One of the big things this exercise has exposed me to is how broad the campus politics are. Working with so many groups that I don’t usually work with has opened my eyes to how complicated things can get within the relationships when trying to work out solutions. I am not sure if I should be grateful that I have been sheltered this long or concerned, as I feel as though I have both an advantage and a disadvantage in this position. The advantage is no baggage – since I don’t have previous relationships with some of these people they are more tolerant of my questioning and suggestions. At the same time I don’t know the full landscape the way someone who has been in the position for a length of time would, so may inflict damage without being aware of it. I’ll want to spend some time figuring out how to get some of that information/build those relationships when I am in my regular role.