Living on my own has been great. I am working my internship, writing for the Talking Stick magazine at ACUHO-I, which stands for the Association of College and University Housing Officers-International. I know, it’s a mouthful. Try saying it when answering the phone. Theor magazine and their other publications go out to more than 6,400 housing professionals from more than 900 colleges and universities in 22 different countries. My housing background really helped me get this, and actually my supervisor from my Resident Advisor job recommended it to me. I worked this all spring quarter, and it’s given me great writing experience. Right now I’m actually working on a feature, which is really exciting. It’s about how mental health procedures have changed on campuses since the Virginia Tech shootings. I’ve done so many phone interviews, it’s crazy…but they’re getting a lot easier every time I do them.
And speaking of phones, I’m also working at Ohio State Calling. This is…well...it’s pretty much telemarketing. We call alumni and give them some updates on Ohio State…but essentially just ask for money. Also great public speaking experience, and great practice with having thick-skin when people yell at you, which they inevitably do. Plus it’s fun.
In my free time, which I LOVE, I read or work out or watch the news or go shopping…all the things I always want to do during the school year but I can’t even imagine having time! I’m getting used to a few things…for one, I have to make a conscious effort not to schedule every minute of everyday in my schedule book. And one of my housemates had to remind me that I don’t live in the dorms right now, so I don’t have to keep everything I own tucked away in my room. I can use other parts of the house, like the kitchen and the bathroom. But I’ve quickly adjusted to a whole new lifestyle of just enjoying myself and doing what I want!