmental. Hundreds of students call into the office that discuss very personal information with you. Or at tabling events, students come to you in confidence and confine in you, so it is important to not pass judgment. Of all the learning outcomes as a Graduate Assistant, this may be the most impactful for me. I’ve gained the experience to be an active listener and display self-awareness for students who require our services.
As I said, you will be hearing from me ALL summer and I couldn’t be more excited to continue this position with Blar-blur (Barbara) because who uses real names now? LOL See you soon!!