My heart is heavy and I am sad. I found out last night that we lost another TRiO program in our state. Logically, I shouldn't be as sad as I am but...I am. So much sorrow, shock, and disappointment...
I think about the 1,200 students who may never step foot on a college campus. Students whose life choices may forever be altered because they didn't have the opportunity to hear "You can go to college. I'll help you get there." Students who may never have an opportunity to attend a college prep workshop, or receive information about financial aid, or receive instruction on the college application process.
1,200 students lost.
I think about the individuals that work in this program, individuals who have dedicated their lives to advocating for opportunity and education for all. Some of the most dedicated and passionate people I know. People who committed themselves to making a difference that went beyond simply fulfilling a job requirement...they put their whole heart into their program and their students. I cry when I think about how painful it must be to have something you care about so deeply ripped away from you.
I think about the leadership and guidance these individuals have contributed on a state and regional level. How much time and energy they put into developing and advancing our organizations. The leadership they provided... and the void that their departure will leave behind.
But mainly I am thinking about my friends. These are people who have always offered support, guidance, and direction. People who have helped me grow and inspired me to do better. People that I care about. And it kills me to know they are hurting.
This program was cut due to the current political climate and budget crises. Now more than ever it is important for anyone reading this to contact their U.S. legislators and President Obama's office and tell them it's important to increase funding for these programs. Here's why we need TRiO:
1. The federal TRiO programs provide educational opportunity services to over 841,000 students nation wide.
2. The educational choices made today impact the next generation. It's difficult to lead your children down a road you haven't walked yourself... only 20% of bachelor degree recipients had parents with an educational level of high school diploma or less. Most people that didn't go to college want to get their children there, they just don't know how. Upward Bound prepares these high school students and veterans for success in college.
3. Poor people are less likely to go to college. The enrollment rate for a low-income student is 29% lower than that of students above the low-income level. Without a college degree occupational choices are limited and earnings are less. Education becomes less of a priority when you're faced with having to sale plasma in order to pay rent.
4. To go to college you have to know where to find the money. 66% of all undergraduates receive some type of financial aid. Educational Talent Search prepares and assists 6th graders and up with applying for financial aid and college admission and Educational Opportunity Centers provide similar services to adults.
5. Simply getting them to college is not enough, we have to work to keep them there. According to the Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education, the 2009 persistence rate of first-time freshmen in Oklahoma was only 65.7%. Student Support Services (that's me!) helps low-income, first-generation college students, and individuals with disabilities stay in school and earn a bachelors degree.
6. In order to change society we must break racial barriers - we can do this through education. And we desperately need to - only 9.8% of conferred bachelors degrees were awarded to African Americans. There is even less diversity on the graduate level - only 7.4% of masters degrees were awarded to this population. The percentages are lower for every other ethnic group with the exception of Caucasian. Lower for every other ethnic group - let that sink in.
7. While we boast about increases of enrollment for minority populations, take a look at the figures. Yes, it's an increase but it's an embarrassingly small one...from 1976 to 2009 the college enrollment rate for African Americans has increased from 9% to 14%, for Hispanic 3% to 12%, for Asian/Pacific Islander from 2% to 7%. That's it? Over 33 years and that's it?
8. To be competitive in a global market we will have to expand and strengthen the math of science skills of our future leaders. In 2004 only 13.7% of students entered college in a STEM field. Upward Bound Math/Science prepares high school students for college programs that lead to careers in math and science.
9. A person with bachelor degree is less likely to live in poverty or be incarcerated and is more likely to experience financial security and job satisfaction.
10. TRiO works!
*Unless otherwise noted, this information was obtained from the National Center For Education Statistics and represents the national outlook for the 2008-2009 academic year.
Friday, September 30, 2011
Thursday, September 29, 2011
Work Out Update
Just finished 1.5 miles at a pace of 3.7 (and a couple of breaks at a pace of 3.4) with a half mile cool down.
Didn't run at all while I was in DC - didn't even take my workout clothes because I knew wouldn't do it. I've got a month to get to 3.5 miles at a pace fast enough that I won't completely embarrass myself...wish me luck, this is gonna be tough!
Didn't run at all while I was in DC - didn't even take my workout clothes because I knew wouldn't do it. I've got a month to get to 3.5 miles at a pace fast enough that I won't completely embarrass myself...wish me luck, this is gonna be tough!
Always An Adventure
Had a wonderful time at the conference. I got to hear interesting, motivating, and passionate speakers; learned some good information; and even met a few new people. And that's a big thing for me because I really stink at the whole meet and mingle thing...
So all went well. Until it was time to go home. And then it all went south.
