The Second Half of My 30′s

Last year, as some of you may remember, I used my birthday to do some “social good” and raise $590 for UNICEF USA’s “Education For All Children” Campaign.  This year, I wanted to share four pieces of “big news” that illustrates what I will be focused on from now until this time next year.  An old mentor of mine once said that, “… once you share your goals with someone on paper and/or in person, they become real.” So here I go  (I also need your help with the first three of them, so if you find yourself excited, interested, or curious, leave me a comment below!)

1.  Writing a Student Affairs Technology Book
It is no secret that I have wanted to write Student Affairs Technology book that practitioners could use as a resource and/or guide, for a long time.  This summer, I am starting that process.  I am almost finished writing a sample chapter that I will share with interested publishing companies, including ACPA.  Contents of the publication would include chapters on Digital Identity and Digital Footprint Development, Personal Branding Education, Social Media Integration to Increase Community Engagement, Increasing Efficiency Through Technology, Demystifying Online Privacy, and Psychological Effects of Online Use.  Are there any other chapters you would add or take away?

I know I am crazy to take this on, but I believe deeply that our profession needs this publication, and as I tell my students: “If not you, than who? If not now, then when?”  If you have ever thought about contributing to or editing a publication, I could use your help!  This is a HUGE undertaking, but one that I want to do before I begin the fourth item listed below

2.  Raising Money For Four  #saGROW Graduate Student Scholarships
In keeping with last year’s birthday blogpost, I wanted to raise money again for something.  Throughout my career, I have been passionate about helping graduate students grow professionally, through formal education and networking opportunities.  Over the last year, this has been manifested through the #saGROW program and the connections that have been made through it.  I have noticed in recent years, it has been more difficult for graduate students to travel to professional conferences.  So, over the next 45 days, my goal is to raise funds to help support four graduate students in 2012 with four $500 conference scholarships.

I am using IndieGoGo as the platform to raise this money and hope you will consider donating to this cause.  From now until June 30th, your donations are needed to hit the $2,000 goal.  Every contribution, whether small or large, makes a difference.   Do you or someone you know own a business?  Please share this with them and see if they will match your donation.  Also, please share this campaign with your friends on Facebook, your followers on Twitter, and subscribers to your own blog. The more people that know about this, the better our chances in reaching this goal.   The money raised is an investment in future Student Affairs professionals who will impact college students across the country, maybe even on your campus!

3.  Hosting a Student Affairs Technology UnConference / HigherEdLive Tweetup
I have wanted to host a Student Affairs Technology “UnConference” for a while now, and it looks like this summer, it will happen! Preliminary details are that it will take place on Friday, July 29th at Boston University (time TBD), thanks to Kenn Elmore (@DeanElmore) and his outstanding staff.  Stay tuned for more details! I will be sharing them once they become available.

Also that evening, Seth Odell from HigherEdLive will be hosting an EDU Tech Tweetup in Boston (details, still TBD).  :-)

So when you combine a Student Affairs Technology UnConference with a EDU Tech Tweetup with Seth Odell, the recipe is summertime awesomeness that I hope you can make, as you are all invited!

4.  Applying to Ed.D. Programs in Educational Technology
Some of you already know this through Twitter, but I have decided to start the process of finding and starting a doctoral program in Educational Technology.  While I haven’t ruled out Higher Education Administration or other related programs, I can’t help but be drawn to Educational Technology programs that will help me further develop my passions for technology applications in Higher Education and Student Affairs units.  My top choice right now is the online Ed.D. Program at the University of Florida.

The first step in this process takes place on Friday when I take my GRE’s for the first time in 13 years.  I’ve been taking practice tests and using Number2.com to prepare.  I’m nervous and excited at the same time to cross this first big “to-do” off the list.  Gathering the other application pieces will be relatively easy, including my personal statement, transcripts, and letters of recommendation.  My goal is to be enrolled in a program by the Fall of 2012.

Finally, thanks so much for all your birthday wishes today on Facebook and Twitter. You have no idea how much your thoughts mean to me and I will respond to each of them before the day is over

What are your plans this summer? Would you like to help me with any of these projects? Have I gone completely crazy?