Alexander-Final Week- Florida Gulf Coast Universtiy

Activities:

• Met with VP of Student Affairs: Dr. Michael Rollo
• Submitted last draft of tour script
• Presented with Campus Rec Student staff at orientation break-out
• Helped coordinate Late Night with Campus Rec

Reflection:

My time at Florida Gulf Coast University has been one of the greatest experiences I've had in my educational career. I had the opportunity to see college life in a different light. Professionally, I have grown and become more knowledgeable in the Campus Recreation field, as well as learned the basics of orientation. I was incredibly thankful to my supervisor, Suzanne, for allowing me ample opportunities to learn all about campus recreation and gain experience in the admissions/orientation world. I feel that I have become more equipped with the necessary skills and knowledge to pursue a career in either of these fields. I've learned that within any department of student affairs, the main focus is the student and any experience gained are transferable skills that can be carried over into any entity of Student Affairs.

This week I had the privilege of meeting with the VP of Student Affairs at FGCU, Dr. Rollo. Dr. Rollo told me about his journey to his current position and obstacles that came up in the process. He was very insightful and offered me a ton of great advice. One thing that stuck out to me was him saying that no matter the path you take to get to Student Affairs, the reward of your services are rewarding. This was exactly what I needed to hear after expressing to him my concerns of not knowing exactly what I wanted to do as a career in Student Affairs. I finally came to the conclusion that I have the ability to help students have the best college experience possible no matter if its through Campus Rec or Admissions.

This was my first full week of actively participating in orientation. I presented everyday of orientation and also helped coordinate the late night with campus rec. This was a very rewarding experience. It taught me to be confident in my abilities and not be afraid to shine like I know I can. I have to admit it was tough learning about an entire department and presenting in such a short period of time, but I did it!! I was excited and eager to get out there and make it happen. The professional staff offered me a great deal of advice which helped out a great deal. I know that once I enter the professional world, I will need to be open to ideas and advice from colleagues.

Overall, I cannot express to you all how much I have gained in these short threes weeks. I feel more prepared and eager to dive into the professional world of student affairs. After leaving Florida, I realized that I have seen the operations of college life on a small scale (MUW), medium scale (FGCU), and large scale (MSU). This has given me experience and knowledge to use throughout my career, I am certainly thankful for that.

My Life for the last 3 Weeks! Its been real FGCU!!!!!!!!

-LeAnn

Kinard-University of Alabama, Community Service Center

Activities:
Met with Philip Westbrook, Director of Blackburn Institute
Met with Travis Railsback, Director of the Career Center
Shopped for supplies for the Staff Retreat and office at Hobby Lobby
Collaborated with Supervisor to decide on a staff retreat theme and activities
Researched 80's information
Packed boxes of supplies for retreat
Contacted community organizations to schedule volunteer opportunities
Work Community Service Center Orientation Table

My office, Ferguson Center 346

My Desk!

Reflection:

This past week has gone by in a blur.  It was a very busy and productive week.  My meetings this week with Director Railsback and Director Westbrook went very well.  Both of these men had great advice, and we had the opportunity to discuss various issues here at Alabama and in higher education in general.  Particularly, the meeting with Director Railsback got me excited about my new graduate assistantship in the fall at the MSU career center.  Career advising is continuing to be a major interest of mine.  I am excited to learn more about it and prepare for the job market in that area. 

The second big project this week has been the staff retreat.  Wahnee and I have worked together to decide on what theme the retreat should be and how to incorporate it into the staff development and training.  I have really enjoyed having the opportunity plan this event.  I love planning, and I haven't had a great deal of opportunities to do it in the past year.  This week we decided on the activities the staff will do such as painting canvases for the office by speciality area, painting take up signature pages with a Rubik's cube on them, ice-breakers and team builders, as well as developing a take home bag with eighties goodies and a 80's music CD.  Through the process of planning, my supervisor and I have discussed the need for staff development and how important a good staff is.  My supervisor recently selected a new assistant director and this growth is going to affect how the entire staff interacts.  Also, a majority of the staff are current students.  This adds an entirely new element to staff development.  However, the students I have had an opportunity to work with have been extremely mature and task minded.  This staff retreat will allow the students to get to know each other, learn more about the center, and grow together as a cohesive staff. 

The boxes we are packing with supplies for the retreat! They are full of canvases, paints, brushes, pens, pencils, decorations, etc!!

