While preparing to leave Starkville and the Dean of Students Office for the month of July this past week, it has helped me to reflect on this journey so far. I started preparing and awaiting this opportunity since October of last year. Yes, I know that is jumping the gun a little bit, but going off campus was something that I was eager to experience since I didn't leave Mississippi State to work on my Master's. One of my biggest hopes while at Dickinson is to see myself progress professionally. The reading last week brought back the feelings that I had during the initial transition into Grad School. I saw and felt the struggle first hand of adapting from the student leader role on campus to more of an administrative role while several of my friends were still here. It was a challenge to maintain those friendships while balancing work, school, and a new responsibility of expectations that came with my assistantship. I hope that this distance and new location will show me how the transition to my next institution will flow easier than it did when I stayed at the same school for both degrees.
Another section in the book that sparked many thoughts was the discussion among the authors and contributors about their mentors that helped them choose and continue their career choice. I think that Student Affairs relies more on mentors and the relations that you have with people during your undergraduate degree than many other careers. I am very grateful to have the people in my life that have directed me to this career choice and the ones that are helping shape me into the SA professional that I am becoming. I can't wait for the day until I get to return the favor and spend time with students that I think would be great in this environment. Student Affairs is a field that never allows you to stop learning, helping, and teaching others whether they are students or coworkers.
As said in the title, just waiting for July - - can't believe it's almost here!
Carrie
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