September is over...which is good. This has seemed like an especially crazy and somewhat stressful first month of school. Adjusting to this Semester's pace has been more difficult than usual. Sleep has been in short supply...I think my internal clock must be goofy.
On the plus side...the scooter is ordered and on its way. Here's hoping sooner than later. I'm gonna guess two weeks.
Oh, and Facebook is addictive.
So, I'm trying to join this thing called the Facebook that everybody is on now, and it keeps telling me to enter a vaild email address...which I've done. Why does it not like my BSU email?
Any tips out there?
This has been a busy week. For the last several days, we have been involved in a big recruitment drive to bring up the Senate numbers, so I've done some tabling, class presentations, made a flyer, etc. Today we got 7 applications, which I believe must be a record for a single day...at least that I can recall.
In these past few weeks, as I've given my "pitch" to students telling them what a great opportiunity Senate is, it's gotten me thinking;It's brought back memories. Memories of my last-second decision to try for that MVHS Student Council seat. Memories of MASC's 2001 Summer Seminar, and the year that followed...the year that began my "career" in student government. And of course, so many memories of the last 3 years, and the beginnings of more, at BSU. All of the experiences I've had as a student leader have come about because of a series of choices that, at least in the early stages involved big risk and leaps of faith...when one has never been involved, the first steps are always the hardest. There have been good times and bad, and a great deal of work mixed in with the fun. Through it all, the decisions I have made to get involved...and stay involved, in things which I am passionate about, have impacted my life in the best ways possible.
Yesterday evening, while visiting with a friend, I was reminded of some of the other great things students are doing on campuses and in communities that those of us doing "official" business in the belly of the beast lose sight of on occasion. He is attempting to get a chapter of an organization focusing on community service and leadership development going on campus. After hearing the story and checking out the website, I am impressed by the concept, and think we will see good things from that group.
Leadership opportunities abound for students. Sure, not all people want to be in student government, but should be able to find at least one thing to be involved with. If we all did that, the idea of "student apathy" would go the way of the dodo.
Getting involved...it's the best choice a student can make.
I spent the weekend in Moorhead with Nolan and Nicole attending the MSUSA conference for the month, hosted by the MSUM Senate. They always put on a good meeting, and I think most of them are quite fond of us BSU Beavers...after all, their fearless leader is "a Dragon by academic year, Beaver by summer session" as I believe he put it in reference to his recent summer stay in B-Town.
Of course, the weekend started off with one of those beloved icebreaker activities everyone does at different leadership things. Actually, this one wasn't too bad. At least I didn't think so, because an ice breaker without strenuous physical activity is a good thing in my book. The evening was capped off with a nice dinner and an early bedtime, which made the 7 am wake up call on Saturday a bit easier to take.
Upon awaking Saturday, we spent the better part of two hours listening to a training followed by the always envigorating Board reports, and our second crack at General Assembly, which was cut short and continued this morning. While it made for a longer day today, the early out did allow Nicole and I time to enjoy a delicious meal along with two great campus organizers and a colleague from Metro. A steak dinner-not something I get on a regular basis, and a departure from the usual fast food fare. Yumm...well worth it.
This morning brought the usual routine of discussions and a continued Board meeting. It also brought something else that has become synonymous with Sunday mornings at MSUSA meetings...a bit of drama and an unexpected twist. Every year we hope for smooth sailing, and we never seem to get it...not since December 2003 at least. I'm told I came in at an odd time...the organization hasn't always been in flux. Oh well, it makes things interesting.
Suffice it to say that big changes are in store once again. We're evolving, as the State Chair put it. Meanwhile, I continue to do my work with the full confidence that said evolution is for the best.
My English Methods Wiki...papers and such from the methods class I'm currently in.
Elements of E-Rhetoric...I'm not in it, but some cool people are, and it looks like they're doing some interesting things. Pay them a visit.
Actually, it started last night. The recruits we had expected to show up at the Senate meeting did not. Even the girl who called less than a half hour before to confirm the location was nowhere to be found. Recruitment is incredibly frustrating at times.
This morning, I overslept...was 20 minutes late to English Methods. Of course today had to be the day the clinical experiences director came in to get information so he can set up the practicums. Luckily, he caught up with me later in the Ed Lab.
