How can I get the school to provide me a computer at my desk?

Question

I just started a position working with the guidance department in the career center. I've been pretty much just stuck into a computer lab setting with no clear instructions besides learn more about what I will be helping the students with. They don't seem to expect much from me right now, but I've told my supervisor that I would love to stay busy in the down time putting together PowerPoints and other instructional materials for students to learn about the resources we offer. Problem is they just expect me to use one of the student computers and not one of my own at my desk. I think this is odd and I feel ill equiped to do a good job. The student desks are so low to the ground I cant even fit my legs under them so I have to sit sideways and hunch over in a plastic chair. The computers also have tons of security measures so students don't look up p**n so I cant use the right click functions or even sound. I could be taking online tutorials, but they require sound.

I just started 2 weeks ago and I don't want to seem demanding, but I really need a computer of my own at my desk. I don't even feel like a real employee. I'm alone in a windowless room with almost nothing to do all day until we start getting more students coming in for services. What will I do then sit at an empty desk and stare at them. I don't feel comfortable sitting at a lab computer while students are working because I can't keep an eye on them.

Answer 1

There are a couple options:

1. You can buy a laptop of your own because I can be 50% sure that the computer they are going to give you is going to be a cheap computer that freezes alot and doesnt allow you to do certain things so I would just go to the Apple store or buy a PC and use that at your desk.

2. Set up a meeting with the principle and discuss that you are unable to thoroughly get through your job without the use of an in office computer.

I totally understand this issue. I always hate working in the computer lab as well as I always have children peering over my shoulder.