So, we wanted to appeal to their interests during RA Training this year. Over the summer, we decided that we wanted to utilize different forms of media into our training of RAs on confrontation.  With the rise of popularity of YouTube, we thought we’d make some videos of staged “incidents” and show how confrontation could be handled in a good or bad manner. 

So, we grabbed a few summer residents, a video camera and this is the result.  Follow this link to a playlist of those videos on our YouTube channel: http://www.youtube.com/user/PolicyWG#p/c/DE0A9AA17792559C/4/5p0OALzFZgo 

Many thanks to the following people who made this happen: Jarrett Tate, Ginny Brady, Anna Magliolo, Drew Wagstaff, Dan Schrader, Leigh Nevill, Shemika Harris, Evan Hillyer and Brent Owens.  We’ll certainly accept ideas for future videos. 

I’m continually amazed and inspired by the giving hearts of our students.  In our demolition, we were stepping on nails, scrapping our arms and using muscles in new and extraordinary ways.  And, they never complained.  The work ethic was off the charts.  These students help the things around them become better.  And, that’s amazing.

Recently, Tyler Turner (he’s a blogger on here), RA in Williford Hall, was selected to attend a conference on conducting in Prague.  And, he was one of few selected to conduct Gustav Mahler’s 4th Symphony.  Tyler got to conduct the 4th movement–a huge honor and we’re so proud!

Tyler...in a glamorous TP outfit.

Today, Diana Comes, ‘08, will receive the National Association of Women Judges’ Justice Sandra Day O’Connor Scholarship.  (Wow, that title is longer than Diana is tall.)  Diana was an RA for two year in Trezevant Hall.  She’ll get the award at a luncheon where Sandra Day O’Connor is the keynote speaker.  Diana is currently in her second year of Law School at the University of Memphis.  Diana is an amazing woman who will do great things for the world!

Diana getting ready to dominate the RA Olympics

I was at a conference on leadership this past week and had the opportunity to listen to three bloggers speak about the joys and ills of making  your living as a writer/blogger.  Each of them said that, at some point or another, they fell into this trap of believing that their fame and notoriety projected them to be more than they actually were.  Maybe they made people laugh or think deeply or gave them an avenue for confession, but what did that matter?  They were just individuals who struggled the same as you and I.  They wrestle with issues of mattering, just as you and I do. 

With all of that said, I’ve spent some time trying to figure out what matters.  By no means do I have an answer.  I think I’ll be meditating on this for the foreseeable future.  But, what I’ve reconciled to myself is that I want a simple, organic life that is used for the greatest good.  I still have to figure out some realistic application for that…but it’s where I’m at now.  And, I encourage you to live a life devoted to making a positive difference.  And do it for the sake of doing good–not because there’s some reward in it for you.

Anyways, it’s a new season and hope springs eternal!  The Grizzlies made some amazing signings (we will see if they are good signings).  Allen Iverson and Zack Randolph will be new players to the Grizzlies who are hoping to prove that they can be good team players.  Our core consisting of Marc Gasol, OJ Mayo, and Rudy Gay will be making a huge improvement, and I can feel it, we are going to be great (it’s all that “hope springs eternal” mentality).   

So when you are making your evening and weekend plans, remember that the Memphis Tigers aren’t the only game in town.  The Grizzlies will put on a show that displays basketball at a professional level.  There are several huge games and if you are vigilant enough you can even get some Big Diehl tickets to these games.  If you have to pay for yourself, the Grizzlies have the most affordable tickets in the NBA.  My Season tickets are only $10 a game.  Finally going with friends is the best part.  I talked 3 friends into getting season tickets with me this year and they make each game better. 

Get out there and support your Memphis Grizzlies.  First regular season game is October 28^th.  If you go, look for me.  I’ll be the one who is overly excited and making a lot of noise.

           I am a senior and I took the practice GRE for the first time on Saturday.  It is incredibly scary to be approaching graduation and the “real world” and to no longer have a plan. While I am terrified about being behind in the graduate school process and making the wrong decision about what I am going to do with the rest of my life I need to remember what is most important.  I need to make sure I am happy.

               Having goals and dreams are important but that does not necessarily mean you need to have your life mapped out.  I have to remind myself daily that I have so many opportunities and so much time to figure out who I am.  As college students we do not need to have all the answers.  Remember to take time to realize what you really want out of life.  Senior year comes very quickly!

My brother and I woke up to school being cancelled.  What fifth and seventh graders wouldn’t be completely pumped about that?  But, there was this overarching uneasiness to the day.  My mom was already at work.  My dad was at home getting us up and ready.  Ready for what?  Well, there was this category 4 hurricane sitting off the coast of the Southeast US and we lived in Charleston, South Carolina.  Hurricane Hugo was taking aim on us and everyone was encouraged to evacuate.  I remember standing in my mom’s office, staring out the window at the gathering clouds that had a unique look and listening to my parents debate on whether to stay or go.  We could easily evacuate to family close to Charlotte, North Carolina. 

