“The only thing constant is change,” said Christine McGill, University of Virginia assistant dean of students, while speaking to about 15 students at a recent Academic Success program coordinated by the Office of Leadership and Greek Life.
McGill emphasized methods students could use to deal with changes in their lives and in their leadership roles.
McGill, who earned her undergraduate degree in communication disorders at the University of Connecticut, told the group that her passion for emerging leaders and Greek life led to her deanship at U.Va., but her friendship with Britten Blankinship brought her to VCU as a speaker.
Blankinship, VCU’s leadership coordinator, and McGill met while Blankinship studied for her master’s degree at U.Va.
McGill’s presentation focused on the students’ changes and their successful transitions in completing the process.
McGill asked the students to share their experiences with changes in their lives and who effected the changes, saying her mother still effects changes and decisions in her life.
“I’m 28 years old and my mom still has veto power over my decisions,” said McGill, who completed her master’s degree in higher-education administration at The College of William & Mary.
In describing her transition from life in New England to life in Virginia, McGill recalled how she resisted and denied the change as a new student at William & Mary.
“I don’t need to change. These people all need to change. Williamsburg needs to change – like that was going to happen,” McGill said of her experience.
Emily Anafia, a junior accounting major who attended the session, said she hoped to gain information that would help her in the business world, so she attended this particular academic success program.
Anafia shared her thoughts when McGill asked the group to discuss their shared experiences.
“I like stability. I like to know what happens,” Anafia said, adding that she didn’t like change.
McGill also asked the students to consider anticipated change, nonanticipated change and different coping sources and support strategies. The group then individually responded and reflected on the changes in their lives.
After the program ended McGill explained her thoughts on the issue.
“I think that there aren’t many things that are for sure in life, but you know change is going to happen,” she said. “It’s something that will always happen – so it’s constant.”