5533Phil

The education I have gained about Student Affairs in Higher Education and my experience in the field has helped to guide my philosophy. Both of these components have inspired me and allowed me to firmly position a well defined philosophy that I can use and disperse throughout my career.  I decided to enter the field of Higher Education after entering as a first generation college student and experiencing what it meant to me to be a college student. At the time, it meant that having passion for learning and courage to follow your dreams could lead to great fulfillment. After a successful first semester and a new job on campus, I quickly earned a positive reputation and moved up in positions of leadership and gained the trust needed to make key decisions across several departments. The people I worked with in Student Affairs were supportive and encouraging to me. I looked up to them and came to the realization that lifelong learning and developing as a person was what intrigued me so much.  A few of these experiences are just a portion of what I believe Student Affairs is about. It shapes student experiences in and out of the classroom. While gaining my education I learned that administrators are the cultivators of those experiences and strive to assist in developing students in several ways. A Student Affairs administrator cannot just be supportive and encouraging; they need to have direction and embrace the mission of the college. The Student Affairs philosophy does not take a lesser role but should complement the college mission. This assists in keeping an environment conducive to education and the development of students and gives a team direction to work together towards a common goal. For example, when you have to justify expenses, keep track of programs and funding, as well as believe in what you are doing, decisions can be easier to make because you understand the needs, goals, and beliefs held by the college.   I strongly believe in the Student Personnel Point Of View (SPPOV). The idea of developing the “whole person” has truly been a remarkable addition to the field of Higher Education. College can be a place of transition for many students. More than just learning occurs here between books read and degrees conferred. I believe part of leadership is a demonstration of personal traits (learned and innate) and thoughts that inspire others or motivate them to think and express in a desired or new way.  I like to compare college to a theatre stage. A remarkable stage is presented for students to practice on and it may look and feel different to several students. Experiments with culture and risk may take place by the student or they may change their viewpoint from parent-centered to student-centered and discover a whole new idea for a future for themselves. Higher Education institutions offer a variety of environments, artifacts, and rituals that create a distinct experience for students. For one student, it can look dark and scary, and for another it can feel like a world of opportunity. What the student does on the stage and off the stage determines their experiences there and how they rank it. On the stage, we allow them an opportunity to develop their identity. Who is directing them and providing them with props has an influence on the outcome. It is not about enabling students; it is about guiding them. The dynamics are full of endless possibilities. If you want to see a wonderful production on a stage, I believe you must fill in all the pieces that need to be addressed for a complete show. That is what Student Affairs is about to me.  I also believe in and have great respect for NASPA’s Standards of Professional Practice and ACPA’s Statement of Ethical Principals and Standards. The goal of these organizations is to also enhance student growth and development, and maintain the integrity of the Higher Education environment; this is also my goal as a Student Affairs Professional. Without ethical standards or professional guidelines to follow, there is little assurance of a successful legacy.  As administrators, we need to continue to look to our history of failures and accomplishments, as well as the here and now for things, including changes in cultural climates, and the future for reassessing, learning new ideas, and evolving with society. We must conceptualize that we are a greater part of a vibrant community and not just a place of learning. We serve the needs of so many people and are needed to inspire others.  Where do I want or expect the journey through Student Affairs to take me? If at the end of the day I can say that I believe in what I am doing, that the choices I made today will assist in achieving the goals and missions set forth before me, and know that my credibility and virtues will remain in high standards, then I can feel accomplished for the day. I believe if you want to broaden your horizons and become a much better leader, you should seek out a leader to be your mentor. Educating yourself to reproduce or expand on leadership qualities is a lifetime commitment. I believe a great leader continually renews courage, passion, and energy inside themselves and actively works harder to eradicate their personal barriers. They also encourage others to be successful lifelong learners. This is where I anticipate the field of Student Affairs and Higher Education to take me.