tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13946594616621172732023-06-20T09:44:29.789-04:00professional practiceConnecting Education and InformationAlissaTalley-Pixleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11462669108471569443noreply@blogger.comBlogger95125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1394659461662117273.post-42334249407333269652013-02-03T13:21:00.003-05:002013-02-03T13:21:44.394-05:00...what this new phase means...So, I've not blogged in over a month. I think I'm still relishing in the glory of having weekends and evenings, and frankly, I've not been doing much of anything productive during those times. It's time to get back at it, though I'm going to be off blogging next weekend, too.<br />
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At this point, I've graduated and am working 5 days per week. It is fabulous. I'm enjoying being challenged by my job, learning new things every day, and having time to see family and friends that I missed a lot during my time as a full-time student and nearly full-time employee.<br />
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And now, I'm still figuring out what this new life means. It's been quite some time since I've "just" worked. During other full time jobs, I traveled for work at least monthly, was studying for the GRE/applying to grad school, or had another commitment that took up a lot of time. This time, I go to work and come home... I do yoga or workout 2-3 times per week, and try to read but end up watching sports instead. I'm finding myself needing to find what this life means, and it's fun and interesting, and slightly anxiety-inducing, since I'm used to being so busy. <br />
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And so, this blog may change a bit too - no more classwork to write about. I am going to work over the next several weeks to help this blog find it's new identity, as I am doing myself. Maybe my website will change, maybe I'll do more to integrate the two. Maybe I'll try to connect my blog to my work, or the blog at work that I facilitate. It's an exciting time of which I need to take advantage - but truly, taking some time off the last month has been rejuvenating, motivating, and much needed. AlissaTalley-Pixleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11462669108471569443noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1394659461662117273.post-86766368755672561742012-12-16T20:02:00.001-05:002012-12-16T20:02:44.946-05:00Prepared for what?<div class="tr_bq">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">I don't often write about something that is outside of my own little world, but what happened last Friday in Newtown, Connecticut is something that affects all of our worlds. And will. Forever.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">No words can express the absolute tragedy that occurred. I won't even try. This horrific event reminded me of how precious life is, and how something that we never thought could or would happen, can and did.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">On Saturday, the Dean of the <a href="http://www.soe.umich.edu/" target="_blank">School of Education</a> at the University of Michigan sent an email message to all affiliated with the school in an attempt to allow a community of educators to come together and to take action. Further, the website (www.soe.umich.edu) reads:</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-size: 13px; line-height: 17px;">The School of Education community is shocked and saddened by the tragedy at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Connecticut on December 14. We send our deepest sympathies to the families of those who were killed, and to all those who witnessed and experienced this terrible and senseless event. In memory of the children and adults who died, we are committed to work against violence, to become more knowledgeable about mental illness, to increase our sensitivity to threats to the safety of others, and to develop ways to support survivors of tragedy.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-size: 13px; line-height: 17px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-size: 13px; line-height: 17px;">--Dean Deborah Loewenberg Ball</span></span></blockquote>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">This is a reminder to me, that as an educator, I have a responsibility to be prepared and knowledgeable about issues that I could never imagine. I'm thankful during this time that I am part of a community ready to acknowledge this and face the possibility that this - what happened in Newtown - is the reality of not only that town, but for parents, families, and educators everywhere.</span>AlissaTalley-Pixleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11462669108471569443noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1394659461662117273.post-39255112612052538802012-12-09T10:57:00.001-05:002012-12-09T10:57:30.709-05:00Close...This week, I will have my two final classes at the University of Michigan (after 15 total semesters including undergrad), will finish my final two papers, and one final exam. Pair that with last week's three presentations, one group paper, and another final paper, and that's a lot of finals work.<div>
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So, I'm not feeling creative today, and thus am not going to write here. But next week at this time... I'll be done. :)</div>
AlissaTalley-Pixleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11462669108471569443noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1394659461662117273.post-78542440906720547972012-12-02T10:55:00.002-05:002012-12-02T10:55:48.879-05:00What really matters - past to presentFinals time! The next couple of weeks will be dedicated to the final semester push to finish graduate school. It's hard to believe the end of the road is so near... five semesters of studying, paper writing, reading, and learning are about to culminate into a goal I set out to achieve three years ago.<br />
