Nazim Chaker - Week 6 (Stark Recreation Center, MUW)

Activities

•          Performed maintenance on wellness equipment
•          Discussed with Assistant Director about welcome week events
•          Helped work on fall staff training materials
•         Had final evaluation with Director

 Reflection on Practice

This was my last week at MUW. It is crazy that I will not be going over there anymore. I feel like I really became a part of the team the short time I have been there. I was glad even with my last days I was able to continue learning some things about the rec center. I had a chance to work with the assistant director on their fall training for their new and returning staff. I have been a part of so many housing training's over the years I was interested to see how another apartment does training. I was excited I got to be a part of that because maybe one day I could be doing the same thing. It had many things in common with training's I have done before. I’m glad he allowed be to have input.

Every week I have been at the Stark recreation center I feel like I have learned a little bit more about myself. There are many times I would be doing something or watching a professional staff member and I would say “I could see me doing that one day.” The work they do really fits me well.

My final sit-down with my director was good. I felt like overall she was pleased with my work. It has been really pleasant being able to gain insight from someone who loves what they do. She has given me good things to think about moving on in the future. I feel like she is someone I will be able to have contact with in the future for campus rec resulted issues. My overall experience at MUW has been great. I was on the fence about doing my practicum in another office, but I’m glad I choose The W. 

Textbook Application

Professional connections was something that was brought up in chapter 6 of our textbook. It was not until last week when it really hit me I was developing a great professional connections at MUW. My assistant director mentioned to me that he would never mind writing me a reference letter. It made me feel good because he told me he has really appreciated the work I have done there. Having someone working in that position being able to vouch for me was really good to hear. I really feel like a made great connections during my time at MUW.

Theory Application

One of the NASPA/ACPA Professional Competences focuses on Leadership and the importance of that in a professional. When I was reading over the criteria for this particular competence I was able to relate a lot of my reflection at MUW to this area. Many of my past experiences in housing and being a residence director has given me a framework that has shaped my beliefs and values on my leadership style.  It also goes on to speak a lot about understanding a campus culture and building a community among the people around you. I was very confident in speaking on these issues when it related to housing, but when it came to campus recreation I counted myself short. Then during my time at MUW I realized through working and observations I am able to talk those skills and transfer them over into this area of student affairs. It felt good to read off basic competences and be able to relate them to myself.

References

ACPA & NASPA (2010). Professional competency areas for student affairs practitioners. Retrieved from: https://www.naspa.org/images/uploads/main/Professional_Competencies.pdf.