CAP training ended today with dinner at Hacienda and the excitement for Orientation week to start tomorrow. Check-in begins at 7am so Josie and I plan to eat an early breakfast in the cafeteria and then make our rounds among the dorm buildings to meet and greet all of our 37 caplets for this year. :)
Tomorrow's going to be a busy day for the incoming class but I'm sure there will be a lot of excitement too as the first-years ring the Victory Bell for the very first time, signifying their official entrance into Coe College and as a student of Coe's Class of 2016.
The day's schedule entails registration, move-in, first meetings with the CAP group, a group/class photo, ringing of the bell and convocation, FYS first-time meetings, and the ever-entertaining and fun "Taking Adversity out of Diversity" talk by Maura Cullen.
Here's to a good night's sleep for everyone and plenty of energy and excitement for tomorrow!
- Heidi Heaton
Tuesday, August 21, 2012
Monday, August 20, 2012
Heidi's Blog Update #26
Yay for new people!
Last night was our Movie Night in the Writing Center and we had a lot of new faces show up, which was very exciting! Coffee was brewing again and popcorn was popped for our enjoyable evening watching Disney's Mulan! Because who doesn't love Mulan? :)
Before we began the movie, everyone went around and introduced themselves and mentioned where they were from. It was great to see how friendly and outgoing all the new staff members were with one another. No doubt that WC New Staff Orientation starting this afternoon at 5pm will be fabulous!
There were also several returning consultants that made an appearance and it was great to see their smiling faces back in the WC as well!
People began showing up around 7:30pm and stayed in the Writing Center to socialize well past when the movie ended around 10pm. So the WC has not changed one bit and still deserves its title as the "Mecca of Random Conversation."
Check out the last few blog posts for a reminder of the WC New Staff Orientation schedule, but just so you know where to be when it starts...meet up in the WC tonight at 5pm for a bit of informal socializing before heading out for dinner at Xavier's at 5:30pm!
And for everyone's personal enjoyment, here are a few favorite quotes from our movie last night...
Mushu: Oooh! All right, that's it! Dishonor! Dishonor on your whole family!
[to Cri-Kee]
Mushu: Make a note of this: dishonor on you, dishonor on your cow, dis...
[Mulan covers his mouth with her hand]
Grandmother Fa: Great. She brings home a sword. If you ask me, she should've brought home a man.
Shang: Excuse me. Does Fa Mulan live here?
[Grandmother and Mother dumbly point to the garden]
Shang: Thank you.
Grandmother Fa: Whoo! Sign me up for the next war.
Mulan: You're, um...
Mushu: Intimidating? Awe-inspiring?
Mulan: Tiny.
Mushu: Of course. I'm travel-size for your convenience. If I was my real size, your cow here would die of fright.
[Khan snaps at Mushu]
Mushu: Down, Bessie.
Mushu: I'm doomed! And all 'cause Miss Man decides to take her little drag show on the road.
Mulan: [to Shang] Would you like to stay for dinner?
Grandmother Fa: [Yelling in the background] Would you like to stay forever?
Mushu: The truth is we're both frauds. Your ancestors never sent me, they don't even like me. But you risked your life to help people you love. I risked your life to help myself. At least you had good intentions.
[Cri-Kee chirps sadly at Mushu]
Mushu: What? What do you mean you're not lucky? You *lied* to me?
[Cri-Kee nods sadly]
Mushu: [to Mulan's horse] And what are you, a sheep?
The Emperor of China: The flower that blooms in adversity is the most rare and beautiful of all.
Shang: Sir?
The Emperor of China: You don't meet a girl like that every dynasty.
Quotes courtesy of http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0120762/quotes
-Heidi Heaton
Last night was our Movie Night in the Writing Center and we had a lot of new faces show up, which was very exciting! Coffee was brewing again and popcorn was popped for our enjoyable evening watching Disney's Mulan! Because who doesn't love Mulan? :)
Before we began the movie, everyone went around and introduced themselves and mentioned where they were from. It was great to see how friendly and outgoing all the new staff members were with one another. No doubt that WC New Staff Orientation starting this afternoon at 5pm will be fabulous!
There were also several returning consultants that made an appearance and it was great to see their smiling faces back in the WC as well!
People began showing up around 7:30pm and stayed in the Writing Center to socialize well past when the movie ended around 10pm. So the WC has not changed one bit and still deserves its title as the "Mecca of Random Conversation."
Check out the last few blog posts for a reminder of the WC New Staff Orientation schedule, but just so you know where to be when it starts...meet up in the WC tonight at 5pm for a bit of informal socializing before heading out for dinner at Xavier's at 5:30pm!
And for everyone's personal enjoyment, here are a few favorite quotes from our movie last night...
Mushu: Oooh! All right, that's it! Dishonor! Dishonor on your whole family!
[to Cri-Kee]
Mushu: Make a note of this: dishonor on you, dishonor on your cow, dis...
[Mulan covers his mouth with her hand]
Grandmother Fa: Great. She brings home a sword. If you ask me, she should've brought home a man.
Shang: Excuse me. Does Fa Mulan live here?
[Grandmother and Mother dumbly point to the garden]
Shang: Thank you.
Grandmother Fa: Whoo! Sign me up for the next war.
Mulan: You're, um...
Mushu: Intimidating? Awe-inspiring?
Mulan: Tiny.
Mushu: Of course. I'm travel-size for your convenience. If I was my real size, your cow here would die of fright.
[Khan snaps at Mushu]
Mushu: Down, Bessie.
Mushu: I'm doomed! And all 'cause Miss Man decides to take her little drag show on the road.
Mulan: [to Shang] Would you like to stay for dinner?
Grandmother Fa: [Yelling in the background] Would you like to stay forever?
Mushu: The truth is we're both frauds. Your ancestors never sent me, they don't even like me. But you risked your life to help people you love. I risked your life to help myself. At least you had good intentions.
[Cri-Kee chirps sadly at Mushu]
Mushu: What? What do you mean you're not lucky? You *lied* to me?
[Cri-Kee nods sadly]
Mushu: [to Mulan's horse] And what are you, a sheep?
The Emperor of China: The flower that blooms in adversity is the most rare and beautiful of all.
Shang: Sir?
The Emperor of China: You don't meet a girl like that every dynasty.
Quotes courtesy of http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0120762/quotes
-Heidi Heaton
Sunday, August 19, 2012
Heidi's Blog Update #25
Today's the day that all CAP leaders not already on campus move-in and exchange students move-in. It's the second week on campus for RA's and probably has been a few weeks on campus for the football players. We're all anxiously awaiting the day the entire campus full of students will be back, beginning with first-years this coming Wednesday and the rest of campus this coming Saturday or Sunday.
If you're a first-year reading this blog and feel some nerves creeping up, take a deep breath...everything will be great! If you didn't bring everything you could possibly need to campus, I can assure you that someone else will have exactly what you need and would be more than happy to share, plus there are also buses that have been hired to drive to and from Target, specifically planned into Orientation Week, for that purpose...to make sure you can rest at ease and have everything you could ever need to start your year! Not to mention that plenty of CAP leaders, Residence Life staff, and football players would be more than happy to help you unload everything from your car with your family as you arrive. So don't panic, don't start yelling at mom and dad because your stress is bubbling up and you think you'll miss them less when they leave if you make sure to disdain their presence for the time being, and don't worry...you're in good hands, Orientation will keep you so busy it would be a challenge to get bored or NOT to meet someone. Trust me.
And I'd like to say Welcome! to all first-years who are currently moving in today with the upcoming Writing Center Orientation to tackle prior to First-Year Orientation. Don't forget that Movie Night is tonight in the Writing Center (WC) at 8pm, so drop on by! P.S. The WC is behind the Coe Bookstore in Lower Gage. It will be the door to the left of the campus bookstore. :) And get excited...your time to start meeting your college class, decorating your new dorm room, and enjoying some "free, fun, and planned for your entertainment" activities starts now!
Here's to a great 2012-2013!
- Heidi Heaton
If you're a first-year reading this blog and feel some nerves creeping up, take a deep breath...everything will be great! If you didn't bring everything you could possibly need to campus, I can assure you that someone else will have exactly what you need and would be more than happy to share, plus there are also buses that have been hired to drive to and from Target, specifically planned into Orientation Week, for that purpose...to make sure you can rest at ease and have everything you could ever need to start your year! Not to mention that plenty of CAP leaders, Residence Life staff, and football players would be more than happy to help you unload everything from your car with your family as you arrive. So don't panic, don't start yelling at mom and dad because your stress is bubbling up and you think you'll miss them less when they leave if you make sure to disdain their presence for the time being, and don't worry...you're in good hands, Orientation will keep you so busy it would be a challenge to get bored or NOT to meet someone. Trust me.
And I'd like to say Welcome! to all first-years who are currently moving in today with the upcoming Writing Center Orientation to tackle prior to First-Year Orientation. Don't forget that Movie Night is tonight in the Writing Center (WC) at 8pm, so drop on by! P.S. The WC is behind the Coe Bookstore in Lower Gage. It will be the door to the left of the campus bookstore. :) And get excited...your time to start meeting your college class, decorating your new dorm room, and enjoying some "free, fun, and planned for your entertainment" activities starts now!
Here's to a great 2012-2013!
- Heidi Heaton
Saturday, August 18, 2012
Heidi's Blog Update #24
So with today being Saturday, that means that tomorrow, Sunday, August 19th will officially be our first day of WC New Staff Orientation! Don't panic, it's not an all-day Sunday thing, but Orientation will indeed begin tomorrow evening at 8:00pm with a Movie Night in the WC.
