Ask Yourself Often: "How did I get here?"

We all have a story to tell. Since there's no common starting point for higher education graduate programs (for instance, an undergraduate major), there is such a diverse group of students who happen to come together in the same place and time. We're all here for continued learning and growth, and the conversation starter is often the one apparent choice we've made in common.

When I consider "how did I get here?", the answer feels complex as I mentally search through years of memories about opportunities and decisions made, one door leading to another. But ultimately the answer is simple. I hold a fundamental belief that education is worth pursuing to become a more thoughtful, perceptive, and compassionate person and citizen. Supporting students and educational networks is a meaningful and rewarding task. At work, frequent interactions with students, staff, and administrators provided me with insight into the climate of higher education, the goals and priorities of student affairs professionals, needs and concerns within the field, and the expanding role of technology in supporting many aspects of large educational systems. I consistently seized opportunities to work on projects that dealt with solving conceptual problems or high-priority issues for campus partners. The more involved I became, the more I learned. The more I learned, the more my interest and commitment grew.

In particularly rewarding (or challenging) moments, I often ask myself how I got there. It's a useful tool to promote reflection and mindfulness. It helps me appreciate unique environments, surprising details, or unlikely results in the moment. In just over a year, there have been dozens of incredible moments with great people in remarkable places. (Studying abroad in Florence certainly comes to mind!) I know all of those opportunities, events, and moments were a culmination of choices I made through my involvement in the HESAA program and everything that came before it.

Over the next couple years, I look forward to earning my Master's degree and continuing to expand upon my skills and knowledge to support campuses with their assessment efforts. Being in a new position at work and anticipating new classes next semester, I am in a constant state of learning and embracing new experiences. I am also excited to build new connections with colleagues, hopefully attend a conference in the near future, and actively pursue professional development opportunities. I am always reading, so I'm excited to explore ideas in new literature. Last summer, I enjoyed reading Breakpoint: The Changing Marketplace for Higher Education by Jon McGee to remain engaged between semesters. This summer, Investigating College Student Misconduct by Oren R. Griffin is on deck. I will continue to reflect on where I've been and where I'm going. Wherever it is, I know there will be something new to learn.