5188Phil

Student Affairs includes many facets of a student’s experience at a university. As a Student Affairs professional, I will strive to enhance students’ academic knowledge, diversify students’ thinking, assist students in growing their personal character, and support application of the overall growth gained through the university experience. I believe that a college experience goes beyond learning in the classroom. I value working with students in the learning that occurs outside of the classroom. I also place a strong value on the knowledge gained inside the classroom; for this is the main reason students attend a university. I hope to help students bridge the gap between knowledge gained inside the classroom with knowledge gained outside of the classroom. As a professional in student affairs, it will be my role to help students process their experiences and choices; enabling students to learn more about themselves and who they wish to become. I hope through my work in student affairs, students will come to value the knowledge and experiences they can gain through diversity. I will encourage students to try to understand other people’s perspectives even when they may not agree. I will urge students to engage in experiences that will expose them to new and exciting opportunities, allowing them to expand their worldview. As a student affairs professional, I will work to create opportunities for students where they can participate in such experiences. I aspire to create a safe place for students to ask questions, learn about differences, experiment with new ideas, and come to terms with the issues involved in being a young adult. It is becoming increasingly important to be able to work with diverse cultures in ever changing environments, and I strive to provide students with the ability to learn how to succeed in this type of environment. Through mentoring and advising of students I hope to create relationships with students that can foster the growth of students’ personal character. As a Student Affairs professional, I hope the my interactions with students will assist them in becoming the leaders of tomorrow. Through working with students outside of the classroom, I hope to build relationships that will foster identity development, leadership development, and career development. I hope that the students I work with will leave with a better sense of who they are and who they wish to become. I want students to have goals for the future as well as a confidence in who they are today. I wish to support students in combining all of these skills, enabling them to be successful in their future endeavors. I desire to encourage students to incorporate their new learning and perspectives into everyday life by taking responsibility for their actions and thinking for themselves. I hope to empower students to take responsibility for their life choices, guide them to become active citizens, enable them to work well with others in society, and to value the differences and diversity around them. Upon graduation, I hope that students are able to succeed in whatever they set out to do.
 * // Academic Knowledge //**
 * // Diversity //**
 * // Students Growing Personal Character //**
 * // Application of Overall Growth //**