It is interesting that as the stream of students slows that I have no 'extra time'. Last semester I would end up with down time to read about disabilities or review interesting cases that the other disability specialists referred me to. Maybe it is too early in the semester, but I also feel that it has something to do with my extra responsibilities. True, my responsibilities are the same as last semester in terms of meeting with students. However I feel more responsible because of my own professional growth, and the fact that one of the disability specialists is out. For her students I feel that I need to continually return and check on any follow up. In terms of my own students I have 3 intakes this week, which is a lot when I am only here 2 days a week. It is really great experience for me and I know it definitely helps take the load off the other specialists who can spend more time with the students already assigned to them.
Even though I am no less occupied, my days seem less frantic because I no longer have back to back appointments all day long. I've been able to follow up, and also look into other ways to contribute to the office. One of those ways was presented by a student who expressed how lost she felt coming into college with a disability and not having anyone to talk to about it. She wants to start a student organization for upperclassmen with disabilities to mentor first year or transfer students with disabilities.
I'm looking forward to being able to contribute another thing to the office since they have shown me so much trust and experience. I'm also looking forward to getting more experience with student organizations.
Even though I am no less occupied, my days seem less frantic because I no longer have back to back appointments all day long. I've been able to follow up, and also look into other ways to contribute to the office. One of those ways was presented by a student who expressed how lost she felt coming into college with a disability and not having anyone to talk to about it. She wants to start a student organization for upperclassmen with disabilities to mentor first year or transfer students with disabilities.
I'm looking forward to being able to contribute another thing to the office since they have shown me so much trust and experience. I'm also looking forward to getting more experience with student organizations.