My idea board in my office for the staff retreat.  It lists the staff retreat slogan which will have various eighties words all around it on bright neon paper.  It also lists popular 80s icons, music, movies, and sayings.  Lastly, the staff activities and the supplies needed for each. 

The other aspect of my position this week, has been reaching various community organizations to find opportunities for volunteers for Hands on Tuscaloosa and The Ripple Effect.  Again, this has been more challenging than expected, however we are making some progress!  The biggest challenge is the large number of students these sites will accommodate.  Even for large organizations finding something for 40 students to do can be challenge. 

Advertising for Ripple Effect

Last years Hands on Tuscaloosa Volunteer Day advertisement.

Our Orientation Table

Working here at Bama has taught me so much.  Particularly, I have learned more about what type of institution I hope to work at and what type of student I like most.  I have also learned a great deal about the importance a great staff and an effectively working office through this process.  My supervisor and I have had in depth discussions regarding differences between types of institutions as well as her experiences after graduate school.  I am continuing to learn more and more daily.  I am so excited for the type of work I will be doing this week.  I am always extremely sad that this experience is coming to an end.  I love actually working in student affairs.  However, this is making me extremely excited to start my work at the Career Center in a few weeks!

Me and BIG AL!!

Bailey-Week 8-EMCC

Activities:

• Went to a staff meeting
• Worked on the Faculty Advising Manual
• Painted the new Dean's office
• Helped with "Super Friday Registration"

Reflection:

I have thoroughly enjoyed my time at EMCC. In fact, this next week I only have about five hours left to complete my total hours but I have scheduled Friday as my last day. The hours mean nothing to me at this point. I am more concerned with having the opportunity to network and gain as much practical experience as possible. I have enjoyed getting to know the different staff members, the entire counseling center, and everybody else I have had an opportunity to work with on various committees. It makes me sad to be leaving the work that the committees are doing because I am anxious to see the improvements that are made within this next year. One of the biggest things I will take from this experience is the fact that policy changes do not happen over night. Planning is going on now for the 2013-2014 school year, which is normal, but I just haven't took the time to think about how ahead colleges have to think in order to stay on top of competition.
This week, I had a somewhat different week compared to the previous weeks. Though I continued to work on the advising manual, I was able to get out of the office to do some other things. Wednesday, I had the opportunity to ride to Scooba and look around the campus. They have recently completed a new football stadium that has really made a difference on campus and sparked some community support. It is very impressive with its jumbo tron...the only community college in the state to have one! This stadium is very high class but it just is a testament to the college and the direction it is headed with trying to improve the image to hopefully improve attendance. I also saw the new student union that has recently been completed. Now, Mayhew is patiently waiting on its new union.
Cathy Kemp just was hired as the new Dean of Students and though her start date isn't until August 1, she was on campus last week preparing her office. Part of the preparation included painting her office and rearranging the furniture. I was so happy to help with this project. The "little intern" was able to help her paint, get to know her a little better, and through the process, I gained an excellent contact and reference. She is going to serve EMCC well as Dean. I didn't think to take a picture before we started the office makeover, but the picture is the finished product. It looks very impressive and 10x better than before!

Sellers - Final week - The University of Alabama



Lakeside East is the building that I stayed in during my time at UA



Greetings!

It is hard to believe that this experience has come to a close. This summer has flown by! I guess the saying is right, "time flies when you're having fun!" And, this summer sure has been a fun one.

Activities:

-Shadowed Bama Bound

-Prepared report on restorative justice

-Attended staff meeting

-Visited with several members of the Avanti team (OL's)

My last week at UA was just as good as my first one. I was able to shadow Bama Bound and learn a lot about the university. Of course, I learned a lot about the logistics of their campus - through sitting in various sessions - but more importantly, I was able to learn more about the institutional culture. How people acted and how those actions compare and contrast with those of MSU staff. This experience was very important because I am still deciding how I will act/perform as a professional in certain situations. I also had another "ah ha" moment through attending the Bama Bound sessions. I love the month of June at MSU and welcome the opportunity to help and answer any questions that I can; however, I found myself hoping people would not ask me questions at UA. Not because I did not want to help them, but because I was not sure of the answers! To me, when I move to a new institution, this will be motivation to learn everything that I can about ALL areas of camps so that I can help people.  

It is hard to believe that my time at the University of Alabama is coming to a close. This experience has been amazing and I am very grateful for the people that made it possible. I am thankful for all of those who took me under their wing at the University of Alabama and helped me along the way.

Thomas S.

Clark-USC- Final Week

I can't believe it's over!

