It’s a bright and beautiful time of the year right now. With the leaves turning varied hues of gold, orange, and red. Autumn is one of my favorite seasons even though it heralds the end of the summer, the season that I most prefer. I enjoy the beauty of the transition and progression from hot long days to crisp cooler ones. There are moments when I get all caught up in the loveliness of this fall and forget what lies ahead and what has just passed. I cherish the ability to be present and seek to cultivate this skill as best I can. Sometimes I succeed and other times I lose my way and fail to accept and appreciate what’s going on right now.

Mid semester on campus presents me with this very challenge. The excitement of the beginning is past and it might look like it’s a long way until we reach the end. The middle place can be overwhelming, confusing, and chaotic. Right now, I wonder if I’ll ever realize the goals I set out to achieve at the start of the academic year. Taking a moment to breathe, sigh and look out my window gives me pause. It’s a golden opportunity of a day. I’m thankful for what’s been accomplished  up to this point and I believe that my waking hours will be meaningful , connective and maybe even joyful. What about you?

What would help you to enjoy this mid-semester moment? Please remember that your ASC staff is here to help you gain perspective or deal with any knotty issues that you might be facing. You don’t have to be in this present moment all alone– we are always here with you seeking to make the most of this moment!

In the spirit of good community,

Beverly Colston, Director

ASC Staff 2011-2012

  

 

My name is Khristian Kemp DeLisser. In general, as Coordinator for Assessment & Retention, I provide advisement and guidance to students to support their general development as college students at UVM. Specifically, I am the Director of the Summer Enrichment Scholars Program (SESP) and promote leadership and community development for SESP alums. I help organize the Men of Color and Queer People of Color affinity groups. Finally, I promote and support assessment efforts at the ASC, gathering data and trends helpful to understanding student of color retention. Talk to me about: Men of Color, Queer People of Color, Essay Writing, SESP, SESP Advisory Board, Scholars Series and much more!

 

My name is Lam Phan and I would like to introduce myself as the new Coordinator for Programs and Student Leadership Development at the ALANA Student Center. In this role, I will be working with many student leaders and advisors from ALANA affiliated clubs such as Alianza Latina, Asian American Student Union, Black Student Union, ALANA GEAR, Fashion Club, etc. Having attended UVM as an undergrad, I had the pleasure of being a part of this great community. Therefore, it is a dream come true to be a part of the ALANA Student Center and to continue my relationship and serve this great ALANA community. Please feel free to stop by to say "Hi!" the next time you find yourself at the Center for business or to eat breakfast in Fridays! That would make my day!

 

My name is Jaydeen Santos and I am the new Student Services Advisor for the ALANA Student Center. Me primary responsibility is to support and advise students. If you would like to talk about transition issues, academic difficulties, social concerns or anything else just let me know and we can set-up an appointment. You can also drop by my office just to say hi. Besides advising, I coordinate the Peer Mentoring program with Devan Carrington and Sisterhood Circle. I am really honored and excited to be taking over this position. I am looking forward to getting to know all of you and doing everything that I can to support you in being happy, successful and well-balanced students. 

 

Hello! My name is Devan Carrington my friends call me Dev or simply D; feel free to call me any of those. I am currently in my second year as a HESA Graduate Student. I really look forward to the new challenges and excitement that comes with the second year of my UVM experience. I am originally from Jamaica, New York and I have a B.A. in Criminal Justice from Bridgewater State University in Bridgewater, Massachusetts. I love to listen and give advice and I love helping people find answers to their problems. I am very excited to get to work with some of the programs that the ASC has to offer especially Peer Mentoring, The Brotherhood, and SESP. This year I will co-coordinating the Peer Mentoring program with Jaydeen and coordinating The Brotherhood program so if you have any questions about that just ask! Anytime you want to stop by for a chat or want to just have someone to hang out with my ears are always open.