Going with the Saturday Night Live Theme this morning…

On Wednesday my students spent 1 hour lost in powers that be of Roberts Rules of Order, trying to appoint a new round of commissioners to their board. It resulted in three current commissioners let go (kind of like the current job market). One deserving student asked to stay, and one voted in who can’t make the meetings next semester. Thanks Roberts Rules.

On Thursday at the Inter-Club Council meeting Brandon, our college’s Cafeteria Manager did an awesome presentation updating the clubs on the status of the cafeteria, changes in menu to help with affordability and flavor, and now will offer Fundraising Fridays. The clubs loved the idea. If all goes well, the cafeteria can start moving towards the black, and clubs can make some real extra money while having fun cooking and bonding. Next task, creating a contract form that really makes this Fundraising Fridays happen. However, I can hear the students now “Not another form!”

On Friday, I learned that all the Christmas cards I sent on Monday, in the cutest red small envelope, will cost our friends an extra trip to the post office and .20 cents. Due to the fact that the card is smaller than normal and needed more postage…What?…ahh..kind of funny.

That’s weekend update, I am Victoria Worch… now off to hike Mount Tam

Gas Prices: Yahoo!! Today, I was able to buy 9 gallons for $20 bucks
CNN’s Presidential Transition coverage: that is enough..no more…move on. I cannot even name who Bush picked 8 years ago. Obama will do fine.
Madagascar Escape 2 Africa: Funny!! I could watch a whole Penguin movie. Damm, those guys are hilarious.

I told Matthias, I want to do something about this. I am not sure yet, but I feel really powerful about this issue. The film opens my eyes to the way this country is fighting terrorism. We are tearing families apart and creating more and more stereotypes and discrimination. There has to be a better way to fight terrorism and process illegal immigration then holding people in detention centers. There has to be…I encourage you to watch “The Visitor”.

The one thing I am learning from this experience is I like being a mentor and helping new advisors become familiar with the field of Student Affairs and Student Life. This December will make it seven years in my role as the Coordinator of Student Life. As the President-Elect, I’ve taken on co-coordinating the professional conference in Napa next March, am in charge of the professional and student scholarships, and just finished with co-organizing the Advisor reception at the Student Senate Fall General Assembly. We had 60 advisors there! Adrienne, the President and Carlos, the Student Senate Liaison and I did an awesome job. We were able to create an experience for advisors to discuss hot topics, such as free speech and balancing work and life outside of work, and have fun networking at the same time.

I’ve also realized that for many years now, I have managed my office, advised student leaders and studied leadership. But this President-Elect experience will be my own personal leadership experience. So far, it’s a lot of fun!

The Student Senate group of student leaders really impressed me. Through out the assembly, my students joined many other students from 74 out of the 110 community colleges to write resolutions, attend workshops, run for senator-at-large positions (there were 25 candidates alone!) and vote on 22 different resolutions. The resolutions address counseling needs such as more freshmen seminars, support towards equity and diversity regarding the Umoja Community and AB540 programs, decreasing international student fees, student involvement at the Board of Trustee level and Environmental/Sustainability issues. There were 6 resolutions alone addressing sustainability issues! My students alone presented 5 resolutions.

As I watch the students’ debate, take action and network across college campuses, I kept thinking that the media needs to be here. Today’s community college students are putting a new face to who the community college student is. The community college student is no longer lost or unmotivated. Today’s community college students are serious about their education. They are willing to learn and can be an inspiration for us all.

To find out more about the action being taken at the CA statewide level by community college students, visit the Student Senate web site at www.studentsenateccc.org

Reading: Nancy Pelosi’s “Know Your Power”

Working on: the Save the Date flyers regarding the CCCSAA Professional Conference next March, and Scholarship applications to be handed out this coming weekend at our annual Student Leadership Conference in San Diego.

Balancing: House hunting, relaxing, and working evening events such as the weekly Presidental Debates.

Looking forward to: Maui!!

Thankful for: Matthias, our families, friends and Rock Band.