User:Sarah Nikitin
About Me
Hiya and welcome to my Wiki :) Here's the lowdown on me, myself and I...
Age: 36
Location: East Coast USA
Interests: Theme Park Engineering/IT Support/Mentoring
Rez Date: October 27, 2007
Mentor Date: July 6, 2008
Favorite Disney Character: Figment
Likes: Helping new residents/Working @ Mouse World
Dislikes: Griefers!!/Obnoxious Flirts :D
Mentoring
I became a mentor in early July 2008 and since that time I have found my niche in working as a greeter at Help Island. The one benefit I have is that I live, sleep, dream and breathe Disney! The philosophies of Disney are "that you never get a 2nd chance to make a first impression on your guest". I know the importance of making the new resident feel special and welcomed. As many mentors have stated, if it wouldn't have been for a mentor's personal touch, I never would have stayed in SL. That statement is as true for me as it is for them.
So far, I have learned much about the mentoring process and have developed my own style. It seems to be working and I'm thrilled about that! It's impossible to greet everyone who rezzes in, but that doesn't stop me from trying. Warm and friendly is the key and getting them excited about SL hits the home run!! I have found that 1/2 my time of daily SL visits is spent on Help Island. My favorite line to tell a new resident before they enter SL is "We know you have a lot of options in choosing a virtual world. We're thrilled you have chosen Second Life as your ultimate get-a-way vacation destination from the Real World!!" The feeling I get when leaving Help Island is one of contentment and satisfaction knowing I made a difference in a new resident's life! To me, SL offers no greater reward :)
After being hit on several times, I rarely go in with my normal avatar. EVE (from Disney's Wall-E) has become my avatar of choice. New residents love her and they voluntarily strike up conversations within minutes of their arrival. Those who don't know her just think I'm a ghost...lol :)
Second Life
What can I say? I'm addicted to SL!! I don't watch CSI and yet one night, it just happened to be on while I was working on my laptop. Low and behold, it was the episode "Down the Rabbit Hole" which centered around SL. It caught my attention and within minutes following the show, I found myself logging in. I've lost a lot of sleep since that fateful day but I regret absolutely nothing! Kudos to LL for partnering with CSI:NY because there are a plethora of residents who joined simply from the show. When not on Help Island, I'm performing my other duties as a Cast Member @ Mouse World where I am Cheif of Security, guest relations and an in park character (and recently I was added to the Board of Directors). My SL Build is "Sarah's Magic Kingdom - Disney Museum" which I built as an SL tribute to the greatest entertainment company on the planet!
I am a loving and loyal friend. I can't stand in-world drama and avoid it at all costs, yet I take care of business when I have to. Supporting the Linden exchange is a favorite past time (I spend way too many L$ than I should...lol) I often try to remain upbeat and perky and I rarely use foul language, yet sometimes it just has to come out! A relationship would affect my in-world duties so I have avoided that thus far. My choice of clothing is simple and modest. I'm quite content in a hoody and comfy sneakers. HOWEVER, in spite of my in-world duties, I am quite shy. It's a part of RL me that SL hasn't completely reversed yet, but I'm getting better :D
SL vs RL
When I joined SL, I made a commitment that would not allow my SL and RL to ever cross paths. The more time I spend in-world and the more friends I grow to cherish, that commitment gets harder to hold. But the internet can be a dangerous place and must be approached with utmost caution! Never let your guard down. I will continue to treat SL as the vehicle it was designed to be...a Second Life. For everything we cannot achieve, build or possibly attain in RL, SL grants our wishes with the help of pixie dust and a spark of Imagination ;)
Contact Me
If you'd like to reach me outside of SL, send a message to SarahNikitin@comcast.net