Has it really only been one week? Part 1

First, I must apologize for taking so long to update my blog. I haven’t had steady internet access since I got here because I’m not technically able to have access to Auburn’s wireless. Irregardless!

Very early Friday morning, I left Baton Rouge and made it into Auburn around 1 in the afternoon. It was a pretty easy drive, but I’m sure glad that I had music to keep me going. As soon as I drove onto campus, I realized that I had arrived on graduation day. One of the first things that I noticed was a very long line of new grads and their families. A bit further ahead, I saw the cause of the commotion—the Auburn University sign in from on Samford Hall. Each student and maybe a few of their friends were waiting to take pictures in front of the sign as a symbol of their accomplishments and pride in Auburn. Immediately, my biggest fears subsided and I knew that I would find something comforting in this institution.

After finding a parking spot, I took a few minutes to walk around campus on my own to see if I could find my way. I actually did pretty well and made it to my new office to get started. I was very warmly greeted by the students and professionals. I filled out my paperwork and got some of the basic info on the position. That night, three of the head counselors took me out to eat at a pizza place so we could get better acquainted. It was very interesting to see the dynamics between them and I quickly picked up on the deep respect that they have for one another even though they pick on each other more often than not.

On Saturday afternoon, Jenn, my supervisor, took me out to lunch and on a driving tour of Auburn. We stopped by Toomer’s Drug Store for some of their famous lemonade. It was good but it was really sweet so I may have to be in a special mood before I have some more. Later that evening, the entire staff, head counselors and I gathered for dinner at Melissa’s one of the Assistant Directors, houses. It was very relaxing and I appreciated the opportunity to get to know them all in a setting that was completely unlike my introduction to the camp counselors.

Retreat with all of the counselors was next on our agenda so I gathered my things as the other staffers and I left early Sunday morning for Shocco Springs retreat site near Talladega, AL. The head camp counselors and the rest of the crew would arrive a few hours later. We rushed around to get things in order and did so just in time for their arrival! After they changed into their gear (Army pants and a Camp War Eagle shirt), we headed for the main gym to begin team building activities. Apparently the theme of the retreat was “Let’s Watch the Weather” since rain had a big impact on our plans throughout out time. We tried to not let that get us down and I think everyone enjoyed themselves. By the end of retreat on Monday afternoon, I was able to identify almost all of the 36 camp counselors by name! That’s definitely a big plus for me because I’m terrible at remembering names let alone in such a short period of time.