I decided to join the sisterhood this year to meet people on campus. I have worked at UD for six months and have been looking to start making connections. When I met with Maureen to get the scarf, we sat and chatted for a bit, talking a bit about ourselves and things to do in the area. It was great to get to know her a bit. Since taking the scarf, I have been reflecting on how something so simple (though pretty and sparkly, too!) could aid in forging a connection with others. I realized that I often do not take time to connect with colleagues or friends in meaningful and enriching ways. It made me wonder how many others share my experience. It seems easy to get lost in daily routines if you’re not paying attention to it happening. Wearing the scarf gave me a new appreciation for feeling connected and doing something different. I hope to continue paying more attention to who’s around me, so I miss fewer chances to feel a part of something.
--
Jennica Karpinski, Psy.D.
Psychology Resident, Staff Therapist
University of Dayton Counseling Center
Wednesday, February 29, 2012
February 23, 2012-February 27, 2012 By Eileen Maloney
The Sisterhood of the Traveling Scarf
February 23, 2012-February 27, 2012
By Eileen Maloney
Thursday
I was sad that I could not meet with the person delivering the scarf to me. We missed our time slot, and so it was left on my chair. But soon, I removed the jacket I had worn and draped the scarf across my shoulder (front to back and secured with my stretchy belt). I was wearing what I call my uniform, black slacks white blouse and a jacket. The rest of the day people commented on the scarf. When I explained that it was the “traveling scarf” conversations flowed freely.
Friday – Coffee and the Scottish Pirate!
I found a festive nail polish that I would normally only wear during the holidays – it was glittery and matched my scarf perfectly. I decided to use the holiday polish today (and not wait until next year). Both the polish and the scarf started several interactions. Early Friday, I stopped at my neighborhood coffee shop. I saw a woman whom I see occasionally. While we know each other as familiar faces, and avid walkers, we don’t know each other by name. She had commented on the lovely scarf (this time across my body like a sash and down the back, again secured with a belt.) When I said the scarf made me paint my otherwise bare nails, the woman said you have to live each day to its fullest. I am a firm believer in that too. She continued to tell me that she had been diagnosed with multiple myeloma (a leukemia-type cancer) 2 years ago, and has fought it well. It seems the scarf empowered her to talk freely with me – and I knew about this same cancer as my father had it too. And now, I know her name!
When I got to the office to begin my first duties of the day (make coffee for the staff), I was met by my peers in the suite next door. I had tucked my slacks into my boots, as I felt they were too short for these shoes. My peers wanted to hear stories and I shared them. Then one person said I was wearing the scarf like a Scott. Someone else in the room said they thought I was going for the pirate theme. Before I left the suite, I was dubbed the Scottish Pirate.
Saturday and Sunday
Since the person I pass the scarf to was out of town until Monday, I continued to escort the scarf with me. I am in a running club (who drinks coffee after we get our miles in). I took the scarf in for coffee and the mixed group of men and women all seemed interested in what is it, why would I bring it to running, and where does it go next. I told them that the scarf would go with me to Columbus to attend a Ceili. Ceili {kay lee] is a Gaelic (Irish) word that means party; specifically one with live musicians, dancing, or general merriment.. In this instance, a dance school was hosting the event as a fund raiser. At the table with siblings and cousins, the story continued. I was thrilled to share the story and to see my cousin and niece dance for fun instead of competing.
Monday
I passed the scarf on to the next participant, who graciously let me take her photo. I hope it opens conversations with more people and places. Thanks for adapting this program to increase diversity and peace at work and in the world.
February 23, 2012-February 27, 2012
By Eileen Maloney
Thursday
I was sad that I could not meet with the person delivering the scarf to me. We missed our time slot, and so it was left on my chair. But soon, I removed the jacket I had worn and draped the scarf across my shoulder (front to back and secured with my stretchy belt). I was wearing what I call my uniform, black slacks white blouse and a jacket. The rest of the day people commented on the scarf. When I explained that it was the “traveling scarf” conversations flowed freely.
Friday – Coffee and the Scottish Pirate!
