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As I reflect upon my philosophy in relationship to student affairs, I concur with the writing of Melvin, “We cannot live only for ourselves. A thousand fibers connect us with our fellow men: and among those fibers, as sympathetic threads, our actions run as causes, and they come back to us as effects” (Herman Melvin). I see the student affair’s department of a university as the fiber that allows the students to experience life in a setting with a diverse variety of individuals. A protected setting that collectively gives tools that will allows for student personal growth and exploration. There are several reasons that I entered the field of higher education, and what my personal experiences and beliefs can do to assist the total population served in the higher education setting.

In high school, and during my college years, I knew that my learning style was different from what society deems normal. I am a student that falls into the category of non-traditional style learning. With this classification, I understand first hand the challenges and obstacles other students with this classification experience within the academic setting. I have a passion for education and I want to ensure that anyone regardless of their learning style has the opportunity to fulfill their dream and attend an institution of higher learning. I also understand and recognize that for many students that fall into this classification, coming to the university is their first experience away from home and fighting the educational battles that accompany the non-traditional learning style student on their own.

As I prepare to embark upon my student affairs career, there are several pillars that will guide me, to ensure not only my success, but also that of the students. I define success when looking at my philosophy, measured through retention, overall student satisfaction, and providing programs that compliment the pillars in order to allow each student to meet and exceed their full potential. The pillars of responsibility, respect and academic excellence will guide and empower me in grant and funding research in an effort to develop programs that will serve the student body and assist in the excellence of the higher education setting.

Respect is imperative for success. Students must respect themselves, the institution of higher education, and other students for their differences and similarities. I believe a positive step in tackling this area is to initiate programs with the purpose to break down barriers and establish a new learning environment. Through this environment students will be more sensitive to their peers and develop a better appreciation of the global picture. The pillar of respect segments directly into the second pillar of responsibility. We all must be responsible for our actions. However, I believe as a student affairs professional, I also have a responsibility to the students to nurture them in the relationship of responsibility and accountability of self. I believe programs and trainings that allow for individuals to take leadership roles and develop their skill are so important. As professionals we need to encourage our future leaders to take on roles of responsibility and be there to support them with the guidance. The last pillar is academic excellence. The population we serve is here to pursue their life dream. As a student affairs professional I understand the importance of the dream, yet also appreciate that things and situations change within a person, and programs that give academic support, tutoring and guidance both academically and personally must be in place to ensure the total well rounding of the student. Collectively, I believe the pillars enhance how I believe institutions should be managed, in relation to students through a goal-centered approach.

The student is the reason the institute for higher education exist. I believe that my focus will always be to ensure that all students reach their full potential. Without quality programs and a reputation for success, the educational setting loses credibility.I firmly believe that in order to be successful as a higher education student affair professional I must develop programs that compliment each other and the development of the student. At a time when the economy is suffering and all institutions of higher learning are competing for their market share of revenue, programs that differentiate the institution of higher learning from their competitor is imperative. As a higher education professional, I believe initiating programs that complement specific learning styles, adding majors that complement our global perspective, and providing social outlets to help with the overall development of the student will serve the setting and all entities within the setting in a positive venue. It is my goal to ensure that all students, regardless of their ability or disability have the opportunity to experience and know success in higher education. It is through programs and a student, goal centered approach that will allow all involved in the process to enjoy the result of our actions as they return to us as effects.