Student Philosophy

As a student affairs professional, I plan to put into use my cultural competency skills to

properly serve students from all cultural backgrounds, ethnicities, capacities and identities. My

goal is to foster an environment where students feel empowered to go beyond their comfort

zones and be active members in their education. I do this work because I would like to serve as a

catalyst in the journey of students. I am a firm believer that one single action or connection can

lead a person on a completely different route. I have personally benefited from those who served

catalysts in my own journey, i.e. learning about the HEAL Program. One conversation with a

student affairs administrator led to the introduction to the program, which ultimately landed me

in the position to work toward developing my skills to become a catalyst for someone else.

Though it is possible to achieve success in higher education without mentors or those serving as

catalysts, I strongly believe that both or either can expose you to a new perspective can possibly

take your journey on an unexpected yet potentially beneficial path. Therefore, in my practice I

plan to gain all the knowledge I possibly can to be able to provide mentees/students with that

exposure. The reason I do this work is because my path to higher education was filled with a lot

of self doubt and fear. This system is highly intimidating. Even more so for individuals like me

who are naturally introverted and who are first generation with no prior knowledge of the field.

Therefore my main goal is to serve students who identify with and relate to that all while helping

guide and educate students who do not. Thus promoting equity.

As a student affairs professional and as a human being there are three prominent values I

uphold-accountability, empathy, and grace. To be a successful student affairs professional you

have to be able to be held accountable by students, institutions, and the extending communities.
Additionally, I believe one has to have the ability to hold others accountable as well, whether that

be through assignments, projects, personal/professional goals, etc. As a human being, I believe

we must uphold respect and kindness but also foster growth in yourself and others. The ability to

own your mistakes and learn from them is another sentiment I strongly embrace. Whether it’s in

education, a professional capacity, or just everyday life, I believe it is important for an individual

to practice accountability in the name of growth and improvement. Empathy and grace, I believe,

are equally as important. These have only recently become part of my top values through HEAL.

I have learned the power the ability to empathize carries. To be a successful leader, one must be

able to empathize with those they are serving to effectively lead. Additionally, over the course of

the program, I have learned the importance of giving and receiving grace not only to others but

also oneself. I can proudly say the HEAL faculty members do a great job in fostering an

environment that allows us to learn but also to consider that above all else we are humans. As a

student affairs professional I strive to practice the flexibility to allow myself, students, or

whomever I serve to give and receive grace, thus relieving pressure and fostering growth.

To reiterate, I do this work to uplift those who come after me. To serve as the person who

I needed as a student. To promote equity and produce well rounded, confident students who will

thrive in the face of adversity. For me fulfilment in this profession will ultimately come through

achieving that.