SEAHO Report - Fall 2021 - 26

FEATURE ARTICLES
prepared for leave. We began conversations and training in October. We developed a chart of responsibilities,
and a 'who else on campus can help' plan.
You're going to feel out of it for the first few weeks. I sure did. I was in a presentation the first day back, and I
could literally not find the words. Brain fog. Ask for grace. Tell folks you're just getting back in spaces you are
comfortable with. It will start to come back to you over the next few months. "
Cassidy Nelson
Interim Director of Housing & Residence Life/ Mother of Two
University of West Georgia
Advice To New RLH Moms
" My partner and I started telling our daughter her affirmation well before she could remember it: I am strong,
smart, beautiful, and kind. Most of all, I am unstoppable. Mommy and Daddy love me and I love myself.
She recites this on the regular, most notably when she shows signs of feeling overwhelmed. My daughter
and my partner make me affirm myself the same way when I am feeling overwhelmed (including when I
was interviewing for the role I am in now!). And during our last in-person SEAHO, I was able to teach this
affirmation to some dear friends when we were in need of a pause together. I think about this affirmation
regularly because I know where it originated from - there will come a time when the world seeks to teach my
daughter that she is less than any of these words and it is my utmost responsibility to make sure she holds a
better narrative in her heart. I've spent decades of my life seeking to unlearn these messages myself, which has
only reared its head more as a mother than ever before.
If you are a new parent: Find your affirmation!! Feel free to borrow some or all of ours (mentioned above) if it
resonates with you. But whatever you use, find a way to remind yourself regularly that you are valued and the
work you are doing matters. Not just in housing, but as a parent. The needs of your child are going to change
regularly and your role with that will ebb and flow. When it comes to how you show up at work, use your voice
to let those around you know what you need! If you need to reset a boundary, talk about that, those you work
closest with will appreciate you communicating when you need something to change instead of hoping they
figure it out. And the best way I have found to combat guilt is to talk with people who are willing to sit with you
in the space. Your mental gymnastics don't need to just be an internal battle! "
Meghan Luzader
Director of Residence Life/ Mother of One
North Carolina State University
" Let me start out by saying, it is not going to be easy, but it is going to be worth it. As a mother of two (5 years
old and 9 months old) the work doesn't stop. Find time for yourself in all of the work. You earn vacation time....
take it. It wasn't until my second was born that I felt empowered to use my vacation time to just take a day
for myself. Yes, I'm the mom that took a vacation day, sent both my kids to school, then went and had a 'treat
yourself day'. It's worth it and needed.
Find babysitters that understand what you do. I always look for college students first through local listservs,
mom Facebook groups, or care.com. I've had great luck with all methods. These folks understand that college
life is 24/7 and can work with you on a schedule. Daycares, schools, and preschools are amazing, but they close
randomly so you're going to need backups. "
Cassidy Nelson
Interim Director of Housing & Residence Life/ Mother of Two
University of West Georgia
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SEAHO Report - Fall 2021

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