March 2017 – Trill or Not Trill

March 21, 2017

More Life: A Simple Guide to Living a Better Life in College

So, Drake (aka my future husband) finally dropped his playlist! Hey, a girl can only dream, but anyways back to the point… Fans have eagerly awaited the release ever since he announced a new project titled, “More Life” on his thirtieth birthday. “More Life” encompasses the usual somber songs that put you in your feelings, along with classic upbeat verses. The playlist incorporates the notion that people are forgetting what it means to live a fulfilling life. In the editor’s notes Drake urges his fans to live “more life,” spend time with the people who matter, and to not take anything for granted because one day it could all be taken away. With that said, here’s some takeaways from “More life” on living a better life in college.

“I’ve been down so long it look like up to me, They look up to me, I got fake people showin’ fake love to me”

As a college student, there are so many changes taking place in one’s life. The friends you had in high school don’t reach out anymore, people you thought you knew changed, and your life changes as well. When it does you’re going to have certain people who want to rain on your parade. That’s why its key to weed out the people that aren’t good for you. When people are happy for you, jealousy subsides. Oh, and another thing…don’t be that person either. When something great happens to your friend don’t show them “fake love.” Be genuinely happy for them and know that sooner or later your time will come. Not to say that it sucks being the person who doesn’t have THAT internship, or who hasn’t heard back from an employer. Because I get it, it does. But the right things always come at the right time. Trust that you’re making all the right moves! Focus on yourself and YOUR life. Because let’s face it, life is too short to keep comparing yourself to everyone else.

“It’s a marathon, not a sprint, but I still gotta win the race, yeah…And I’m convinced I made sacrifices, I been ballin’ ever since”

Living a great and happy life is all about progressing. Becoming better, happier, healthier, and developing into the person you want to be. Keep in mind what Drake said, “it’s a marathon, not a sprint.” You can only get better at something over time. And becoming better at certain things, takes major sacrifices. On those nights when all your friends are headed out to the bars and your stuck writing a paper, trust that the work you’re putting in will be worth it. Right now more than ever, society is so wrapped up in trying to live other people’s lives. We wish we had what others have. And everything we see on social media somehow becomes a manuscript on how one should live their life. But that isn’t the case. Why spend so much time trying to be someone you’re not or comparing yourself to others when you could spend all that time focusing on being the best person you can be. And taking your time and staying focused doesn’t mean you can’t win. Because who doesn’t love winning. But make sure that you’re winning for yourself and no one else.

“Want a lot, can’t have everything But I want everything”

Remember when you were little and your mom would take you into a store and say, “okay, pick out one thing you want.”You would look at her sideways because you expected everything and more. Well now more than ever as a college student you’re probably learning that you don’t get everything you want or deserve. Like when you get a paper back that you spent all night on and the professor has marked ALL OVER IT. Or when you study way in advance and still barely receive a B on an exam. Oh and this is my favorite. When you study ten times harder than your friend but they still get a higher grade than you… I know, I know. It sucks. In college one really learns that hard work doesn’t always pay off; and that’s okay. As long as you are striving to be the best individual you can, that’s all that counts. Don’t sweat the small stuff and keep moving.

“Watch out for me, I’m bound to glow You better watch out for me, I’m bound to glow”

So if you’re reading this, you’re bound to be a trill individual. Thus, doing grand things, striving to be the best, and living your best life is probably something that isn’t out of the ordinary. But if I can give any advice it would be that whenever you’re “bound to glow” keep it on the low. Think about it. You know that one person who’s constantly bragging about doing something and it never seems to come together…? Exactly. We all know that one person. Don’t be that person. Make sure to secure your dreams and have them on lock before you confide in people. Now that doesn’t mean you can’t be confident in yourself. There’s a difference between being cocky and confident. And confidence is having self-assurance and believing in yourself. So, be confident! Stay focused, work hard, and trust me, you’re bound to glow.

Well guys, that’s all I have. Trust me I could analyze this entire playlist because there is so much good material! But as we know, I’m a college student, and its midterms week. But I’ll leave you with this. Drake (aka my husband) is right. Now and days we spend so much time with our faces in screens that we forget to look up at the world around us. And I know I sound like your parents right now, but it’s true. Don’t miss out on the good stuff. Really LIVE your life and cherish it, because you never know what’s around the corner. But most of all, enjoy college! You only get four years and then you’re headed to the big leagues. So keep being you! And most importantly, stay trill.

