Interpreting Technologies

The form of technology I can not go day to day without is my cell phone.  I have had a cell phone literally since I was in 7th grade because my friends and I would go on bike rides (it was a safety thing).  Now, I use it for communication while at school and at home, but that initial purpose of making sure I have a way out is still there.  Hence, I use it to communicate, but it is not just for catching up with friends.

The other day I was at home, and I was about to go out shopping.  My parents were out and I was enjoying some time alone.  I got into my car and realized my phone was still on my night stand.  I sat there, contemplating if I needed it.  No one was going to call me, and I did not really have anyone to call.  And besides, I would need to get out of the car, weave around the kayaks and other cars in the garage to get back inside.  I already set the house alarm and the dogs probably accepted I had left- I didn't want toy with their emotions anymore.  But then I began to think of how I felt without it.  I then worried that I could get into a situation where I needed it.  And what if someone needed me?  I hated not having it, and I went back in the house and got it.

So, the point of my story is that without it, I felt less safe.  I had the outlook like the world was a more harmful place.  I felt exposed and yet cut off from the world.  I could have gone the entire trip (I went no farther than about 20 minutes from my house), not realized I had left my phone, and been fine.  But because I knew I didn't have it, I began worrying about car accidents, or other emergencies where I would need it.  I also wondered what my parents would think if they could not get a hold of me.  They are by no means overprotective, but they know by now it would be odd for me not to have it on while I was home.  All of these things I consider...

Aside from safety, I feel totally alone without my phone.  This time last year, my phone was out of commission, and I panicked.  We just had a death in the family, so I could not talk to anyone about that, and my birthday was coming, and I was afraid I could talk to no one then.   I became so used to my phone, it was a terrible feeling to know I could not reach my family instantaneously.  I felt less safe and more alone.

My life has changed since I really got used to using my phone (which was not until high school, really) and now without it, I feel less safe and more alone. 

Reading Places

One of the most profound centers for communication, for me, is in the dorm.  It may not be the most excting place, but it a huge part of college life when you are living in it.  Also, I am an Resident Advisor, so part of my job is mandating and encouraging this conversation in the hall.

We communicate to the residents through many media texts, but most is through face-to-face talking.  We have white boards to write messages, and flyers we publish, and I will print surveys, but we get the most feedback when we go and physically talk to people.  This really is beneficial because part of being an RA is letting the residents know I am approachable and that I am not out to police the hallway. 

What is the best aspect of the dorms is that it has a certain feel to it- everyone is living there, so right from the start we have something in common.  The dorms communicate a sense of security and, to a certain extent, independence.  Some people may not agree with the regulations, but there is no doubt that they are made safe.  

This form of communication is not to merely speak to those around you.  It is to build a comfortable community that makes the college experience for the girls a memorable one.  

Something that affected me greatly was when I was a freshman moving in to the dorms was that I was shocked to see my door had my name and my roommates names on the door.  Instantly, my perception of the dorm changed.  It was more like a summer camp feel that an apartment building, and I knew it was going to be more personal than I thought.  Also the halls were decorated, making it more fun and homey. ( I also think this has more of an effect on girls than guys in this instance.  Correct me if I am wrong. I don't know if they take the time to think about the influence).

Now that I am the one making the door tags and decorating the halls, I am able to influence others perceptions of the dorms as well.  It is the little ways we communicate through the time we put into making the halls comfortable and fun that make such a difference.  We all enjoy ,making them, and I don't think the residents know how disappointing it is when they are torn down (Really. Stop doing that!).

I know that these little messages, decorations and just saying hi to people in the halls makes a difference.  It was something I appreciated when I was a resident, and now I can appreciate the outcome of it more now that I am an advisor.