Running head: LETTER TO THE COMMITTEE

Letter to the Committee

Ben Teurlay

Seattle University
LETTER TO THE COMMITTEE 1

Dear Committee,

Thank you for supporting me as I reflect upon my experiences, challenges, and growth

through the Student Development Administration (SDA) program. After working professionally

in Residence Life, I selected to attended Seattle University in order to expand my educational

knowledge, experience in new functional areas, and personal growth.

One valuable educational lesson that I have learned is theory to practice. During SDAD

5400: Theory, Research, and Practice, Dr. Yamamura, had students apply theories through

debates, presentations, and case studies. For example, our class debated whether funding should

be utilized at Seattle University to educate white students or students of color to create a more

inclusive environment. I learned from theorists such as Yosso, Strayhorn, and Schlossberg to

increase cultural capital, a sense of belonging, and support the transition of students of color.

This discussion became the foundation for my understanding on how to apply theories to my

assistantship.

Through my Graduate Assistantship in Orientation, I gained an ability to be intentional

when supervising student leaders. For example, in our first day of summer training, I planned

and implemented a session overviewing our training. I did not understand the value of the

session and nervously stated information that was already clearly on the schedule. In response,

many student leaders felt the training was a waste of time and did not make the connection how

sessions applied to their position. During the same session for Fall training, I had each

Orientation Advisor close their eyes and image their transition to campus in order to recognize

the role that mentors play in transitions. Then I connected each session to how OAs could

become a stronger leader for the orientation team and their students. These insights through my

positions helped me grow professionally and personally.

LETTER TO THE COMMITTEE 2

I have personally grown through increasing my ability to understand my personal bias

and my privileged identities as a white, straight, and cis gendered male. I have gained knowledge

through attending workshops, coursework, and experience in my positions. For example, during

my internship with the Office of Multicultural Affairs, I created a training on implicit bias. As a

result, I think more intentionally about my own biases. During the SDA retreat, we did an

activity where we selected five mentors and wrote down their identities. All of mentors identified

as the same race. After recognizing my personal bias, I have been intentional in contacting

mentors of different diversity groups in order to gain new perspectives.

Through my time at Seattle University I have connected to the concept of reflection. This

has been seen in my ability to understand my areas of improvement in order to develop new

skills. When completing my NASPA/ACPA competencies, I recognized that technology was one

of my greatest areas of improvement. This led to reflection on how in my assistantship, I had

difficulty utilizing computer programs, social media, and system updates. As a result, I dedicated

my internship with Student Success and Outreach to social media analysis. I now use reflection

as a tool to assess opportunities for self-growth.

After graduation, I hope to return to Residence Life as an Area Coordinator, where I can

apply my newfound education, experience, and personal growth. In this position, I will apply

theory in order to create well-informed policies, trainings, and programming. I will be an

intentional supervisor when creating trainings, staff meetings, and one-on-ones in order to

develop a strong sense purpose on staff. I will recognize the impact of my personal biases and

learn from diverse perspectives. I can reflect to better understand where I can improve and

develop as a stronger leader. Through this growth, I am now a leader that can provide better

insight, support, and self-awareness for my staff and students.

LETTER TO THE COMMITTEE 3

Sincerely,
Benjamin Teurlay