Reflecting on Changes, December, and Empowerment

Permit me an understatement: it's been a rough semester. It's always a rough semester because we work with humans (and sometimes their comfort animals) but this semester has challenged many of us in ways that are uncomfortable, nervewracking, or had us confronting our own demons.

Being asked to submit a WISA blog post in these times and in December is a challenge. Will I be heard above the noise of students stumbling through finals and moving out for break? Can I convey a meaningful thought through the cacophony of bells ringing, carols blaring, and flashing ads for the perfect holiday gift?

It occurred to me not to try to play to the message of the holidays or address the social and political movements sweeping many campuses. As student affairs professionals we engage the messages of the holidays and the value of inclusivity, teaching them all year long. We're also used to doling out cookies and treats, organizing events and all of the energy associated with the holiday season. You, WISA readers, deserve a break from the peppermint frosted, chestnut-roasted, challenges. You might be ready for a change.

As women, we are often cast in the role as caregivers whether we want to be or not. So those of us who feel compelled, or are compelled, to help during the extra-challenging moments on campus are likely feeling depleted. In those moments where I'm feeling challenged professionally and really want to be helpful, I try to engage my strengths. I reach out, communicate, offer suggestions and get involved. These are all good skills that have served me well but lately I've learned we really grow when we change things up. 

I recently took on a new job. I moved to a new state and transitioned to a leadership role in a new institution. Talk about changing it up! It's been invigorating to be in a new place, and learning so many new things. 

The challenges I've faced in this new place have forced me to reevaluate how I address problems. Not everyone has an inter-state job change on their agenda but you can make changes to the ways in which you work.

As foreign as it may feel, making a change, any change, can benefit both you as the professional, and the situation. For example, how many of us double our efforts when confronted with challenge? How often do we take on the emotional caregiver role? Trying harder and doing more isn't always what's called for.  For many of us this change may be as simple as easing up, rather than pressing on.

Wouldn't it be a refreshing experience to empower ourselves, our students, and staff to tackle tasks with us rather than taking on the burden of more emotional (and actual) work? 

If you’re in the mood to do a little more, asking to be added to a new committee or project outside of your usual sphere of influence can broaden your perspectives, however saying 'yes' to new experiences may also mean saying 'no' to the initiatives with which you've become disillusioned or dare I say it- ineffective. 

Another change I've been making is to really listen to those with whom I disagree. Being on the opposite end of an idea or policy can be exhausting- I ask myself if this issue is one on which I could change my mind or try a different perspective. Can you afford to see a 'wrong' idea to a different conclusion?

Once you introduce some change, you make room to develop new strengths and you give yourself a bit of a break from the weight of imposed expectations and challenges.