Manderson put together a schedule for the Orientation, which will mostly take place on Monday and Tuesday, August 20th and 21st. For those of you who like to think/plan ahead or are just curious what might be happening on those days, here's the schedule!
WC New Staff Orientation Schedule of Events/Logistics:
Sunday, August 19th
-8:00pm (Movie Night in the WC)
Monday, August 20th
-5:00pm (Meet in the WC for informal socializing)
-5:30pm (Introduce Orientation Helpers...When all/most WC folks are present, head over to Xavier's for pizza.)
-6:00pm-7:30pm (Pizza at Xavier's)
-8:00pm-10:00pm (Informal socializing and games (Catch Phrase!) in the WC)
Tuesday, August 21st
-8:30am (Beginning of WC Orientation Day Two (BREAKFAST!))
-9:15am (Introductions Activity/Mixer for new consultants)
-9:30am (Pictionary)
-10:15am (WC Rotations...1. Coffee (and hot drink rules) + Kitchen (dishes, usage, etc.)-led by Courtney Marti, Connor Roth, and Kelci DeHaas; 2. Publication + Committees-led by Hailley Fargo, Ariana Uding, and Peter Hegland; 3. Desk, Phone, Logbook, Timesheets-led by Ryan Rey, Sam Orvis, and Patrick Johnson; 4. Beaver, Frog, Sloth, misc. rules of the WC-led by Kobe Spencer, Ashley Collum, and Spencer Roth
-11:30am (Lunch Break)
-12:15pm (Rock, Paper, Scissors Tourney-find a partner, best 2 of 3, loser becomes cheerleader for victor, continue)
-12:30pm (First Draft: Worst First Sentence of a Book-see http://www.bulwer-lytton.com/2012win.html for inspiration)
-12:45pm (Share worst first sentences, choose the "best")
-1:00pm (First round of conferences: Making the sentence worse-one older staff member works with two younger staff members)
-1:30pm (Share new, worse sentences)
-1:45pm (Second round of conferences: combine and revise your group's two sentences to make the worst first two sentences of a book)
-2:15pm (Share sentences and choose best)
-2:30pm (Catch Phrase match with everyone outside-explain how it's like consulting...finding the right words to get the person to make the connection, have to try different approaches sometimes)
-3:30pm (Dr. Bob Introduction)
-4:30pm (Unscheduled socialization/break time-frisbee, Catch Phrase, more Pictionary)
-6:00pm (Dinner!)
So there you have it, our couple days o' fun for the WC New Staff Orientation! Sounds like a blast...might I add that the Catch Phrase activity was all my idea...you're welcome. ;) I think I can speak for all WC consultants when I say that we're incredibly excited to get to know this year's new staff! Personally, I'll have CAP training the 20th and 21st, but will try to make any of the Orientation activities my schedule will allow. And who's pumped for the WC Staff Retreat?! Camping! Yay! I can't wait to stay in a cabin...if only it was at the Boundary Waters as well. :) Maybe next year?...hint, hint. ;) Which makes me also think of you lucky ducks who attended the Orientation in the Wilderness to begin your first year at Coe. Great decision! I went on the Orientation myself and loved every, single minute of it! That was probably the best decision I made my first year at Coe. Can't wait to have all you wilderness junkies back as well!
Have a blast this official, last day of summer before Orientations begin...you won't know what to do with yourself, you'll be having so much fun and staying busy beyond belief!
- Heidi Heaton
Manderson put together a schedule for the Orientation, which will mostly take place on Monday and Tuesday, August 20th and 21st. For those of you who like to think/plan ahead or are just curious what might be happening on those days, here's the schedule!
WC New Staff Orientation Schedule of Events/Logistics:
Sunday, August 19th
-8:00pm (Movie Night in the WC)
Monday, August 20th
-5:00pm (Meet in the WC for informal socializing)
-5:30pm (Introduce Orientation Helpers...When all/most WC folks are present, head over to Xavier's for pizza.)
-6:00pm-7:30pm (Pizza at Xavier's)
-8:00pm-10:00pm (Informal socializing and games (Catch Phrase!) in the WC)
Tuesday, August 21st
-8:30am (Beginning of WC Orientation Day Two (BREAKFAST!))
-9:15am (Introductions Activity/Mixer for new consultants)
-9:30am (Pictionary)
-10:15am (WC Rotations...1. Coffee (and hot drink rules) + Kitchen (dishes, usage, etc.)-led by Courtney Marti, Connor Roth, and Kelci DeHaas; 2. Publication + Committees-led by Hailley Fargo, Ariana Uding, and Peter Hegland; 3. Desk, Phone, Logbook, Timesheets-led by Ryan Rey, Sam Orvis, and Patrick Johnson; 4. Beaver, Frog, Sloth, misc. rules of the WC-led by Kobe Spencer, Ashley Collum, and Spencer Roth
-11:30am (Lunch Break)
-12:15pm (Rock, Paper, Scissors Tourney-find a partner, best 2 of 3, loser becomes cheerleader for victor, continue)
-12:30pm (First Draft: Worst First Sentence of a Book-see http://www.bulwer-lytton.com/2012win.html for inspiration)
-12:45pm (Share worst first sentences, choose the "best")
-1:00pm (First round of conferences: Making the sentence worse-one older staff member works with two younger staff members)
-1:30pm (Share new, worse sentences)
-1:45pm (Second round of conferences: combine and revise your group's two sentences to make the worst first two sentences of a book)
-2:15pm (Share sentences and choose best)
-2:30pm (Catch Phrase match with everyone outside-explain how it's like consulting...finding the right words to get the person to make the connection, have to try different approaches sometimes)
-3:30pm (Dr. Bob Introduction)
-4:30pm (Unscheduled socialization/break time-frisbee, Catch Phrase, more Pictionary)
-6:00pm (Dinner!)
So there you have it, our couple days o' fun for the WC New Staff Orientation! Sounds like a blast...might I add that the Catch Phrase activity was all my idea...you're welcome. ;) I think I can speak for all WC consultants when I say that we're incredibly excited to get to know this year's new staff! Personally, I'll have CAP training the 20th and 21st, but will try to make any of the Orientation activities my schedule will allow. And who's pumped for the WC Staff Retreat?! Camping! Yay! I can't wait to stay in a cabin...if only it was at the Boundary Waters as well. :) Maybe next year?...hint, hint. ;) Which makes me also think of you lucky ducks who attended the Orientation in the Wilderness to begin your first year at Coe. Great decision! I went on the Orientation myself and loved every, single minute of it! That was probably the best decision I made my first year at Coe. Can't wait to have all you wilderness junkies back as well!
Have a blast this official, last day of summer before Orientations begin...you won't know what to do with yourself, you'll be having so much fun and staying busy beyond belief!
- Heidi Heaton
Friday, August 17, 2012
Heidi's Blog Update #23
Hey all, if you have not checked out our WC website page, you should have a look at the new layout, formatting, photos and information Manderson and I have been working on! I think its come a long way from what we began with and now has up-to-date and relevant information for its audience...you!
Yesterday we were working on the website from 9am to noon, took a break for lunch, and began back up again at 1pm until we stopped for dinner again around 5pm. We worked similar hours on Wednesday as well. Kobe also happened to be getting some work done in the Writing Center, and we also saw Dr. Bob stop through quickly, as well as Peter Madsen later that day! That was the most people I've seen in the WC all at one time this summer! So nice to have people emerging on campus!
Today, sometime later this afternoon and evening, Manderson, Kelly Allen, and I are having a "Fun Day." It was originally supposed to be a bike ride (well Mandy was going to rollerblade) but then I heard that I can't rent a Coe bike yet, and should probably have a helmet...so that idea turned into possibly seeing the movie, The Bourne Legacy. Of course, it's craaaazy nice outside today, about 75 degrees, so it would also seem sad to be indoors on such a great summer day. So basically the only thing we're sure of is probably getting dinner at Biaggi's. I threw a beach idea out there too, so maybe we'll end up at Palo this afternoon for some sun and frisbee throwing.
In the meantime I'll finish up this post :) and write another post for my personal blog, because I need to make a happy of blogging before I study abroad.
Hope everyone else is enjoying the excellent weather and taking a break for some fun on this lovely day!
- Heidi Heaton
Yesterday we were working on the website from 9am to noon, took a break for lunch, and began back up again at 1pm until we stopped for dinner again around 5pm. We worked similar hours on Wednesday as well. Kobe also happened to be getting some work done in the Writing Center, and we also saw Dr. Bob stop through quickly, as well as Peter Madsen later that day! That was the most people I've seen in the WC all at one time this summer! So nice to have people emerging on campus!
Today, sometime later this afternoon and evening, Manderson, Kelly Allen, and I are having a "Fun Day." It was originally supposed to be a bike ride (well Mandy was going to rollerblade) but then I heard that I can't rent a Coe bike yet, and should probably have a helmet...so that idea turned into possibly seeing the movie, The Bourne Legacy. Of course, it's craaaazy nice outside today, about 75 degrees, so it would also seem sad to be indoors on such a great summer day. So basically the only thing we're sure of is probably getting dinner at Biaggi's. I threw a beach idea out there too, so maybe we'll end up at Palo this afternoon for some sun and frisbee throwing.
In the meantime I'll finish up this post :) and write another post for my personal blog, because I need to make a happy of blogging before I study abroad.
