What is your routine for the first few hours of your day?
I am a Christian, so I meditate in the morning by reading the Bible and praying, which often jump-starts my day. Although I cannot claim that I do it every day, I wish I could. It gives me the needed strength to face the day ahead with vitality. At times I share my readings with my social network, and it is always an exciting moment to hear others’ views. At work I run through my emails and diary for any “do or die” tasks to start the day with before falling into the routine.
What is the last thing you read, watched, or listened to that changed your perspective?
I just finished a book by Lorenzo Lewis, Jumping over Life’s Hurdles and Staying in the Race, which I purchased from the Campus Home. Live! conference held recently in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, where Lewis was one of the guest speakers. The book changed my perspective in that the message it transmits is that everyone can make it in life regardless of their circumstances, and no matter where they are in life, there is always a second chance.
What is one piece of advice you wish you had received earlier in your career?
Invest in your career in a balanced way and remember there is life outside of it too. I feel like I over-committed to my career, and my social life suffered. I would have benefited from advice on allowing my career to facilitate my social happiness. I wish I heard more of “me time.”
What is your favorite campus dining hall meal?
At the University of Botswana dining halls, I always loved the traditional seswaa with pap, a local delicacy of pounded meat with maize meal. At Bowling Green State University, I enjoy Basmati rice with grilled chicken and chickpea soup.
What is something that someone has done for you lately for which you were most grateful?
I recently facilitated a session with former students on their experiences with living-learning communities (LLCs) as part of our ACUHO-I SAC learning community platform. Being able to find a bunch of vibrant, willing, and excited University of Botswana LLC alumni was a wow moment for me. Their bubbling energy and exceptional memories of our campus activities made it seem like yesterday. And the way they explained how their campus experience benefited their career after graduation was phenomenal. It re-kindled great memories, and I was electrified to do more for our students.
What was your favorite class from your days as a student? How do you still use the lessons or knowledge from it today?
I am currently a Ph.D. student, so I would say I enjoyed all my classes on diversity, equity, and inclusion.
What tool (real or metaphorical) does every campus housing pro need to know how to use, and when was the last time you used it?
I would say an automated external defibrillator, especially a battery-operated one which can be used anywhere in public places if someone experiences a sudden heart failure. The last time I learned how to use one was in 2014 at the University of Missouri where I was on work attachment. I have also seen them on most campuses in the U.S., and I would like to advise every campus to invest in these critical machines and frequently train people. This could save lives!
What is your favorite tradition from any campus where you have worked?
Taking advantage of any free professional development opportunities on offer. This has helped hone my skills in several areas.
What ACUHO-I event or resource did you utilize recently? What was the situation?
I do a lot of reading on the Open Forum discussion board. I haven't had a significant opportunity to contribute to the things others have proposed, but it has given me a lot of ideas for things in my role that have been really helpful.
What hobby would you pursue if time and money were no object?
I would be a professional pickleball player, an inspiration I got from my Global Neighborhood Project, a group of highly motivated people advocating for global cultural and educational exchange under the able leadership of Martin Kruming from San Diego. Thank you for introducing me to pickleball, I love it!
What song do you count on to hype you up to start the day or help you celebrate at the end of a long one?
The song goes like this: “Oh, when I look, up in the sky, I see a bird, flying up there. And all these things, they tell me a story, that God is alive!” It is an old song we sang a lot during our high school days as members of the Scripture Union group at my former school, Tutume McConnell Community College. It inspires me for greatness and to stand for a cause greater than myself with passion.
Barbra M. Pansiri is the director of student welfare at the University of Botswana in Gaborone. She is on study leave pursuing her Ph.D. in higher education at Bowling Green State University in Ohio.
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