Author: Mark

Opportunity for Growth Through a Job

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One of the amazing parts of going to college is the abundant amount of opportunities that you can grab hold of, and run with, while spending time on your campus. For some, that is joining a student organization, going on an alternative break, doing research, or taking part in a variety of programs open for you to attend. For many, that opportunity also comes in the form of a job. Paying for all of those text books, credits, dealing with housing, and feeding yourself, among other expenses, weighs heavily on your wallet. Alleviating that pressure with a bi-weekly pay check makes college life a bit more manageable.

Have you also considered the other potential gains from a job rather than the new money in your bank account?

Finding that Unique Job

At this very moment you will find that there are 523 job openings at UConn. Ranging from basic clerical work to assisting in research in the neurobiology lab. It can be somewhat daunting to find that unique job that not only brings in the money but provides an experience that truly allows you to grow as an individual with an abundant set of transferable skills ready for the real world after graduation. The best part is you can find some of the greatest jobs out there that not only help you accomplish that goal but can be a ton of fun.

Possible Solution

I may be personally biased but I believe Student Activities houses some of those best jobs that you will find on any college campus especially here at UConn.

Hiring_WebBannerFortunately enough for all of you there is currently a set of three openings that not only provide an amazing environment to work in but are all uniquely qualified to assist in you personal growth (plus don’t forget the pay check). You would be doing yourself a disservice for at least not checking out these fantastic opportunities.

 

For Example, why should you consider working for Four Arrows?

Do you like the outdoors? Have you ever been on a ropes course? Have you taken part in any of our programs here at UConn and thought how does another student have this job? Well you aren’t the first to think up those questions nor will you be the last.  We asked our current student staff a variety of questions to give insight to some of those interested in learning about working as a Four Arrows Facilitator.

Why did you apply for this job?

  • First I get to work outdoors, second I get to work outdoors, and third I get to work outdoors.
  • I completed a program with my learning community and for the first time I had fun with an outdoor experience. I immediately asked afterwards when they were hiring next.
  • It was just so different then all of the other available jobs.
  • I was drawn to the leadership opportunities in facilitation.

What is your favorite part of this job?

  • Work with a fantastic staff which many if not all of us would call family.
  • I get to teach people about everyday skills by just guiding them through an experience.
  • Getting people out of their comfort zones and into their growth zones.
  • Seeing the journey participants go on from when they first arrive to the end of a course and how much growth has occurred for individuals and groups.
  • Building connections!

What is your favorite memory working at Four Arrows?

  • Jumping up the wall and grabbing hands with a fellow staff member was seriously epic.
  • First time completing the trust fall since I didn’t think I could do it but then learning I can overcome my fear.
  • When one of the participants in my group had an Ah Ha moment that I planted a seed for at the beginning of the course.
  • That time I received a hand written thank you card for giving others “the best experience ever”!
Some additional insights from our staff can be found on the Four Arrows Instagram AccountInstagram

 

Learn,

Have Fun,

and Get Paid

TL;DR :
Gain leadership skills  and provide opportunities of growth for your fellow students while getting paid. Find out how here – leadership.uconn.edu 

Bailwicks Are Like Comfort Zones

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One of the key philosophies in Adventure Education is Challenge by Choice which is a concept of providing participants the option of choosing their level of involvement in “challenges” within an experience. At Four Arrows, which manages a Challenge Course here at UConn, we introduce this concept by talking about individual comfort levels. Every person has a set of routines or patterns in their life that brings a sense of comfort and security. For some that is getting out of bed and having a cup of coffee while for others that may be staying up late to finish a personal project (are you a morning person or a night owl). The issue with staying in the comfort zone is you lack the opportunity to truly learn from new experiences.

expand comfort zone

 <– Many of you may have probably seen this image before in some variation.

If not, there is that moment in which you step out of your comfort zone, which we call the stretch or growth zone, where you truly begin learning. This learning can be anything from gaining new skills or knowledge, managing unexpected change, how you function in groups, to much more. Typically there is an ideal peak of “stretching” your zones where you can find your optimal performance. Be wary though, since with too much of a push you may find yourself in an environment of worry overload, which we call the panic zone.

Comfort, Stretch, and Panic Zones

There is a great post written by Alan Henry called “The Science Behind Breaking Out of Your Comfort Zone” found on Lifehacker. that can shed some more light on the topic.

How are Bailiwicks like comfort zones?

  • Everyone’s is Unique – If you gathered a room full of people and had them all participate in the same exact activity together and then asked them all to fall on a spectrum between comfort and panic zones, you will see each person land in a different spot. Every person comes in with unique set of skills & knowledge as well as limitations and this uniquely shapes their spheres of influence.
  • There are limits to the boundaries – You can find yourself spread too thin if you push too hard. The same reactions of being in your panic zone would occur if you don’t understand your own limitations of your bailiwick.
  • You have the choice of expanding – Just like the challenge by choice philosophy you have the option of expanding your “zones” or sphere. For the most part your bailiwick is limited to how much energy you put into developing yourself.
  • Anything outside your circle/zone can be stressful – Knowing that negative reactions can occur outside of your sphere of influence should tell you to that you need to learn more about yourself or find someone who has the ability to help you.

Try to find your sweet spot when it comes to your bailiwick. Also know when you can help others expand their boundaries too as long as it doesn’t put them in that panic zone.

Mark Flynn
Coordinator of Outdoor Leadership Programs