Hope everyone else is enjoying the excellent weather and taking a break for some fun on this lovely day!
- Heidi Heaton
Wednesday, August 15, 2012
Heidi's Blog Update #22
Hey there WC blog followers!
So recent business...
Last night was our Heritage Office reception and lecture series with Professor Rick Eichorn presenting on "The Economic Crisis of 2008 and Its Aftermath." The evening began with conversation over heavy appetizers as alums arrived in Hickok lobby. I was stationed at the back door to Hickok and greeted guests as they arrived. It was a great opportunity for me to put a face with a name I had seen or been accustomed to hearing working with Kelly, but had not yet met in person. Then as small-talk and appetizers (which were very tasty and included meatballs, mini quiches, a large fruit platter, spinach and artichoke dip with bruschetta bread, roast beef and mini rolls for sandwiches, and an assortment of desserts and beverages), had run its course and as six o'clock approached, we moved into Kesler to listen to the lecture presentation. After the presentation, I once again stationed myself by a door and thanked guests for coming as they exited. It was a great evening and I think I can confidently say that all of the alums had a great time thanks to Kelly's careful planning and execution hosting the event.
Today Manderson and I are back to website business in the WC after the afternoon and evening spent at the reception mingling with alums, taking photographs, and recording the lecture series presentation. Right now it's mainly formatting errors on the site that are driving us crazy! Those horizontal lines I mentioned in an earlier blog popping up everywhere...yep, they're back again. And we had to bring back the WAC and Colere sites because for some reason they magically disappeared. Apparently depending on which computer you might be using to and what system, it can also make editing the site different. So where as the computer I've been using at the front desk for some reason could not center a quote to save its life, Manderson didn't have trouble editing on his laptop.
Now it's just a matter of finishing formatting, making the site look nice, and making sure that everything on it is updated and relevant.
Wish us luck!
-Heidi Heaton
So recent business...
Last night was our Heritage Office reception and lecture series with Professor Rick Eichorn presenting on "The Economic Crisis of 2008 and Its Aftermath." The evening began with conversation over heavy appetizers as alums arrived in Hickok lobby. I was stationed at the back door to Hickok and greeted guests as they arrived. It was a great opportunity for me to put a face with a name I had seen or been accustomed to hearing working with Kelly, but had not yet met in person. Then as small-talk and appetizers (which were very tasty and included meatballs, mini quiches, a large fruit platter, spinach and artichoke dip with bruschetta bread, roast beef and mini rolls for sandwiches, and an assortment of desserts and beverages), had run its course and as six o'clock approached, we moved into Kesler to listen to the lecture presentation. After the presentation, I once again stationed myself by a door and thanked guests for coming as they exited. It was a great evening and I think I can confidently say that all of the alums had a great time thanks to Kelly's careful planning and execution hosting the event.
Today Manderson and I are back to website business in the WC after the afternoon and evening spent at the reception mingling with alums, taking photographs, and recording the lecture series presentation. Right now it's mainly formatting errors on the site that are driving us crazy! Those horizontal lines I mentioned in an earlier blog popping up everywhere...yep, they're back again. And we had to bring back the WAC and Colere sites because for some reason they magically disappeared. Apparently depending on which computer you might be using to and what system, it can also make editing the site different. So where as the computer I've been using at the front desk for some reason could not center a quote to save its life, Manderson didn't have trouble editing on his laptop.
Now it's just a matter of finishing formatting, making the site look nice, and making sure that everything on it is updated and relevant.
Wish us luck!
-Heidi Heaton
Tuesday, August 14, 2012
Heidi's Blog Update #21
So I'm officially back at Coe since my trip home and to Annapolis, Maryland. It was an amazing time spent with the family and I couldn't have been more thrilled to see my brother after his six weeks of Plebe Summer at the Naval Academy! Compared to what he's been up to for most of his summer, I feel like a baby now ever having complained about being tired.
Now that I'm back at Coe, work starts up again with the WC and Heritage Office...and very soon CAP training as well. I'll be working for the Heritage Office today at 2pm and through this evening because we are hosting a reception for alums. I'm not exactly sure what part I will be playing yet in this reception, but I've been told I will be fed, so I'm happy to help with anything if it means a free dinner. ;) Different priorities now that I'm living in an apartment. :)
Then CAP training starts on the 20th and finishes the 21st before first-years move-in on the 22nd. Josie and I are super excited to be co-leading a CAP and FYS group and I'm sure Orientation Week will be packed full of fun activities and a good dose of competitive edge. :)
This year the CAP responsibilities do not last quite as long (aka, the entire Fall semester) because for years first-year students have been confused as to why they are still being bothered with texts and emails about group, board game nights and such when they would be perfectly content finding their own venue at which to socialize. Personally, I felt my caplets were getting sick of me by November, or maybe sooner, because I was their CAP leader and Writing Fellow for a handful of them...so needless to say, they saw me a lot. I think this year should provide a good balance between, "We care about you and want to make sure you're meeting new people and getting acclimated," and "Respond to my texts and emails gosh darn it! We've been doing this for four months!" :)
Anyways, still keeping super busy and getting ready for the Fall semester at Coe. I'm sure an update will be coming soon after the reception tonight with more news about how it went and what I was actually doing. :)
Thanks again for reading and keeping the WC near and dear to your heart!
- Heidi Heaton
Now that I'm back at Coe, work starts up again with the WC and Heritage Office...and very soon CAP training as well. I'll be working for the Heritage Office today at 2pm and through this evening because we are hosting a reception for alums. I'm not exactly sure what part I will be playing yet in this reception, but I've been told I will be fed, so I'm happy to help with anything if it means a free dinner. ;) Different priorities now that I'm living in an apartment. :)
Then CAP training starts on the 20th and finishes the 21st before first-years move-in on the 22nd. Josie and I are super excited to be co-leading a CAP and FYS group and I'm sure Orientation Week will be packed full of fun activities and a good dose of competitive edge. :)
This year the CAP responsibilities do not last quite as long (aka, the entire Fall semester) because for years first-year students have been confused as to why they are still being bothered with texts and emails about group, board game nights and such when they would be perfectly content finding their own venue at which to socialize. Personally, I felt my caplets were getting sick of me by November, or maybe sooner, because I was their CAP leader and Writing Fellow for a handful of them...so needless to say, they saw me a lot. I think this year should provide a good balance between, "We care about you and want to make sure you're meeting new people and getting acclimated," and "Respond to my texts and emails gosh darn it! We've been doing this for four months!" :)
Anyways, still keeping super busy and getting ready for the Fall semester at Coe. I'm sure an update will be coming soon after the reception tonight with more news about how it went and what I was actually doing. :)
Thanks again for reading and keeping the WC near and dear to your heart!
- Heidi Heaton
Wednesday, August 8, 2012
Heidi's Blog Update #20
Ta-Da! These door decs are the product of a verrrry long day of cutting, glueing, tracing, and coloring. Josie Visser (a new consultant addition to our Writing Center this year, joint CAP leader with me, and friend of mine) and I are both CAP leaders for the Nature of Science FYS this coming fall. Josie and I were both CAP leaders last year. I was a CAP for this same FYS of around forty students with two professors and Josie was a CAP leader of one of the other, many First-Year Seminar courses.
We're both super excited for Orientation week, coming up from August 22nd-26th, when we will officially meet the thirty-six first-years to whom we have been sending letters. Josie just recently sent out the last letter to our caplets while I made the door decs we will hang on their dorm room doors before they move into their new home away from home. I have to say I'm pretty proud of the stars in particular on these door decs. You can't tell from the photos, but they are indeed felt. :)
Josie and I will also have the pleasure of working with a smaller group of around five out of our thirty-six caplets as their Writing Fellows. A Writing Fellow is a WC consultant who assists a smaller group of first-years with papers pertaining to their FYS class, and other assignments and study tools to get them acquainted with college-level writing and expectations. We meet weekly with our small groups and students are encouraged to conference regularly with their Writing Fellow on their papers.
I worked as a Writing Fellow for this same FYS last year and absolutely loved the experience. All of the students I worked with were very diligent and hard-working, and it was much easier to discuss their course load after already establishing a relationship with them as their CAP leader. I can't wait to work with a new group of students in the fall in a similar environment.
As I've also become used to including a quick Olympic update/blurb in all of my posts, I'd like to congratulate Kerri and Misty on their third, consecutive win for gold in women's volleyball doubles at the Olympics! They're incredibly exciting to watch and fought for their gold this year, as always. Yay!
Well, I'm going to be leaving for a flight to Annapolis tomorrow morning at 7:30am, so I better hit the hay here...and probably should pack as well. :) Thanks for reading! Fall's just around the corner. :)
- Heidi Heaton
Tuesday, August 7, 2012
Heidi's Blog Update #19
Yesterday was the last day for all first-year students to submit their summer writing exercises, so needless to say, there were plenty of emails today expressing confusion, frustration, and apologies for tardiness. It seems that most things have been sorted out now though, so that's great to have that job completed. Now all my attention will be on updates for our WC website and producing our next alumni newsletter.
I logged onto our website today to work on some revisions of the layout so each page parallels the others in font style, size, and general appearance. For some reason, a lot of the pages had awkward page breaks with lines separating headings and descriptions from their counterparts and unnecessary divisions throughout the page. Most of my time on the website was spent battling the lack of clarity of gmail's set-up and not understanding how on earth one page could be double-spaced, another single-spaced, but no option was available to select spacing/alignment or to change one to mirror the other. Some of the links also open up within a different tab when they should open in the same tab depending on if it's another WC website page or separate site all-together.
