What was your experience starting a new job during this strange year of COVID-19?
I think this year has brought challenges for everyone. Over the summer, I was working somewhere else and made the conscious decision to leave that job. I was talking to Dean Sorenson about how I was looking for something new, but I didn’t think much of it.
When at the beginning of August, she called me and was like, “Hey, we have an opening, we just need someone really quick.” Replying, I said, “Yes, absolutely.”
The adjustment period was very short. I signed the paperwork, and the next day, I was in my office. I was establishing my space, the environment I would like to create here, as well as getting familiar with this role. It was a large amount of change in a short amount of time, but I’m still excited to be here!
It’s a very different Lamson than I knew as an undergrad. For one, we are now in a pandemic, which has really changed the undergrad experience. Whereas, a dorm is a place where you get an opportunity to build community, it’s more difficult to do that now. A lot of it is finding ways to be safe but also to be social, which is the most difficult task at hand. This is what has been the biggest transition and difficulty. If we weren’t maybe in a pandemic, planning events would be a lot easier, but we have more things to consider.
What are some of the responsibilities you have as a dean?
All three of the Deans here share general responsibilities. For example, if a student has a question or needs to use the chapel. For me specifically, I help students with academic success and finding different venues around our campus. Whether that be with Student Success or their department. All to help them figure out how to achieve the goals they set while they are in this environment. I also help with event planning, help the RA’s plan hall parties and Saturday night activities. Just ensure that we’re doing our best to create community in this environment.
The one thing no one likes to hear is noise warnings. When they assigned this role to me, I chuckled, because when I was a RA, that was what I dreaded the most, but it’s not that bad. I’ve been trying more actively to change the culture and ideology around that.
How did you know you wanted to be a dean? What led you to this position?
I never saw myself being a dean, but when Dean Sorenson asked me about this job, I was like, "Sure, why not." We are all transitioning and in a pandemic. I’ve always known that whatever job I have, I want to work with people. More specifically, working in an environment to help them succeed, whether that be mental health, academics, or personal growth. I want to be a resource and help people to do better and achieve their goals. I’ve done that in multiple different roles, but this position in particular allows for all of that.
There are times when I’ll chat with residents about the stress that school is causing, their relationship or friendship, and even family. I have a lot of conversations in which I feel comfortable saying, “What’s here that is helping you succeed, and how do you take that step forward?”
The feedback that I got was very affirming. People who once saw me as an undergrad student would tell me that this is something that fits me, and they could see me long term in this environment. They also thought I’d be really good at this position. Those affirmations solidified wanting to be here.
What do you most look forward to as a dean this school year?
I look forward to getting to know the residents the most. Getting to know their personal and life experiences, and understanding what’s made them and what’s happening now, that will create the person they will become. I love the personal interaction with students; there are tons of different personalities that come in and out of my door. This is my favorite part of my job.
Is there any advice or encouragement you’d have for students during this time of uncertainty?
Do your best to continue to build community. It’s not going to be as easy because this is a very different experience now. When I was in undergrad, I could text my friend, “Hey, let’s go on an adventure!” We didn’t have to worry about masks or what places we could go to, as we do now.
You can take the time to FaceTime a friend and have a fulfilling conversation, or establish good connections in your department or people you study with. This is your community.
But it’s so important to know that this is not something that each student is going through individually. You might have your individual perspective and experience on what is happening, but know that it’s happening to everyone. You’re not alone processing how to attend school in a pandemic.
The Student Movement is the official student newspaper of 日韩AV. Opinions expressed in the Student Movement are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the editors, 日韩AV or the Seventh-day Adventist church.