SEAHO Report - Summer 2019 - 22

SEAHO Feature Articles

Toy Story 4 Leadership: The Story of a Housing Professional
By, Anastasia Chaky, Morehead State University
Warning: If you have not yet seen this movie, this article will ruin some parts for you.
I recently moved to a new state and saw the new Toy Story 4 movie with two colleagues. I thoroughly enjoyed
it and some of the scenes resonated with the transition of starting a new housing position. These scenes are
additionally applicable to housing professionals. Here are some of the scenes that resonated with me:
Woody sneaking into Kindergarten:
Woody ended up sneaking into Kindergarten with Bonnie. While there, Woody witnessed Bonnie not having a
good time and not being able to decorate her cup. Woody gathers supplies and places it in front of Bonnie while
she is not looking. Thus, much like housing professionals, Woody was doing behind-the-scenes work to support
the student and help that individual be successful.
Forky wanting to go into the trash:
Forky started off believing that he was just trash. It took Woody a long time to convince Forky that he is a
toy and important to Bonnie. This concept is not new and much like the imposter syndrome some Housing
Professionals face - especially whenever starting a new job. It can be hard to believe that you deserve the role
you are in; however, your institution chose you for a reason and wants what you can bring to the table.
Woody needing to save Forky:
Forky was taken by Gabby Gabby in a shop, leading Woody to try to save Forky throughout the movie. This
is relatable to housing professionals as we consistently try to assist students through navigating the higher
education process. There tend to be challenges with some that can make it harder for the student to navigate;
however, we can make the process easier through our guidance and support.
Bo Peep explaining life without a child:
Bo Peep loves life without a child because of the new world she is in. Woody does not seem to understand
this whenever Bo Peep is initially explaining how great it is. Some Housing Professionals move up to a new
position. While it can be scary to move up the ladder and no longer be directly supervising or advising students,
there are still perks to moving up - including your own personal growth and the ability to help develop other
professionals to help our students.
Woody and Buzz discussing inner voice:
There is a scene where Woody and Buzz discuss listening to their inner voice. While Buzz provides some
comedic relief throughout the film while attempting to listen to his inner voice, Woody uses his to help Bonnie.
This is extremely important as a Housing Professional. If something seems off with one of our students, it
probably is. Using your gut, especially when serving on-call, can end up helping a student out more than one
would suspect.
Woody leaving Bonnie:
Woody ends up deciding to leave Bonnie and join Bo Peep on their childless adventure. While it is hard
for Woody to become childless, he is doing what is best for himself. This lesson is extremely important to
remember. If you are not taking care of yourself and putting yourself first as needed, then are you able to help

SEAHO Report Summer 2019

SEAHO Report - Summer 2019

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