Students’ Views

So each year Georgetown sponsors several festivals in the town square, and in late-April they have the Poppy Festival! I have personally never been to this festival, but today I saw the full force of it while I was working at Romeo’s. I made $150 in tips which is awesome…Georgetown has some generous folks I must say! Speaking of work, I have given my 2 weeks notice to both Romeo’s and my babysitting job. Both provide a nice monthly income to pay the bills, but more important than that, I received a job at Southwestern as an AmeriCorps VISTA! With this position you are not allowed to have a second job because they ask that you are essentially “on duty” 24/7. Because AmeriCorps workers are hired by the government and are also helpers in crises, they prefer and request that you do not have another “paying job” that would take away from you work. So, if you come here during the 2008-2009 school year you will probably see me around. Even though Southwestern is not my employer, but rather just my “supervisor” they provide the VISTA worker with a free meal plan and housing. They do this because you also take on the duty of serving as a Resident Associate. Now of course this could cause a problem with the AmeriCorps “no job” requirements, but Southwestern understands that I may have to leave and there is no problems there…plus if there is a crisis that is going on, they will have other helpers here on campus that can assist students. So anyways, what a relief it is to have a job lined up and one that I am super excited about!!! I will specifically be working in the Office of Civic Engagement with Suzy Pukys. From what I understand I will be a liason for the Southwestern Community and the greater community. I am looking forward to creating some dialogue among students regarding their ideas surrounding Civic Engagement, so if you have any ideas/personal stories/changes, just shoot me an email at hagerj@southwestern.edu.

Well enough about work, and on to travels! In three weeks I will be in JAPAN visiting my brother and his girlfriend, Madori. I am so excited to see them both, and to also see where my brother has been living for the past 2+ years! After my travels to Japan I will return to the States for a trip to Florida and then a cruise to Mexico - I think a well deserved haitus from school and stress! My parents are generous enough to still invite me on their vacations, and since my parents are divorced, there are always two trips - I guess an up side I can look at?!

As you begin this next phases of your life, I wanted to wish you all good luck! Coming from someone who has almost made it through college, I did want to leave you all with some thoughts:

Don’t lead your life off another’s expectations

Take time to yourself, though it may be hard to face the realities of life at times

Take risks, be uncomfortable, and try something new despite assumptions you may have

Meet people who are not like you - you will learn alot

Have fun…whatever that may look like

Start saving your money to pay off loans

AND LAST BUT NOT LEAST…enjoy learning and challenge yourself

My best to you all. If you ever have any questions, please feel free to send me an email, and hopefully I will see you around campus next year!