I had prearranged shuttle service and my pick up was scheduled for 1:00. My flight left at 3:10 so I was already cutting it a little close. So I noticed a disclaimer on my shuttle receipt that said they allowed a 15 minute gap.
So after our final session I planted myself in the lobby to try to catch up on work. I was in the midst of finishing an email that I really needed to get out when I noticed it was about 20 minutes to 1:00. And I wanted to be there waiting at 12:45. So I’m in a panic to get this done before I have to go…I hit the send button and nothing happens. My session had timed out!
The hotel was generous enough to allow 1 hour blocks of internet access. You could get more than that, you just had to sign back in. And I had just hit the one hour mark. GRRRR!
Panicked that I was going to miss my shuttle I grab the laptop and my bag (which is about as big as me) and speed walk to the front of the hotel and finish the email standing – balancing the laptop with my arm and my stomach. The picture of professionalism, right? But at least I got my email out!
So I wait. And wait. No shuttle. So now it’s about 10 after 1:00 and I’m starting to get nervous. So I call the shuttle service and she says the shuttle came by at 1:05. What? I was standing right at the front door… She asked me if I was standing outside, to which I reply no, but I’m right inside the front door, watching all the vehicles that come through. And she says that if I wasn’t standing outside he may not have stopped because he wouldn’t know there was someone to pick up. What? Doesn’t he know that from my reservation? Plus, this is a huge conference – almost everyone is leaving and there have been a steady stream of people outside…so the shuttle should have stopped.
She tells me the next shuttle will come by around 1:35. As that sinks in I decide to step outside, just in case. And the lovely bellman starts to navigate me towards a taxi. No thanks, I’ve got a shuttle scheduled. A shuttle? he asks. The shuttles pick up on the other end of the hotel. THE OTHER END OF THE HOTEL? WHAT? That didn’t make me feel stupid or anything…
So I run, as fast as I can with all my luggage to the elevator, go down a level, and run again across the length of the hotel to this magical and mystical second entrance. And I see the shuttle! Save!
So I jump on. It’s 1:17. I can still make it! I think. Yeah, yeah, it will be fine – I’ll make it!
But we don’t go anywhere. We’re just sitting. We wait. And wait. And wait. The driver is sitting in the front seat, shuffling papers. They must have been really, really important papers because we don’t pull out until 1:37. One. Thirty. Seven.
Now I’m in a panic. In some cities you can get away with getting to the airport a little late but with DC you never know how long it’s going to take to get through that security line. And this was not the day to test it…
And then we stop to pick up someone else.
Oh. My. God. I am so missing my flight!
Unfortunately, she was in a panic too because our flights left at the same time…this is so not looking good for either one of us. And the driver certainly wasn’t in a rush to get us there. He had no concern whatsoever. He was probably thinking we were dumbasses for not being able to navigate the shuttle system…
When we do get to the airport, I jump out before the driver has even had time to put it in park. We’re not at the right airport terminal but I know I can walk myself down there faster than he can drive me. So I grab my luggage and run. Really run. Like full on sprint. In my wedges. I check in, drop my bags and do another sprint to the security line. People were staring. But I made it!
My flights were uneventful. I met a nice guy on business who was interested in the book I was reading. Actually, I don’t think he was that interested in the book – I think he was just a talker but when we landed I gave him the book anyway. It was funny because when he asked me where I was from I told him Oklahoma and he said “Yeah? I was in Austin with a buddy of mine not too long ago.” And then said something about Dallas. I know we both have red dirt, cowboys and twangy accents but I would like to think that he knew Texas and Oklahoma were different states.
I discovered at baggage claim that my bag was missing. My bag with all my favorite shoes! And some of my favorite jewelry, my contacts, my flat iron, and my makeup. Yikes! This is an important bag people! Fortunately, it was delivered today.
And just in time! I had to go to work really ugly today - no makeup, glasses, bad hair. And of course, our Lt. Governor was visiting campus today. Now, I would have talked to him ugly or not but I was glad I could at least put in my contacts before we had that conversation about the importance of our state leadership advocating for TRiO…
So all went well. Until it was time to go home. And then it all went south.
I had prearranged shuttle service and my pick up was scheduled for 1:00. My flight left at 3:10 so I was already cutting it a little close. So I noticed a disclaimer on my shuttle receipt that said they allowed a 15 minute gap.
So after our final session I planted myself in the lobby to try to catch up on work. I was in the midst of finishing an email that I really needed to get out when I noticed it was about 20 minutes to 1:00. And I wanted to be there waiting at 12:45. So I’m in a panic to get this done before I have to go…I hit the send button and nothing happens. My session had timed out!