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Three years ago, in December 2009, I was studying for the GRE, transitioning jobs back to the UM library (while consulting for my previous employer), gathering letters of recommendation for my graduate school applications, filling out the applications, and writing numerous essays. I remember at the time feeling so much stress and pressure, because my future aspirations hinged on my acceptance to the <a href="http://www.si.umich.edu/" target="_blank">University of Michigan School of Information</a> (UMSI). My work then paid off, and I'm starting to feel the weight of the past three years of challenging and meaningful school work, paired with working in professional positions, lifting. It's starting to feel like I really will have fully accomplished the goals I set for myself.<br />
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People ask me what I'm going to do when I'm done - with those weekends and evenings free for taking care of "real life things" (and not having to squeeze them in when I can get to them) and whatever else I want. I want to concentrate on becoming great at the amazing job I have, do a lot more yoga, read books for pleasure (my book club will appreciate that I don't simply show up for the good company), indulge in the pile of US Weekly magazines that has grown tremendously since August (it's my guilty pleasure), learn to cook(?), and so much more.<br />
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But most of all, I'm excited to spend more time on the things that really matter... the friends and family whom I've barely seen and who have supported me so well over the past three years. Without them, I wouldn't have been able to accomplish my goals, and so while the time to relax and think will be nice, I can't wait to support them in their endeavors... or just enjoy spending time with them.AlissaTalley-Pixleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11462669108471569443noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1394659461662117273.post-33305378086235484782012-11-25T10:57:00.001-05:002012-11-25T10:57:31.730-05:00Pulling it all togetherFinals season starts... now. In the next few weeks I'll be pulling together what I have learned over the past semester into papers, presentations, and one e-portfolio. While papers and presentations are one great way to show my learning over the term, the e-portfolio brings together reflections, goals, and my professional philosophy for my student affairs course.<br />
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e-Portfolio's are one way to help students synthesize what they've learned. It's an interesting final project for me because I already have a website, I have a blog (here :) and I have already thought about how I project myself and my work online. The e-portfolio brings in one other way to do that. The blog crosses both my Master of Science in Information degree, my work, and my higher education degree work. My website is more personal and is a showcase of my School of Information master's work, and the e-portfolio focuses on one student affairs class that I had this semester.<br />
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When I had my mentor review my e-portfolio, she brought up the question of whether I would be wanting to add to it and suggested I might start adding in things from my job. I think this is a great idea, and when school is over in a few weeks, I'll start to consider my online presence as solely a working professional (and no longer a formal student). Do I need a portfolio, a website and a blog (and work blogs?) (not to mention LinkedIn, my profile for work, and Facebook, and Twitter). Probably not, but the question will be how to tie all of my work over the past 2.5 years together. It's a fun thing to think about - and I wrote about the topic of being a <a href="http://connect2edinfo.blogspot.com/2011/12/connect2edinfo-becoming-professional.html" target="_blank">professional online</a> in December last year. As I think more about this, any thoughts about how you do this - maintain a presence online that is manageable and effective - are most welcome.AlissaTalley-Pixleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11462669108471569443noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1394659461662117273.post-24971350491145195822012-11-18T11:19:00.001-05:002012-11-18T11:19:34.785-05:00Feeling thankful todayWith the Thanksgiving holiday right around the corner, I'm feeling particularly thankful today...<br />
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<li>To my family for all of their support and love during the last two and a half years (and my whole life!)</li>
<li>To my husband who yesterday cleaned the whole house and did all of the laundry and brings me to work or class everyday and cooks for me and has helped keep my day-to-day life happening </li>
<li>To my friends for putting up with me saying "sorry, I can't" because I'm too busy doing homework or working - and still being <i>totally awesome</i></li>
<li>To my past co-workers at the UM Library for teaching me so much about service, research, technology, teaching, and professionalism</li>
<li>To my current co-workers who are some of the most positive and supportive people I've met</li>
<li>To my former classmates at UMSI from whom I learned so much and am glad to still know!</li>
<li>To my current classmates at the School of Ed whom I've been lucky to get to know better this semester</li>
<li>To myself for being almost done with school</li>
<li>For this week - the calm before the storm of final papers</li>
<li>For my life- I'm so grateful for all of the people in it and for everything I have</li>
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Wishing you and yours a fantastic Thanksgiving this week! Enjoy!</div>
AlissaTalley-Pixleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11462669108471569443noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1394659461662117273.post-35199990326408016332012-11-11T10:25:00.001-05:002012-11-11T10:25:18.780-05:00One year ago...Just over a year ago, on November 3, I wrote a <a href="http://connect2edinfo.blogspot.com/2011/11/new-future-developments.html" target="_blank">blog post</a> about being accepted into the Higher Education master's program at UM. At this point in 2011, I still had a semester left of my degree at the <a href="http://www.si.umich.edu/" target="_blank">UM School of Information</a> and my hope - as I outright stated in my blog post - was to find a job for the fall where I could work 30ish hours per week and finish my degree in Higher Ed. It's funny to see things written in the past - hopes and dreams - and realize that sometimes, they do happen. <br />
