| I finished up graduate work in the College Student Personnel (CSP) program at Western Illinois University in 2000. The CSP program works to "prepare competent entry-level student affairs practioners who possess the knowledge and skills to facilitate growth and development of students. Preparation is guided by an understanding of college student diversity and the dynamic nature of higher education" (WIU, CSP program) In graduate school, I worked part-time as a Judicial Hearing Officer within the Office of Student Judicial Programs. I saw students who allegedly violated University policy. It was a very dynamic and rewarding experience. I had the opportunity to hold students accountable, correct behavior, and educate them about their decision-making. I also held practicums in Athletic Advising and taught a couple of undergraduate classes in leadership and diversity. The entire graduate school experience was developmental. I learned so much about student affairs and myself in the process. Although there wasn't a thesis requirement in the CSP program, we received plenty of writing assignments. I've developed a list of topics I'd want to pursue at some point in my professional career: * Black students at predominately White institutions & the relationship to attrition, retention, and the overall college experience * Hazing & the Black Greek system * Trends in student morality & respect * Prison educational system * GLBT Student Affairs professionals and/or Black Student Affairs professionals: Challenges, trends, experiences, and overall job satisfaction * Black men and college success * Students' socio-economic status and the impact on development and roommate relationships * Community development in the apartment-style residential community * Students' developmental attainment in creative institutions vs. liberal-arts institutions * Multiple identity development I completed undergraduate work at North Central College in Naperville, Illinois. I was very involved in student life and participated in whatever I had an interest and time to do. I was a member of a number of student organizations and involved in Residence Life. I used my time to challenge myself, investigate options, and explore my identity and interests. I served as a Resident Assistant for an upper-class hall my sophomore year and later went on to be one of two Student Assistant Hall Directors my junior and senior years. It was an invaluable opportunity. I was exposed to the field of Student Affairs and understood, early on, its necessity to collegiate life. I knew my sophomore year that I wanted to pursue a career in Student Affairs. I was having fun, had an opportunity to challenge and support my peers, loved supervising staff, wanted to continue to make a difference in students' lives and needed students of color to see someone who looked like them working in the field. It all made sense! |
| It's a strong foundation |
| home. foundation. former life. right now. values. experience. |