The hotel was generous enough to allow 1 hour blocks of internet access. You could get more than that, you just had to sign back in. And I had just hit the one hour mark. GRRRR!
Panicked that I was going to miss my shuttle I grab the laptop and my bag (which is about as big as me) and speed walk to the front of the hotel and finish the email standing – balancing the laptop with my arm and my stomach. The picture of professionalism, right? But at least I got my email out!
So I wait. And wait. No shuttle. So now it’s about 10 after 1:00 and I’m starting to get nervous. So I call the shuttle service and she says the shuttle came by at 1:05. What? I was standing right at the front door… She asked me if I was standing outside, to which I reply no, but I’m right inside the front door, watching all the vehicles that come through. And she says that if I wasn’t standing outside he may not have stopped because he wouldn’t know there was someone to pick up. What? Doesn’t he know that from my reservation? Plus, this is a huge conference – almost everyone is leaving and there have been a steady stream of people outside…so the shuttle should have stopped.
She tells me the next shuttle will come by around 1:35. As that sinks in I decide to step outside, just in case. And the lovely bellman starts to navigate me towards a taxi. No thanks, I’ve got a shuttle scheduled. A shuttle? he asks. The shuttles pick up on the other end of the hotel. THE OTHER END OF THE HOTEL? WHAT? That didn’t make me feel stupid or anything…
So I run, as fast as I can with all my luggage to the elevator, go down a level, and run again across the length of the hotel to this magical and mystical second entrance. And I see the shuttle! Save!
So I jump on. It’s 1:17. I can still make it! I think. Yeah, yeah, it will be fine – I’ll make it!
But we don’t go anywhere. We’re just sitting. We wait. And wait. And wait. The driver is sitting in the front seat, shuffling papers. They must have been really, really important papers because we don’t pull out until 1:37. One. Thirty. Seven.
Now I’m in a panic. In some cities you can get away with getting to the airport a little late but with DC you never know how long it’s going to take to get through that security line. And this was not the day to test it…
And then we stop to pick up someone else.
Oh. My. God. I am so missing my flight!
Unfortunately, she was in a panic too because our flights left at the same time…this is so not looking good for either one of us. And the driver certainly wasn’t in a rush to get us there. He had no concern whatsoever. He was probably thinking we were dumbasses for not being able to navigate the shuttle system…
When we do get to the airport, I jump out before the driver has even had time to put it in park. We’re not at the right airport terminal but I know I can walk myself down there faster than he can drive me. So I grab my luggage and run. Really run. Like full on sprint. In my wedges. I check in, drop my bags and do another sprint to the security line. People were staring. But I made it!
My flights were uneventful. I met a nice guy on business who was interested in the book I was reading. Actually, I don’t think he was that interested in the book – I think he was just a talker but when we landed I gave him the book anyway. It was funny because when he asked me where I was from I told him Oklahoma and he said “Yeah? I was in Austin with a buddy of mine not too long ago.” And then said something about Dallas. I know we both have red dirt, cowboys and twangy accents but I would like to think that he knew Texas and Oklahoma were different states.
I discovered at baggage claim that my bag was missing. My bag with all my favorite shoes! And some of my favorite jewelry, my contacts, my flat iron, and my makeup. Yikes! This is an important bag people! Fortunately, it was delivered today.
And just in time! I had to go to work really ugly today - no makeup, glasses, bad hair. And of course, our Lt. Governor was visiting campus today. Now, I would have talked to him ugly or not but I was glad I could at least put in my contacts before we had that conversation about the importance of our state leadership advocating for TRiO…
Tuesday, September 27, 2011
Knock Before You Walk
So far it's been a very productive conference. The thing about surrounding yourself with brilliant, dedicated, and innovative people is that you realize how much more you can and should be doing...and I'm looking around and realizing that it's gonna take a lot more to get my program where I want it. SO much work to do! But it's energizing and exciting to think about the possibilities.
I got walked in on by the cleaning lady this morning. Interesting that she did the knalk - this is when someone knocks AS they walk into a room. Which kinda defeats the whole purpose of knocking, don't you think?
Unfortunately, I was not dressed. Fortunately I was hid behind a wall. It could have been disastrous.
I had another knalk experience that almost ended as badly, if not worse. It was several years ago, when M was a baby, and I was breastfeeding. Which meant, for this working Mom, periodically connecting myself to an apparatus and milking myself throughout the day. Every bit as humiliating as it sounds.
And the machine, a fancy double pumper, made this horrible whoooosh, whooosh, whooosh sound which I was sure could be heard from outside my office. Which only increased the humiliation.
