Orientation Week

This was the first blog entry I submitted for the Clinton School webpage. You can check that site out at: http://clintonschoolblog.com/cblog/
-T

The journey of a thousand miles must begin with a single step. –Lao Tzu. Orientation week for Class 4 students clearly established a road map to the ‘thousand mile journey’ over the next 18 months. The faculty and staff exposed our cohort to a variety of spectacular sights and sounds. From meeting with the Chancellor of the University of Arkansas Medical School to a reception hosted by Dean Skip Rutherford, class 4 students were – to state it mildly – impressed. I captured a few thoughts from my classmates that might help to describe our apparent transcendence, with my own commentary following.

“The first day was awesome! When we did introductions, hearing about everyone and their incredible experiences. I got an immediate sense of the high level of our class.” -Ali Turro

On the first day of orientation, Dean Rutherford asked each of us give brief introductions, something we soon discovered would happen often over the next ‘hundred miles’ or so. We are a diverse cohort, ranging from teachers to law students, hockey players to heating and air conditioning engineers. Very impressive group.

“The Travelers Game was a highlight. I am a huge baseball fan and it was the class’s first official activity.” -John Memmer

Faculty and staff joined us for a Little Rock Travelers baseball game on Monday night. Though it was a high scoring game with many exciting plays (Travelers lost 8-3), few of us paid close attention to the on-field action, choosing instead to keep the chatter among ourselves. The BBQ nachos and discovering Ali Turro’s college roommate was at my wedding highlighted my evening, though an interesting ‘dialogue’ on whether hockey or basketball was a tougher sport competed for a top spot. Speaking of BBQ…

“Though not an official event, the BBQ was a highlight. It was a good way to meet people informally before the start of orientation.” -Beatrice Biira

A Clinton School first! Under the guidance of Josh Stokes, Chad Williamson, and others, a pre-orientation BBQ was held at Murray Park. Most of our classmates made it out, including significant others and pets. Though a short downpour may have dampened our clothes and muddied our shoes, it did not dampen the spirit and energy of the evening.

“I was really impressed with Dr. Stewart with the school of public health. Her passion was inspirational.”
-Julianne Dunn

We received a double dip of Katherine Stewart, Associate Dean for Academic Affairs of the Masters of Public Health program. On Tuesday, she joined representatives from the Walton School of Business and the Bowen School of Law to discuss the concurrent degree programs available to Clinton students. Then Friday, Dean Stewart gave an impassioned presentation on the impact of behavioral health research and practice at the UAMS tour. I think she missed her true calling – selling ice to Eskimos.

“Playing kickball showed we can connect on more levels than just our love for public service.”
-Dimas Espinola

Another Clinton School first! Class 4 is ready to blaze new trails in community engagement, and kickball dominance. A rousing first game shut out of our opponents (see Dean Rutherford’s glowing post on this victory) 8-0. A three run homer by Chad Williamson in the 1st inning set the stage for the offensive frenzy that ensued. The defense played with mid-season form in holding the team from Ciao Bacci (a local restaurant) to three total base runners in five innings. Not too bad for a bunch of Students Of Bill.

”Good job of providing an overview of expectations; great synopsis of the year.” -Harvell Howard

“At first pretty intimidating, but it eventually made sense.” -Olivia Wilmot

“Orientations are always challenging, but Joe did a great job.” -Nick Hall

Joe Ballard did an incredible coordinating so many moving parts. We came in with a ton of questions, concerns, and preconceptions about the school and the curriculum. Orientation week did a solid job of providing us with a strong foundation for the upcoming semester and beyond. Like Sgt. Hulka in the movie Stripes, Joe provided the “wretched refuse” with leadership and guidance this week; clearly he is our ‘big toe’ on our journey of a thousand miles. Thanks Joe.