Running

head: REFLECTION 1

Reflection on Letters of Promise

Joshua Shannon

Loyola University Chicago



REFLECTION 2

Reflection on Letters of Promise

Reflecting on the letters from Dr. Bridget Turner Kelly and Sydney Curtis, I find myself

deeply set in a place of gratitude. In highlighting my personal and professional attributes, they

validated and affirmed me as an educator in the field, which is incredibly meaningful considering

the value they bring as educators. In this reflection, I address some of the aspects of Bridget and

Sydney’s letter of promise, including self-knowledge and relationships with others, diversity and

inclusion work, vulnerability and courage, and the use of theory in practice.

First, Bridget and Sydney mentioned reflecting to situate myself and my identities in the

conversation of power, privilege, and oppression. In this program, I was invited many times to

consider my identities and the way in which they shape my worldview. It is especially critical

that I go deep in my exploration of self so that I can better engage personally and professionally.

By forming relationships and engaging with folks with identities different from mine, my

understanding of and work with diversity, equity, and inclusion has and will continue to grow. In

working with students, I found that it is powerful when I am able to share vulnerably, a practice

that requires courage. By sharing that I do not always have the answers, I find that the guards

come down and we can journey in learning together. Vulnerability begets vulnerability. Finally,

Bridget and Sydney wrote about my implementation of theory in practice. In this program, I

learned the importance of intentionality with student development, lest professionals do harm

rather than good or be complicit in maintaining an ineffective practice. By using research-based

theory, I can serve students through best practices and the sharing of theory. I am grateful for the

time, honesty, and kind words that Bridget and Sydney poured into these letters. As I move on

from this program, I look forward to continuing my journey by developing, reflecting, and

“daring greatly.”