My last week at USC I did a number of tasks. I made a sophomore email contact list for the office, created a USC calendar for the National Student Exchange Students, among many other things. One of my personal favorites, as many of you know I love to paint, when Kim asked me if I was interested in painting signs for them, my heart melted. So, above are some of signs I made for their programs for the fall. 

We also went on one last staff lunch to a great place in Columbia, Motor Supply Company. 

Also, as promised here is the director of our office, Dr. Jimmie Gahagan!

Jimmie, is so knowledgeable on students in transition, especially sophomores. It was an amazing experience to be able to work with him on different projects while at USC.

We also were able to get out on Thursday and walk around a good bit going to meetings. We stopped and observed the president's house on the Horseshoe. (It's kind of like the Drill Field)

I really do not know how to put this experience into words. I do know that I know so much more about myself now. I was able to experience amazing people that are very dedicated to their work, but also dedicated to their personal lives. (WWHHHHAAATTTTT YOU CAN HAVE BOTH?!?!?!) After being in SC I first hand saw that, yes we can. It was a very hard reality for me (that I am still learning) that I do not have to work/study/work on papers all of the time. I have to take time for myself and enjoy others around me. I will have to confess that I have sometimes neglected my family and friends to be a workaholic/overachiever, but often in Student Affairs I feel like that is encouraged, that you must give up anything that is not Student Affairs. Well, that stopped today. In South Carolina, I learned that balance is important, but priorities are more important. I am so thankful for the individuals that I met that talked me through my own thoughts and struggles that I have been experiences in this field and have given me a new spin on Student Affairs that I have never seen before. I am excited to continue to be a good student as well as a good GA, but this semester, I am going to spend time with my family and friends. My experience at USC was something I will never forget and it makes me very excited to begin job searching! It will be here before we know it!! Ah!

Banks- LSU Residential Life

Hello! 

Activities: 

- Multicultural Student Leadership Conference Planing Committee 

- #liveGOLD initiative meeting with UREC staff & CAS 

- Graduate Resident Director (GRD) Training 

- Observed campus life (position) interview process 

-Conducted a phone interview for the Residential Life Coordinator (RLC) position and resume screenings 

- My list is long enough.....LOL 

Oh how I thought this day would be an eternity away :( sadly it came way before I was ready. I am writing my last reflection of what has been one of my greatest college experiences. It would take me all day to really break this down, so hopefully I will get to personally share things with you. 

This week was really busy and jammed packed with meetings, interviews, and meaningful experiences. My supervisor is a very busy and popular lady, so she participates in several areas outside of Residential Life. She was kind enough to allow me to participate in these things. One thing I have to say I have been extremely pleased with is...the hospitality and friendliness. It was so interesting to see how the SA practitioners were willing to let me participate in their projects. I got scared in a few meetings because I knew I was going to have to do some talking, but it was all worth it. 

Look at them being productive! My sweet supervisor to the right. Of course that  is Starbucks on the table :)

Reflecting on this week, I realized how many opportunities I was given to really step up and put my self out there. IT FELT GREAT. Before I got ready to present the new initiatives to the GRDs I was really nervous, but once I started speaking, I felt like I was speaking about something I had been working on for more than a month. I think I am the most amazed at the trust, respect, and confidence that the staff has had with and for me. It did not matter to them that I had no previous housing experience. They wanted to give me everything I could possibly handle in short time. It is so rewarding to know that the projects I worked on will actually be implemented this fall. I also have a "renewed" respect and understanding for assessment and how the right ones really can be beneficial. That is one thing the LSU Residence Life prides itself on. They use the assessments to make the necessary improvements for the future. 

Experiencing interview processes for Campus and Residential Life was soooo beneficial. It has given me a lot to think about, such as my resume,what to wear, how to respond to various questions, etc. This is what I will be doing in just a few short months.

Thank you to the LSU staff and my supervisor would definitely be an understatement. I am beyond grateful for my experience. It was refreshing to remember why I chose this field. Sometimes I find myself really wishing I could stay longer so that I can physically implement the initiatives. LOL I came here very uneasy and nervous and from Day one that was all put to rest. I am so glad I stepped out of the box and got my feet wet here. I cant wait to start the job hunt, get back to God's country, and my bulldog family. Tomorrow I will go through my last day in Tigerland, but I will forever remember this experience and the personal and professional growth I have gone through. 

Enjoy a few more pics... 

My LSU Binder...its stuffed! 

