Week 38

So this was a really interesting experience.  This was a student event which I wanted to attend.  At the same time, this group was part of the building I managed, and one of the requirements to receiving office space was for them to host an event.  I attended the event for a whole of....2 minutes before it became clear that I was the awkward authority figure in the room. 

Date: January 29, 2018
Event/Activity: Taste of Greek Event
Capacity:  Staff?

Found: Student group/facebook
Host: Greek Student Association
Link: n/a

Description: Do you enjoy Greek food? How about FREE Greek food? Never had it? The Greek Students' Association will be in the 4th floor lounge on MONDAY, JANUARY 29TH between 4-6 p.m. giving you the opportunity to have a taste of Greece! Come & visit, we'd love to see you!

Experience: 

  • Went down to check out the event with my work study students
  • Stayed for a tiny bit while it became clear I was making the situation slightly awkward in my role as a staff member
  • Thought better of it and left! 

What I learned:
  • The peer to peer interaction is important; if my work study student had attended on her own, the experience may have been different for both her and the group 
  • Even though I still see myself as a student, my role as an "authority" figure is a reality whether I like it or not 
 -M