Jennifer Pecoraro.

During my undergraduate studies, I served as a peer tutor in two writing centers at a large research institution. It was enjoyable and exciting to work with a diverse group of students, including a large international student population. Regardless of their major or reason for seeking tutoring, I had the privilege of getting to know their stories. By reading their papers and having one-on-one discussions, I learned a great deal about the students whom I helped. I realized how each student's unique background shaped elements of their college experience: choice of study, strengths and areas for growth, moments of pride and doubt, resiliency, and future aspirations. Being a writing tutor was an amazing opportunity to connect with other students, help them feel welcomed and understood, and support them through part of their college journey. No learning outcomes for the tutors were identified at that time, but years later I’ve come to recognize what that experience meant to me.

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In leveraging my strengths to support students, a seed was planted. I began a career at a higher education technology company in 2010. The positions I’ve held include Coordinator of Campus Support and Support Team Manager. In my current role as an Onboarding Consultant, I facilitate best-practice discussions and training webinars for new campus partners to help acclimate them to the technology and services offered. I enjoy learning more about unique campus cultures, needs, and priorities, and I love helping higher education professionals meet their goals and realize a vision. Over the years, opportunities to support new projects and initiatives related to assessment further exposed me to the work of student affairs educators and fostered my interest in a career in higher education. I decided to pursue a Master’s in Higher Education Administration and have been overjoyed by a wealth of new experiences.