This cracked me up...these little tigers are never unprepared LOL 

They have a Smoothie King...in the workout/recreation facility

Outside of the "UREC" 

~ Dejanae 

Holtzman-CSA & Early Start

Activites:
-Finish resource wall, folders, and binder
-Attend Early Start Events
-Shop and make Study packs 

Reflection:
This week has been really great and as always I love my experience and learn so much each time I walk into the office.  I have spent this week working on creating study packs for all 72 participants to be handed out at our final dinner/closing on August 1st.  The packs are filled snacks/treats, a pen, highlither, pencil and note cards and I will be working on writing a little note with some study tips and wishing them luck on finals for each student.  When I look at the calendar and see that the month has flown by and there are only a few days left I pinch myself because I don't believe it is real, Early Start is over!

Unfortunately we (Early Start) experienced unexpected as there were consistently roughly 30 participants low attendance at some events and in attempts to gain more participation the location of the events moved from across the campus to right down stairs on the 1st floor lobby of the residence hall where they live, this did not help.  It is also surprising and unexpected that with all the provided meals people are still not attending the events. We have knocked on doors and I have processed how and why low attendance could occur when so much is done for the students, all they have to do is come down stairs.  I have concluded that they had such a great time getting to know each other and have gotten so close that they were taking the opportunities to further connect and become closer.

Through all the planning teams I have been apart of and sometimes there is so much planning that goes into accomplishing a goal and the potential miss details can occur, also pulling from the saying "too many cooks in the kitchen spoil the pot" however I feel that the team in charge of Early Start and the members of the CSA was the perfect makeup to to execute this program with ease and success. No details were overlooked, and as opinions came in and out a direction was set and everyone was on board.  I really respect everyone that I have gotten to know and work with in this sense. 

I think this experience has opened my eyes to a world of large scale programing as the CSA gears up for a busy year, also working with Dr. B and Jackie Mullen has been really rewarding to learn from both strong women in Academic and Student Affairs. I have spent some time talking to Amelia Treptow (recent grad and new professional) about her experience and have gained advice from all of them, I appreciate each of them and their time spent mentoring me through this experience. 

-Kimone

Cravens – Week 9 – MSU Housing and Residential Life

Activities:

-       RA Training

-       Campus Resource Fair

-       MVNU2MSU Preparation

Reflection:

            With all the activities taking place at MSU Housing this week, I have not had time to process my practicum coming to an end.  Instead, I focused on managing the RA resource fair, which went very well.  I was able to book eleven different campus departments and programs to attend and educate the RA’s on campus services.  It was an easy and fun event to plan, and I am happy I was able to contribute to the RA’s training process in some way.

Hannah and Lowell with mixed reviews on heading to the Resource Fair

All smiles at the union for set-up

            I also spent many hours meeting to put the final touches on MVNU2MSU.  We have over 500 volunteers, and spent many meetings going through the process of assigning them their duties.  Calvin and I then double checked all the shifts, looked for schedule holes, and prepared for the volunteer email notification.  I’m excited to see all the new students and their family on August 11^th, it is going to be very rewarding to see a project I have been a part of all summer come to life.

            MVNU2MSU is part of the reason I feel like practicum is not ending.  I will be returning to housing for three days for final preparations and the big event.  It is going to feel very strange to walk away from the housing department after MVNU2MSU is completed.  I have learned so much this summer it would take pages to list it all, and yet I feel like I have so much more to learn.  Over the past nine weeks, I have had the privilege of working with great people who opened their doors and invested in my professional development.  The professional and student staffs made me feel like part of the housing team from day one and I am so grateful for their hospitality.  I made great connections I hope to maintain as I transition into my professional career.  My time in MSU Housing and Residential Life has made me so excited to enter the professional world of student affairs.  I cannot wait to get started!

Collins-Final Week at the Office of Student Life at MUW

Activities:

1. Got insight into a student worker position in the Office of Student Life.
2. Prepped for Welcome Week--t-shirts, program, schedule of events, floor plans, reached out to artisans.
3. Observed office dynamics on the brink of administrative change.

Reflection:

Whoa! What a ride this Practicum experience has been. I cannot believe this is the final blog post already. I feel like I have just become comfortable with my roles in the Office of Student Life. I have gained rapport with the staff, student workers, volunteers, and administrators. I have assisted during the planning period for Welcome Week 2012 and have loved every minute of it. I have to admit that when I first started at the W it took me a little while to become comfortable in the new environment. I didn't have a clue as to what I was supposed to be doing, nor did I have the confidence to step out of my office and shake the hands of the other office personnel. It was only after I began to travel to the campus everyday that I started building those relationships. The relationships with not only my supervisor, but with the students and the staff are what made my time at the W so worthwhile. I feel so accepted and  comfortable here, and that is not a statement that I would've made a month ago. Again, what a ride this Practicum experience has been!!