Most of the website has the same appearance now between pages, but some things I need to give some further thought...but mostly get another set of eyes on because I am not nearly as tech savvy as I'd like to be. :)
I also sent a quick email to Kobe about the goings-on of my side of the Alumni Newsletter and trying to uncover contact information for graduates of '09 and '10, which still doesn't show much progress, but might be easier to track down once I'm back on campus.
Other than the culmination of the summer writing exercise, and website and newsletter updates, not much else has changed for WC business. I'm much happier with the beginnings of my personal blog now, so as I work on that blog, I'm sure it will give me more ideas for this one as well and vice versa.
Hope everyone's enjoying their summer and sleeping in while you can!
- Heidi Heaton
I logged onto our website today to work on some revisions of the layout so each page parallels the others in font style, size, and general appearance. For some reason, a lot of the pages had awkward page breaks with lines separating headings and descriptions from their counterparts and unnecessary divisions throughout the page. Most of my time on the website was spent battling the lack of clarity of gmail's set-up and not understanding how on earth one page could be double-spaced, another single-spaced, but no option was available to select spacing/alignment or to change one to mirror the other. Some of the links also open up within a different tab when they should open in the same tab depending on if it's another WC website page or separate site all-together.
Most of the website has the same appearance now between pages, but some things I need to give some further thought...but mostly get another set of eyes on because I am not nearly as tech savvy as I'd like to be. :)
I also sent a quick email to Kobe about the goings-on of my side of the Alumni Newsletter and trying to uncover contact information for graduates of '09 and '10, which still doesn't show much progress, but might be easier to track down once I'm back on campus.
Other than the culmination of the summer writing exercise, and website and newsletter updates, not much else has changed for WC business. I'm much happier with the beginnings of my personal blog now, so as I work on that blog, I'm sure it will give me more ideas for this one as well and vice versa.
Hope everyone's enjoying their summer and sleeping in while you can!
- Heidi Heaton
Sunday, August 5, 2012
Heidi's Blog Update #18
Hi WC blog followers!
Side-note before I even begin on WC business...I hope everyone's watching our US women's volleyball doubles. Yikes, they are dominating Italy right now...so intense! They just can't be beat.
Anyways, sorry, can't be watching the Olympics without actually commenting on the supreme talent every once in a while. So in WC news, our website is slowly and surely coming along, so check it out and give us comments on what you like or what you'd like to see! I'm hoping to hear back sometime this week from Kelly Russell about WC alums to start connecting with our alumni, but if you've been keeping up with the blog, here are the questions we'll be asking so you can prepare...
1. Where are you?
2. Are you married?
3. Do you have kids?
4. What do you do for money?
5. What do you do for fun?
6. Have you traveled anywhere recently?
7. What's your favorite Dr. Bob memory?
8. And share with us anything else that would be super interesting but we haven't asked you yet!
So alums, particularly from the class of '09 and '10, go ahead and give those questions some thought. We'll be looking forward to hearing from you! And we'd love a photo, so maybe shuffle through some scrapbooks while you're at it. ;)
When I return from my break at home I'll be helping Kelly Allen with a reception for the Heritage Office, so there will be lots to share about that night I'm sure. I'm really excited. That reception will be the evening of the 14th.
Thanks for keeping up with the blog! Best wishes to my fellow blogger in Norway! I'm sure Anna's adventures are way more exciting than my own right now, haha. You go girl!
- Heidi Heaton
Side-note before I even begin on WC business...I hope everyone's watching our US women's volleyball doubles. Yikes, they are dominating Italy right now...so intense! They just can't be beat.
Anyways, sorry, can't be watching the Olympics without actually commenting on the supreme talent every once in a while. So in WC news, our website is slowly and surely coming along, so check it out and give us comments on what you like or what you'd like to see! I'm hoping to hear back sometime this week from Kelly Russell about WC alums to start connecting with our alumni, but if you've been keeping up with the blog, here are the questions we'll be asking so you can prepare...
1. Where are you?
2. Are you married?
3. Do you have kids?
4. What do you do for money?
5. What do you do for fun?
6. Have you traveled anywhere recently?
7. What's your favorite Dr. Bob memory?
8. And share with us anything else that would be super interesting but we haven't asked you yet!
So alums, particularly from the class of '09 and '10, go ahead and give those questions some thought. We'll be looking forward to hearing from you! And we'd love a photo, so maybe shuffle through some scrapbooks while you're at it. ;)
When I return from my break at home I'll be helping Kelly Allen with a reception for the Heritage Office, so there will be lots to share about that night I'm sure. I'm really excited. That reception will be the evening of the 14th.
Thanks for keeping up with the blog! Best wishes to my fellow blogger in Norway! I'm sure Anna's adventures are way more exciting than my own right now, haha. You go girl!
- Heidi Heaton
Saturday, August 4, 2012
Heidi's Blog Update #17
Wow. I've just been looking through wordpress.com at some more advanced blogging services and techniques and boy oh boy do I feel inadequate now with my WC blog, haha. Hailley and Whitney were showing me their blogging sites via wordpress the other day in our apartment. I've been hoping to start a personal blog before the school year starts so I can get into the habit of blogging before my spring semester in France. Keeping up a blog while abroad will be a great way to remember the days, look back on experiences, catalog memories and photos, and allow friends and family to stay updated on my goings-on while away.
After a couple hours of navigating through blog themes, header photos, and sidebar descriptions, I was already exhausted by how much work goes into creating and maintaining a professional blog. I have a ton of admiration for my tech-savvy peers who maintain successful blogs on a regular basis. So two hours later, after some fun and slightly more frustration, I decided to return to the comfort of gmail and the Coe Writing Center blog. :)
Today I've been responding to emails from many first-year students inquiring about the summer writing exercise which always become more abundant during our deadline dates for submission. This is our last timeframe in which they can be sent so by Monday the 6th, my summer writing exercise duties will be coming to an end. I'll still have the Writing Center website, alumni newsletter, and Heritage Office to keep me busy though.
I haven't looked at the website since yesterday when I was updating it, but I'm planning to get back to work on some updates within the week while I await a response from Kelly Russell on a way to contact graduates of '09 and '10 for our newsletter.
Other than that, just enjoying time home with my family with my sister returning home tonight. And then eager to leave for Annapolis to visit my brother this coming Thursday!
Hope everyone's doing well and relaxing to their heart's content because the school year will be here before we know it.
More soon,
- Heidi Heaton
After a couple hours of navigating through blog themes, header photos, and sidebar descriptions, I was already exhausted by how much work goes into creating and maintaining a professional blog. I have a ton of admiration for my tech-savvy peers who maintain successful blogs on a regular basis. So two hours later, after some fun and slightly more frustration, I decided to return to the comfort of gmail and the Coe Writing Center blog. :)
Today I've been responding to emails from many first-year students inquiring about the summer writing exercise which always become more abundant during our deadline dates for submission. This is our last timeframe in which they can be sent so by Monday the 6th, my summer writing exercise duties will be coming to an end. I'll still have the Writing Center website, alumni newsletter, and Heritage Office to keep me busy though.
I haven't looked at the website since yesterday when I was updating it, but I'm planning to get back to work on some updates within the week while I await a response from Kelly Russell on a way to contact graduates of '09 and '10 for our newsletter.
Other than that, just enjoying time home with my family with my sister returning home tonight. And then eager to leave for Annapolis to visit my brother this coming Thursday!
Hope everyone's doing well and relaxing to their heart's content because the school year will be here before we know it.
More soon,
- Heidi Heaton
Thursday, August 2, 2012
Heidi's Blog Update #16
Back to the blog after my day of moving!
I was so proud of myself yesterday for my beastly speedy move. I had everything (except a fridge, microwave, TV, and my papasan...if you don't know what a papasan is you are deeply deprived) moved out of Murray and into my van parked out front within an hour!
Then I grabbed my new apartment key for Schlarbaum 3 from Res. Life and headed over to my room to begin unpacking...
About nine hours later, I had everything set-up in my room, wall decor and all, and was ready to make a Walmart run with two of my three roommates, Hailley and Whitney, before coming back to the apartment to move another futon and watch more of the Olympics!
It was a jam-packed day but I'm so excited to be living in an apartment now...I love Murray bunches, but it's a welcome change in environment...
So today, with the move behind me, I went back to work on Writing Center business. This morning Manderson and I met in the Writing Center to discuss the website more. We talked about the changes made to the staff page and I finished editing it. Manderson worked on the fabulous new template you'll now notice as the "notebook" template, and the rest of the day I've been updating our site, in particular the "Handout" and "WC Publications" tabs. Also while in the WC, Emily Hipps called, a graduate of Coe and past WC consultant asking for an I-drive file to be sent to her for work tutoring immigrants...very cool, Emily! Ah and the navigable tabs can now be found across the top of our Writing Center website page rather than down the side, thanks to Manderson's computer savvy.
On the Alumni Newsletter side of things, Kobe asked if I could get in contact with the class of '09 and '10 so we can feature graduates and their goings-on. I emailed Kelly Russell today for their current email addresses and will be sending out a note soon with hopes that we'll get several responses with interesting things to include in the newsletter.
This coming weekend will be our last submission date for the First-Year Summer Writing Exercise, so hopefully we receive plenty more submissions and then those documents should be all set to go for the faculty review shortly.