Finally, I learned that the folks at MeritCare have not received the information I need from my doctor, which I requested a week ago! So, hopefully I'll reach the office in the morning so they can get it done and fax it, and the people up here can order the thing so it gets here before I'm too much older.
Long, tiring and frustrating...that sums today up.
Did the Senate "Class Rap" at two evening classes. Seemed like there might be a couple people interested in one class. Also put in a plug at Maple Hall Council tonight and one person asked for an application. The big question is: How many of these interested people will show up on Wednesday?
Is anyone out there interested in academic issues on the BSU campus? If so, I need you!! Two weeks into the semester and I have been unable to pull together an Academic Affairs meeting. Granted, we only have like 5 senators and all the committee chairs are in the same position I am, but it's frustrating. I can not live up to my title as Chair if there is no committee in existence TO chair.
I've never liked having to be a "one man show." Add to that the fact that I myself am new to the position. Sure, I have areas I know we should focus on, but I can't get anywhere by myself. I need members to provide some direction. I am a capable chair and leader, but without a team to back me up, what good is that?
On the plus side, I think that after three years of being bugged about Senate by me, one friend has FINALLY decided to join.
The BSUSA Student Senate needs a few good men and women to serve the student body. If that's you, Apply!!
Well, in celebration of my one year blogiversary, I decided it was time for a new template. So, after much tweaking, welcome to the new Berne's World. What do you think?
Went to MeritCare this morning and put in the order for my new scooter, a viper blue Pride Victory. It's not a Cadillac, as Torin asked, but it is quite nice, and extremely functional.
I was then told it will take 4-8 weeks to arrive...lots of papers to process and insurance crap to do, plus the scooter has to be ordered. Luckily, they are letting me use their rental scooter free of charge until my new one arrives. Most of you who have seen me on campus lately know that my current scooter is essentially non functional and I have spent almost as much time pushing it as I have riding it for the last 2 weeks. I'm excited for the new one to come in.
This brings up another interesting thought. I am routinely asked if the scooter I have is mine or BSU's. This question perplexes me to no end, especially when it comes from staff. Why would anyone think that the University would provide that? Granted it would be nice, but also way beyond any responsibility they have. I will give major kudos though...maintenence has changed my tires, and IT regularly adds air to wheelchair tires. Very nice of them.
Yes, it is time. After almost 9 years, my trusty Pride Sundancer, also referred to as simply "the scooter", or sometimes the BerneMobile, is dying. The motor (third in those 9 years) has no "oomph" left.
It's been a long time coming. I realized over the summer that it's days were numbered. We decided the time was right for a new one rather than sinking another $3-400 in another motor. After all, the scooter has lasted me almost twice as long as we thought it would, and let's face facts, it's been 9 years of HARD use: Rain, snow or shine, every day.
So, I'm pleased to say that assuming all goes well in the next few days, and everything gets approved, I will soon become the proud owner of:
A Pride Victory, hopefully in blue.
In a testament to how quickly things get organized in today's wired world, Check out Katrina Help Wiki.
(via Morgan's Log)
Also, a bit of a Public Service Announcement to my BSU readers...If you want to get involved with upcoming relief projects, come to the Crying Wolf Room of HMU at 2 pm Friday, or contact the union staff.
The Web Team Blog and the Student Services Blog have died. Actually they were dead a long time ago, I just never deleted them.
The Senate Weblog is still alive, and I'm hoping it'll make a comeback.
I've enabled verification to stop the spam comments on recent posts. The extra step won't take that long...
Class wise, the first week of school was fairly routine. My classes all seem like they will be fine. I always begin the year with a certain degree of nervousness, but I know it is largely unwarranted.
First Senate meeting was this Wednesday. I was happy to receive conformation as Academic Affairs Chair and MSUSA Campus Rep, but I was more shocked than ever by the low number of people in the room. Just like last year, we lost people, but the surplus of empty seats this time around surprised even a seasoned veteran like me. With membership hovering around ten, we need more people, as quickly as possible. About 2o applications were handed out at the club and org fair yesterday, and it will be interesting to see how many are actually turned in. If experience is any indicator, I'm guessing 5-10.
Finally, just like everyone else, I've been watching a fair amount of news coverage this week. I am shocked by photos of utter devastaion and chaos left by the hurricane in New Orleans and beyond. It is barely comprehendable.
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