Feeling Helpless in a Time of Great Need

By: Anna Sobczyk One of the cornerstones of my job as a Resident Academic Mentor —programming—came to a complete standstill with COVID-19. Throughout the term, I normally put on programs that promote holistic wellness in order to achieve academic success. With its absence, I honestly feel like the rewarding aspect of my job has been ripped away. All of us in Housing have lost the … Continue reading Feeling Helpless in a Time of Great Need

A purr-fect match: Tips for student pet-owners

By: Brooke Horn When I moved here, I couldn’t bring Bandit with me. I knew that a 400sqft studio in the city is no place for an energetic Black Lab, and that I would be able to adopt after the move. Bandit was more than happy to stay home with family and escape the traumatic experience of flying. After settling into Portland, I did a lot of … Continue reading A purr-fect match: Tips for student pet-owners

You Don’t Know What You Got . . .

By: Theo Burke As I graduate, besides memories and friends, I am leaving behind the awesome Portland State student health insurance. I’ve written about this before, now I’m experiencing the difference. Since I don’t know what job is coming down the pike or what kind of health insurance it might carry, I’ve applied for individual insurance through Cover Oregon, the state exchange that sells private health … Continue reading You Don’t Know What You Got . . .

Call Campus Security? Maybe not.

Over Christmas, as I returned to my car at 2 a.m., I was approached by four muscular campus security officers, in three patrol cars. It was a little scary. Someone had called in a complaint about a man “trying to break into the library, wearing a hoody.”  I had returned some books to the Millar Library dropbox, and then carried the library’s delivered New York Times closer … Continue reading Call Campus Security? Maybe not.

A live phone call — someone loves me

By: Theo Burke Not long ago, while working on a PSU Vanguard story, I received a return phone call, within 24 hours, from Scott Gallagher of the University Communications office. I nearly fell down from shock. I had not received a live phone call in months from anyone other than my mother. And it seemed as though an ever-increasing amount of important people in my life … Continue reading A live phone call — someone loves me

When you become the interviewer

Last week, I had the experience of being on the other end of the table for several interviews. As part of my job as a resident assistant, I am required to interview people for the positions that will be open for next year. I found it interesting to see the process through the eyes of the person conducting the interview. There were so many things … Continue reading When you become the interviewer