I'll be out of town from the 3rd through the 13th visiting with family back home and then taking a trip to see my brother at the Naval Academy! I can't wait to see him!
Then when I return I'll have a reception to work for the Heritage Office, more work hours, and a "Fun Day" for the staff to relax before the school year starts. And of course there are still door decs to be made for my caplets and then Freshman Orientation starts. It's going to be one busy fall semester, but I'm looking forward to it!
Hope you've enjoyed your first two days of August!
- Heidi Heaton
I was so proud of myself yesterday for my beastly speedy move. I had everything (except a fridge, microwave, TV, and my papasan...if you don't know what a papasan is you are deeply deprived) moved out of Murray and into my van parked out front within an hour!
Then I grabbed my new apartment key for Schlarbaum 3 from Res. Life and headed over to my room to begin unpacking...
About nine hours later, I had everything set-up in my room, wall decor and all, and was ready to make a Walmart run with two of my three roommates, Hailley and Whitney, before coming back to the apartment to move another futon and watch more of the Olympics!
It was a jam-packed day but I'm so excited to be living in an apartment now...I love Murray bunches, but it's a welcome change in environment...
So today, with the move behind me, I went back to work on Writing Center business. This morning Manderson and I met in the Writing Center to discuss the website more. We talked about the changes made to the staff page and I finished editing it. Manderson worked on the fabulous new template you'll now notice as the "notebook" template, and the rest of the day I've been updating our site, in particular the "Handout" and "WC Publications" tabs. Also while in the WC, Emily Hipps called, a graduate of Coe and past WC consultant asking for an I-drive file to be sent to her for work tutoring immigrants...very cool, Emily! Ah and the navigable tabs can now be found across the top of our Writing Center website page rather than down the side, thanks to Manderson's computer savvy.
On the Alumni Newsletter side of things, Kobe asked if I could get in contact with the class of '09 and '10 so we can feature graduates and their goings-on. I emailed Kelly Russell today for their current email addresses and will be sending out a note soon with hopes that we'll get several responses with interesting things to include in the newsletter.
This coming weekend will be our last submission date for the First-Year Summer Writing Exercise, so hopefully we receive plenty more submissions and then those documents should be all set to go for the faculty review shortly.
I'll be out of town from the 3rd through the 13th visiting with family back home and then taking a trip to see my brother at the Naval Academy! I can't wait to see him!
Then when I return I'll have a reception to work for the Heritage Office, more work hours, and a "Fun Day" for the staff to relax before the school year starts. And of course there are still door decs to be made for my caplets and then Freshman Orientation starts. It's going to be one busy fall semester, but I'm looking forward to it!
Hope you've enjoyed your first two days of August!
- Heidi Heaton
Tuesday, July 31, 2012
Heidi's Blog Update #15
Good afternoon WC avid blog followers! :)
I hope you all are watching the Olympics more than you're reading this blog though; crazy amazing the talent those athletes have! Missy Franklin is only 17 and has already won her first, individual gold medal at the Olympics! What a feat! I can't imagine ever being able to swim that fast. And the girls' gymnastics is so competitive and rigorous. Our US girls look like robots of steal with those game-face expressions. I have to be honest, I am insanely jealous of their athletic talent...and probably more specifically the insane amount of muscle they have...yikes! I remember doing gymnastics when I was little, but that career didn't last long because as soon as my older sister quit, I did too. I was in that "monkey-see, monkey-do" stage and refused to continue in gymnastics if I didn't have my best friend with me.
Haha...while I'm on this distracted road of lost thought...I remember one time when my sister and I were younger, we decided to take a karate class for some reason. We went to the first lesson and were just dying laughing at all the noises they told us to make. Any time we moved, we were supposed to shout, "Hi-yah!" or something of that sort. We couldn't contain our laughter, were barely invested in the exercises themselves, and did not return for any other sessions.
Now that I'm older though, I regret not giving dance more thought when I was little and when my friends were so involved in it. Watching the show "So You Think You Can Dance," makes me kill for that kind of training and I wish I had found a passion for dance sooner. The same goes for my gymnastics experience, and probably a few other activities, sports, etc. that I should have given more attention and devotion at a younger age. When you get into college, everyone tells you to explore your options, stay open-minded, and not to be afraid to try new things...why didn't someone tell me that when I was three! ;) And how could I have forced myself to believe them of the importance of trying new things!
Anyways, that's my little tangent...I'm sure we all have opportunities we regret not taking and secret passions that we may not have the competitive talent for but bring us happiness and joy. I suppose it's my lesson to myself to continually grow and try new things, regardless of age, talent, how intimidated I may feel, etc.
But back to today's work and WC news...I walked on over to the Registrar Office this morning to finish up the files I began yesterday. I think I only had about five or so left, so that didn't take too much time and then I migrated to the WC to finish adding the pictures to our WC website. Everyone looks lovely and I got those all posted. The information on the site is mainly up-to-date, but some things need to be rearranged and given a little more flavor. Hopefully Manderson and I will be able to get some work in on that front and in implementing the changes Dr. Bob approved of a bit earlier in the summer.
Well, time for a quick workout, shower, some laundry and packing with the Olympics on, and then the big move from Murray to the new apartment tomorrow!
TTFN
- Heidi Heaton
I hope you all are watching the Olympics more than you're reading this blog though; crazy amazing the talent those athletes have! Missy Franklin is only 17 and has already won her first, individual gold medal at the Olympics! What a feat! I can't imagine ever being able to swim that fast. And the girls' gymnastics is so competitive and rigorous. Our US girls look like robots of steal with those game-face expressions. I have to be honest, I am insanely jealous of their athletic talent...and probably more specifically the insane amount of muscle they have...yikes! I remember doing gymnastics when I was little, but that career didn't last long because as soon as my older sister quit, I did too. I was in that "monkey-see, monkey-do" stage and refused to continue in gymnastics if I didn't have my best friend with me.
Haha...while I'm on this distracted road of lost thought...I remember one time when my sister and I were younger, we decided to take a karate class for some reason. We went to the first lesson and were just dying laughing at all the noises they told us to make. Any time we moved, we were supposed to shout, "Hi-yah!" or something of that sort. We couldn't contain our laughter, were barely invested in the exercises themselves, and did not return for any other sessions.
Now that I'm older though, I regret not giving dance more thought when I was little and when my friends were so involved in it. Watching the show "So You Think You Can Dance," makes me kill for that kind of training and I wish I had found a passion for dance sooner. The same goes for my gymnastics experience, and probably a few other activities, sports, etc. that I should have given more attention and devotion at a younger age. When you get into college, everyone tells you to explore your options, stay open-minded, and not to be afraid to try new things...why didn't someone tell me that when I was three! ;) And how could I have forced myself to believe them of the importance of trying new things!
Anyways, that's my little tangent...I'm sure we all have opportunities we regret not taking and secret passions that we may not have the competitive talent for but bring us happiness and joy. I suppose it's my lesson to myself to continually grow and try new things, regardless of age, talent, how intimidated I may feel, etc.
But back to today's work and WC news...I walked on over to the Registrar Office this morning to finish up the files I began yesterday. I think I only had about five or so left, so that didn't take too much time and then I migrated to the WC to finish adding the pictures to our WC website. Everyone looks lovely and I got those all posted. The information on the site is mainly up-to-date, but some things need to be rearranged and given a little more flavor. Hopefully Manderson and I will be able to get some work in on that front and in implementing the changes Dr. Bob approved of a bit earlier in the summer.
Well, time for a quick workout, shower, some laundry and packing with the Olympics on, and then the big move from Murray to the new apartment tomorrow!
TTFN
- Heidi Heaton
Monday, July 30, 2012
Heidi's Blog Update #14
Today was a day packed full of Writing Center business. I began my WC day in the Registrar at 8am this morning to look through profiles necessary for picking students eligible for an extra Writing course.
It seems like my Writing Center job has had many "offices" lately...either my papasan in my room, laptop in place, the Olympics playing :) or the Heritage Office with Kelly Allen, the random day spent in the Public Relations office behind the front desk, and now the back room of the Registrar's Office looking through loads of files. :) It actually keeps things interesting, moving around that much. Oh!...and of course, can't forget the dear old WC itself. :)
As much history as I've mentioned this job uncovers little by little for me of our campus and its past life (alongside my Heritage Office work), it also opens up my eyes to all of the nooks and crannies on campus, the side conversations between staff, their lives and what they value.
After I worked until 4:30pm in the Registrar Office (when it closes), I headed over to the WC to work on our website for a bit. Over the weekend I worked on updating our WC consultants page so that we now have our incoming staff accounted for as well as updated information on our current staff. I'm also incorporating the photos used in this summer's newsletter to the page so not only do we all have our name, year, major(s), and hometown listed, but there's a face to accompany those facts. :)
Tomorrow what my day holds in store is another trip to the Registrar which should allow me to finish-up most of the files I have left, and then I'll head back to the WC to touch up the website again and put in some more photos of our staff. That should keep me occupied for most of the day, then I'll check back in for alls y'all ;) and then I have to move eeeevvvverything from Murray to my new room in Schlarbaum (all day Wednesday that is). :) Just moved furniture there today...with some help from Manderson (much thanks to him), and now it should be all set for me to throw my stuff into it...very excited!!