This week was a semi-busy week for us in Student Activities. The Welcome Week t-shirts came in and had to be rolled based on size. A mundane task, but one that has to be accomplished nonetheless. This activity was a lot more fun since there were four of us handling it at once: Sherita and Rebecca, the student workers, and Beth and I, the interns. Beth and I were glad to help since we are both in cruise control with our internships now. We have been volunteering more and more to help assist with tasks that ANYONE in the office would like to have accomplished. I haven't had the privilege of working with Beth all summer, but last week our schedules aligned so we were able to partner up and gain experience with each other's internships. FUN FUN FUN!

Supply Closet

  My Welcome Week t-shirt folding station 

Student WW T-shirt (back)

Student WW T-shirt (front)

Staff WW T-shirt (Back)

My little helper, Beth.

One of the finished products!

We also were assigned by Flapp to wrap gifts for some of the students he mentors. I was proud of my achievements. The bows were my added touch. Cute, huh? That's Sherita modeling our hard work.

Flapp's gifts came in ample amounts of bubble wrap, so Beth and I enjoyed transforming the bubble wrap into costumes. The staff loved our creativity.

Office royalty. Sometimes everybody needs a good laugh.

Solo shot. If student affairs doesn't work out, maybe bubble wrap modeling will.

Rebecca and I truly bonded this week. During our down time one afternoon, we decided to clean out the copy room. We organized the paper, supplies, folders, coffee filters, and shelves. One lesson I have learned this past month is that just when you think there's nothing to do, something can always be found that needs to be done. I've enjoyed experiencing that lesson. Just because there's nothing that is pressing in Student Activities doesn't mean that Career Services or Housing and Residence Life don't have something that you could assist with. A lot of my professional growth has come during my "down time" with Student Activities. The staff has been very willing to have me assist with tasks of all kinds, and for that I am eternally grateful.

Rebecca organizing the paper trays on a lazy afternoon.

Friday was Dr. Phillip "Flapp" Cockrell's last day as the Director of the Office of Student Life at MUW. A reception was held in his honor that afternoon. Although I have only been around this man for a few months, it has become apparent just how adored he is by anyone and everyone that comes in contact with him. From the students he mentors to the staff that he oversees to the administration that he answers to, Flapp has truly made a difference at MUW, and I can tell you that none of the staff is ready to see him go. The emotions are running high right now as the office goes into the unknown. Flapp left some very big shoes to fill, and everyone knows that. Can you imagine working in an office where you are like a family and one day the "daddy" is gone forever? Well that is exactly what is happening within that office. Flapp created an environment of openness, creativity, collaboration, and confidence. The staff is anxious to see who will be hired and if that person will adapt to the culture already created or if there will be a total overhaul. 

Flapp is pictured to the left. Dr. Miles, the new VP of Student Affairs has her back to the camera, but she was busy thanking Flapp for his years of service. Dr. Miles has only been VP for six months, so that will affect this administrative change as well.

I snapped this picture at the very beginning of the reception before the bulk of the crowd got there, but just imagine that 30 other people are in this small space awaiting a chance to thank Flapp for his service to MUW.

In conclusion to an amazing summer, I would like to say that everything that I have heard from previous student affairs students has proven to be true. Yes, I did get all of my hours even though I thought I never would. Yes, I did step out of my comfort zone. Yes, it paid off. Yes, I wish I could start it all over. Yes, I would recommend this office and campus to anyone, and yes, it is possible to fall in love with an entirely different type of campus or culture than your alma mater. Mississippi State was all I had ever known, and although I was not entirely convinced that I would have the same types of experiences just down the road in Columbus as some of my classmates have had at LSU, USC, or UA, I have been proven wrong and I am so glad that I have. Opportunities for experience and professional development are anywhere and everywhere. It is when we take that first step out of the comfort zone that learning and growth will occur. I am so glad that I was pushed to take that first step away from MSU. It has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my graduate career.

Thanks for reading!