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More importantly to this reflection... Wow, how fast a year has gone! I remember sitting in my Intro to Higher Ed class and receiving the email that indicated my acceptance into the master's program. I knew I could learn a lot in a year, but little did I know how much. Between finishing my master's degree in Information, taking a semester's worth of purely higher ed classes, and starting a new job at the School of Information, I am overwhelmed and so excited with the knowledge and skills I've acquired in the last 12 months. I've learned about research, information literacy, privacy and security, non-profit and library management, student development, student affairs, recruiting, networking - and those are just the high-level buzz words. I've learned about community outreach from academic libraries, skills to facilitate technology instruction, "reference interview" best practices that transfer into my job of meeting with prospective students, how to plan large events, considered ways to interact with and support international students, and so much more...<br />
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After this semester is over (classes end one month from today!) I will cherish the chance to make meaning of all of this and consider how it has helped me professionally and personally. For now, I'm going to trek through my final four and a half weeks of school, learn as much as I can, and then, relax and reflect.AlissaTalley-Pixleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11462669108471569443noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1394659461662117273.post-16199621958422389132012-11-04T10:14:00.002-05:002012-11-04T10:14:56.199-05:00The Loop: Theory, Practice (and a bit of technology)Funny how life works... frequently, something will come up in one part of my life, and then later that day or week will appear elsewhere. This week, that "thing" was the topic of theory and practice - and I'll add the technology part.<br />
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In my student affairs class last week, many of our readings were around the topic of how theory and practice play into each other within higher education. We learn many theories as students in higher education, but then the question is how those are used once we start to practice. Inquiries arise: how do we use theory in practice? Can we? Should we learn theory first and apply it to practice, or wait until an issue comes up to go back to the theory? (You can see how this quickly becomes a "loop"...). So, during the three hours we had to discuss this last Tuesday, our professor decided we should make a collective model of our thoughts on theory-practice. And we did... it was messy, but on the whiteboard, we took turns adding, modifying, editing a model that showed how our class thought of theory and practice, and how we thought both should be used.<br />
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I was struck by this model - it was comprehensive, slightly confusing, but surprisingly clarifying. The 11 of us really came together to create something that - while not pretty - incorporated many of the ideas of theory and practice that show how our work can and should use both theory and practice in meaningful ways. So, I took a photo of it on my iPhone, and sent it to the class. Why waste our thoughts by erasing them?<br />
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And then... in our staff meeting at work last week, the question arose... would we want to start a "book club" style group to read theoretical articles and discuss how we can use them in our practice? Why, of course! And, why not? It was so exciting to hear the same question that I was pondering in class come up in my workplace. So, I sent the photo of our model to some of my co-workers... connections being made between my theoretical learning and my practical practice.<br />
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I've realized in my short time at my job, we use theory in our practice. I've also realized that UM uses theory in its teaching and learning practices all the time. When I first started studying higher education, I wasn't sure how much there was to learn about supporting students and what goes into that. It's a lot. And it's so awesome to see theory play into practice and be able to reflect on how it's helped me become a better student and a better professional within higher education.AlissaTalley-Pixleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11462669108471569443noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1394659461662117273.post-30632507466969229892012-10-28T11:59:00.002-04:002012-10-28T11:59:48.461-04:00Connecting prospective students with Information<a href="http://www.si.umich.edu/academics/connect-umsi" target="_blank">Connect with UMSI</a> is one of the University of Michigan School of Information's (<a href="http://www.si.umich.edu/" target="_blank">UMSI</a>) chances to connect with prospective students to provide them with information about our school. We publicize widely around the state of Michigan, with the aim to reach as many people as possible to expose them to our school.<br />
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However, the goal isn't necessarily to recruit as many people as possible... the aim is to spread the word about our programs, and how the field of information can turn into a career or research area for students who many not know what the School of Information actually is or who may not have previously considered how their career goals could fit within the field of information. We seek to inform people about what we do, and we want to connect with prospective students who would be a fit for our progressive school culture. This can mean connecting with people who are doing what we're doing, who have an idea of how information can fit into and change the lives of others, and/or people who may be on the brink of something new.<br />
