I am truly humbled by both letters of promise in higher education written by Dr. Gerald L.

Mitchell
Jr., Director of Project Success at Northeastern Illinois University, and my fellow M. Ed classmate at
Loyola University Chicago, Stephanie Sferra. Although these letters of promise address a combination
of communication skills, commitment to social justice, analytic inquiry and, research and assessment
competences, I believe that they highlight my effective communication skills learning outcomes.
During my first year in the M.Ed. program, I had the opportunity to work together with Stephanie to
facilitate a dialogue and write a paper in the Multiculturalism and Social Justice course. Through this
process, Stephanie identified my active listening skills and ability to be supportive thus demonstrating
my effective oral communication skills in listening to diverse perspectives and the ability to work
collegially with diverse constituencies. It is important as an aspiring advisor to demonstrate effective
written and interpersonal communication skills when interacting with students and colleagues.
Dr. Mitchells recommendation addressed how my appreciation of and respect of diverse perspectives,
cultures and lifestyles and ways of knowing allowed me to create training opportunities for peer
mentors that pushed them to understand the value of their role and impact on students. Throughout
my internship, I have been able to train, create workshops, and support the programs first class of
peer mentors and cohort of participants by facilitating weekly discussions thus illustrating my ability
to present ideas to different audiences and constituencies.
In addition to addressing my communication skills, both letters spoke to my focused and
driven work ethic. Striving to do my best work continuously encourages me to seek out new avenues
of creativity, excellency, and ways to better serve students, and collaborate with colleagues.