Well that should cover business for tonight...plants were watered today too by the way, so hopefully they won't die on my watch. ;)
'Til Tomorrow,
- Heidi Heaton
It seems like my Writing Center job has had many "offices" lately...either my papasan in my room, laptop in place, the Olympics playing :) or the Heritage Office with Kelly Allen, the random day spent in the Public Relations office behind the front desk, and now the back room of the Registrar's Office looking through loads of files. :) It actually keeps things interesting, moving around that much. Oh!...and of course, can't forget the dear old WC itself. :)
As much history as I've mentioned this job uncovers little by little for me of our campus and its past life (alongside my Heritage Office work), it also opens up my eyes to all of the nooks and crannies on campus, the side conversations between staff, their lives and what they value.
After I worked until 4:30pm in the Registrar Office (when it closes), I headed over to the WC to work on our website for a bit. Over the weekend I worked on updating our WC consultants page so that we now have our incoming staff accounted for as well as updated information on our current staff. I'm also incorporating the photos used in this summer's newsletter to the page so not only do we all have our name, year, major(s), and hometown listed, but there's a face to accompany those facts. :)
Tomorrow what my day holds in store is another trip to the Registrar which should allow me to finish-up most of the files I have left, and then I'll head back to the WC to touch up the website again and put in some more photos of our staff. That should keep me occupied for most of the day, then I'll check back in for alls y'all ;) and then I have to move eeeevvvverything from Murray to my new room in Schlarbaum (all day Wednesday that is). :) Just moved furniture there today...with some help from Manderson (much thanks to him), and now it should be all set for me to throw my stuff into it...very excited!!
Well that should cover business for tonight...plants were watered today too by the way, so hopefully they won't die on my watch. ;)
'Til Tomorrow,
- Heidi Heaton
Friday, July 27, 2012
Where has all the writing gone?
Instead of an update on WC work, I thought I'd just share a few thoughts...
When I'm asking, "Where has all the writing gone?" I suppose I'm also pondering how much communication has changed and continues to change year after year.
Remember when we didn't even have cellphones? I know...just barely! My mom always talks about how her and my dad would have to call someone's home phone if they wanted to ask someone out on a date and work their way through siblings or parents first before they had a chance to speak with the person they were actually intending to call. Now we have cellphones that allow us to direct contact to whomever we wish to speak. But then with cellphones came texting...and conversations that look something like this:
what up?
nm. hbu?
hw nd more hw, lol
u should just copy, jk, lol
haha, i wish, ttyl
l8r
There's barely a complete word or thought anywhere in there! When I was working with Upward Bound a few weeks ago, several of the students were talking and someone didn't know what "nd" meant in a text until another student clarified that it stood for "and." "Why can't you just spell-out 'and'; it's only one more letter," I asked, and they immediately responded that it was "cooler" to be able to text and still have your message understood using the least amount of letters possible.
Don't get me wrong, texting is an insanely easy way to get a quick message out and I use it all the time to get in touch with people, but boy is it changing how we communicate with one another. Sometimes I don't think people are even savvy to the skill of sending a professional email anymore. Where's the introductory line? The closing? Why on earth is the subject "hello"? How am I supposed to understand the significance of the email from that?
I'm certainly guilty of communication barriers too. I've just become more attuned to this change in communication recently because of my brother's induction to the U.S. Naval Academy. My brother has a "plebe summer" before he starts his academic year, but during the plebe summer he is not allowed a phone or personal computer, so the only way to stay in contact with him is through letters. Writing that first letter to him felt strange because I could not remember the last time I had sent a letter in the mail. Granted, my letters to him have to be slightly different in content than your normal correspondence because he never has time to send a reply, so they are mainly supposed to keep him thinking positively and supplying up-to-date information and chit-chat about what's going on in my life to allow him a welcome distraction every so often from the rigors of becoming part of the Navy.
Writing these letters, however, made me think more about how much an effect words can have on people, the importance of communication, and how sometimes we lose the essence of a genuine, heartfelt statement in all the jumble of letters we allow to signify words in our text messages. Texting my brother "luv u" doesn't give off quite the same feel as receiving a letter in the mail that reads, "I love you very much!"
Over the course of the summer I've also received the occasional letter in the mail from a friend or postcard and even these quick notes seem to have more impact than a text. Sending a postcard isn't just a quick thought, but a message that took time to write, stamp, mail and is patient enough not to require an immediate response that texting usually demands.
Am I going to be elated once my brother gets his phone back in Annapolis from the Navy? Absolutely! But I'm appreciative for the opportunity, although somewhat originally forced upon me, to re-experience the treasure of writing a letter. And most of my joy that he will have his own phone comes from the knowledge that I can actually call him and hear his voice, rather than consistently sending him impersonal texts.
I do realize that I am writing this post with less experience than others in our tech savvy world. I don't have a Facebook or Twitter, and I certainly recognize how valuable these sites can be in sharing pictures and staying in contact with friends and family who may be hard to visit on a regular basis; but boy do I miss the days when you were forced to talk to someone face-to-face, when relationships grew through multiple dates and outings and began and ended through human-to-human contact rather than via a change of "relationship status" online. Technology is great, changes lives positively, and ensures progress, but every now and then I like to be old-fashioned...sometimes forced into it, sometimes voluntarily...and send a letter, leave a voicemail message, or who knows, maybe go really crazy and talk to someone in person!
Anyways, just thoughts, maybe write a letter to someone who's important to you and give a try to a different mode of communication...I guarantee it will be well received. :)
- Heidi Heaton
When I'm asking, "Where has all the writing gone?" I suppose I'm also pondering how much communication has changed and continues to change year after year.
Remember when we didn't even have cellphones? I know...just barely! My mom always talks about how her and my dad would have to call someone's home phone if they wanted to ask someone out on a date and work their way through siblings or parents first before they had a chance to speak with the person they were actually intending to call. Now we have cellphones that allow us to direct contact to whomever we wish to speak. But then with cellphones came texting...and conversations that look something like this:
what up?
nm. hbu?
hw nd more hw, lol
u should just copy, jk, lol
haha, i wish, ttyl
l8r
There's barely a complete word or thought anywhere in there! When I was working with Upward Bound a few weeks ago, several of the students were talking and someone didn't know what "nd" meant in a text until another student clarified that it stood for "and." "Why can't you just spell-out 'and'; it's only one more letter," I asked, and they immediately responded that it was "cooler" to be able to text and still have your message understood using the least amount of letters possible.
Don't get me wrong, texting is an insanely easy way to get a quick message out and I use it all the time to get in touch with people, but boy is it changing how we communicate with one another. Sometimes I don't think people are even savvy to the skill of sending a professional email anymore. Where's the introductory line? The closing? Why on earth is the subject "hello"? How am I supposed to understand the significance of the email from that?
I'm certainly guilty of communication barriers too. I've just become more attuned to this change in communication recently because of my brother's induction to the U.S. Naval Academy. My brother has a "plebe summer" before he starts his academic year, but during the plebe summer he is not allowed a phone or personal computer, so the only way to stay in contact with him is through letters. Writing that first letter to him felt strange because I could not remember the last time I had sent a letter in the mail. Granted, my letters to him have to be slightly different in content than your normal correspondence because he never has time to send a reply, so they are mainly supposed to keep him thinking positively and supplying up-to-date information and chit-chat about what's going on in my life to allow him a welcome distraction every so often from the rigors of becoming part of the Navy.
Writing these letters, however, made me think more about how much an effect words can have on people, the importance of communication, and how sometimes we lose the essence of a genuine, heartfelt statement in all the jumble of letters we allow to signify words in our text messages. Texting my brother "luv u" doesn't give off quite the same feel as receiving a letter in the mail that reads, "I love you very much!"
Over the course of the summer I've also received the occasional letter in the mail from a friend or postcard and even these quick notes seem to have more impact than a text. Sending a postcard isn't just a quick thought, but a message that took time to write, stamp, mail and is patient enough not to require an immediate response that texting usually demands.
Am I going to be elated once my brother gets his phone back in Annapolis from the Navy? Absolutely! But I'm appreciative for the opportunity, although somewhat originally forced upon me, to re-experience the treasure of writing a letter. And most of my joy that he will have his own phone comes from the knowledge that I can actually call him and hear his voice, rather than consistently sending him impersonal texts.
I do realize that I am writing this post with less experience than others in our tech savvy world. I don't have a Facebook or Twitter, and I certainly recognize how valuable these sites can be in sharing pictures and staying in contact with friends and family who may be hard to visit on a regular basis; but boy do I miss the days when you were forced to talk to someone face-to-face, when relationships grew through multiple dates and outings and began and ended through human-to-human contact rather than via a change of "relationship status" online. Technology is great, changes lives positively, and ensures progress, but every now and then I like to be old-fashioned...sometimes forced into it, sometimes voluntarily...and send a letter, leave a voicemail message, or who knows, maybe go really crazy and talk to someone in person!
Anyways, just thoughts, maybe write a letter to someone who's important to you and give a try to a different mode of communication...I guarantee it will be well received. :)
- Heidi Heaton
Wednesday, July 25, 2012
Heidi's Blog Update #13
Hey all, it's me again! Can you believe it's going to be August in less than a week! I feel like the summer started off at a slow crawl but is now speeding by. Still very few people on campus, just the usual faces of student workers and the random visitor now and then...we all love each other, but miss the hustle and bustle of students the school year brings.
Heritage Office work this week has consisted of more revisions on articles for the Alumni Newsletter and today I spent a good amount of time looking through photos dating back to 1939 in the Public Relations Office. That was super entertaining to say the least. Plenty of old photos of faculty members and several current photos from this past years dances and such. Every time I complete another task for the Heritage Office I become more aware of all the history that's a part of a college campus. It's crazy to think about how many students came before me, lived in these dorm halls, went to Flunk Day on the same quad, but also how the campus has changed and grown in even the smallest ways over the years.
