Sunday, October 23, 2011

Interview with Randy

        As is known to all, as a university which has a history of 150 years, Lander has developed into a Multi-disciplinary comprehensive university with four colleges from a college. I have been in Lander for almost 2months, during which I have got along well with staff and students here and have been to every division of Student Affairs to learn more.
      Randall Bouknight,vice president in charge of student affairs spared me the time and gave me the opportunity to talk with him face to face.Our interview lasted for about one and a half hour.We talked a lot about student affairs work and share the difference between China and America.
      I asked Randy a lot not only about his personal experience but also student affairs.Randy told me that he worked in L ander from 1972,and he is glad to have a good work relationship ,all the faculty and staff in the department of student affairs are hard-working and do a good job.Dean of college and professional  teachers support for the development of students ,including study,career service,mental development,etc.Lander has a good network system ,they can  inform  the students from different colleges of  all kinds fo finformation in time.Furthermore,Lander has emergency olans for unexpected incidents,such as suiside,domestic violence ,being lovelorn ,study problems,etc.
        I'm so impressed by the concept of "student-centered",Lander want to cultivate the students to be productive 、respect、good realationship、good personality.And the teachers all want to face and resolve the problem with the students together to help them grow to maturity.Lander also has a lot of opportunity for the students to experience ,such asn Student Government Association,Student Club,to be a Presidential Ambassador,a RA, Cheerleader,Expoleader.From now on ,Randy will promot the 'Life Skill Program' for the students ,focus on educating and developing the "whole"student.The co-curricular  and life skills series are 'leadership development and experience','global and cultural awareness','career preparation',develop and maintain healthy(physically and emotionally),'volunteerism','business etiquette',etc.

      Next week I wil go to Winthrop University to learn  for about three weeks.And I hope I can also have a colourful life there as Lander.I really want to express my gratitude to thank Randy 、Dr.Park、Frank for giving me many opportunities to know more about the westen culture and student affairs work system.

Monday, October 10, 2011

A busy weekend


October 8th is the Parents' Day, which is mostly in the fall semester each year to carry out. All parents have come to the school not only to see their children's accommodation, campus surroundings, but also feel Lander beautiful environment.The family can take picture together and get a free beautiful printed photo .They can join the Square music ,have delicious picnic.The event continues from 11:00am  to 2 pm, the weather is good, good environment, good mood.

    The staff of Student Affairs are very busy and hospitable.I’m impressed  that they all love students by heart and look them as their children wherever the come from.

After lunch, Boyoung and I watched the performance named "Trojan Women",directored by Prof. Monique. It is held for 1hour,most actors and actress are from the performance class.Although props are simple, but with wonderful lighting and sound .This is my first experience to enjoy drama performed in English in foreign country.Exciting and enjoyable.



Sunday, after eating early lunch, walked to school, waiting Dr.Cowall (dance teacher) drove us to Greenvill  Peace Center to watch the U.S. Momix dance exotic performances.Throughout the  2 hours and 15 minutes show, I was shocked by the fantastic music and lighting and also very glad having a good time with de students.



Tuesday, October 4, 2011

To know about Wellness Center


In Kitty's leadership, I came to the Wellness Center and began to familiar with the work.

WellnessCenter, attached to the Student Affairs, which offers health servicesdisability services and counseling.There are six people in the center,the directora secretary, two counselors, two nurses, one of the nurse also responsible for matters related services for the disabled.

Kitty is so considerableand she arrange for me to have the opportunity to interview each of them. I carefully observed their office,each person has picture of family, friends, and more are arranged for the visiting students, and they make every  visitor feel relaxed and comfortable.

Kim is responsible for disability services, she told me that there are about 120 handicapped in Lander.She is in charge of their coordination of relevant departments, arrange their houses (as in the first floor, to be easily accessible), if the students need some help related to academic,she also can help themto coordinate the curriculum.She looks evey students as her friend,give them encouragement and assistance within its capacity.

CeCe is a counselor, an active lady. She provides counseling service everday,and she also responsible for group training. She took out her own notebook and  described in detail the work content.Also she  invited me to join their group training programs and Mental Illness Awareness Week.

The next day,after finishing my Montessori class,I went to the WellnessCenter again, to have a meeting with Justin and Kim.

Justine is 30 years old birthday that day, I told him in China 30years birthday is very special for man ,it means “you will be a real man and it is good time for your career development.”He smiled and told me, he felt lucky to work in the Wellness Center to help others. He enjoyed his work very much,although he has been worked for only one year, but he worked very hard, especially interested in group training and did a good job.During the meeting ,

he presented  training group projects to me and  share some photos.

Kim is a registered nurse,a nice lady.When came into her office,there is everything:bed, medicine, disinfection cabinet, masks, handset, etc., because her office is a simply medical room.She is very busy, and provide healthy service 3540 a day.I don’t want to disturb her too much,so we will have a meeting again sometime.

Two days of the  Wellness Center staff interview all let me begin to understand and become familiar with their work, I think this is an affinity group, they do their best to give people who come to seek help best help.