Bailey Synclaire is a vibrant college student studying journalism at the University of Missouri Columbia. Born and raised in St.Louis MO, she’s passionate about journalism, pop-culture, Instagram, family, and most importantly, the St.Louis Cardinals. With only one year of college under her belt she’s looking forward to the future.

March 7, 2017

When Get Out Meets Res Life

There are soooooo many dope think pieces written about Get Out. This isn’t one of them. We’re here to have some fun with one of the best movies I’ve seen in a long time. Get Out could certainly relate to our RA friends.

MINOR SPOILERS AHEAD

Looking at everyone having fun while you’re stuck on duty

When the student who’s hosting the illegal party opens the door.

When someone asks you if there were any incidents last night

When you realize you’re on duty on Thirsty Thursday

When the Roommate conflict gets a bit out of hand

When the results of the judicial meeting finally hits the resident

When a resident tries to secretly tip you off about an incident

When an RA tries to be down with the residents that they don’t know

When an RA calls the Hall Director knowing the incident is serious but they try and play it cool.

When the residents invite you to the party (wink wink)

When your Hall Director calls you in after they heard you might have went to that party (wink wink)

Cartuna animation horror illustration wtf

Stay Trill and avoid the sunken place!

March 6, 2017

Long Live the Chief: Sustainable Leadership Tips featuring Jidenna

Jidenna recently released his debut album, Long Live The Chief. He has mixed his family values, degree and talent to take him to new heights. Most individuals remember his single, “Classic Man” which took the world by storm. The new album has some bangers and is filled with leadership. Today, we will gain sustainable leadership tips from some of Jidenna’s other lyrics.

Leadership Lesson number 1: “Turning Nothing into Something.”
Hand me downs with the patches
Mama put a little money in the mattress
Taught me how to make a silver spoon out of plastic
You can either sink, swim or be the captain
Get the last word Ima get the last laugh in

As we know, many Americans are not born with a silver spoon or financially free from debt. Many of us are born into poverty, government aid and more. Jidenna explains in his lyrics that a plastic spoon can be just as valuable. As students, educators and leaders we must make the most out of little things given to us. Whether it’s a small budget for programming or financial aid for our student’s, it’s time to turn the impossible into opportunity.

Leadership Lesson Number 2: “Always Stay Ready.”
Now they say “Jidenna why you dressing so classic?”
I don’t want my best dressed day in a casket

Hey, I know it can be easy just to hit class in pajamas but let’s change things up this semester. Do not be afraid to step out in nicer outfits. As we know if you look good you feel good (Deion Sanders reference) On the other hand, Jideanna would want students to always be ready even when the opportunity may be far out of reach.

Leaders are not only physically dressed to succeed but mentality prepared as well. The saying goes if you want to find some of the best dreams they lie within the graveyard. Time waits for no one let’s tap into our passions and dreams immediately.

Leadership Lesson Number 3: Leaders > Followers
You can either lead, follow or get out the way

Thanks to social media many people are caught up in being followers before becoming a leader. Jidenna is telling us either we can join him in leadership or get out the way.

Also, as a leader, we must get out of our own way. Potential leaders are stopped by self-doubt or fear. It is time to remove those barriers and get to work. We are living in a social climate where everyone’s gifts, voices, and leadership matter. Let’s get to leading.

Leadership lesson 4: Continue to grow until no one can catch you
Can’t rump with me
Usain couldn’t run with me
Chief comes to find you
You don’t come for me

Can’t rump with me is a patios phrase meaning someone can’t match you. In this verse Jidenna is simply boasting that no one can’t outwork him. As leaders, once we figure out our passion we should buy in to all the work and education needed to achieve it. Leaders will sometimes need to go the extra mile in achieving success, such as waking up early, joining numerous clubs on campuses and getting an internship. In addition, “you don’t come for me” could be a statement in regards to our fears, doubters and self-doubt our passion must outweigh while climbing the ladder of success. In order to succeed we must do the work.