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That's what is so exciting about my job, and this realization actualizes itself more and more as I dive deeper into this work. Information is changing the world, and I'm a part of it. In my position, I get to help prospective students think about how their background (often NOT in computer science-ish fields) is affected by information and how they can help facilitate that information in ways that make their fields stronger. UMSI is a great place to be and having the opportunity to share information about it is something for which I'm grateful. AlissaTalley-Pixleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11462669108471569443noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1394659461662117273.post-82157797578711745922012-10-21T15:51:00.000-04:002012-10-21T15:51:10.786-04:00My first real event is right around the cornerAs part of my new job at the <a href="http://www.si.umich.edu/" target="_blank">University of Michigan School of Information</a> (UMSI), I am planning our major fall recruiting event - <a href="http://www.si.umich.edu/academics/connect-umsi" target="_blank">Connect with UMSI</a> which will bring prospective students to an afternoon full of information about the program, including admissions and financial aid, career services, and an overview of program offerings. I've learned a lot so far about what it takes to plan this event, and I'm learning more each day.<br />
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I'm excited to have the chance to host this next Saturday, and spread the word about the program that helped change my life. I'll reflect on the event in next week's blog post. Feel free to spread the word if you know of interested and engaged people who would be a good fit for our School!AlissaTalley-Pixleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11462669108471569443noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1394659461662117273.post-2628844350202401942012-10-14T17:33:00.001-04:002012-10-14T17:33:14.053-04:00Fall BreakThe <a href="http://www.umich.edu/" target="_blank">University of Michigan</a>, each fall, gives students two days off from class for fall break. Fall break happens around the middle of October, before midterms, and provides students a time to relax or catch up. <br />
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Even with a packed schedule, having six hours less of class time and the additional hours of reading for those two classes over two days allows me a bit of a mental break. It also means that the semester is nearly half over (what?!) and that my time transitioning to a full-time employee is nearing. <br />
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It's a strange feeling to know that my 18 1/2 years of school will be complete in less than two months. It's also refreshing knowing that my degrees have helped me land an amazing job that helps promote a school that changes the lives of its students and the world. I'll leave it at that today, giving myself a bit of a break from blogging this week, too.AlissaTalley-Pixleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11462669108471569443noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1394659461662117273.post-72958438097843089452012-10-07T21:36:00.000-04:002012-10-07T21:36:01.926-04:00Another blog posts about other blogsIn my new job, one of my goals is to have an active blog about admissions at the <a href="http://www.si.umich.edu/" target="_blank">University of Michigan School of Information</a> (UMSI). As I've found in my personal blog (this) I need to set aside time each week in order to keep blogging a priority.<br />
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I admit it has been more difficult to do this at work, but the blogs for the Master of Science in Information admissions and PhD in Information admissions are up! Check out them (and retired blogs) <a href="http://si.umich.edu/academics/admissions/apply-admissions-blogs" target="_blank">here</a> and let us know what you think!<br />
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The plan is for me and UMSI's recruiting assistants to start blogging more regularly, so it would be great to know what our prospective students or current students (or alumni) would like to know (or would have liked to have known). This is just one way we want to engage with prospective students to help them learn more about UMSI and allow them to discover if UMSI is the right fit for their graduate education.<br />
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Enjoy!AlissaTalley-Pixleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11462669108471569443noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1394659461662117273.post-30140122902815308152012-09-30T13:06:00.000-04:002012-09-30T13:06:31.628-04:00and somehow, it all happensBecause this is a reflective blog, I oftentimes will read old posts - particularly when I'm feeling a bit overloaded and am not even sure what to begin writing. Today is one of those days. So, I looked at the <a href="http://connect2edinfo.blogspot.com/2011/09/and-were-back-realizing-and-balancing.html" target="_blank">posts</a> from last year at this time, and found that my sense of capacity was feeling stretched then too. And somehow this makes me feel better, because it reminds me that everything that needs to happen will.<br />
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I always forget how long it takes to feel "settled" into a new semester, and a new job. Fall is always harder because as busy as life seems over the summer, it's not quite the same as readjusting to an influx of information and a new schedule and a calendar that is bursting at the seams. <br />
