#csam14

Student affairs isn't about recreating one's own college experience for students. It's about helping create opportunities for students to find, develop, and define their own college experience. I never try to impose my experience on others, but I love to share them. From this, I hope to give them inspiration to create their own unique college experience. I love my job because I pull in a lot of various experiences to make my own professional experience. I get the chance everyday to emphasize to my student staff that it is up to them to pull from experiences and knowledge and paint their own picture of where they want to go and how to get there. I'm always there to assist and support, but I'm there to challenge them to take risks and run with their own passions. This is why I love this work!

I feel like a mentor is one of those people that you can always rely on. Regardless of where you both may end up, how far apart you might be, a mentor is someone you know will take your call and support you in anyway you might need. In addition to that, a mentor will give you that tough love if you need it. Mentors will point out your strengths you might not have known you had in you and how to to best utilize them. They will assist you in looking at your weaknesses and how to improve. Overall, Mentors are important as they support you can always rely on.

I enjoy seeing my former students in the field because it makes me feel good to know that I contributed to someone else’s success. Sharing my love of what I do and helping students is something I hope all my students gain by being with me. When it happens and the light bulb goes off and they understand the why, that is probably the best feeling any Student Affairs professional can hope for.

I loved SALT because it was an amazing opportunity to meet other students and professionals who love Student Affairs as much as I do. The various speakers and workshops validated my decision to pursue Higher Ed and got me excited for my future. The chance to meet professionals in the field gave me a way to consider my areas of interest within the field, and the college fair was a valuable resource for thinking about my postgrad school plans.

Mentorship is so essential to the profession. Given the nature of the field, students need someone in the role to identify their talents and direct them. As someone who did not get my degree in Student Affairs, it was my Grad Assistantships and Undergrad experiences that led me to where I am now.

Keep an open mind (on your graduate school search)! Sometimes you'll have your heart set on a place when another really great place is in front of your face! Also, don't limit yourself geographically unless you need to. It's 2 years somewhere - very temporary!

I recommend the SALT conference to those that are interested because it is a great opportunity to not only learn more about the profession from seasoned professionals, but you get a chance to network with others that are just as interested and eager to learn as you are.