Leadership Lesson Number 5: Make Decisions That Fit YOU
Really I ain’t met nobody smarter
Thats why I got admitted, but I still rejected Harvard

Ok, now you are a leader, opportunities will start to come from all angles. The key component of leadership is selecting the opportunity that best fits YOU! Jidenna was chosen to attend Harvard but felt Stanford would be better suitable for his needs and goals. Many people may not agree with that decision, and this may happen to you as well. Make sound decisions that FIT your personal needs.

Lenny Williams is one of today’s most gifted leaders in inspiring youth and countless individuals to pursue their career and educational dreams. As an 
educator and speaker, his mission is to be a voice to reach generations and a reminder that greatness can be achieved against all odds.To get more 
information or personal or business coaching please contact 
Lenny A. Williams, MBA (designbylaw@gmail.com)

March 2, 2017

The Hidden Figures of Student Affairs

I know I’m late to the party but I finally saw Hidden Figures. It was an inspiring and beautifully told story but some things truly stuck out. Why wasn’t this story told before? How many more tales are hidden from the masses? Lastly how many hidden figures are we missing out on right now?

I can’t stress this enough. The voices of the students matter most. They dictate the cultural atmosphere of any institution. We are doing everyone a disservice when we ignore those individuals.

So often, student affairs professionals and advisors alike, gravitate to the people who are already seeking engagement. You like the leaders who are interested in leadership. The non traditional student gets bypassed because you assume they have kids and a day job and wouldn’t want to be involved. Athletes get left out of conversations because how could they possibly take on the responsibilities of a sport and a leadership position in another area? Others have a bad rep simply because they had one alcohol or weed violation and never again get included in dialogues about leadership.

The first thing I recognized about the film was that these three women were quite brilliant. With a chance to learn more or to be included in the closed door meetings, they not only made a difference but literally saved the mission. Shifts happen when opportunity is made available to folks who were never given a shot. It also occurred because they refused to be silent. I never suppress the voice of the students. Instead I give them the tools and resources to be more effective.

We miss out on so much brilliance from our students because many of us, have at points been lazy. We don’t walk around the student center just to be a part of the community. We’d rather sit at our desk for lunch then go to the cafeteria for a few. I make it my duty to eat in the residential car every so often and break bread with the “Hidden Figures” I might have never met. I think of the admissions counselors who see something special in a “Hidden Figure”, give them a shot and that student ends up becoming a star in the classroom. Take a moment and ask that “Hidden Figure” who holds court in the quad and ask them if they’d be interested in becoming an RA. The women from Hidden Figures were left out of conversations because they didn’t fit the traditional mold. Our student leaders come in all shapes, even some shapes that you’ve never seen before.

Let’s keep it a hundred, many of us in Student Affairs are Hidden Figures ourselves. I can’t tell you how many committees I’ve sat on over the years and the Student Affairs voice in the room, whether me or not has had to fight for a voice in the room. “We need someone to get students to come, Jeff, you got that?” Never mind other aspects of the planning or expertise you bring you to the table.

So enough is enough. Go find the Hidden Figure student leaders. Don’t be a Hidden Figure voice in a meeting.

Oh and go see Hidden Figures, it was amazing!

MrJeffDess is a writer, professor, public speaker and emcee of Haitian descent. He is an author of 5 books of poetry, including his latest, Trill Motivation With over ten years of performing and student affairs experience under his belt MrJeffDess continues to strive towards helping students reach their highest potential. For booking information, contact MrJeffDess at mrjeffdess@gmail.com

March 1, 2017

Trill or Not Trill Partners with NCSL

We are proud to officially announce that starting Fall 2017, Trill or Not Trill will partner up with the National Conference on Student Leadership (NCSL).

Since 1978, the National Conference on Student Leadership has provided a dynamic, interactive forum for values-based, purpose-driven, and applied leadership development. The conference serves over 1000 students and campus professionals per year.

Trill or Not Trill known for its cutting edge and contemporary approach on student development, known as Trill EDU will be lending its expertise to one of the leading voices in student leadership.

The Trill or Not Trill team has been part of the NCSL family over the past few years working as keynote speakers, workshop presenters, conference emcees and open mic hosts. Starting Fall 2017, Trill or Not Trill will work closely in helping shape the entire feel and outlook of the conference.