Stay or go? Stay or go?  I was ten and I could feel how gut wrenching the decision was for my parents.  Go and the risk for injury greatly decreases.  Go and not know what’s left of your house or when you’ll get to see it again.  Stay and know.  Stay and risk the danger.  We stayed.  Later, my parents said that we’d never stay again.  The risk was too great. 

I remember the new stations signing off and saying that they were going home to be with their families.  I remember those same newscasters telling us that the power company was going to cut the power off.  I remember that this radio station, Q107, braved the storm and brought Charleston our only news during the storm.  We were listening through this battery powered boom box that my brother had.  I remember the sounds of the trees cracking and how the house shook when one hit close by.  I remember thinking the winds and waves were going to push right through the back of our house.  And, I remember the eerie calm of the eye of the storm which came sometime after midnight.  Not long after that, when the winds changed direction, I went to sleep. 

I woke to damage and destruction that I still can’t describe.  I lived in a neighborhood, where everyone had privacy fences.  My friend Chris and I walked down the whole street through every one’s backyard.  I was in awe at how much the landscape changed in just one day.  Tree tops were gone.  Cars were crushed.  And, yet, my neighbor’s shoes sat unmoved by the storm as they weathered the storm on his front steps.  Strange, huh?  The winds moved some cars several feet and his shoes didn’t move an inch.

So, that’s 20 years ago to me.  Hugo was disastrous.  But, it was also a lesson to me in the importance of community.  Budweiser stopped canning beer and started canning H2O, so that we would have uncontaminated drinking water.  (I’m pretty sure that my mom still has a can of Budweiser water.)  People pulled together to help a family with a tree through the middle of their house.  Neighbor helping neighbor.  Maybe that’s where I first started to really recognize and internally register that people are essentially good creatures. 

I had this pink t-shirt that said “I survived Hurricane Hugo.”  I loved that t-shirt.  It was a meaningful symbol to me.  Maybe I didn’t realize it much as a naive ten year old.  But, through the destruction of Hugo, there was something strong cultivated in Charleston.  There was a fresh love and appreciation for the city and her people.  And again, it goes back to the notion of community that makes Charleston the friendliest city in the US.

 
There is just something about being in Ohio Stadium with 105,000 other people united for one cause: to see their team win. We were not divided by race, politics, religion or other often dividing issues. We were a community with a common purpose. We were there to see the Buckeyes (or Midshipmen) win!

 
We are fortunate at Rhodes in that we are able to experience this type of community every day. Yes, we have different religions, differing political views and we represent diverse ethnicities and races however, we are part of the overall Rhodes community with the common goal of learning, growing and being our best selves. Remember when you chose to attend Rhodes, you were welcomed into a community. Being a member of this community can bring great rewards but it also requires responsibility for self and for those around you.

-Marianne

First, get involved! I know this sounds so simple, but being involved in residence life activities, student organizations, and campus activities gives you the opportunity to make new connections. An old adage says, “If you want a friend, you have to show yourself friendly.” There is some truth to this statement. Although my roommate was not interested in making connections outside the four walls of our room, I was still responsible for my experience. Hanging out in the common room gave me the opportunity to meet other students who were just like me, scared!

Second, commit to spending at least two weekends at school. For students who live in a one hundred mile radius, it can be very tempting to go home every weekend. Going home gives you an opportunity to reconnect with old high school friends, devour some delicious home cooked meals, and get free loads of laundry done. However, you are missing the campus activities occurring on the weekend. Spending time with residents in the hall, late night movie nights, football games, and mandatory study sessions are times to bond with others. It is also a time for you to become more acquainted with the world outside the campus walls.

Third, invite your family and friends to Parents and Family Weekend. Parents and Family Weekend is a great opportunity for you to connect with loved ones, as well as, a time for your parents and family to partake in your new experience.

Remember, making the transition from home to college can be difficult. Homesickness is natural; however, you have resources. Talk to your RA, Residence Life Staff, or the Counseling Center. Remember in the end, your freshman experience will be what you want to it be, so let’s make it a great year!

Shemika

Between me receiving the invite to interview and flying to Houston, I talked with a few students from Rhodes who had already interviewed there earlier. All of them had great things to say, which only heightened my anticipation. I flew into Houston Thursday evening and stayed with a couple of first year medical students (M1),  Joseph, a native of Nigeria, and Ricardo, a native of Mexico. Both of them were so great and took time to visit with me between their studies–the first block of exams are in a week.  As it was the opening night of the NFL season, we discussed sports, and we all commiserated about soccer’s lack of popularity in the States. We called it a night early, about 11pm, in lieu of the big day ahead.

