Thompson - Week 6

I'm reaching the half way point of my practicum, and my experience at Saint Leo has been extremely beneficial. I left MSU with the expectation of learning how small, private institutions functioned and developed their students. I also planned to use this time away from family and friends to reflect on my life and future career. Although these are two totally different set of expectations, they both will impact how I approach my second year of graduate school.

The moment I arrived on campus at Saint Leo I was embraced with open arms and smiling faces. This was a preview of what was to come during my time at Saint Leo. Since my first day, everyone I have met has had that same welcoming spirit. And it's not just me. The people here have a passion for service. They want to see their students succeed. This is obvious with the programs they host. One in particular that I'll mention is LEAP. LEAP stands for learning enhancement for academic progress. It's a program designed for conditional admits in hopes of giving a student a second opportunity to attend college. This program defines Saint Leo's commitment to serving the student.

That is just one of many Saint Leo programs designed to benefit the student. Reflecting on this program has helped me understand that although larger institutions care about their students, smaller institutions have a chance to connect more intimately with the student to change their life for the better. I have enjoyed working closely with Ana and Ken to see the impact they have on their students. I have enjoyed working with their current students developing a new mascot policy. Lastly, I have enjoyed meeting their incoming freshmen through the orientations I have worked. All of these opportunities have shown me how small institutions function and develop their students.

I plan to continue working closely with their LEAP program, students, and orientation team for the next couple of weeks until it's time for me to leave. When I leave Saint Leo I will leave a more complete student affairs professional. I will also leave knowing the last year of school is a time for me to polish my skills and prepare myself for my career after college.