Implications for Practice (LOs 6 & 10; Artifacts A1, A2, B2, C2, F1, F2, I, G, J, K) Integrative Theme

As I begin my transition out of the SDA program, I have started to reflect on what I have learned during my time in the program and what areas I am interested in professionally. Through this reflection, one main theme emerged for me: the Jesuit principle of care for others and the community (Thon, 2013). While this may seem like a basic element of all student affairs work, in the Jesuit context I think there is an emphasis on intentionality and reflection. For me personally, this theme of care for the community has manifested itself as an interest in college access and outreach (as Artifact I and Artifact B2 highlight). At this point I am starting to explore different professional paths that would provide me an opportunity to have an impact on college access, including admissions, advising, and non-profit college access work. Learning Outcome Dimensions Professional DevelopmentThe area of professional development includes LOs 6 and 10. The three key dimensions of LO 6 are communication, seeking opportunities, and relationship building. In my future professional practice, I want to challenge myself to look for opportunities to collaborate with those who I might not typically interact with, particularly because discussion with colleagues is one of the most important methods of professional development (Roberts, 2007). As a fairly new student affairs professional (see Artifact A1), it is important for me to communicate and collaborate with those who are outside of my office and functional area in order to get a better understanding of how the institution operates, and how to create a more seamless experience for students. Building relationships with others on campus is also a means to assume a leadership

position with programs, projects, or teams that I would not otherwise participate in. For example, as Artifact F2 highlights, during my internship at Cascadia I became close to the veterans coordinator. Through this relationship I not only learned more about how to serve veterans on campus, but also got to help lead the remodeling of the veterans orientation presentation. The three key dimensions of LO 10 are confidence, growth, and networking. As I move forward in my career, maintaining confidence in my ability will be important for me, especially as I seek professional opportunities that will challenge me. For example, I have had some exposure to budgeting and finance in SDAD 595: Higher Education Finance, (as Artifacts C2 and J demonstrate), but I would like additional experience in this area. Therefore, if budgeting is not a responsibility in my next professional position, I will seek opportunities to get some budgeting experience outside of my specific role. I also think that networking plays an important role in my development as a professional it is a means to learn more about other functional areas or institutions that I am not familiar with, and can be a great way to discover best practices. As Artifact I indicates, I look forward to networking with others in the field, particularly through national/local conferences. Development of Learning Outcomes PastIn my previous field, professional development certainly wasnt as emphasized as it is in student affairs (at least for administrators). However, whether through networking, collaboration, attending conferences and workshops, or building relationships with others on campus, I now see professional development as a cornerstone of my own career.

PresentI am inherently collaborative, but have never thought of myself as a natural leader. However, as I discovered in EDAD 570: Leadership in Education 1, collective leadership is actually a legitimate style of leadership, and is a form of decision making that is more inclusive of others identities and experiences (Ruder, 2010). My ability to establish and enhance my professional identity will partially depend on whether I welcome opportunities for leadership, and can be confident in my own leadership style. Future One strength of mine is the diversity of professional experiences I have had over the past two years (see Artifact A2), which has increased my curiosity in exploring additional areas of student affairs that I am not familiar with. Another strength of mine is my deep interest in learning I am able to embrace what I dont know. In the future, I will try not to allow myself to get satisfied with what feels comfortable, and will instead continue to challenge myself to seek opportunities for growth (which, as Artifact F1 suggests, I have already started to do). When I do take these opportunities, I need to also take the time to reflect on what I am doing, how I can do it better, and how my contributions fit into the institution as a whole (Artifact K). One of the main ways I hope to push my own growth is through research; as Artifact I and Artifact G indicate, I see research as a very important part of professional development, and because I did not complete an MA project, it is an area that I look forward to developing.

References Roberts, D. M. (2007). Preferred methods of professional development in student affairs. NASPA Journal, 44(3), 561-577. Ruder, K. (Ed.) (2010). The collective leadership storybook: Weaving strong communities. Seattle, WA: Center for Ethical Leadership. Thon, A. J. (2013). The Ignatian imperative: Student affairs educators in Jesuit higher education. Marquette University College of Education Press: Marquette, WI.