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Show THE FORUM - 7 APRIL 4, 2012 New graduate assistant has high hopes Hillary Fowler Assistant Editor Coral Azarian thats the same feeling I got when I came here, she said. is the new Graduate Student Assistant at Westminster College. She will During her time at Westminster, Azarian hopes to gain a better understanding of student affairs and decide what she would like to do with a career in the advise several ASWC organizations and oversee the concierge desk. She will also be a residence director. Azarian attended Stonehill College in Massachusetts for her field Working with college students has always been where I have found the most gratification...! am most excited about being a part of the community and getting to know the students that make this a great place, she undergraduate work. During her time there, she was involved in the admissions office and helped with student orientation for three years. She was also a member of the student government and college disciplinary council, and on the board for academic dishonesty. Her most memorable experience was being involved with first-ye- ar orientation. She enjoyed helping shape die new students college careers and starting off the best four years of their lives. Azarian is starting her graduate work at trie University ofUtah in the Education Leadership and Policy program. She came to Utah about a year ago and has decided to go back to school to study student affairs. When she heard about the assistantship at Westminster she said it seemed to really fit what she was looking for. The atmosphere was similar to that of the college where she did her undergraduate work. Its kind of like that feel- said ing you get when you walk onto campus when youre looking at entire council is involved. Azarian loves to travel and learn about other countries; even colleges and youre like. This is it; Azarian will be working with the Interdub Council, which is made up of students representing each dub and organization on campus. New ideas will be introduced, as well as different pilot programs which, if successful, will be implemented permanently. Im exdted to put my hands in a lot of different pots, which is pretty great and not something you get to do at a larger school, she said One of Azarians short-ter- m goals is to stream-lin- e the if this means planning imaginary vacations. She also enjoys reading, her favorite book is A Tree Grows in Brooklyn. Growing up dose to the beach, Azarian says, I am happiest when I have my toes in the sand, a beach chair and a good book. The first thing Azarian did when she moved to Utah was learn to ski. After her first season as a skier, Azarian says she has already become a snow snob and is a lot better than she was when she moved here. Another of her goals is to see as many national parks as possible. Its Dr. Christine Seifert Dr. Rulon Wood Associate Professors of Communication Ah, the smell of fall is in the air. Its that time again time to go back to school and kick some academic butt. For some of you, this is your first time at so cool that you can drive four hours and be in Zion or Moab or drive five and be in Yellowstone or Jackson Hole, she said Thats crazy to me; thats not real life. Azarians advice to Westminster students is to enjoy every second at college. college. But dont you worry, weve got you covered. For jhe next year, we will be writing an advice column. Believe me, we know a lot. Weve lived and learned for many years now. Between the two of us, were 80 years old. Thats like 600 in dog years. And we are just brimming with good advice. This week, were going provide three tips that will insure that your first day is a success. Here they are, in no particular order. Just take advantage of absolutely everything that you possibly can and get involved on campus because thats what youre going to remember, she said fund- ing process for dubs. She also hopes to establish an environment within the Interdub Council in which each dub feels equally important. In die long-ter- do service m, she hopes to Know how to introduce yourself in class. projects in which the AzianisthenewGrd(uaAssilant forStuBent Life Miller Continued from Page 1 bers of Westminsters Residence Life Office. From that encoun- way to serve them over there, Miller said Along with the new residence hall, the Residence Life Office faces the challenge of a growing Westminster population. Freshman are required to live on campus during their first year of school, unless they live with a family member. With the continuous growth of each incoming class, housing these residents is becoming a new challenge. Though Miller has been fo- ter and a visit to campus, Miller knew Westminster was a great fit With Westminsters familial relay strong tionships and growing population, Miller knew Westminsters Residence Life Program was in a good position for change and imstudent-facult- feel, provement. A lot of different things can Its young, its said. growing, Miller One of the major changes the Residence Life Office has been working on is the new residence be done here. The Draw. T think The Draw is going to be a challenge all year long. I think just finding the best way to be flexible but also support what students need and find the best hall, -f r cusing on becoming acclimated with a new college, she has had some opportunities to explore Salt Lake City. Theres just so much to do here. Every night theres something. Theres like three or four different things going on, like concerts and shows, Miller said. Being back in a city has been very exciting for Miller, but the outdoors has also caught her attention. T like the outdoors. Im not hardcore like people are here, but I love to be outside. I like the weather here, the four seasons are Along with snowboarding, Miller enjoys the shopping in the area, as well as the proximity to football programs such as Boise State and the University ofUtah. But primarily, Miller is looking forward to working with and getting to know students. Tve been looking forward to building those relationships with everyday students, not just student leaders, Miller said. Students are free to visit Miller, whose office is located in the basement of Shaw. . classmates. You are all in this together, and its going to be a long semester if you plan to be the Lone Ranger. Learning happens best when its active and collaborative. Nobody ever achieved greatness by studying alone. Get comfortable talking with and listening to your classroom comrades. Youll have lively and deep conversations with them, even if at least one of those conversations consists of complaining about your ki pro- fessor when you think we cant hear you (Note: We can hear you.) Make a pact to give your all to the classes. Hold each other accountable for making Your professor will more your college experience producthan likely ask you to introduce tive and memorable. yourself on day one you know, stuff like favorite book, movie, Dont worry if you and reason why you took the havent picked a major. course. If you draw a blank, dont worry. Your answers There is a lot of pressure should be: from people around Catcher in the Rye (or coming you to know exactly what you any other book just make sure do with your life. If that you can name a book that want to you dont know yet, thats okay. youve actually read) Thats why youre here! Enjoy Citizen Kane (well preyour general education classes. tend weve seen it too) find that you have a pasI took this course because Youll for things you never imagI love the topic. As an added sion ined: dance, theatre, literature, bonus, I heard that you are the who knows, you might most interesting professor on biology, even end up in communication campus. I hear they Most importantly, do not, I (if youre lucky rock over there). The point is repeat, do not say that you took this: Use this time to have some the course because it is required. but along the way, youre Thats just downright rude... fun, to explore ideas that will even if its true. Everyone needs going stick with you for a lifetime. love, and your professors more Until next time ... enjoy your than likely have very fragile first week. And, dont forget to egos. Be kind, be gentle, and be write. We need some questions dishonest if you have to be. And so we can impart our trementhen muster some real enthudous knowledge and wisdom to siasm for learning. You dont the next generation. have to love the subject matter to learn something. College is about exploring new ideas. . awesome. Get to know your i |