The next morning I got up, put on my suit, and got on the bus with Joseph to go to my interview.  Riding the bus to the medical school, this was my first experience with the Texas Medical Center (TMC). I was blown away by all the buildings. Within the TMC are two medical schools, UT-Houston & Baylor, and a myriad of hospitals, MD Anderson being the most notable.  Walking into the medical school building, Dr. Kellaway, the Dean of Admissions, warmly greeted me and welcomed me to UT-Houston. Shortly after I arrived, the day began with a quirky video produced by the medical students. Immediately, I fell in love.  As the day progressed, I fell more and more in love. New facilities, incredible students and faculty–both as instructors and people, impressive USMLE Step 1 scores–230 avg, with 22% of students scoring >250! (This essentially means you can pick what you want to do and where you want to go for residency), a good lunch–fajitas and a fat slice of chocolate cake (yes, this plays a vital role). There were so many good things about the school, especially the opportunities that the TMC presents, that it almost seemed like a dream.

I sent a thank you note to the school informing them of how much I loved them, which hopefully will sway them some, but now comes the waiting game. On Nov 15th, they will fill a tiny fraction of their class with the rest being filled in February. Being OOS, it makes things tough. As a public institution, no more than 10% of the incoming class can be from outside TX, which means that I must be one of the lucky 23. The odds are tough, but I have my fingers crossed.

-Thomas

I guess I am bringing this up because I think it is important to find your passion and stick with it.  If your passion changes, that’s great as long as you still have something to be excited about.  I think a big part of college is finding that thing that you look forward to doing.  Finding and following you passion will lead to plenty of good times. 

p.s. Rhodes has some pretty outstanding sports teams right now.  You know what’s even better than watching your team win?  Watching people you actually know play on a team that wins.  I encourage everyone to go out and support your friends as they crush other teams weekly.

That is all.

We know that you’re anxious.  But, please be patient with us.  Sometimes, there are delays.  If you have not received a letter from us by, say, August 3rd, then that’s the time to call us.  [901-843-3241]  Things will be hectic and we’ll try our best to answer all emails and voice-mails promptly. 

Also, once you receive your room assignment, go to this web page to check out the dimensions and layout of your room.  You’ll find the list of residence halls on the right-hand side.  Click the appropriate residence hall.  The dimensions are listed below, while the pdf link will show you the layout of the room.

Feel free to contact us if you have any questions.  Phone: 901-843-3241.  Email: Marianne Luther [lutherm@rhodes.edu] or Regina Simmons [simmonsr@rhodes.edu.]

It was about 4 pm on Friday, June 12th and I was at the Easy Way picking up some fruits and veggies.  I heard one of the employees ask another if they had heard about the storm that was approaching.  I grew up on the coast of South Carolina, where hurricanes were our friends because we got out of school for a few days or weeks when one hit.  I love storms.  They don’t frighten me-they excite me. 

So, I got back to my apartment in time to check the weather on-line, while the sky grew increasingly darker.  I looked at the weather radar and saw a wall of a red and orange colored storm shooting towards Memphis.  Shooting is, in my opinion, the appropriate word, because the line of weather had a distinct curve that looked like a bullet that was aimed directly at Memphis.  My father would later tell me that the winds in that front curve of the storm are clocked at anywhere between 70-90 mph.  (That’s hurricane force winds my friends.)

Earlier I wrote that the sky was growing darker.  That’s true.  But, then, all of a sudden, it was like nighttime.  Just like that.  The thick black clouds lay on top of us and the winds kicked up like we were entering the 2nd half of a hurricane after the calmness of the eye.  The power flickered once, then twice, then darkness.  I grabbed my keys and sprinted towards Campus Safety.  It’s the place that I feel most comforted at Rhodes in the dark.  In my 10 second run outside I managed to get completely soaked from the downpour.  I grabbed Brent Owens, Assistant Director of Residence Life, and we sat in the darkened Campus Safety Office and watched trees and limbs fall outside. 

Brent and I both wanted to help.  But, there wasn’t much to be done.  Radios, phones and power was out all over campus.  Cell phone reception was interrupted for some.  Even back-up generators were having problems of kicking on.  The tornado siren sounded and rumors of twister sightings started popping up. Fortunately, I was able to get in contact with the summer RAs and we moved all students to the first floors of buildings.  Brian, one the RAs, told me that he saw rain coming from multiple directions–clearly a sign of some crazy wind gusts!

