Talking Stick - May/June 2018 - 72

SNAPSHOT

BARB KEFALAS
"I care very much about impacting anyone I come in
contact with on a given day in a way that makes them
feel valued and respected."

What's the biggest issue for the students on your campus right now?
Mental health is an issue that we see permeate all campuses. Students face lots of
pressures and stressors, including family life and financial, academic, and social stress. I
believe that social media has exacerbated this, often in a negative way. On the flip side,
we sometimes find out through a social media outlet about a student who is struggling
and can intervene quickly. The good news is that, more and more, students are open
about their struggle or mental health diagnosis, which helps us know where to refer
them and be able to have an open conversation about what assistance we can provide.

What's the biggest issue you see facing the profession right now?
I would say this isn't necessarily an issue but more of a hot topic that our profession is
consistently conversing about, and that is diversity and inclusion. With the national and
world climate being what it is, we have seen student activism grow and conversations
in the residence hall sparking debate and discussion and outward expression of beliefs,
both in damaging and supportive ways. The important piece is that we continue
talking in real time about how current events impact the students and staff that we
serve. Creating safe spaces where honest and sometimes difficult dialogue can occur is
important in addressing poor behavior or changes in policy and ultimately in creating an
environment where students, staff, and faculty of all backgrounds can live and work in a
place where they feel comfortable and safe.

What is your favorite parent story?
I think my favorite parent story is my own. As a first-generation college student raised
in a strict Greek home, I saw family and relatives working very hard, getting married
but not going to college, and especially going far away to study. My intent was not to
pursue higher education, but my parents knew better and understood the importance
of education. My dad, who has excellent negotiation skills, struck a deal with me. He
encouraged me to try it out for a quarter, and then if I didn't like it, I could always come
home. I remember my parents later sharing with me that on their drive back to our
home town, neither of them said a word to one another. They wondered whether or not
they had made the right decision for me. Well, once I arrived on campus, I fell in love
with the place, the people, and the opportunities. When asked, "When will you come
home next?" my response was, "Well, that depends on whether or not I have a social
engagement this weekend!" Clearly, I loved Ohio State so much, my alma mater, that I
never left!

What is the most challenging part of your work?
The most challenging part of my work can be summed up in a very simple question:
Did I impact someone in a positive way today? I care very much about impacting
anyone I come in contact with on a given day in a way that makes them feel valued and
respected. As I process my day every evening, I wonder if I've done enough, if I followed
up with a promise I made, and whether or not I could have had a different or better
interaction with someone. We are all human, and mistakes are inevitable. The key is to
have the courage to be open to feedback, accept mistakes, and learn from them.

BARB KEFALAS is the senior associate director of
residence life at The Ohio State University in Columbus.

TALKING STICK

Talking Stick - May/June 2018

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