Like pretty much everyone, my desk was a clean slate without any personality the day I arrived at my job at the Women’s Center at Georgia College. Over the past two years, I’ve slowly added little touches in my space that reflect my personality and values, as well as just things that make me smile every time I go to work. Here are the Top 10:
1. My Organization System: Passion Planner, To-Do Notebook, Papermate Flair Pens
I started using a Passion Planner last year and it is by far the best planner I’ve ever used. It has space for notes and doodling, really planning out goals and tasks, and the time slots go from 6 a.m. through 10:30 p.m., which is great for a SA Pro’s schedule. My notebook is where I keep all of my personal and work to-do lists, and I keep it all organized by using what I believe to be the best pens ever for color coding – Papermate Flairs!
2. A Printout of the Four Agreements by Miguel Ruiz
“The Four Agreements
1. Be impeccable with your word.
2. Don’t take anything personally.
3. Don’t make assumptions.
4. Always do your best.”
3. My Destiny Statement
Using the work of Lance Secretan as a framework, each member of our Campus Life staff crafted our destiny, cause, and calling statements. My destiny statement sits framed on my desk as a reminder of what I’m ultimately working for.
4. Ty Giraffe Phone Holder
A cute little plushie from my mom that’s silly and makes me smile, and also serves as a great place to store my phone throughout the day.
5. Owl Wax Warmer
Also from my mom for when I first moved to my current city. I think it was meant for my apartment, but I love the atmosphere it creates in my office, and students always seem to appreciate it. Right now it smells like “Vanilla Cookie Crunch.”
6. Tiny Buddha Desktop Background
Downloaded from one of my favorite websites, Tiny Buddha, my desktop background has a quote on it that says: “All that we are is the result of what we have thought. The mind is everything. What we think we become.” – Buddha
7. The Vagina Monologues cast photo
From my 2nd year as a graduate student – me with the cast of The Vagina Monologues at Georgia Tech. VM influenced my choice of profession to work in a Women’s Center, so I like to keep it as a reminder.
8. Student Affairs Text Books
I reference them all the time and loan them to students! They also remind me of the bigger picture and history of our profession, and to be intentional in my work.
9. Artwork by a Former Student
Over the summer at her internship, a Georgia College alumna started making these beautiful drawings incorporating women’s bodies, flowers, and mandalas. She made a set of them for me celebrating different body types, and they sit as a set across from my chair.
10. Perler Bead Coasters
My best friend made this set of coasters for me as part of a care package when I first started my job. They usually elicit the comment “I used to make these!” from students and I think of her whenever I look at them. They’re also a great place to put my daily cup of tea or coffee!