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But reading old posts reminds me that somehow, it all happens. Whatever I need to do to do it, I do. And its incredibly helpful to work with people both at my job and in my classes who are supportive, motivating, and positive people. So here's to starting week 5 of the term and still feeling a bit out of sorts. And here's to knowing that before I know it, the semester will be at mid-terms and then the end. So I'm cherishing this time of reflection, knowing that the busy weeks are good things and really, I wouldn't have it any other way.AlissaTalley-Pixleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11462669108471569443noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1394659461662117273.post-86588739943531140642012-09-23T09:42:00.001-04:002012-09-23T09:44:30.709-04:00The lessons of ConvocationLast Friday, the UM School of Information (<a href="http://www.si.umich.edu/" target="_blank">UMSI</a>) held its first ever Convocation. I didn't know what to expect... there was tons of work to do at the office, emails to finish before the weekend, and a busy week ahead. But as part of my position, as part of the UMSI team, and as an alumni, I attended the event.<br />
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I'd almost never been so proud to be a part of this School. The theme of Convocation, "i Will Change the World," perfectly explained where UMSI has been and where it's going. We heard from the Dean, Jeff Mackie-Mason, associate deans, faculty new and old, and a student. We learned about the work of MSI's and doctoral students, professors, and school initiatives. We heard exciting news about projects that literally are changing the world through connecting people and information via technology.<br />
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The Convocation confirmed - once again - that UMSI is an incredibly special place. It's a growing school, Information is an expanding field, and this work can, does and will improve the lives of people. Convocation spoke to me about what is important in my new position -- being part of this team and celebrating the work we do, and looking forward. And that meant that the email left in the office was put off for a couple of hours, but reminded me that if students, faculty and staff come together to learn about our collective work we can only do it better --- for the good of others. Cheers to UMSI and all that comes next!AlissaTalley-Pixleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11462669108471569443noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1394659461662117273.post-58753697550853235352012-09-16T15:07:00.003-04:002012-09-16T15:09:15.872-04:00The other side of library instructionLast week in my student affairs class, the Education Librarian from the Hatcher Graduate Library came to teach a session to help with our research. When people hear this and know that I am trained as a librarian, they often say, "oh, you probably know all of this!" or "you could probably teach this class!" While I may "know" what is being taught, there is nothing more valuable than having a refresher from an expert.<br />
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I always learn new skills, am reminded of database specifics, and become engaged differently when sitting in library workshop sessions. No two classes are alike, no two instructors teach the same way or the same methods of finding resources, and there is always more to learn. The session last Tuesday was specific to the field of higher education, and I picked up tricks and tips that I would have otherwise forgotten.</div>
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So last week's workshop was yet another reminder to me of why I studied information - It's so valuable and revelant. Kudos to Karen for teaching a great session, and for helping me remember these things, and to the rest of the librarians out there doing this same thing every day. </div>
AlissaTalley-Pixleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11462669108471569443noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1394659461662117273.post-32375486630188001392012-09-09T10:15:00.000-04:002012-09-09T10:15:46.820-04:00Getting into the flowStarting a new job and new classes at the same time - or even just the start of a new school year - is quite exciting and invigorating. It means new responsibilities, new deadlines, and a new routine. As I sit down on my first Sunday of the semester to begin my homework, enter due dates into my calendar, and start to engage myself in unfamiliar topics, I get a bit apprehensive about my abilities to complete all of this work and do it well.<br />
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Then I remember that I work much better when I'm in a routine... in a flow... Once I get rolling, my calendar and to-do list doesn't seem quite as daunting, because I'm in the middle of it and don't have time to worry about <i>every single thing </i>I have to do. I do better when I'm busy because when there's too much time to think, anxiety creeps in.<br />
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It will be a challenging semester, no doubt. But it will also be incredibly energizing as I learn about things that directly relate to my new position, that I can apply immediately or down the road. I'll get to research applicable topics to student and academic affairs, institutional environments, and developmental theories. I'll get to learn from my colleagues about their experiences and their thoughts on these issues. And I'll come out of this semester even more prepared to be a higher education professional.<br />
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So while the stress of a new term looms right in front of me, in a few weeks (or later this week), I'll be so immersed in it, I will remind myself that these are times I learn the most and thrive... and that is my motivation to have a successful final semester.AlissaTalley-Pixleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11462669108471569443noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1394659461662117273.post-88774688840451269512012-09-02T11:22:00.000-04:002012-09-02T11:22:19.721-04:00First Week in Higher Ed: The Other Side of OrientationThis was my first week as a higher education professional outside of the library. And boy, was it something! My first day at the School of Information as <a href="http://connect2edinfo.blogspot.com/2012/08/whats-next-question-answered.html" target="_blank">Recruiting and Admissions Coordinator</a> also marked the week of the <a href="http://si.umich.edu/" target="_blank">UMSI</a> incoming student orientation. This meant that the days were filled with meeting students(!), answering questions, printing last minute materials, coordinating room changes, adjusting working groups, and so much more. To me, there was no better way to dive into my new job.<br />
