Author: Amma Marfo (she/her)

Well, I survived my first hurricane day as a non-Floridian. I thankfully have previously lived in an area notorious for its lack of a direct hurricane hit *knocks on wood* for nearly 200 years. But that never keeps me from taking these things seriously. I make sure there's extra water and canned food on hand, … Continue reading Superstorm Sandy and Sensitive Semantics

As with last week's post, I want to post the content here in full so all can read. Big news, so wish me luck :)____________________________________________Riley: Granddad, can you take us into the city tomorrow to watch the R. Kelly trial?Granddad: Hell, no. But you can walk.Riley: It's forty miles!Granddad: All the money I spent on … Continue reading This Week on Student Affairs First Years: Forty Miles to a Ph.D.

How's he paying for all that? Where does he keep his wallet?While I typically like to post the link to my posts at Student Affairs First Years, I wanted to share the full text of this one, as it was a collaborative effort. To all who weighed in on the question, thank you!A major perk … Continue reading This Past Week on Student Affairs First Years: Real World 101

In a nod to Dodgeball with the title, please see last week's SA First Years post about likening the practice of yoga to my teaching style.http://www.studentaffairsfirstyears.com/2012/10/if-you-can-teach-about-yoga-you-can.htmlEnjoy!

Happy National Boss' Day to you all! Whether we like it or not, chances are the majority of us have bosses "(to the self-employed, you have a boss: it's you!), and today is the day to thank them.Thank them for who they have made you as a professional, no matter how they've done that. Ann … Continue reading What Have You Learned From Your Boss?

Recalling a post with big questions for student affairs during a time of year where we welcome potential new professionals: Big Questions for Careers in Student Affairs Monthhttp://www.studentaffairsfirstyears.com/2012/10/big-questions-for-careers-in-student.html

I know it's at times blasphemous to say this in the world of student affairs, but I don't care for the "p" word. It lingers in my ear in an unpleasant way, and I've been known to cringe when people use it in interviews or speeches. That's right folks, I'm talking about passion. ::shudder::Let me preface … Continue reading Can Some Passions Just Stay Passions?

"It was the best of times, it was the worst of times..."Well, not exactly my accurate thoughts on the matter, but it does set a great stage for juxtaposition.Bros on the corner, Brighton, MAAs most of you know, I've been living in Boston for about a month now and absolutely love it. I'd been here … Continue reading A Tale of Two Cities

Well, I'm excited to report that I'm starting to feel useful at work! After a few weeks of easing into the culture, which is always a challenge, I'm meeting with students and, as I said to one friend, "saying 'I don't know' less than they are"! I'm starting a pretty big new project that I'm … Continue reading Are You A Leader? Well, Are You?

One of the really cool parts about yesterday's race was the chance to meet new people. Yes, I followed the lead of my gregarious fellow runner Jeff Parker and met new people at a race! This woman's name was Becky, and she started running shortly after her 50th birthday in July. She talked about how … Continue reading What’s Your Age Gauge?