The Unseen Influences in Our Workplace Imagine a scenario: Alex, an enthusiastic and experienced professional, recently joined the Fraternity and Sorority Life Department at a prestigious university as an Assistant Director. Brimming with ideas and a commitment to diversity and inclusion, Alex was eager to contribute to the department. However, Alex soon encountered an unexpected…
In the world of college sports, there are few names as legendary as Joe Paterno. For over half a century, he held an unshakable grip over Penn State University’s football program, a place affectionately known as “Happy Valley.” However, it became evident between March and November of 2011 that ‘Happy Valley’ wasn’t so joyful for…
Hello, beautiful people. It’s been a minute since my last blog post, and I am excited to reconnect with you all and start blogging regularly again. My absence was for good reason – I have been on a long and incredible journey, culminating in achieving a lifelong dream: earning a doctorate. This journey began over…
In a world where stereotypes of masculinity often prioritize strength and aggression, the importance of male wellness, encompassing physical, mental, and spiritual well-being, has been overshadowed. However, it is crucial to acknowledge that toxic masculinity not only harms children and women but also negatively impacts males themselves. Growing up, I, too, was exposed to these…
This post will not be as polished as others – i need to speak a little freely. I am passionate about some of thee topics and serious lines are being crossed and redrawn. So..They did it. Are we really surprised? Nope but kinda.. We had to sit with it for a few days. Many in…
Have you ever found yourself in a situation where someone’s advice didn’t quite resonate with you? Perhaps it was a mentor, a colleague, or even a supervisor. I recall past encounters that left me pondering the complexities of leadership and the underlying factors that shape our perceptions of worthy leaders. This experience, coupled with the…
Mentorship, sometimes referred to as kinship (Bryant & Walker, 2023), is a powerful practice that can help individuals navigate their personal and professional lives. A mentor is someone who provides guidance and support, sharing their experiences and knowledge to help others achieve their goals. For Black males, mentorship is especially important. This group faces a…
An Affirmative Critique of Anti-DEI Rhetoric = White on White Crime by Lawrence Alexander Dear LA, You know, as I was reading your compelling piece, “Anti-DEI(B) Rhetoric = White on White Crime,” I felt like I was transported back in time. It was as if we were sitting side by side on a cozy porch,…
The question of whether to professionalize the Florida State Legislature has been a hot topic in the world of politics. This debate involves increasing lawmaker pay, regulating outside employment, and potentially turning the Legislature into a full-time body. Yet, the concept is met with mixed feelings as some fear it may lead to the “big-government…
The adage “surround yourself with people who will fight for you in rooms you aren’t in” has profound significance, especially for those who find themselves on the margins of society. This saying underscores the importance of fostering a network of allies who are eager to advocate for your cause in situations where your own voice…
The digital age has revolutionized the way we work, learn, and connect with others. As we continue to navigate through these unprecedented times, it’s essential to recognize the benefits of remote work, online learning, and online social groups. Remote Work: Flexibility and Productivity at Your Fingertips The rise of remote work has provided employees with…
The Disappearance of Civil Confrontation In recent years, many individuals in our society seem to have lost the ability to engage in civil conversations with those who hold differing opinions. This decline in civil confrontation has severe implications for solving complex problems and coexisting harmoniously. How did we arrive at this point, and how can…
Introduction In recent years, there has been a growing awareness of the importance of mental health in the workplace. As a result, the terms “quiet quitting” and “occupational burnout” have become increasingly prevalent in discussions about employee well-being. In this blog post, I will explore the similarities and differences between these two concepts, examine the…
Have you ever wondered what makes a great leader? Is it charisma, intelligence, or perhaps the ability to inspire others? While all of these qualities are essential, there is one characteristic that stands out as a game-changer for leaders, especially in the realm of student affairs: authenticity. But what exactly is authenticity, and why does…
Imagine finding yourself in the bustling city of Boston, surrounded by like-minded professionals and eager to absorb the wealth of knowledge and experience at NASPA 2023. The conference is a recharging experience, opening doors to new possibilities, connections, and insights. But as the excitement fades and the dust settles, how do you ensure that these…
Close your eyes and think about a pencil. What comes to mind? For most of us, it’s just a writing tool – nothing special or worth dwelling on. But what if I told you that a pencil has the power to teach us valuable life lessons? In a YouTube video I recently rewatched titled “Profound…
Hello, beautiful people! Six blog articles in, I’ve realized that, apart from my website profile, I haven’t introduced myself properly. Allow me to tell you a bit about who I am and what experiences have molded me before I share a little about my journey and future posts. I’m looking forward to interweaving my posts…
The name “Janus-faced” derives from the Roman god Janus, who was generally represented with two faces, one looking ahead and one looking backward. Janus was renowned for his capacity to view both the present and the past. It was believed that the god Janus, who was the guardian of entrances and exits, had two faces…
Vicarious trauma, also known as secondary traumatic stress, is the emotional and psychological distress that can result from hearing about or being exposed to the traumatic experiences of others. The term “vicarious trauma” was coined by Judith Lewis Herman in her book “Trauma and Recovery” published in 1992. In this book, she defined vicarious trauma…
The popular advice of “Faking it Until you make it” is often touted as a means of achieving success in the field of student affairs. However, this advice is not only ineffective, but it can also be dangerous and harmful to those who follow it, particularly people of color working in this field. The problem…