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I learned so much in my first week. I learned that there is so much more to putting on a large event (like orientation) than one realizes as a student. I felt lucky knowing the people I was working with, the specializations for UMSI master's students, what "501" meant, and the culture of UMSI. But I also realized how much more I had to learn. I had never thought about all of the behind the scenes "stuff" like ordering balloons for the check-in table, what it's like to organize current student volunteers for events (even though I'd been recruited to participate as a student), or that catering orders might need to be adjusted. I never realized how much work goes into these days, and that the people working the events would still have email coming in from student groups, prospective students, students who need schedule changes, and other responsibilities that are outside of orientation. <br />
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And this all allowed me to gain even more respect for the higher education professionals that make students' experiences at UMSI special. It made me even more excited to have the opportunity to have my new position be at a place that cares SO MUCH about its students. I cannot wait to start my final graduate school semester and put my full self into working at UMSI to continue its tradition of being an incredibly unique school that focuses completely on the student experience. I'm so grateful that I get to start my higher education career (outside of the library) at a place where I can learn and grow as a professional, in a way that is completely about the student. So here's to starting the 2012-13 year! AlissaTalley-Pixleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11462669108471569443noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1394659461662117273.post-54606295995241707392012-08-25T15:07:00.000-04:002012-08-25T15:07:16.201-04:00What's Next? Question AnsweredYesterday was my official last day working at the University of Michigan Hatcher Graduate Library. I first started working there in 2004, as an undergraduate student. It was a place I loved going and from where I couldn't stay away. My student position led to my first job out of college, before I left Ann Arbor and tried other fields and professions. I couldn't stay away. In 2009, I moved back to my favorite city and had the chance to take on another role at the library (to spare you all of these details in this post, I'll simply post a link to my website <a href="http://alissatalleypixley.com/">http://alissatalleypixley.com</a> in case you're interested). This led to my interest in obtaining a Master of Science in Information, and to my position as a University Library Associate (ULA). It's been an amazing journey these past eight years, and I'm incredibly grateful and feel extremely lucky to have worked with so many professional, intelligent, and thoughtful colleagues.<br />
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My previous positions in the library and in academia peaked my interest in higher education more generally, so, as I wrote in <a href="http://connect2edinfo.blogspot.com/2011/11/new-future-developments.html" target="_blank">November 2011</a>, I applied and was accepted to the Higher Education program at UM. So when I started thinking about my future careers after my two year ULA appointment was up, I knew I wanted to intersect my master's degrees. And it just so happened that the School of Information, from where I graduated in April, recently opened a position for a Recruiting and Admissions Coordinator. I immediately applied and was hired a couple of weeks ago. <br />
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It will be a busy and exciting time in my professional life. This position will allow me to use the skills that I learned at UMSI such as customer service (in my reference classes), information literacy, and non-profit management, with those I practiced in my last position including instruction (speaking in front of people, knowing how to put together meaningful information in an allotted amount of time) and supervision of students, with my knowledge of higher education gained in that particular master's program. I'm thrilled to be able to combine all of my previous work experiences and use the transferable skills from each position to advise prospective students, plan events, manage online communities, and everything else that will crop up as I grow into this job. <br />
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Thanks to everyone for your support in whichever way it was provided in helping me get to where I am today. It will be fun to explore this new role and I hope you'll enjoy following me as I learn and develop in a new environment.AlissaTalley-Pixleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11462669108471569443noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1394659461662117273.post-30778384642985560422012-08-17T10:19:00.001-04:002012-08-17T10:19:38.131-04:00The calm before the beautiful stormFor now, this is my last regular reference desk shift at the Hatcher Graduate Library. I expected a flood of new students asking questions, incoming faculty wandering around, a bustle of folks figuring things out... instead, it is quiet. It feels like the calm before the storm, but its the storm that is needed to re-energize us and propel us forward into the new year.<br />
