I'm Leaving the Call Center and It Hurts.

I’m not really sure how to start this blog. FIRST, let me just say that last week I got my nails done at Wal-Mart for six dollars. SIX DOLLARS. I felt so fancy, until I completely flubbed up one of my nails on my steering wheel while getting into my car five minutes afterwards. 

Such is life.

That was the start to one of the more drama filled weekends that I’ve had in quite some time, ranging from family issues, to friends being unfriendly, to work situations being less than desirable. And then there is today.

It’s my last day at the UT Tyler call center, and I’m not sure what I should be feeling. Part of me really wants to be excited for another new beginning. New people, new challenges, new circumstances that will inevitably make me a better or worse person. The invariable changes that are straight up facts of life. We grow until we can’t anymore. We move on.

But don't be sad! This isn't my last blog! It's just my last day working here. And I have had great memories. And I've gotten really good at things that I've never had the chance to do before, like eating cupcakes at a big fancy desk, and writing about Disney princesses, and making memes, and calling kids who really, really want to come to UT Tyler, and being hung up on many times by other kids who in fact do NOT want to come to UT Tyler but you know what that's YOUR LOSS because I'm fun to talk to! Ahem.

Goodbye, strangers.

Well, faithful readers, my time at the UT Tyler Students Communications Center has come to an end. I can honestly say that this has been an amazing opportunity.  I have so much enjoyed interacting with the people in the office and also those who we speak to that are interested in the University of Texas at Tyler.  I also wanted to thank all of you that have shown support in comments or simply through your views of the blogs.  It really does mean a lot to the entire team when we responses from you all. I could write a book with what I have learned and experienced during my tenure here, but I will keep it short and sweet.

I started at this office approximately 1 year and 3 months ago and I am so happy that I found this particular position.  It has given me an opportunity to talk to people who I, ordnarily, would never even know about.  It has also made me think creatively as I wrote posts for you to view.

I would like to thank Amelia Harrel, our former boss, who put enough faith in me to give me my first real job. Her strength while at UT Tyler was an inspiration.  I also would like to thank our current manager Roger Sims, who has really made our transition from manager to manager as smooth as possible.  Between changing call programs to changing offices, Roger has been such an asset to our team, and we couldn't have done it without him.  Really, though.  We could not have been here without Roger because he is the one who assigns our call lists and stuff.

Don't worry about me, though.  I have brighter things ahead in my future.  I will be moving on to work at the Literacy Council of Tyler to help students obtain a GED and to assist those who speak English as a second language also get their GED.  This new job will help me tremendously with teaching in the future.

While I am sad to leave, I am also excited to start a new project and to help more people.  I have enjoyed my time here, but it is time to go.  If you would like to check out some pictures of my time here, check out Keerin's most recent blog post. Goodbye, strangers.

So Long, Farewell, UT Tyler Student Blog Readers

“There's a sad sort of clanging from the clock in the hall
And the bells in the steeple too.
And up in the nursery an absurd little bird
Is popping up to say, "Cuckoo"
Regretfully they tell us but firmly they compel us
To say goodbye to you.” –The Sound of Music

I’m sorry everyone, but this is what you think; a final farewell from me to all of you. I have spent the last year and eight months with all of you here in this space, at first speaking directly as a counselor and blogger. We talked about some favorite holidays and reframing the ones you don’t like, and about making life a celebration. We talked about the weather, car mishaps, and what it means to make friends when you come to college. For a while, you guys stopped hearing from me, and that’s because I got moved to behind-the-scenes as a supervisor, helping our other bloggers bring you more amazing content about our incredible campus and what life is like here.

Back to School Laptop Shopping at UT Tyler

It now seems that technology rules everything that we do.  From communicating with friends to working on
documents for work and school, the use of a computer is now required for success.  Unfortunately, computers come in hundreds of brands, with thousands of potential differences in them, and sometimes you will not get what you pay for.  In fact, my 2 year old laptop recently shorted out on me and I was forced to purchase a new computer, as I have to have one for school and debate.  So, how do you know what to buy? Well, hopefully I can help make some suggestions!

Fall 2014 is Getting Close at UT Tyler

Freshman Orientation leaders have led their last sessions in preparation for Fall 2014. The Student Communications team is hopping with calls concerning last minute financial aid changes and making sure students get their finishing touches in to the campus on time. Enrollment Services is busier than ever making sure that everything students have an issue with gets processed so the school year can kick off without a hitch. I’m exhausted just thinking about! But do you all know what this means? School is about to start again!

We don't know either. Don't worry.

Tuition rises, but cost of living falls at UT Tyler

As most college students understand, saving money is everything.  College expenses will eat up 90% or more of one’s typical monthly income.  Be sure to buy the cheapest of every item while shopping for groceries.  However, according to recent information published by the US Department of Education, college tuition may be rising at a mostly steady rate, but the cost of living is actually starting to decline.

How Carver Elects to Spend his Summers at UT Tyler

Finals of the TSDC
end of camp tournament

Summer is an exciting time for students.  School lets out, and all obligations are abandoned.  Most college
students take some time to get caught up on sleep or start getting caught up on TV shows and books that they have been putting off because of school work.  Me? I go and work at Debate Camps across East Texas. While the hours are often long and grueling, the reward is invaluable.