By Angelina Burkholder
Only weeks after receiving good news in the form of white envelopes, eight Bergwall students found out more news in the middle of a hall director's living room. This time it wasn't good news.
Bergwall Hall Director Jacob Drake announced his plan of resignation to the newly elected PAs at their first official PA meeting. Following this academic year, Drake will take a job at Think First Marketing, news he had to break to a group of students he handpicked to lead the dorm next year. The new PAs took it hard.
"It was disappointing since he was the one who hired us and you expect you're going to get to work with him," said sophomore Malinda Hall.
Hall has lived in Bergwall since her freshman year and will serve as one of the two PAs on the fourth floor of Bergwall next year. She doesn't deny her disappointment, but still believes it's the right position for him and the right decision for his family. Her co-PA, sophomore Courtney Sullivan, shared similar reactions.
"My first reaction was just being sad but understanding that he has a better position available for him and he's making the right decision for his family," Sullivan said.
Gerardo Lara, a freshman on 1st Bergwall, was also conflicted after the news but couldn't deny the respect he felt toward Drake at his decision.
"In the end, I was happy for Jake Drake because he is doing what he thinks is best for his family and himself, and you have to respect a man who puts his family before himself," Lara said.
His co-PA, freshman Mike Prihoda is looking beyond his bitter disappointment at the news. Despite his sadness in seeing Drake go, he's still excited about his new position on 1st Bergwall.
"I love those guys and want to work for their benefit and growth, no matter who the hall director is." Prihoda said. "My job description hasn't changed."
No doubt, the Bergwall PAs will have an experience unlike many other PAs next year. The whole staff of Bergwall will be new next year, something that only happens once in a while in college life. Sullivan admits her fears over the approaching year and the newness it will bring."It's scary," Sullivan said. "You want to make sure you have a good leader and someone you can go to, but also making sure you're helping this person as much as possible because they're not familiar with Bergwall."
Hall shares similar concerns about the new hall director but also sees the good in it.
"I am excited for the fresh perspective," Hall said. "A new outlook can always be a good thing. I think we all want to see the traditions of Bergwall stay the same to a certain extent, but switching up some things could be exciting for everybody."
And the changes, switching up and fresh perspectives will come. Although there is some lingering uncertainty, the Bergwall PAs collectively believe God has a special plan for the 2013-2014 year. They see next year as an opportunity for growth and they're ready to dive in."The future pertaining to the PA role is nerve-wracking and exciting, but I know God will be there with us every step of the way," Lara said.
The Bergwall PAs will continue spring class and meetings with Drake, but those times will be bittersweet as they await the close of a special chapter of Bergwall.
In the words of Prihoda: "Jacob Drake is an incredible guy and he will be terribly missed."
