I was recently taking a moment to tidy up my office and came across the children’s classic, “If You Give a Mouse a Cookie” by Laura Joffe Numeroff, staring back at me from my bookcase. This book was gifted to me by my partner many years ago and has been a wholesome story I have always enjoyed flipping through in stressful moments.
For those who may not be aware of the story’s premise, here’s the hot take: the seemingly simple act of giving a little mouse a treat sets off a chain reaction of requests–milk, a straw, a napkin, a nap, a mirror… It’s a delightful tale about the unexpected twists and turns that can come from even the smallest actions.
I often refer to student development as “mouse moments,” not to minimize the needs of students, but to draw some connection to the unexpected directions our work with students can sometimes take us down. Now, imagine applying this whimsical story to the world of working with students in higher education and residents in your halls. As I thought about the story I began to realize the surprisingly plentiful parallels to our work as higher education and residence life professionals.
1. The Initial “Cookie”:
Just as the cookie kickstarts the mouse’s cycle, a student’s initial request – academic help, career advice, emotional support – might be just the beginning. Be prepared for unforeseen needs to emerge—perhaps things the student may not know they need themselves, leading you down a path of unexpected encounters.
2. The Chain Reaction of Needs:
Helping provide some insights to a student writing an essay for finals might lead to a discussion about time management, which could spark concerns about mental health. Addressing those concerns could lead to seeking campus resources, and so on. Remember, student needs are interconnected, and your role often involves navigating a tangled but interconnected web of inquiries and situations.
3. The Unexpected Twists:
The book’s mouse faces a leaky roof, a boat trip, and even a trip to the moon! Similarly, your work with students can take you on unexpected journeys. You might encounter cultural clashes, roommate conflicts, ethical dilemmas, or even crises that require quick thinking and adaptability—maybe even a dash of improvisation.
4. The Joy of Discovery:
Just as the mouse’s journey is full of surprises, so too is working with students. You’ll discover hidden talents, witness personal growth, and be part of moments of self-discovery. The unexpected challenges can lead to the most rewarding experiences. I have also found for myself that I have uncovered skills and transferable skills over time I didn’t even know I had just based on my work with college students.
5. The Importance of Collaboration:
The mouse ultimately needs a village – the milkman, the sailor, the baker – to fulfill his requests. Similarly, you can’t do it all alone. Lean on your colleagues, campus resources, and student leaders to navigate the complexities of student needs. As the years move on from the time I was a college student myself, I find more and more the importance of having students I can consult as “cultural brokers” to help provide insight into ways of more effective communication, amongst other things.
6. The Cyclical Nature of Growth:
The mouse ends the story back where he began, seeking another cookie. This cyclical nature reflects the ongoing journey of student growth. You may help students with the same issues repeatedly, but each time is an opportunity for deeper learning, growth edges, and of course reflection.
Ultimately, working with students in higher education is not about providing simple answers or quick fixes. It’s about embracing the unexpected, fostering resilience, and navigating a web of interconnected needs. Just like the mouse, be prepared for the journey to take you down unexpected paths, unexpected twists and turns, spilled milk, and endless cookie requests, but the joy of witnessing and nurturing student growth along the way makes it all worthwhile.
So, the next time a student approaches you with a seemingly simple request, remember the wise words of “If You Give a Mouse a Cookie”: “Be prepared for anything.” Embrace the unexpected, collaborate, and enjoy the journey – because in the end, it’s not just about the cookies and cookie crumbs (read: student successes), it’s about the incredible adventures they lead us on as professionals!
