Steph MangoldIt’s so easy to take on multiple tasks at Cabrini. Being an Orientation Councilor last summer, I got to know the Residence Life and Student Development offices very well. I lived at Cabrini for the entire summer, so I spent most of my time with these people. When an R.A. position suddenly opened a few weeks before school started in late August I was offered the job. I was fortunate because of my involvement from the summer and my freshman year. It’s really one of the perks for going to a small school.
But it’s not always so easy being involved. There are many responsibilities that I have to constantly be aware of, and aside from being an R.A. this year as well as full time student, I play lacrosse, work lighting for a professional theater company, and serve at Pizzeria Uno for money. There’s a lot of care that goes in with my work because my time is consumed so easily. When I looked at my schedule for next week I didn’t have any hours. At first I thought it could have been mistake or I overlooked my name, but then I realized, “Oh wait, I don’t have a day off to work.” I’m often asked, “When do you have time to do anything?” Well, I have to balance things out. I first have to prioritize everything. My responsibilities at school come first. Then I go from there. If it’s not possible for me to make a few extra dollars this week, I’ll spend as little as I can until I can make up for that.
If I had the chance to change something I wouldn’t. I like it this way. I like being involved and I like having someplace to go. I’m not a workaholic, but I do enjoy working with the people that I’m around. Working with Residence Life this past year has been the most important thing I’ve done at Cabrini. I have never had a more rewarding experience in my life, and it’s an experience that is going to follow me around forever.
Playing lacrosse also has a major role in helping me each day. My coaches have been truly inspirational, and the team as a whole gives me the courage and strength to strive to do better. Since the beginning of the season I’ve had an emotional lift because of the support I gather on the field. I can’t even imagine not having that because it’s so vital to how I operate.
I do manage to have fun aside from all the work. I still manage to go see the bands I love and live for, and I still make time for my best friend. As hectic as it may all be, every thing I do means so much, and I couldn’t imagine not doing, at least not now. So when the day comes that I have to give some of it up, for reasons of moving on and graduating, I know I won’t be able to say I regret not doing something.
posted by Jamie Knobler