Brooke Collins

Carter- Week 6: Office of Fraternity & Sorority Life

Wow, the last blog.  It feels so weird to be doing the last blog of the semester, but I am also glad.  I have thoroughly enjoyed my time working with the Office of Fraternity & Sorority Life at MSU.  I have learned a lot and have had the opportunity to meet many new faces.  I have to admit, I am sad to be leaving especially since all the good stuff is getting ready to happen with recruitment.  However, I do plan on helping out where I can.

This office as great plans for the future, and I hope they succeed in all they do.  I was just glad to be a small part of it, and appreciate the opportunity.  This past week I finished my research on the Greek Ambassadors Program and put it together to present this week at the Office Retreat.  Even though, they may not choose to go through with the program at this time, I hope my research provides information and insight as to what other schools are doing.  I think our Greek Life on campus has great potential to grow.

So, again, thanks to Heidie, Cedric and everyone else in the fraternity and sorority office!!  I look forward to working with you in the future and stopping by to just say "Hello"!

Benson- Week 6- MUW Office of Leadership and Service

Activities:
- Contacted community organizations to confirm participation for MUW's Annual Day of Service During Welcome Week
- Organized T-shirts for Welcome Week event staff
- Proof-read the Welcome Week schedule
- Attended a going away party for Dr. Flapp Cockrell
- Took final Welcome Week schedule to the graphic designer

Reflection:
This was my last week as a practicum student at MUW.  I am very happy to have had this experience, and I enjoyed my time at the "W" very much!  That being said, I am very excited that practicum class is almost finished! Woo Hoo!!!! 
This week was relaxing compared to other weeks I have had, however I feel like I learned just as much.  I called different community leaders to see if they needed volunteers on August 14 for MUW's Annual Day of Service, and calling these people helped build my communication skills as well as helped me network. 
Thankfully, Brooke and I got to spend some quality time together this week at MUW, and this made the hours go by more quickly.  One day we got to fold t-shirts and wrap gifts! Such fun!!  We also proof read the Welcome Week schedule about 5 times apiece, but it is now perfect.  I never knew how much planning went into events- even down to the very smallest details!
Thursday we got to go to a going away party for Flapp.  He has accepted a job at Jackson State and will be leaving MUW.  A lot of people are very sad about him leaving, but still wish him the best.  He is an awesome guy, and I am glad I got the chance to know him. 
I forgot to take any pictures this week, but thankfully, Brooke stole my camera at one point, and she took a little picture for me!

 

Thanks, Brooke!

I hope all of y'all have had great experiences this summer! (:

Newsome- Office of Admissions and Scholarships/Student Recruitment- Week 6

Activities:

-          Completed several campus tours

-          Scheduled campus visits for Admissions Counselors 

-          Corresponded with Michael Richardson about Roadrunners participating in Send-off Parties

-          Attended my last staff meeting

-          Said my good-byes to the office staff

Reflection:

I cannot believe I am writing my last blog for practicum.  This semester has flown by, and I must say I truly value the learning experiences I have gained thus far from working with Office of Admissions and Scholarships/Student Recruitment.  I have never felt more welcome and appreciated in continuing my education and professional development.  I have been surrounded by individuals who honestly respect the fact that everyone is different and we can all contribute in unique ways.  Almost every day, I had at least one admissions counselor, student worker, and/or administrative assistant to approach me and ask about my understanding and involvement as an intern.  As a result, I had an opportunity to self-examine and reflect on what I have learned and what I can improve on.  I am grateful for the friendships I developed and the wonderful work environment I had an opportunity to work in.

This week, I completed campus tours and scheduled campus visits which have been exceptional.  Interacting with students and parents has been an adventure.  Though parents may not always conduct themselves in the most respectful ways, student affairs professionals must realize that parents can be needy.  They are entrusting us with the lives of their babies which can be a challenging process.  My goal was to put myself in parents’ shoes.   I learned that our job as student affairs professionals is to aid in the transition from high school to college.  A key necessity to accomplishing this goal is to effectively articulate and clarify needs.  Most importantly, I learned that student affairs professionals must believe in themselves and their ability effectively assist others.

Overall, my practicum experience has been amazing.  I can positively state that this will be an experience that I will never forget.   I have had opportunity to development through challenges and mature as I conquered them.   Even through experiences I was comfortable with, I had a chance to strengthen my skills and mature as a professional.  My career development has flourished as a result of personal reflection, supervisors’ feedback, and my aspiration to be successful.  I look forward to continuing my development and participating in new experiences.

Last day at my desk...

I hope everyone enjoyed their journey!

-          Ashley