From keynote speakers, presentations, to entertainment and more, Trill or Not Trill will be adding some of that Trill EDU flavor to an already amazing experience.

Leadership is Lit and we can’t wait to get started Fall 2017!

Get ready to keep it Trill!!

For more information
Contact: Trill or Not Trill
Phone: 516 441 7905
Email: TrillOrNotTrill@gmail.com

March 1, 2017

My Students Didn’t Watch the Oscars but if They Did…

I was still talking about the Academy Awards when I realized that my students were not. A majority of them were not watching live and missed the wins, the speeches and Warren Beatty. With that said there were some important leadership takeaways.

Never stop telling stories
Moonlight taught us that there are always more stories to be told. It was film that was original to many because they’ve never met anyone like the protagonists in the film. While to others who lived that life or were familiar with it, were waiting for this tale to be told. Viola Davis has become the gawdess MC of acceptance speeches. One great moment was when she said, “People ask me all the time, what kind of stories do you want to tell, Viola? And I say, exhume those bodies, exhume those stories, the stories of the people who dreamed.” We have a responsibility to make sure the right narratives are being told and being done so properly. If nobody is telling your story, it is your duty to keep the party going. Never be afraid to be the voice for the voiceless.

If you’re afraid of small mistakes, bigger mistakes will show their faces Image result for warren beatty oscars 2017 gif
Warren Beatty looked at that envelope and knew a mistake had been made. Instead of turning to the backstage producer and looking for new card or saying “Ive been given the envelope for best actress,” he flustered. But fine he messed up, mistakes happen. The next mistake came from Price Waterhouse Cooper. The moment Faye Dunaway says La La Land, a producer an accountant, a PA, someone, has to stop the show. Instead they let the poor crew give multiple speeches before a stoppage. If you embrace the small mistakes immediately, you’ll be able handle those and create less problems and shock moving forward.

Be gracious in defeat and in victory Image result for warren beatty oscars 2017 gif
Let me tell you, if someone says my name, hands me an Oscar and allows me to thank my momma, you are not taking it from me. Well, I mean you are but that pain, oh that pain. Justin Hurwitz, producer from La La Land took one of the greatest L’s in television history right on the chin. The way he snatched that envelope from Warren Beatty, one could tell he was heated inside.Outwardly, he took everything in stride. He presented the award to Moonlight in a gracious and truthful manner. In a room where jokes were flowing he was serious yet sincere. I know he was hurting but he knew how to handle himself and the situation. Additionally, the cast of Moonlight had their moment stolen. Part of me would have wanted everyone to clear the stage and let me rock with my award in peace. Instead they graciously thanked they’re La La Land counterparts and kept it moving.

There are going to be plenty of moments where you want to yell or curse in public after defeat but my suggestion is to absorb the pain initially and let that emotion flow afterwards. There will be times where you can’t control yourself but avoid pouting and complaining. Take the L and start finding solutions to improve your situation.

Trust your teachers, educators, and mentors Image result for mahershala ali gif oscars
Mahershala Ali said “I wanna thank my teachers, my professors. I had so many wonderful teachers.” I am clearly biased but I love educators. They won’t take the credit. Your teachers won’t always get the shine but they are the ones who help cultivate the greatness you’ve already possessed within you.

Stick to Your Guns

Image result for Asghar Farhadi oscars 2017
Iranian film director Asghar Farhadi announced in January that he would skip the event, citing President Donald Trump’s executive ban on immigrants and refugees. My mans said, even I win, so what. Don’t stick to your guns just because. If you truly believe in something don’t falter simply because the lights are shining. Fight till the end and people will recognize your presence even more through your absence.

Stand in the front of the line and shoot your shot Image result for gary from chicago gif
I often tell my students to take charge. When they ask for a volunteer, don’t hesitate in raising your hand. More opportunities show up to those who step up as opposed to those who sit back. Our good friend Gary from Chicago and his fiancée, Vicky were tremendous. They were part of a tour who was secretly introduced to the stars in the theater. Your man, Gary took center stage and stole the show. From kissing Nicole Kidman’s hand to getting candy from Ryan Gosling, he killed. Whether taking selfies with Denzel or Mahershala Ali’s Oscar, Gary took advantage of every moment. Never be scared of going first or sitting in the front.