Wednesday, November 28, 2012

Community Building Rotation #2: North Carrick Hall

I had the pleasure of attending a community builder on nutrition presented by Ross Johnson of North Carrick Hall last night.

Ross provided a very informative presentation on the impact that nutrition can have on finals performance and overall feelings of well-being. I think one of the most useful parts of the presentation were the guidelines presented for eating at campus establishments. For instance, when eating at PCB, good meal options include a large spinach salad piled with boiled eggs, kidney beans, sunflower seeds, and many of the other yummy toppings provided. If salad is not your thing, consider making a sandwich on the panini press or try the fish option! For dessert, opt for a bowl of cereal or a yogurt, granola, and fruit parfait instead of the cobblers or cookies. One of the most useful tidbits of information for me was the tip for Einsteins. Being a business student, I spend quite a bit of time in the Haslam Business Building. I run to Einsteins for a quick afternoon snack every now and then, but I always find it difficult to find a healthy option there [they're usually out of the fresh fruit by the afternoon]. Ross suggested a whole wheat bagel thin with light cream cheese spread. I didn't even know they had bagel thins! I know what my go-to snack will be from now on!
 

Enjoy the pictures below, and congratulations to Ross on a successful community builder!

Residents listening intently as Ross outlines some nutrition guidelines.

Pre-presentation chatter.

Until next time,
Chelsea Oliver
WAGA

Sunday, November 25, 2012

Community Building Rotation #2: Hess Hall

Joe Buckner of Hess Hall put on a hall-wide community builder to address the concerns of Hess residents.

This community builder had a town hall setup. Joe invited hall director Richie Kenney, the two SGA Senators representing Hess Hall, and Joe spoke from the RA prospective. Residents raised concerns or questions that they had about living in Hess Hall, and the panel provided insight into possible solutions  or ways to address these concerns.

The residents were very engaged in this discussion, and the suggestions were very interesting. They ranged from the very silly: "Hess doesn't smell good." to the very important: "How can we work to use the wasted/discarded food from campus facilities for the betterment of the Knoxville community?"

The Senators had good ideas for bills to draft during the spring homework, Richie was given ideas for general building improvement. Joe was an excellent facilitator, and was very understanding and welcoming of all suggestions.

He even provided pigs in a blanket for attendees. They were heavenly.

Great job on a successful community builder, Joe!

Early arrivals grabbing some snacks!
Post-Town Hall discussion among senators and residents.

SGA Senator explaining the role he plays and how residents can get involved.
 Until next time,
Chelsea Oliver
WAGA

Thursday, November 15, 2012

Community Building Rotation #2: Morrill Hall

Give Back, Give Books.

This community builder was different from any that I have attended this year. Why? It encouraged reflection and giving and overall community awareness of the residents. I love the idea and I loved the program.

Lauren Owsley and Curtis Bowrey of Morrill's 12th and 13th floors were the brains behind the community builder. Residents were asked to bring a new or slightly used book with them, suitable for anyone ages 0-18. [There were quite a few donations of "The Accidental Asian."] These books are going to be donated to the Mission of Hope (read about it here) at the end of the month. After the community builder, signs were put up throughout Morrill to encourage hall-wide participation in the book drive.

The community builder provided a time for residents to participate in fun, stress-relieving holiday activities. Residents were encouraged to cut out snowflakes for floor decorations, and decorate holiday trees using ice cream cones, icing, and candy. Residents could take their creations with them, eat them, or leave  them as floor decorations.

Check out a few pictures!

The wonderful hosts, Curtis and Lauren!

Curtis sharing information about poverty in America and Tennessee with residents.

The food line!

Holiday trees in the making! Smile everyone!

Hard at work, creating masterpieces.

Snacks and Socializing!




Great job, Curtis and Lauren!!

Chelsea
WAGA

Friday, November 9, 2012

RA of the Month: October

Congratulations to Collin Napier of Reese Hall on being selected as the West Area RA of the Month for the month of October.

Lets see what Collin's nominators, John Michael VanHorn and Michael Banks, had to say about him:


"Collin is working on his Masters in secondary education and has had a very busy semester with student teaching, class, and his work as an RA. Collin leaves campus every morning around 7:00 and teaches for the entire day and does not return to campus until 4:30 or 5. He then has night classes several nights a week. Even with these busy days, Collin is still extremely dedicated to his residents and the Reese Hall staff. Collin has seemed to continuously have great programs, door decorations, and bulletin boards. Collin worked this month to get Reese a new grill and had a cookout with his floor which had an attendance of 25+. He has great relationships with his residents and seems to know the majority of them on a personal level. The following was one of Collin’s interactions from October that I feel shows the type of relationships that Collin has formed on his floor.
Howe, Sean, and Avery came by my room when I had the door closed and unplugged the pumpkin light I have out my door. Not only did they unplug it but they took the cord and put it inside the pumpkins mouth. They were just messing around, but little did they know that I was looking out the peep hole… muwahaha. I saw them come back from PCB and go into their room so I took the pumpkin down to their room, plugged it in right in front of their door and then door-bell ditched them (banged on the door and ran). When they saw the pumpkin they were kind of freaked out and started asking each other if somebody saw them. After a few minutes of laughter behind my door I came out and told them that I saw the whole thing and have eyes in the back of my head. They thought it was pretty funny, and I successfully proved to them that even when my door is closed I am very aware of what goes on in the hallway.
Collin really showed his dedication to Reese and the staff during the Haunted House this year. He put in countless hours in the days leading up to the event by helping with advertising and construction of the event. Monday night right after work Collin was at Reese ready to go for the first night of the Haunted House. Collin worked throughout the night until we finished at about 2:30 a.m. The next morning Collin woke up sick with fever. He had to go to work that day because he was being supervised by several of his professors. That night for the Haunted House, Collin worked to find replacement actors for him, which he did. The next day, still sick, Collin spent several hours helping clean up. Collin also took the Praxis this past Saturday which he studied for while still working with the Haunted House and his everyday RA duties.
Collin never complains about the work load or anything that is ever asked of him. He has almost twice the amount of work load that the average RA has and still does everything to the best of his ability. I have always described Collin as the RA that only has to be asked once to do something and it will be done right the first time without fail. Collin seems to fly under the radar much of the time in Reese because he goes about his business and takes care of what needs to be done. Collin has no problem saying how much he has loved his time as an RA in Reese and this also shows in his dedication to his residents and his fellow staff members."

Congratulations, Collin!

Chelsea Oliver
WAGA

Thursday, November 8, 2012

November Bulletin Boards

Greetings!

Below you will find pictures of the bulletin boards submitted for the November Bulletin Board contest, as well as a link to the voting site! [Note: Remember the number of the bulletin board you wish to vote for when you go to the voting site. It doesn't have pictures.] Excellent work, to all!

I will announce the winner on November 21st. Voting will remain open until then!

Vote Here!

Entry 1:"Lets Save the World! & Water"





Entry 2: "No Shave November" & "Facts About Alcohol"




Entry 3: "Gobble Up a Good Book" & "What Are You Thankful For?"








 Entry 4: "V for Vendetta" & Light Cover





Entry 5: "The Trustworthiness of Beards"




Entry 6: "What are You Thankful For?"



Entry 7: "Gopher the Grades"