I recognized several photos as having the famous, "walk of shame" sidewalk on the library quad, but not as our typical desktop background (for some strange reason...why don't we have an up-to-date photo Coe), but as an actual part of campus with students roaming around and on their way to class. There were also photos of College Drive when it wasn't as furnished and paved for use, parks that were only dirt and tractors at the time, but always a constant was the smiling faces and perfect harmony between the students and their professors.
But I wasn't just perusing through photos for funsies; many of the photos I found will be used for a scrolling backdrop to our donor page for the heritage office website. Many of the faces, for me, were all a blur because I did not recognize any of our older alums, but as Kelly Allen paged through the photos I had chosen, she couldn't help but stop and smile at alums she has been in contact with and built-up relationships with for years, sharing stories with me as she perused the old photographs. I can't wait to meet these alums in person at several dinners the Heritage Office will be holding in the near future.
Also in the near future I'll have to do some more perusing but this time through some profiles for work in the Writing Center, as well as some updates to our WC website. Today I edited bits and pieces of the site, changing minor things that weren't up-to-date, like our new location in Lower Gage, and also making minor grammatical and spelling edits. Most of the work I'm hoping to save until next week when Manderson and I get together to discuss the changes we'll be making because some editing might not even be necessary if we change certain parts in any drastic way. I enjoyed watching the videos we have on our site though. It was nice hearing past WC consultants talk about our Writing Center and also how little the atmosphere has changed over the years, which I think is a testament to both the quality of our consultants and our director, Dr. Bob. The Writing Center has always been a place of great comfort to its consultants, visiting peer writers, and the occasional faculty member seeking some freshly brewed caffeine. :)
Well I believe that may be all the updates I have for now, but don't worry, there will most definitely be more to come!
TTFN,
- Heidi Heaton
Heritage Office work this week has consisted of more revisions on articles for the Alumni Newsletter and today I spent a good amount of time looking through photos dating back to 1939 in the Public Relations Office. That was super entertaining to say the least. Plenty of old photos of faculty members and several current photos from this past years dances and such. Every time I complete another task for the Heritage Office I become more aware of all the history that's a part of a college campus. It's crazy to think about how many students came before me, lived in these dorm halls, went to Flunk Day on the same quad, but also how the campus has changed and grown in even the smallest ways over the years.
I recognized several photos as having the famous, "walk of shame" sidewalk on the library quad, but not as our typical desktop background (for some strange reason...why don't we have an up-to-date photo Coe), but as an actual part of campus with students roaming around and on their way to class. There were also photos of College Drive when it wasn't as furnished and paved for use, parks that were only dirt and tractors at the time, but always a constant was the smiling faces and perfect harmony between the students and their professors.
But I wasn't just perusing through photos for funsies; many of the photos I found will be used for a scrolling backdrop to our donor page for the heritage office website. Many of the faces, for me, were all a blur because I did not recognize any of our older alums, but as Kelly Allen paged through the photos I had chosen, she couldn't help but stop and smile at alums she has been in contact with and built-up relationships with for years, sharing stories with me as she perused the old photographs. I can't wait to meet these alums in person at several dinners the Heritage Office will be holding in the near future.
Also in the near future I'll have to do some more perusing but this time through some profiles for work in the Writing Center, as well as some updates to our WC website. Today I edited bits and pieces of the site, changing minor things that weren't up-to-date, like our new location in Lower Gage, and also making minor grammatical and spelling edits. Most of the work I'm hoping to save until next week when Manderson and I get together to discuss the changes we'll be making because some editing might not even be necessary if we change certain parts in any drastic way. I enjoyed watching the videos we have on our site though. It was nice hearing past WC consultants talk about our Writing Center and also how little the atmosphere has changed over the years, which I think is a testament to both the quality of our consultants and our director, Dr. Bob. The Writing Center has always been a place of great comfort to its consultants, visiting peer writers, and the occasional faculty member seeking some freshly brewed caffeine. :)
Well I believe that may be all the updates I have for now, but don't worry, there will most definitely be more to come!
TTFN,
- Heidi Heaton
Monday, July 23, 2012
Heidi's Blog Update #12
So our Upward Bound program has finally come to an end. This summer ended up being our last summer program here at Coe due to several disappointing circumstances and this upcoming year of tutoring will be the last year for tutoring for the kids on campus. It was hard to see the teary faces Friday evening when we got back from Omaha and kids began packing up their rooms to leave. This program means so much to them and their families, builds a foundation for them to construct an academic future on, and gives them hope, confidence, and pride in their own potential as students and individuals. I was so blessed to have had the opportunity to be a part of the program for even just one year, and will not forget the difference these kids made in my life.
In other news, Manderson and I have been consulting over the WC website and conversing about how best to approach the new changes we will be making this summer. We had a phone conference the other day with him being in Wyoming (suuuuper jealous, cause that state is my home away from home) and me finishing up work with Upward Bound. We decided to devote almost every waking our of our lives to the WC this upcoming week from the 30th to the 3rd to solely collaborate on the website.
I've also had time to discuss more with Dr. Bob the goings-on of our summer writing exercise. As the students send in their submissions, I reformat them all to have 12pt font, Times New Roman, 1'' margins, and single-spaced paragraphs. Dr. Bob and I also discussed some files I will need to go through in the near future and assume this will occupy a lot of the hours of work I still need to accumulate for the Writing Center this summer.
My work with Kelly Allen and the Heritage Office is still going very well and I will be meeting with her tomorrow to discuss some revisions we have to make to the two articles I have written, as well as the third interview and article I will need to begin shortly about our last feature alumni. If you want to learn anything about the writing process, I suggest going through the process of interviewing people and writing and rewriting articles produced from these interviews. I have great respect for news-reporters because of all the time, dedication, and revision that goes into those articles. It is such a skill to write articles that can both touch your readers but yet keep the writer independent from the piece. I usually find I have an easier time writing when I can incorporate some of my own experience or nuances into the writing, but when you're writing an article featuring someone specifically, you still need to be captivating and capture the essence of that featured someone, but yet keep yourself out completely from the actual tones of the piece...very tricky business.
Also in regards to my other job on campus, I just received a list of the first-years who will be in my FYS this fall--my caplets--who I am super excited for and I can't wait to begin writing my second letter to them, as well as brainstorming themes for door decs with my co-CAP leader, Josie Visser.
So although Upward Bound has come to a close for now until I begin our last year of tutoring in the fall, I am still staying incredibly busy with the WC, Heritage Office, CAP responsibilities, and trying to incorporate some downtime into my packed summer schedule. :)
Hope your summer is all fun and sunny skies!
Your WC Correspondent,
- Heidi Heaton
In other news, Manderson and I have been consulting over the WC website and conversing about how best to approach the new changes we will be making this summer. We had a phone conference the other day with him being in Wyoming (suuuuper jealous, cause that state is my home away from home) and me finishing up work with Upward Bound. We decided to devote almost every waking our of our lives to the WC this upcoming week from the 30th to the 3rd to solely collaborate on the website.
I've also had time to discuss more with Dr. Bob the goings-on of our summer writing exercise. As the students send in their submissions, I reformat them all to have 12pt font, Times New Roman, 1'' margins, and single-spaced paragraphs. Dr. Bob and I also discussed some files I will need to go through in the near future and assume this will occupy a lot of the hours of work I still need to accumulate for the Writing Center this summer.
My work with Kelly Allen and the Heritage Office is still going very well and I will be meeting with her tomorrow to discuss some revisions we have to make to the two articles I have written, as well as the third interview and article I will need to begin shortly about our last feature alumni. If you want to learn anything about the writing process, I suggest going through the process of interviewing people and writing and rewriting articles produced from these interviews. I have great respect for news-reporters because of all the time, dedication, and revision that goes into those articles. It is such a skill to write articles that can both touch your readers but yet keep the writer independent from the piece. I usually find I have an easier time writing when I can incorporate some of my own experience or nuances into the writing, but when you're writing an article featuring someone specifically, you still need to be captivating and capture the essence of that featured someone, but yet keep yourself out completely from the actual tones of the piece...very tricky business.
Also in regards to my other job on campus, I just received a list of the first-years who will be in my FYS this fall--my caplets--who I am super excited for and I can't wait to begin writing my second letter to them, as well as brainstorming themes for door decs with my co-CAP leader, Josie Visser.
So although Upward Bound has come to a close for now until I begin our last year of tutoring in the fall, I am still staying incredibly busy with the WC, Heritage Office, CAP responsibilities, and trying to incorporate some downtime into my packed summer schedule. :)
Hope your summer is all fun and sunny skies!
Your WC Correspondent,
- Heidi Heaton
Saturday, July 14, 2012
Heidi's Blog Update #11
Hey there first-years, current WC staff, and dear alums. :) Can you believe it's already the middle of July?! This summer seems to be FLYING by with the next school year around the corner before we know it!
