Children’s Book Week

Submitted by Jenn Thorpe, Director of Residence Life, Chestnut Hill College

Children’s Book Week. What a great celebration! Think about all the books that you read as a child; all the fond memories of reading a story before bedtime, looking up at your kindergarten teacher as she read a story before your afternoon snack, or how your Grandpa did all the voices in your favorite tale.

There are many lessons to be learned from children’s stories. These lessons seem fitting to a residential community on a college campus. Don’t get me wrong, I hope that the basic lessons of childhood and growing up are in every college-age student. But children’s books and the lessons they teach can still provide a daily reminder of some of the most important lessons of all. Here is what I have learned.

Let’s start with Dr. Suess. Dr. Suess could rhyme anything. If there wasn’t an actual word that did rhyme, he made one up. He also told stories of things that don’t make sense, putting together animals, foods and actions that weren’t mainstream, just for the fun of it. His message for me is that creativity has few limits and to achieve a final outcome, you may just need to look at it differently. Step outside of the box and who knows what you may come up with. His lessons are simple but true. He also paved the way for millions of children to ask where green eggs came from. Green chickens?

Curious George was also an influence in my youth. He is making a come back today, but instills the same message. Curiosity doesn’t always kill the cat, as they say. George was daring, always on adventure. He was an explorer but always sought the advice of his friend in the “yellow cap”. George showed it was ok to try new things and learning about fresh ideas allowed for growth. He also made it ok to ask an adult questions and to go to an adult for advice was ok. It made “big people” safe.

Ask your residents what their favorite childhood book was and what did they learn from it. Have them write it down and post them all on a bulletin board so that the lessons learned years ago can perhaps help or inspire others. Whether you are 5 years old or 19 years old, the lessons are worth reminding.

About the Author

Jennifer Thorpe is currently the Director of Residence Life at Chestnut Hill College in Philadelphia . She has been a residence life professional for 14 years, spending most of it living amongst college students. She recently finished serving as President of the Mid-Atlantic Association of College and University Housing Officers, which has been a highlight in her career. Jenn earned her Bachelor’s degree in History at Rosemont College and her Master’s Degree in Counseling/Student Personnel from Shippensburg University.

Jenn’s favorite part about being in residence life is the staff. Working with student and graduate staff has been her motivation and whom she has learned the most from. Jenn believes that these are some of the best years of your life. “You don’t always get to do them over again so enjoy your college years. More importantly, being an RA is one of the greatest experiences you can ever have, so take advantage of all there is to learn, accept the challenges and most of all, enjoy it.”

She enjoys being involved in other campus activities, such as campus ministry and also serves as the advisor to the drama club. Off campus, she enjoys her family and friends, quilts, plays co-ed softball and assists in the management of the Zachary G. Wallace Fund, in memory of her nephew.