I can’t believe it –we only have 3 weeks left of the 1st term on Fayette campus!  It has been a whirlwind to say the least (which is pretty apparent if you could see the pile of laundry that’s stacking up at home!).  This year in addition to my regular full-time job at the library, I also have the opportunity to teach a Freshmen Wellness class for the first time.  There is so much to cover in so little time that at times it feels a bit overwhelming, but it’s been a very good experience — I have a great class!   One of the topics we cover is time management, and goodness knows I can use all the help in that area that I can get!    Another component of the class is attending various speakers and fine arts events; I’ve been able to sit in on several of these, and I have to say that the diverse talent UIU brings to campus is awesome!  (Follow the Peacock Entertainment Crew on Facebook to keep up with upcoming events).

This year the stars aligned and I decided it was time to go back to school to finish my Elementary Ed. degree.  It’s going to be a few years since I’ll only be able to take one class at a time, but I have high hopes that this time I’m going to accomplish it.  When you go back to school at an “older” age, you definitely appreciate it and take it more seriously (plus with those pesky student loans to deal with you definitely want to finish what you start!).  I already have a Bachelor’s Degree in Human Services and a Master’s in Library & Information Science, and now I’m going back to get a Bachelor’s.  People that know me pretty well probably aren’t very surprised that I’m doing things “backwards”.  Being in class and dealing with the administrative side of things (filling out financial aid forms, registering for classes, etc.) has been interesting too since now I get to see things from a student’s perspective.  And I have to say, the faculty members of the Education Department have been so helpful and great to work with.  People who come to campus for a day often remark how friendly everyone is, and how welcoming.  It really is a great atmosphere at UIU!

So in addition to being a staff member, faculty, AND student this term (yes, I’m pretty much a headache for the computer systems trying to classify me!  ), I’m also the advisor for the Music Club.  We have a great group this year, with leaders who take their responsibilites seriously, and both returning and new club members with lots of great ideas.  I’m excited because we are a very diverse group, and I look forward to opportunities for our members to share the music of their countries with the entire campus!

In addition to all my school-related activities, I also started back at my part-time seasonal job last weekend.  I was surprised to get the call already — this is actually the earliest our crew remembers being called back.  With everything else going on it is tempting to give it a break this year, but with rising prices of nearly everything, I’m willing to give up that one day a week to be able to supplement my income a bit.  And because it’s on Sunday, it doesn’t interfere with my Peacocks football games.  Speaking of which, next week is Homecoming and there are lots of great activities planned.  Take part in some of them if you can!

And that’s my crazy life – if you see someone walking across campus with her head spinning, don’t worry, that’s probably just me!