So I had the awkward conversation with my male, childless supervisor. Now, we happen to be dear friends, so it wasn't a typical supervisor/employee conversation. It went something like this: "I'm breastfeed-" at which point he held up his hand for me to quit talking and pretended to retch. "No, listen, I just want you to know that I'm going to be pumping whi-" Again interrupted by an even more dramatic gesture of him pretending to fall out of his seat while retching. "So when my door is closed and my blinds are shut that means that - " This time he covered his face with his hands and just said "Out. Out Amber Lou. Out."
And so we had reached an understanding.
I pumped so long that I actually discovered there was a lot that I could do while I was pumping. I used to prop the bottles against the desk so my hands would be free so I could type or answer emails - it was a very effective use of my time. Who says you can't be all things to all people all the time?
So one day I'm on the computer, working away, hooked up to my milk machine and my office phone rings. It was my supervisor. My hand was on the phone, I was about to pick up before I remembered what I was doing. And that the whooosh, whooosh, whooosh would surely give me away.
Then he called right back. That was his code for I Need You Right Now, No Matter What. And knowing how impatient he is I knew what his next step would be - to come to my office. And he was a knalker. Used to drive me crazy.
About 10 seconds later I hear a knock, hear the handle, hear a key, and the handle starts to turns. And I panic and yell, about as loud as I could, "No!". It had the potential to be one of the most mortifying experiences of my life. And probably one of the most traumatic for him... poor guy couldn't look me in the eye for the rest of the day.
When I didn't answer the phone he assumed I was out of the office at lunch.
And of course, because it ended the way it ended - with nothing happening - I thought it was extremely funny and took full advantage of every opportunity to give him a hard time about it.
So please, remember: knock, pause, then enter. Or bad, very bad, things could happen.
I got walked in on by the cleaning lady this morning. Interesting that she did the knalk - this is when someone knocks AS they walk into a room. Which kinda defeats the whole purpose of knocking, don't you think?
Unfortunately, I was not dressed. Fortunately I was hid behind a wall. It could have been disastrous.
I had another knalk experience that almost ended as badly, if not worse. It was several years ago, when M was a baby, and I was breastfeeding. Which meant, for this working Mom, periodically connecting myself to an apparatus and milking myself throughout the day. Every bit as humiliating as it sounds.
And the machine, a fancy double pumper, made this horrible whoooosh, whooosh, whooosh sound which I was sure could be heard from outside my office. Which only increased the humiliation.
So I had the awkward conversation with my male, childless supervisor. Now, we happen to be dear friends, so it wasn't a typical supervisor/employee conversation. It went something like this: "I'm breastfeed-" at which point he held up his hand for me to quit talking and pretended to retch. "No, listen, I just want you to know that I'm going to be pumping whi-" Again interrupted by an even more dramatic gesture of him pretending to fall out of his seat while retching. "So when my door is closed and my blinds are shut that means that - " This time he covered his face with his hands and just said "Out. Out Amber Lou. Out."
And so we had reached an understanding.
I pumped so long that I actually discovered there was a lot that I could do while I was pumping. I used to prop the bottles against the desk so my hands would be free so I could type or answer emails - it was a very effective use of my time. Who says you can't be all things to all people all the time?
So one day I'm on the computer, working away, hooked up to my milk machine and my office phone rings. It was my supervisor. My hand was on the phone, I was about to pick up before I remembered what I was doing. And that the whooosh, whooosh, whooosh would surely give me away.
Then he called right back. That was his code for I Need You Right Now, No Matter What. And knowing how impatient he is I knew what his next step would be - to come to my office. And he was a knalker. Used to drive me crazy.
About 10 seconds later I hear a knock, hear the handle, hear a key, and the handle starts to turns. And I panic and yell, about as loud as I could, "No!". It had the potential to be one of the most mortifying experiences of my life. And probably one of the most traumatic for him... poor guy couldn't look me in the eye for the rest of the day.
When I didn't answer the phone he assumed I was out of the office at lunch.
And of course, because it ended the way it ended - with nothing happening - I thought it was extremely funny and took full advantage of every opportunity to give him a hard time about it.
So please, remember: knock, pause, then enter. Or bad, very bad, things could happen.
Sunday, September 25, 2011
Greetings From DC
In DC for a conference. Really excited about the conference - looks like it's going to be some great information! Not so excited about being away from my family...it's only a few days but I'll miss them. I left early this morning too so I didn't get to say goodbye. Not like I would have liked.
