Facebook and serving students

I have long found Facebook to be a useful tool to link with my students. Yesterday, I was creating an ad campaign for one of my programs when an invitation to Facebook chat popped up from Austin, a student "friend". Austin's girlfriend was coming to town for the football game and he was shopping for an extra student ticket. I told him that I would put out the word, and then updated my Facebook status and sent an email to my student listserv.  

Within a couple of minutes, I had an email from another of my 

students, Danielle, with an available ticket. 

Connection made.

This entire action took a few moments of my time on a Saturday afternoon and was made available by my willingness to link with students in the social networks where they live. Did it make a difference? I think so. 

I received this message by email at 12:35 a.m.

Debra, thank you so much for pointing me to Danielle! Today turned out great and I owe it all to you!

Thanks again.

Austin