Here’s the Story: “Living without the ‘Should'”

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Learning to release the pressure of the "shoulds" and leaning into authentic desires is not easy feat. This episode explores the courageous decision of releasing the rules and making the decision to embrace a life worth living. 

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Here’s the Story: “Navigating Work-Life with Long Covid”

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A student affairs professional navigating the challenges of living and working with long COVID is learning to reimagine both leadership and life. Balancing the demands of a high-energy, people-centered field with the unpredictability of chronic illness requires new rhythms of care, patience, and adaptability. This journey is less about returning to “normal” and more about creating a sustainable way forward—leading with vulnerability, modeling resilience, and redefining success through balance, boundaries, and community.

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Here’s the Story: “One or None: Difficult Decisions I Would Make Again”

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W. Scott Lewis recounts a moment as a Vice President for Student Affairs when his role unexpectedly required hostage negotiation skills to support a student in crisis. Surrounded by FBI agents and campus police, Scott’s decisions were risky, maybe a little lucky, and deeply human—yet ones he’d make again in service to his students. Scott tells this story masterfully, balancing the real tension with his legendary sense of humor, underscoring the weight of leadership in Student Affairs.

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Here’s the Story: “What Everyone Wants To Know: How I Got My Job”

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No matter where he goes, the constant question is raised, "How did you get that job?". Finding the perfect higher education adjacent role is a unique and intentional journey. Learn as Paul Brown shares his journey on how he found joy at Roompact.

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Here’s the Story: “Unstoppable Confidence”

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In a classic "student affairs" moment, a young professional steps up to coach a scrappy women’s club soccer team rather than let their season be canceled. They only scored one point all year—but what they gained in confidence, community, and self-advocacy was a championship of its own.

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Here’s the Story: “Roots and Returns”

An experienced student affairs professional reflects on how career “derailments” and “stagnant seasons” turned out to be pivotal to her growth, not signs of failure. In a moving twist, she finds unexpected joy and support from former students—proof that the seeds she planted long ago blossomed right when she needed them most.

Here’s the Story: “It Can’t Be About Me”

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While it is hard to think about the "dark place" that COVID holds in our collective heart, we are remiss if we do not acknowledge the great work that was done. Ardell Sanders tells a story about lessons learned and victories won during that tough time.

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Here’s the Story: “Truthfully Honest”

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In these times, being honestly truthful reinforces listening, hearing and holding students. Dr. Palmer shares the necessary value of understanding the difference between honesty and truth.

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