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That's one thing I love about being involved in higher education as both a student and an employee. I love that the school year is so busy you don't have time to think but yet everything is productive and meaningful. I love that when summer comes, ambitions to do the projects that get put on the back-burner are high, but that the summer is too short to possibly complete all of them... and we need a small break in the action that is academia.<br />
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I love that when August hits, email ramps up, orientation tours start, and planning for fall accelerates. I love that come late August, the temperatures start to cool down (or heat up) and you can begin to see the hint of color in the leaves. By the time September 1 hits, the streets are closed for student move-in (and you can't drive anywhere) and the summertime freedom of taking our town back from the students is no longer a reality.<br />
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But what I love most is that the seasons change, they happen, and they're all wonderful. As much as I look forward to summer, I look forward to fall. And I'm lucky to have this time to appreciate and reflect on this transition, because the closer we get to the Tuesday after Labor Day, the busier I'll get. And I love that.AlissaTalley-Pixleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11462669108471569443noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1394659461662117273.post-37958473885562554772012-08-10T10:33:00.001-04:002012-08-10T10:33:40.431-04:00Final WorkshopToday I will co-instruct my last workshop at the UM Library. It's hard to believe that just over a year ago today was my first Word for Dissertation session. I <a href="http://connect2edinfo.blogspot.com/2011/08/instructional-reflections-and-feedback.html" target="_blank">wrote about that experience</a> on August 5, 2011 and here it is August 10, 2012; boy does time fly!<br />
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When I first started teaching, I was much less confident than I am now. Now, I'm ready to go in and show graduate students the best ways to format their dissertations, in a way that will make the process easier for them. I'm comfortable working with another co-instructor and watching her teach the workshop in a different way than I did. It's great to know that there is someone else stepping in who can help mentor the person who may become their co-instructor. <br />
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I'll take my instructing technology experiences, and try to use the skills I've learned in a transferable way. I'll know that staying excited and upbeat during sessions or presentations is critical; that making the participants feel comfortable asking questions and following along; that everyone learns and processes information differently. It will be valuable to have experience instructing on a variety of things from technology, to databases, to freshmen orientation. And, it is wonderful knowing that I can always re-connect with co-instructors for tips and feedback.<br />
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Instruction has been a very interesting and fun part of my appointment at the library. It's something I've truly enjoyed and hope to do more of in different ways in my next position. And it's something that I've been fortunate enough to have time to reflect upon with mentors and colleagues who are constructive and encouraging. So for now, here's the last library instruction post... thanks for following this piece of the blog!AlissaTalley-Pixleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11462669108471569443noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1394659461662117273.post-77382777002939716482012-08-03T09:48:00.001-04:002012-08-03T09:48:22.831-04:00Everything I want to write, I can'tI'll use the rain analogy again for this week, even though we've had another dry spell. When it rains, it pours. And unfortunately, at this time, I can't share any details about the weather.<br />
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Ok.. enough of the vague comparisons to precipitation. But seriously, when life happens, it <i>happens</i>. It's weird that way. And right now, it is <b>happening.</b> Like, everything. Personal, professional, future... lots of it is on the move right now. And I can't say a word about it. <br />
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It's weird how life happens. Everything I want to write about, I can't. Until probably next week. Maybe.<br />
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All I really know is that I am cleaning out my office of two years today. One more step in this crazy transition. Question is... what to keep and what to throw away (recycle)? What notes do I need from the last 24 months? What will be useful in the future? More inquisitions lead to fewer answers.<br />
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And that's ok. That's my my life right now, as it's happening - and it certainty is...<br />
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P.S. I promise in a few weeks this blog will become more substantive again :)AlissaTalley-Pixleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11462669108471569443noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1394659461662117273.post-82360599819158582612012-07-20T10:27:00.000-04:002012-07-20T10:29:07.896-04:00raining and reliefIt finally rained yesterday. Any readers in the Midwest (and so it seems based on articles like <a href="http://www.weather.com/news/severe-drought-new-high-20120719" target="_blank">these</a> about the drought from the Weather Channel, other readers too) will understand the gravity of that statement. It finally rained! We've experienced incredibly hot, dry weather so far this summer and so rain yesterday was a huge deal.<br />
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And, as they say, when it rains it pours. That it did. It also brought some much needed relief to some of our smaller plants. And to me.<br />