The storm moved through and the rains quieted down.  Brent and I went for a tour of campus and the surrounding areas around 7 pm, two hours after the storm hit.  Large trees were down all over.  Years of growth gone in a second.  Active power lines were down in the streets and people looked on in amazement.  Half of houses lay in ruin because trees were now resting on top of the kitchen table.   Later that night we still didn’t have power on campus, so I went to a friend’s house to watch the news.  Over 130,000 people were left without power from the storm.  Estimates were that it would take up to a week to restore everyone’s power.  Wow. 

MLGW (the power company) started working around the clock.  Saturday came and went with no power on campus.  Sunday morning brought another brief, yet windy, storm to the area, which delayed progress; however, Sunday night, 53 hours after we lost power, we got it back.  Students were heard screaming “power!!!” at the top of their lungs.  It was truly a joy to watch their excitement.  Our grounds crew has been working diligently to get the campus back in shape for next week’s Open Rhodes sessions, our first and second rounds of summer orientation. 

Below are a few pictures from the storm to give a little imagery to my story:

a tree that took out 5 power poles

the sky after the storm

The second story is a little more of one of those feel good, human (animal) interest types.  It’s best told from one of the RAs who was there, Stephen Rintoul.  Find his photos and story at the following link: http://www.threepistolnun.com/ducks.html

Move yourself and all belongings out of the hall within 24-hours of your last final (and no later than 10:00 a.m. on Monday May 11). Only graduating seniors, students associated with an official College function or students with a signed summer housing contract for the 1^st month have permission to remain past the official closing. Seniors may stay until Sunday, May 17 at noon.

Be nice to the Housekeeping staff and bag your trash (your RA has trash bags).  Personal furniture you wish to discard must be put in a dumpster (located near Glassell, East Village, Voorhies, Williford and Bellingrath).  Fines for abandoned furniture are common area fines unless the owner(s) are identified.  Clearly communicate with roommates about the clean-up of the room.  Remember that your room should basically look the same as it did when you moved in. RAs also have access to brooms and a vacuum if you need them. 

You may donate quality furniture, clothing, and appliances to MIFA. There will be collection areas in each hall. Only items in good condition will be accepted.  Also if you would like to donate items for incoming international students, please let me know.  Items needed include: sheets, towels, lamps, clothes hangers, mirrors and clocks. 

Properly turn in your key.  If you are graduating, take your mailroom key directly to the mailroom. If you are returning to Rhodes in the Fall, keep your mail key and fob.  Only turn in your fob and mailroom key if you are not returning to Rhodes.  Seniors, please return your fobs by May 29 to avoid a fee.

Enjoy your summer.  Please know that upper-class students may return to the halls on Sunday, August 23^rd at 8 a.m.  If you are associated with a fall sports team or official orientation activities, talk with your coach/advisor NOW about your return date.  If you are not associated with an official College function, you may request an early arrival of 1 or 2 days by contacting the Residence Life Office. There is a $25 fee for each day.

IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS, CONTACT A MEMBER OF THE RESIDENCE LIFE STAFF

Good Luck on your finals!

thanks,
Marianne

Act quickly, because space really is limited.

The key is to stay relevant.  And, to meet your customers where they are.  But, the secret is to do it in a way that creates the connection rather than pushing them away.  Recently, Career Services joined Twitter.  Residence Life has a blog and a You Tube channel.   I chat with some of the students who are abroad on Sykpe.  We’re all on Facebook…even my aunt and my friend’s grandmother.  Email is so five years ago.  Last night, some students and staff manned a chat room that accepted students were welcome to come into and ask questions. 

Clearly, I’m intrigued by different mediums and technologies.  With changes that come as fast as new fashion trends, we have to stay connected.  When I recently asked the RAs what way would they prefer that we communicate with them at least a handful said by text messaging.  This over email?  Email is easier for me, but easiest isn’t always best.  I think the immediacy and briefness of texting appeals to them.  Our challenge remains to identify those ever emerging technologies of communication and find out which ones work best.  I’d love to hear any suggestions!

As a rising senior I have recently altered my life goals and while it was a big decision and a difficult one, the support I received from professors, residence life, and my advisor was amazing.  Rhodes students have countless resources at their disposal.  Career services is one of the best places to start.  The fact that students can make an appointment and receive free help on what to do with their life is amazing.  I know that I will be making an appointment shortly after speaking with my advisor.  He recommended that I go speak with someone in the office to help me figure out what I am interested in doing with my history degree. 

If you know what path you want your life to take, but you just need someone to point you in the right direction for your major, make sure to utilize your advisor.  They are very willing to help and want to see you end up in courses that you will make you happy.  Finally there is always the option of speaking with your RA.  While that person may not have the same major or interests they could help or be able to suggest someone who has the same major that would be willing to talk with you.  Make sure to make an advising appointment in time to get all the help you need for deciding which classes to take next year. Remember to do what makes you happy!