Jacob Haun--HCDC Week 1

Activities:
-Work on the P.A.W.S. orientation training schedule
-Attend Orientation sessions and inform new parents and students about HCDC
-Develop a resource guide for the Men of Excellence student group
-Advice and mentor Student leaders who enter Holmes Cultural Diversity Center.

Experience:

I just completed my first full week of practicum with the Holmes Cultural Diversity Center, and I have already learned so much. I think that walking into my practicum I already knew that diversity is a huge piece of the university puzzle, and an even more important part of my work as a student affairs professional. However, this week has provided me even more insight into that. I had the opportunity to experience presentations with students this week, and gain insight with diversity student leaders. I think its interesting to hear students answers in regards to diversity, and be able to have informed discussions about the topic with them. In a way it has proven to me that we are moving forward with diversity, and that it has become important to our students and our staff. In my time at HCDC this week, I also saw the importance of hosting an orientation, and how to inform people about your office. Orientation is a big part of the summer months for Mississippi State, especially in June. I had the opportunity to meet with several students and parents, who were just as excited about diversity as HCDC is, and that was exciting. I think if I have gained anything from my first week in the office, it has been the ability to have conversations with people, and talk about the tough issues. A definite benefit in working with my office is getting to meet with students. This week I had the opportunity to speak with a student about starting a career in student affairs, about opportunities to get involved on campus, and what is the best way to connect with students on campus. I really enjoyed getting their perspective and gaining understanding about some of the challenges and struggles that our students face.
In my first week, I also had some lessons that I didn't anticipate learning. First, is the idea of balance, and not over exerting my days. This summer has been a big transition for me, as I am taking 3 classes, working with my graduate assistantship, and trying to work in HCDC. I actually joked the other day that I am trying to master the art of being in 4 different places all at once. I shockingly have not made it any further in my initial plan yet, but maybe I will get there. Achieving balance during my summer I think is going to be really vital for my success throughout the summer, and to make sure that I do not go crazy with all of the things that I have to do. Another important piece that I learned this week from the readings was the idea of establishing mentor-ship. I think that working with new offices over the summer, and working with new individuals will give me the opportunity to establish professional relationships that will help move me in positive direction and influence the ways in which I work with students. I think that HCDC will provide me an excellent opportunity to get new perspectives and fresh takes on things that are occurring. Finally I think that working with HCDC is going to provide a great opportunity to have additional professional development which will further some of my experience in student affairs.
After my first week, I think I can draw some definite positive feelings from the overall experience. First, I know that I have made the right choice with student affairs. It is difficult, and it takes serious time and effort to work through some of the academic pieces, but the experiential side is so worth it. I know that going into the job field, it is going to be a very valuable degree. Second, It is going to take some time to get used to the busy schedule of summer, but it will be excellent experience for my future in the field. Third, be prepared to talk to anyone about anything. I have had to explain several parts of HCDC this week, as well as pieces of my graduate assistantship, there is no such thing as knowing too much.