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Upon entering the Higher Education and Student Personnel program at Kent State University, I had some preconceived ideas about it. These notions came from interactions with others in the program as well as research into the program when searching for schools to apply. The main idea that was pushed forward was experience. Experience along with application of theory to practice as well as networking have been the overall themes I have encountered throughout my courses and the program. These themes have become the core being of the program for students in the program as well as myself. Over the past two years, these themes of experience, application of theory to practice, and networking have been consistent and evident in each and every aspect of the program at Kent State University. I planned to learn about the evolution of higher education and the future of this entity as more people wish to seek it. Experience is the major theme that is highlighted within and throughout the program at Kent State University. The process begins after being accepted to the program. The Graduate Association of Student Personnel Practitioners (GRASSP) hosts a graduate assistantship day in which the student group recruits employers in the area who are looking for graduate students to for their institutions while giving the graduate experience. Currently, most students, who are accepted into the program at the time of this process, are able to obtain assistantships at colleges and institutions within the area. This provides the student with the first step of experience. However, the overall program is built around experience as well. In order to graduate, the student must participate in two practica in which they are actively engaged in a role within higher education. Students are required to seek out these experiences; this provides the student with a real life search process on top of the actual course experience. While serving in practica, students are required to reflect upon their experience. This is helpful in providing insight for the student to gain reflection on what the student wants to achieve in their future as a higher education professional. Experience is a highlight to the program is was the initial draw to the program for me. Application of theory to practice is another theme that is evident throughout the program. Although it is similar to experience, it presents a different sense of learning. Applying theory to practice is done within the classroom or as part of class assignments and projects. This portion of the curriculum allows the student to a safe space in which to apply theories that have been learned throughout the course and the program. A specific example of this is in Students and the College Environments course in which a course assignment requires that a visitation to campus be made apply principles of physical environments. Multiple opportunities for application are hosted throughout this course. Another example of applying theory to practice is in Case Studies. This course allows students to culminate all theories and principles learned throughout the program of study in specific case examples. Application of theory to practice provides graduate students the opportunity to bring the theories studied into the practical realm of higher education in specific scenarios. Networking is the final theme that has been consistent throughout the coursework as well. In each and every course in the Kent State University program, networking is encouraged. It is also brought to light by making daily announcements in courses regarding upcoming professional development opportunities. Students are asked to share their participation within committees and organizations. This provides a sense of networking because it brings others who have joined various other organizations into the loop. The idea of networking is also encouraged by professors who attend annual conferences as well. During these association gatherings, professors introduce and bring graduate students together with individuals currently in the field. This promotes the program and the students. Networking is also encouraged with the GRASSP student group. GRASSP coordinates networking opportunities through professional development, community service, and regular gatherings of current students within the program. There are multiple opportunities for networking within this program. When coming to the program at Kent State University I had anticipated learning about the history of higher education, the future of higher education, the specific types of institutions, student development, and the legal aspects of higher education. Although I did not take the specific course on history of higher education, knowledge of this is acquired through other courses such as the Community College course as well as Private Liberal Arts College course. I also learned about the future of higher education through these courses. However, Business Administration is providing this information as well. I also planned to learn about the legal aspects of higher education which I gained through a rigorous study of law. Student development is studied in every course in some way. Students are the focus of higher education; and therefore, they are a part of each aspect of the program. After completing the course of study, I can fully state that I have learned all and more than I expected to after attending this program. The experience piece that attracted me to the program was well embedded into the program. All of the aspects of higher education I had wished to study were included within the courses. The program took it a step further by providing many more beneficial and required pieces to navigating the field of higher education.