8485Phil

Education is a powerful tool, and to be surrounded in an environment of learning at my place of work is a gift. As a new professional in the student affairs field, I am just beginning to develop my professional identity. One aspect that helps to define myself as a professional is my value of individuality. Throughout the course of the Higher Education Administration and Student Personnel program at Kent State University, I have developed an understanding of tolerance and diversity in a different light. I have learned that college is a crucial time of development for students, and hence accepting and working with their individualism is the most valued part of my work. Each student has a different story and has come from a unique background. Using the student development theories as a guide to understanding these differences will help to make me a successful professional in the field. I decided to explore the career of student affairs when I began to see college as more than a venue for education and academics. College is a time of growth, exploration, and reflection for students. Student affairs serves as an umbrella to student life. They oversee student resources, issues, and devote all efforts into assuring a positive living environment for campus community members to thrive. Student affairs is a support system for the campus, and working within that division is rewarding. I play a strong role in the lives of students and families that join the community. They expect me to know answers, and I hold a strong expectation for myself to be able to answer those questions and to serve as a guide. I am committed to assuring success of all students, particularly helping retain students. Another strong value I hold in this profession is the idea of inclusiveness. Adding to the importance of individualism, making each student feel important and supported is vital to student success. By proving to students that we exist on campus to help in their development, we can value ourselves and our jobs more. With greater accessibility into higher education, we are apt to see a more diverse student population that we are challenged to cater to just as much as other students. The demographics of students are changing. These students may struggle financially, academically, or suffer with disabilities. Knowing that these differences exist, I believe as a profession we must concern ourselves with how we can serve such a diverse population. In addition, we are challenged to keep up-to-date with the many changes that arrive with each incoming class. Technology is constantly changing becoming more a part of the education piece. These items are all possible with collaboration and effective communication. I value the experience and knowledge of others. This collaboration is not limited to other professionals in the field. Students, faculty, and community members should be used as resources as well. Working with other institutions is another way of enhancing my own work. Although each college/university is different, we can still learn best practices from one another and advance ourselves and our school. One final part of the profession that I hope to define my work is the mission of the university I am apart of. I hold my own set of values listed above; however, it is important to me that I work at an institution I believe in. If I fail to recognize the mission as a guide for my work, I am failing to be successful at that institution. Maintaining the goals and mission of the institution as I continue in the position is a crucial principle for me. Understanding and realizing these goals challenges the divisions within student affairs to manage their resources in support of the institution. This will help maintain an ethical work environment. When I retire, I hope that my colleagues and students would say that I am a strong leader who strives to uphold my values and the values of the institution. Furthermore, I would hope that students recognize my commitment to them as individuals and my level of inclusiveness has helped in their growth.