So far the Office for Disability Services has been bustling and I expected nothing less. I have been meeting with students 2 days a week and almost always have back to back appointments all day long. It's exhilarating to move that quickly between students and absolutely challenging to make sure I am composed before each new appointment starts. I hadn't thought about it much before, but now I am reflecting on not only how important, but also challenging it is to treat every student as an individual, and as if they are the only student you are meeting with that day. I move at warp speed between appointments; writing down notes I need to remember to add to the students file and preparing for the next student. Then as soon as I receive the instant message from the front office I take a breath and focus all my attention on that incoming student.
I cannot imagine when the office will calm down. There are three part time students (myself, the graduate assistant, and another graduate intern) covering for two full time people. Thankfully one of the specialists recovered quickly and after taking some time being in the office only part time is back full time. Still, there are a lot of students to meet with and the goal is to do so as early in the semester as possible to avoid creating any additional barriers for them.
So far I have been left to work quite independently. I am treated just as any other specialists would be; I receive documentation with no further instruction and am expected to read it, determine if the documentation meets our deadlines and proceed with the student appointment. I am so grateful to have this experience because not only does the staff in this office trust me and my professional judgment but I do as well. Last semester I was nervous going into meetings without supervision, but this semester I am completely confident in my ability to provide appropriate resources to my students.
I cannot imagine when the office will calm down. There are three part time students (myself, the graduate assistant, and another graduate intern) covering for two full time people. Thankfully one of the specialists recovered quickly and after taking some time being in the office only part time is back full time. Still, there are a lot of students to meet with and the goal is to do so as early in the semester as possible to avoid creating any additional barriers for them.
So far I have been left to work quite independently. I am treated just as any other specialists would be; I receive documentation with no further instruction and am expected to read it, determine if the documentation meets our deadlines and proceed with the student appointment. I am so grateful to have this experience because not only does the staff in this office trust me and my professional judgment but I do as well. Last semester I was nervous going into meetings without supervision, but this semester I am completely confident in my ability to provide appropriate resources to my students.