Starting with the "Why?"

As many of you may know, I will be attending graduate school at the Morgridge College of Education at the University of Denver to receive a masters in Higher Education. Recently, I've been contemplating on how and why I ended up where I am today. As a reflective individual, I wanted to be able to provide a concrete answer to questions as to what Student Affair professionals do and why I chose that field. So here's my shot at it.

"Your profession is not what brings home your weekly paycheck, your profession is what you're put here on Earth to do, with such passion and such intensity that it becomes spiritual in calling." 

Never have I ever imagined that I would be going in to a profession that allowed me to work in an educational environment. When I first stumbled on to Student Affairs I was confused as to what it was. One day my advisor asked me whether I considered going into student affairs. Never having heard of it, I inquired.

To those that do not know what it is, here's a quick reference. Student Affairs is a division within Higher Education that emphasizes on student development and provides services to students on college campuses (e.g. residence life, student activities, admissions, career development, etc.). "Student Affairs professionals are educators outside of the classroom environment, allowing students to put theory and experience together to gain a more holistic view of themselves and their experiences leading up to their current situation. As necessary as this profession may sound, it is still rising to the level of awareness and legitimacy among other higher education colleagues in academia and the overall general public."

So to my parents, my family members, and to those curious enough to question why I chose this profession. Here it is. The reasons why I chose student affairs, in no particular order:

1. Becoming a True Servant Leader: 
• Student Affairs will allow me to work with students to develop their leadership and personal skills to succeed in their future profession. Personally, I love witnessing those transformational moments and realizing that you've had some impact on someone's life. This will allow me to truly meet students where they are and work together to find the best possible solution to reach their goals 
2. Mentorship Opportunity: 
• I've had multiple advisors and mentors throughout my college career that have shaped my personal development and experience.  Without their help, I would not have succeeded in the different areas of my life. In turn, I would like to provide the same opportunity to other students and become their mentor
3. Garner support amongst colleagues and department:

• This field is probably one of the most supportive fields to work in. In high school and undergrad, I was an overachieving over-involved student leader, juggling multiple student organizations, involvement in a fraternity, working as a Resident Assistant, and more. Because of this, I've come to realize that the support from colleagues and mentors alike are essential to the growth of a student. 
• I've also come to realize that working with like-minded individuals is the best and most efficient way to complete a project and create a change. (Proof from my attendance and participation within the Dungy Leadership Institute - Right pic) 
4. Participation in discourse around social justice issues and inclusivity:
• It is imperative that we engage in conversations and create spaces of discourse around social justice issues. There are far too many students who are unaware of various types of oppression and the pedagogies that surround it. This profession would also allow me to continuously participate in these conversations and help educate, not only myself on certain issues, but students as well. I believe that it is not only the job of the oppressed to educate others, but that of their allies and the institutions they partake in. 
5. Collaboration with University Departments:
• Because I am staying at the University of Denver, I hope to use my connections on campus to make some sort of institutional change. As of right now, my personal project is to create an Ethnic Studies minor in order to truly become an institution dedicated to the public good.
6. Gain transferable skills for my future endeavours:
• I do not necessarily see myself in student affairs forever. However, taking the opportunity to learn from this masters program and from my assistantship, I hope to become a well-rounded individual who is capable in dealing with various situations and stressors that any task will throw at me. From dealing with time management, work-life balance, conduct cases, policy violations, and student issues, I hope to have gathered enough experience throughout this process to be able to sell myself once I graduate from my masters program.

I will continuously add on to this list as I have not started my masters program yet. However, I hope that this gives people an idea as to why I chose this field and what I hope to gain from my experiences in these next two years of graduate school. 

"I want to remember that no one is going to make my dreams come true for me...it is my job to get up everyday and work toward the things that are deepest in my heart... and enjoy every step of the journey rather than wishing I was already where I wanted to end up." 

As an aspiring student affairs professional, I want to learn the best practices to foster innovation and set a foundation for the students and colleagues I work with. I hope to create transformational moments one step at a time. From this day forward when I go about my daily responsibilities, I will do so with a goal of contributing to the fulfillment of this vision.