By Edona Vajushi
Being a student can sometimes mean dealing with tough situations that can feel overwhelming, especially when you’re unsure of how to handle them. This semester, I found myself in such a situation. I had taken on the roles of President of the Student Government at Metro Campus and Bureau Chief of The Voice at the Eastern Campus. While these positions were exciting, they also brought significant challenges. Recently, I faced a situation that seemed unsolvable, leaving me feeling helpless and unsure of how to proceed.
I realized that Tri-C has a valuable resource for students like me—the Ombudsmen Office, led by Meghan Estes. This office is specifically designed to assist students in resolving conflicts with fellow students or faculty members. Often, we believe our problems are unique, making us hesitant to share them with others, as we fear it might breach our privacy. However, many students go through similar challenges, and seeking help from experienced professionals is the right step to take.
So, I decided to reach out and schedule an appointment with Meghan. I sent her an email explaining that I needed to meet with her regarding an issue I was facing. You don’t have to go into great detail when contacting the Ombudsmen Office. Meghan responded promptly and asked about my availability. We quickly arranged a meeting, and she made sure it was at a safe, quiet office at Metro Campus that suited my convenience.
When our meeting began, Meghan took the time to clarify what the Ombudsmen Office could and could not do, emphasizing the importance of confidentiality. As I shared my story, Meghan listened attentively and asked insightful questions to better understand my situation. Through our discussion, I began to see things from a different perspective.
By the end of our one-hour session, Meghan and I had brainstormed some ideas on how to resolve the issue. I left the meeting feeling hopeful and reassured that things could be resolved when you speak with the right person. If you’re ever unsure of whom to turn to in challenging situations, consider starting with the Ombudsmen Office!