I found a festive nail polish that I would normally only wear during the holidays – it was glittery and matched my scarf perfectly. I decided to use the holiday polish today (and not wait until next year). Both the polish and the scarf started several interactions. Early Friday, I stopped at my neighborhood coffee shop. I saw a woman whom I see occasionally. While we know each other as familiar faces, and avid walkers, we don’t know each other by name. She had commented on the lovely scarf (this time across my body like a sash and down the back, again secured with a belt.) When I said the scarf made me paint my otherwise bare nails, the woman said you have to live each day to its fullest. I am a firm believer in that too. She continued to tell me that she had been diagnosed with multiple myeloma (a leukemia-type cancer) 2 years ago, and has fought it well. It seems the scarf empowered her to talk freely with me – and I knew about this same cancer as my father had it too. And now, I know her name!
When I got to the office to begin my first duties of the day (make coffee for the staff), I was met by my peers in the suite next door. I had tucked my slacks into my boots, as I felt they were too short for these shoes. My peers wanted to hear stories and I shared them. Then one person said I was wearing the scarf like a Scott. Someone else in the room said they thought I was going for the pirate theme. Before I left the suite, I was dubbed the Scottish Pirate.
Saturday and Sunday
Since the person I pass the scarf to was out of town until Monday, I continued to escort the scarf with me. I am in a running club (who drinks coffee after we get our miles in). I took the scarf in for coffee and the mixed group of men and women all seemed interested in what is it, why would I bring it to running, and where does it go next. I told them that the scarf would go with me to Columbus to attend a Ceili. Ceili {kay lee] is a Gaelic (Irish) word that means party; specifically one with live musicians, dancing, or general merriment.. In this instance, a dance school was hosting the event as a fund raiser. At the table with siblings and cousins, the story continued. I was thrilled to share the story and to see my cousin and niece dance for fun instead of competing.
Monday
I passed the scarf on to the next participant, who graciously let me take her photo. I hope it opens conversations with more people and places. Thanks for adapting this program to increase diversity and peace at work and in the world.
Thursday, February 16, 2012
Sisterhood of the traveling scarf - blog entry
Below is my entry for the online journal blog. If I need to post this entry in the blogspot, please let me know.
Thank you for the experience. This was a great event..
Patricia Meinking
Thank you for the experience. This was a great event..
02-14-12: I received the scarf from Maria. Beautiful! The colors and design look Turkish. I ask myself if the scarf reflects where I came from. My background is a homogeneous community in Ohio – far away from Turkey. I left my home town after graduating from UD to work in Cincinnati. Living in the city and working in the market research field as well as traveling outside the U.S. helped to open my eyes to a diversity of opinions and cultural practices.
02-15-12: Came to work seeing the scarf draped around my chair. "Time to put me on!" the scarf seem to exclaim. I wrap the scarf around my shoulders over my purple jacket. The colors blend perfectly. I think about the other sisters that have worn the scarf before me. I do believe one single piece of clothing can break down invisible barriers that prevent forming a connection with others.
02-16-12: Met Yaimane over lunch to give her the scarf. This single piece of clothing did introduce me to a new person. And, what a fantastic person to meet! I could have talked with Yaimane the rest of the afternoon. Thanks Traveling Scarf for opening a door to a new connection.
Patricia Meinking
Tuesday, February 14, 2012
Traveling scarf
I felt honored to be able to help the scarf begin its travels by wearing it around the Libraries yesterday. My family was the first to notice the scarf, as I do wear scarves quite often. My daughter thought I had bought a new one. When I explained that I was participating in a traveling scarf event, she had mixed feelings about sharing the scarf with others. I believe lice was her biggest concern, but then again, she is only 8.
I had a few meetings yesterday and also visited several people on different floors of the Libraries for my current project. I was surprised that only one person commented on the scarf the entire day, which happened to be one of my student workers. I did take the time to explain The Sisterhood of the Traveling Scarf, but she just nodded her head and smiled, returning to her work. I guess I did not have the impact on my surroundings that I had hoped, but I was still proud to wear the scarf and happy to be a part of a wonderful group of women. I look forward to reading the blog entries of the scarf's travels and the women who will wear it.
--
Nichole Rustad
Digital Projects and Graphic Design Specialist
Roesch Library
Friday, February 10, 2012
GREETINGS TO THE 2012 Sisterhood of the Traveling Scarf Sisters
We look forward to our kickoff reception today in OMA at 3:00pm.
See you there!
See you there!
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