Practicum, Practicum, and More Practicum!!!

Hello Fellow Practicum Students!!

I hope everyone is doing well out there in the wonderful world of Practicumtopia! As I was finishing up my resume and cover letter, I began to realize, that over the last year(graduate career), I have attained valuable knowledge in the field of Student Affairs. Our instructor discussed with us last week about professional identity. This professional identity is what defines us as the individuals we are.

Reflecting on my professional identity, I thought back to undergrad, when I was young in my college career, and more concerned with what others thought about me. This attitude changed drastically as I came into graduate school. In graduate school, it changed from what others thought about me, to what can I learn from those who surround me. I've been very fortunate to be surrounded by a cohort of colleagues who have allowed me to grow inside the classroom as well as outside. In the field of Student Affairs it is very important to grow along with your colleagues, and the trends in higher education. I think growth is vital to a young professionals survival in this field. As young professionals, if we are not growing, we risk the chance of being 'Side-lined'. This is one of the important aspects I think the practicum experience provides to each of us. Having the opportunity to gain real-world professional experience, as a component of your education.

Having my colleagues experience their practicum away from Mississippi State, but providing our class with updates will be essential in keeping every one up to date with the trends around the country. Practicum provides us with this opportunity and is an intricate part in preparing us for our internship and career. Once again, these valuable experiences from around the country will continue to mold each and every one of us as we develop our own professional identity. Professional identity is forever changing,  Higher Education is forever changing ,Student Affairs is forever changing, and therefore we must be open for change, I think its called "Professional Development"!!!

Team Practicum.

Hall-OIRE'(for Lyle)