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Now you're saying, "this isn't a blog about the weather..." however rain and relief very much relate to my post on the <a href="http://connect2edinfo.blogspot.com/2012/07/unknown.html" target="_blank">Unknown</a> last week. It seemed that pressure was mounting on many levels - environmentally and mentally. After the rain yesterday - while nothing in my future is figured out for sure - I actually feel better. I woke up this morning to bright, clear blue skies, crispy cooler air. Life is kind of "pouring" right now, but with the cooler weather, it's literally easier to breathe.<br />
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This week, I'm thankful for the opportunities coming my way, and grateful for the relief surrounding my life. I'll take a break next week and be back in August. Until then, wishing you relief in yours.AlissaTalley-Pixleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11462669108471569443noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1394659461662117273.post-5376864334312479272012-07-13T10:03:00.000-04:002012-07-13T10:04:06.590-04:00UnknownWhen the end of a journey is near, various feelings move fluidly day by day and week by week. <br />
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My position ends August 31, and I'm moving into the unknown. All I know about Sept. 1 is that I will be starting my final semester of school (ever) on Tuesday, September 4 and will complete my Master of Arts in Higher Education in December. And that's it.<br />
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The librarian in me is a planner and organizer. I like to know what's going on, when it's happening, and the extent to which I'm involved (anyone who has seen my calendar can attest to this). But that isn't always realistic and I'm realizing that I can't always be in control. And it's stressing me out.<br />
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However, this is a great learning and growing experience for professionalism and life in general. In the past I've been able to control things; I controlled my schedule, the amount of time I put into work and projects, and upcoming life stuff seemed to be in place. Now, my fall and beyond are up in the air and I'm struggling to relax, even though I know that most likely, everything will turn out just fine.<br />
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This is a great learning experience because there will be many times in my future where things are out of my control. I won't be able to control my schedule, my work, and life stuff that happens. And I need to still be able to be productive, deal with it, and have a good, positive (and less anxious) attitude. <br />
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I've been incredibly lucky in life so far, and this experience (as mere and slight as it is) helps put things into perspective - whatever my situation, I've got it good. The "issues" which I'm experiencing are minor in terms of the world and what others go through every day. So while I don't know where I'll be Sept. 1, I can trust that it will be fine. And I keep telling myself that, and where I will be will probably be better than fine - because it will be a learning experience from which I can grow professionally and personally. So that's my new attitude and I'm sticking to it. :)AlissaTalley-Pixleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11462669108471569443noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1394659461662117273.post-45368699486288462932012-07-06T10:24:00.002-04:002012-07-06T10:24:37.816-04:00Instructional TransitionBack from a break... relaxed and ready for what's next... when I figure that out :) <br />
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As for now, since instruction is one of my few duties left at the library this summer, it's something I may write about more often than not.<br />
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As I'm sure I've said before, I've learned that instruction is a continual learning process and there is always something new to take away from the experience at any stage. And now I am in a different phase. Because I am transitioning out of my two-year term-limited position in August, there is a gap to fill in what I teach at the library. An incoming second-year School of Information student showed interest in teaching, so she will be helping to instruct some of the Word for Dissertation workshops that I taught over the past 12 or so months. <br />
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This puts me in a different position; having been in the same situation as she just over a year ago, I am now observing her and providing advice and encouragement before her first workshop next week. This experience reminds me about the importance of observation (as noted in previous <a href="http://connect2edinfo.blogspot.com/search?q=observation" target="_blank">posts</a>) and the need for constant reflection. <br />
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I learned a lot from observing my new co-instructor's teaching style. Having never instructed the class, I was struck by her calmness, her straight-forwardness, and her no-frills approach to teaching dissertation formatting. Her style made me consider something new: formatting dissertations <i>really is</i> a no-frills thing. It is an important, yet not fun part of the dissertation process; why try to make it more than it is? Of course there is an argument for trying to make it fun too, but seeing this teaching style was a good reminder that there are indeed many approaches to instruction.<br />
<br />AlissaTalley-Pixleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11462669108471569443noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1394659461662117273.post-7948272099386265742012-06-25T10:36:00.000-04:002012-06-25T10:36:20.555-04:00Settling into the second half of summerWe never know what comes next, but time off can help bring peace and renewed enthusiasm for the future. Here's to hoping the second half of summer is as exciting and invigorating as the first.<br />
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That said, I'm off blogging again this week until July. Wishing you all a restful, relaxing week and Independence Day.<br />
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