I only have one more week for Upward Bound and cannot believe I will be saying goodbye to the kids in only six more days. I realize I mentioned UB in previous postings but did not specify what the program actually involves. Students ranging from freshmen to seniors in high school from the Cedar Rapids area participate in the summer program which allows them to take courses throughout the week which serves to prepare them for their next high school course, responsibilities and assignments they will be challenged with in college, and allows them to accumulate high school credit as well for many of these courses. My week starts with a 6pm staff meeting on Sunday and ends when the kids leave Friday around 3pm. Then during the week we also have Core Group Activities for our approximately, ten kids, which can range from sand volleyball games, to DQ trips, to picking up trash. We also had our UB Olympics with various sporting and academic events at Upper Iowa University with two other UB programs, and on Thursdays and Fridays we have fun activities such as bowling, going to baseball games, skating, doing service, and college visits. This coming week is our last week, so when finals conclude classes on Tuesday, we will then prepare and pack for our Major City Trip to Omaha, Nebraska from the 18th through the 20th. I'm incredibly excited for the trip! It should be a blast and a great way to end the program. :)
Our day of service yesterday was a great opportunity for the students to get involved in the community and to see how easy and fulfilling it can be to give back. The group of students I accompanied went to the Habitat for Humanity office off of 6th Street where we helped sort, move, clean, and repaint furniture, as well as construct shelving units. After several hours of volunteer work and before we left for Coe and lunch, I spoke with Joe who is in charge of many of the activities at the Habitat office. He was incredibly appreciative of our help there and spoke of the amazing amount of opportunities available to serve and volunteer there. Joe mentioned needing people involved in writing to interview people, take photos and write articles for the Habitat office. He also said the students in any of the high schools nearby, as well as students at Coe, could volunteer there anytime and that they would be happy to have the extra hands.
When I mentioned I work in Coe's Writing Center, Joe was thrilled, gave me his card, and was very interested in any help we might provide to Habitat for Humanity. I was involved in our Volunteer Committee my freshman year, not this past year, but saw this as a great opportunity for our consultants, and more specifically our Volunteer Committee to get involved, particularly where it involves those interested in journalism and photography.
I have also been busy with work for the Heritage Office. I have interviewed one of Coe's Physics professors, Steve Feller, as well as two of Coe's older alums now living in Florida. I am currently working on the articles for these two interviews. Through this job I've discovered what a careful process it can be to interview others, how important it is to ask the right questions, like when we're consulting other students and need to draw-out the right thoughts that will lead to a better paper. Writing the article itself also involves lots of writing, rewriting, revising, editing...and then repeat that process. It's really interesting though to conduct the interviews and to be involved on campus in ways I haven't in the past. There's so much history behind both the campus and the people who keep it functioning.
Also just a side note for you first-years, the next timeframe to submit your summer writing exercise is approaching, July 16th-19th, so happy writing! Remember...all three responses to the prompts should be submitted in one document. Please and thank you! :)
- Heidi Heaton
I only have one more week for Upward Bound and cannot believe I will be saying goodbye to the kids in only six more days. I realize I mentioned UB in previous postings but did not specify what the program actually involves. Students ranging from freshmen to seniors in high school from the Cedar Rapids area participate in the summer program which allows them to take courses throughout the week which serves to prepare them for their next high school course, responsibilities and assignments they will be challenged with in college, and allows them to accumulate high school credit as well for many of these courses. My week starts with a 6pm staff meeting on Sunday and ends when the kids leave Friday around 3pm. Then during the week we also have Core Group Activities for our approximately, ten kids, which can range from sand volleyball games, to DQ trips, to picking up trash. We also had our UB Olympics with various sporting and academic events at Upper Iowa University with two other UB programs, and on Thursdays and Fridays we have fun activities such as bowling, going to baseball games, skating, doing service, and college visits. This coming week is our last week, so when finals conclude classes on Tuesday, we will then prepare and pack for our Major City Trip to Omaha, Nebraska from the 18th through the 20th. I'm incredibly excited for the trip! It should be a blast and a great way to end the program. :)
Our day of service yesterday was a great opportunity for the students to get involved in the community and to see how easy and fulfilling it can be to give back. The group of students I accompanied went to the Habitat for Humanity office off of 6th Street where we helped sort, move, clean, and repaint furniture, as well as construct shelving units. After several hours of volunteer work and before we left for Coe and lunch, I spoke with Joe who is in charge of many of the activities at the Habitat office. He was incredibly appreciative of our help there and spoke of the amazing amount of opportunities available to serve and volunteer there. Joe mentioned needing people involved in writing to interview people, take photos and write articles for the Habitat office. He also said the students in any of the high schools nearby, as well as students at Coe, could volunteer there anytime and that they would be happy to have the extra hands.
When I mentioned I work in Coe's Writing Center, Joe was thrilled, gave me his card, and was very interested in any help we might provide to Habitat for Humanity. I was involved in our Volunteer Committee my freshman year, not this past year, but saw this as a great opportunity for our consultants, and more specifically our Volunteer Committee to get involved, particularly where it involves those interested in journalism and photography.
I have also been busy with work for the Heritage Office. I have interviewed one of Coe's Physics professors, Steve Feller, as well as two of Coe's older alums now living in Florida. I am currently working on the articles for these two interviews. Through this job I've discovered what a careful process it can be to interview others, how important it is to ask the right questions, like when we're consulting other students and need to draw-out the right thoughts that will lead to a better paper. Writing the article itself also involves lots of writing, rewriting, revising, editing...and then repeat that process. It's really interesting though to conduct the interviews and to be involved on campus in ways I haven't in the past. There's so much history behind both the campus and the people who keep it functioning.
Also just a side note for you first-years, the next timeframe to submit your summer writing exercise is approaching, July 16th-19th, so happy writing! Remember...all three responses to the prompts should be submitted in one document. Please and thank you! :)
- Heidi Heaton
Saturday, July 7, 2012
Heidi's Blog Update #10
Wow, I'm incredibly jealous of that 60 degree weather in Norway Miss Anna! Everyone here at Coe is currently sweltering in 100 degree weather, high 80's or 90's at our low, haha. Lucky for me I have been mostly indoors on dorm duty for Upward Bound or taking the kids to movies, Planet X and other activities that provide air-conditioning. ;)
This blog update's coming at you from the WC directly as I work on converting the first-year summer writing exercises to like formats. I just finished the first chunk of submissions from our June time frame and all our first-years have kept my job relatively pain-free by mostly choosing 12 point font, Times New Roman, 1 inch margins, and single-spacing. I would like to include a quick reminder to any of you new Kohawks out there that you should include three responses, one for each prompt, in your submission. All should be completed and sent together...please and thank you! :)
I am not inhabiting the WC alone though. Today Tim Salis, a soon-to-be consultant of two years this coming fall, has joined me in the WC. He's been spending his time reading the first-year book selection, A Primate's Memoir for his Writing Fellow class-to-be. Not a bad book at all we both agreed. The author is incredibly entertaining. My personal favorite section was when he described his privacy being invaded by elephants in the middle of the night when trying to use the restroom...much to look forward to if you haven't quite hit that spot yet! :)
Ah well, time for some lunch...Tim and I decided to walk to Wendy's or something to procrastinate our work a bit and fill our stomaches!
More to come later. :)
- Heidi Heaton
This blog update's coming at you from the WC directly as I work on converting the first-year summer writing exercises to like formats. I just finished the first chunk of submissions from our June time frame and all our first-years have kept my job relatively pain-free by mostly choosing 12 point font, Times New Roman, 1 inch margins, and single-spacing. I would like to include a quick reminder to any of you new Kohawks out there that you should include three responses, one for each prompt, in your submission. All should be completed and sent together...please and thank you! :)
I am not inhabiting the WC alone though. Today Tim Salis, a soon-to-be consultant of two years this coming fall, has joined me in the WC. He's been spending his time reading the first-year book selection, A Primate's Memoir for his Writing Fellow class-to-be. Not a bad book at all we both agreed. The author is incredibly entertaining. My personal favorite section was when he described his privacy being invaded by elephants in the middle of the night when trying to use the restroom...much to look forward to if you haven't quite hit that spot yet! :)
Ah well, time for some lunch...Tim and I decided to walk to Wendy's or something to procrastinate our work a bit and fill our stomaches!
More to come later. :)
- Heidi Heaton
Sunday, July 1, 2012
The CWC Abroad
Hello from Norway!
It looks like Heidi's taking good care of the blog, but I wanted to sign in and say hi from sunny Bergen, Norway - the land of the midnight sun. I'm here exclusively for family (today marked the end of a fabulous family reunion weekend) but I still think about the good old Writing Center. The multitude of cousins, uncles, and aunts who I'm meeting for the first time keep asking "what do you study at university in the states?" I answer honestly, saying english literature, and the immediate response has been "oh, so you write a lot?" I haven't really explained the writing center yet, since there's a bit of a language gap, but I am reminded of it every time I'm asked about writing.
While everyone at Coe seems to be boiling hot, I'm wearing a fleece vest, sweatshirt, and coat most days. Bergen has been unseasonably sunny this summer, according to the locals. Most years it rains a lot, in short but strong bursts. None of the showers seem to last more than a few minutes, but everyone's said to keep an umbrella with us at all times. However it's only rained once so far! The weather's stayed around 60 degrees and pleasantly sunny the whole time - sorry, Coe people.
While we're talking about the Writing Center abroad, check out our Coe Links and Study Abroad sections in the sidebar on the right: we've listed a few of our former consultants' study abroad blogs (which are still fun to read) and have a couple current consultants' blogs in there too! It's fun to see what everyone's up to. It's a shameless plug, but our staffers are a pretty cool bunch. Check it out.
Short update, but oh well. Since I'm not at my own computer I can't add any pictures to this post, however when I get back, I'll add a shot of myself here in Norway (it's absolutely beautiful). Enjoy!
- Anna H.
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