Since entering into the professional world, I’ve always tried to make my work enjoyable by infusing my personality into my work. Things such as encouraging country music to be played on Fridays in the office to create a relaxed and productive work environment, collecting the random panda trinkets and art that students gave to me, and making my office as bright, and interesting as possible so that while looking for a form or file there is always something for them to talk about and using those conversations to aid in building that key relationship with the student. This post is just another example of how my personality and hobbies within my professional world can enhance my growth and the professional environment I’m in.
As you may have figured out, by my Intro post, I’m a huge movie buff. Now, if you paid very close attention, you’d notice that I’m a HUGE Disney fan too. (Fully and continually supported by @HealthEdInHeels).
Now, a few weeks ago, sitting watching some previews, I finally saw a full version of what I think will be the best film of the summer: Disney/Pixar’s Monsters University. How absolutely awesome. Now, I’m not sure if it is a good or bad thing, but the moment the preview was over, I began to think such things as: “Do they have Student Affairs functional areas?” and “Do they use any student development theory?” and “Wonder what their organizational structure looks like”. (And no, I don’t recall any more previews after that). However, thinking about it, many, if not most, of the functional areas of Student Affairs are naturally part of the university, so I fully expect to see a few Financial Aid Counselors and maybe even an Academic Advisor or two, though I’m really interested to see what other functional areas will make it into a Disney film about college. Additionally, I wonder what else, both good and bad, will be portrayed in the film? I mean, those watching this film, the target audience, are the future students of higher education. Will stereotypes such as huge classes, binge-drinking/partying, frightening professors, and unhelpful staff be rampant throughout the film? Or will it show the other side of higher education such what is done in the trenches to serve the students, helping a student find their path in life and helping students to become leaders and ready for the world?
Now, call me a nerd, but I really look forward to seeing this movie. Not only is it a Disney film, but it is a Disney film that is part of a fantastic series, and not only that, but a Disney film series within a university setting, in which I can potentially apply to my field. How much better can it get?
As a final point, looking through the images advertising the movie and watching all the previews for it (I have a BA in Communication, Mass Media, would you expect anything else? lol), I realized that perhaps it will not only be interesting to view this from a professional point, however it may also kick up a few memories from my college days.
So make sure you watch this film when it comes out! I plan on watching it a couple times. One for enjoyment and then a few to check out if any of my musings and wonderments were warranted. Let me know what you think of the film!
Until next time!
Peace, Love and Pandas!
Hello World, Its Me, Brian 
Totally agree with Monsters U. Going to be a great spoof on our lives in higher ed.