They did call me while I was at the airport once they all woke up but it's not the same as a sweet little hug and kiss. M told me it wasn't fair that I got to get on a plane and she didn't and she was very concerned about how I would get on the plane, since it was still dark outside. Once we boarded I took a picture of myself on the plane to send her. It was a little embarrassing, smiling like a dork and taking a picture of myself but I thought she would think it was cool. I also took a picture down the aisle of the cabin so she could see what the inside looked like. Also embarrassing. It's a good thing I don't have any pride.
Not super pumped about the location either. Don't get me wrong, I love DC, it's an amazing place. But I've been here for several other conferences and spent a summer doing an internship here...so there isn't a lot that's been unexplored. And I don't know many people attending and of those that I do know, most are heavily involved and won't have a lot of time to socialize.
I brought some work with me, thought this would be some perfect catch up time. But no wifi in the hotel rooms. Really, no wifi? That stinks! I can access it from the lobby but I don't think I'll be dragging myself out to the lobby for that...pretty sure none of these nice folks cares to see me all trashed out in my comfy clothes...
They did call me while I was at the airport once they all woke up but it's not the same as a sweet little hug and kiss. M told me it wasn't fair that I got to get on a plane and she didn't and she was very concerned about how I would get on the plane, since it was still dark outside. Once we boarded I took a picture of myself on the plane to send her. It was a little embarrassing, smiling like a dork and taking a picture of myself but I thought she would think it was cool. I also took a picture down the aisle of the cabin so she could see what the inside looked like. Also embarrassing. It's a good thing I don't have any pride.
Not super pumped about the location either. Don't get me wrong, I love DC, it's an amazing place. But I've been here for several other conferences and spent a summer doing an internship here...so there isn't a lot that's been unexplored. And I don't know many people attending and of those that I do know, most are heavily involved and won't have a lot of time to socialize.
I brought some work with me, thought this would be some perfect catch up time. But no wifi in the hotel rooms. Really, no wifi? That stinks! I can access it from the lobby but I don't think I'll be dragging myself out to the lobby for that...pretty sure none of these nice folks cares to see me all trashed out in my comfy clothes...
Friday, September 23, 2011
Some Advice
When your wife comes out modeling a new dress it may not be wise to tell her that it looks like she better not gain an ounce. This may elicit a violent reaction where she feels uncontrollably compelled to smack you upside the head.
Or she may run 1 mile at a pace of 3.7 with a half mile cool down.
It's up to you to decide if you want to chance it...
Or she may run 1 mile at a pace of 3.7 with a half mile cool down.
It's up to you to decide if you want to chance it...
List Bliss
A former boyfriend, who hadn't seen me in several months, once enthusiastically exclaimed "I like how fat you've gotten!" I swear, that is exactly what came out of his mouth.
And he was being completely genuine - he really did think I looked good. I guess he was what they call a chubby chaser, although I'm not sure that label fits considering the girls he cheated with were not chubby.
Either way - it was an experience that taught me that there is someone to appreciate every body type. And I appreciate mine...here's why I think it's good to be a chubby chick:
1. No one is shocked when you eat a piece of cake. And have ice cream.
2. You don't have to pretend like you don't eat on a first date.
3. You're easy to buy gifts for - people bring you food.
4. Protruding bones hurt.
5. You never have to worry about someone using you for your looks.
6. You get invited out a lot because your beautiful friends don't consider you competition.
7. It's nice to snuggle with a squishy person.
8. There really isn't any guilt in missing workouts - no one expected you to stay with it anyway.
9. No one at your class reunion will whisper in shock "Man, she's gotten fat!"
10. You can go to the beach and let it all hang out because you know that the only bodies getting scrutinized are the good ones.
11. You had to develop personality and skills because you couldn't rely on being "a pretty face".
12. There are certain activities where having hips comes in handy.
And he was being completely genuine - he really did think I looked good. I guess he was what they call a chubby chaser, although I'm not sure that label fits considering the girls he cheated with were not chubby.
Either way - it was an experience that taught me that there is someone to appreciate every body type. And I appreciate mine...here's why I think it's good to be a chubby chick:
1. No one is shocked when you eat a piece of cake. And have ice cream.
2. You don't have to pretend like you don't eat on a first date.
3. You're easy to buy gifts for - people bring you food.
4. Protruding bones hurt.
5. You never have to worry about someone using you for your looks.
6. You get invited out a lot because your beautiful friends don't consider you competition.
7. It's nice to snuggle with a squishy person.
8. There really isn't any guilt in missing workouts - no one expected you to stay with it anyway.
9. No one at your class reunion will whisper in shock "Man, she's gotten fat!"
10. You can go to the beach and let it all hang out because you know that the only bodies getting scrutinized are the good ones.
11. You had to develop personality and skills because you couldn't rely on being "a pretty face".
12. There are certain activities where having hips comes in handy.
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