December 2, 2015 -- On this day, I started my shift at the usual normal morning start time. I arrived a bit early, but I did notice that some of the athletic department staff were standing around and talking, evidently waiting for a meeting to begin. After a few minutes, they filed to a conference room in the back. After a about 30 minutes, Olivia Sabins, the Department Service Coordinator came out of the conference room and asked if I wanted to join the meeting. I was apprehensive to take the invitation, but she insisted and I did eventually walk with her to the meeting.
The meeting lasted for over two hours and several topics were discussed and presented. Before the meeting was concluded, Mike Wells did a group exercise that involved the whole department. Some of the topics had to do with how sex is being portrayed in the sports world, and also with the issues on campus regarding race, especially coming off the heels of the student demonstration recently. The meeting was something that was totally unexpected for me, but it was certainly productive and it served as a bonding event for the whole staff. I like the fact the Occidental College, as I am sure many other universities as well, is taking steps to put important issues on the table. In addition, they are willing to discuss these topics openly, with the open-mindedness and willingness to make necessary changes for the better.
The meeting lasted for over two hours and several topics were discussed and presented. Before the meeting was concluded, Mike Wells did a group exercise that involved the whole department. Some of the topics had to do with how sex is being portrayed in the sports world, and also with the issues on campus regarding race, especially coming off the heels of the student demonstration recently. The meeting was something that was totally unexpected for me, but it was certainly productive and it served as a bonding event for the whole staff. I like the fact the Occidental College, as I am sure many other universities as well, is taking steps to put important issues on the table. In addition, they are willing to discuss these topics openly, with the open-mindedness and willingness to make necessary changes for the better.