Professional E-Portfolio
STUDENT AFFAIRS PHILOSOPHY
Self-discovery. Change. Advocacy.
Over the course of my graduate program, my student affairs philosophy evolved into what it is today through a number of fulfilling and challenging experiences. Whether it was supporting students who have similar identities and lived experiences as me or working within complex organizational structures, it has become increasingly important to ground my work in my philosophical values- self-discovery, initiating change, and social justice.
My greatest responsibility is self-discovery. Student affairs, and especially social justice work, requires a strong sense of self, and it is imperative that I continue to engage in self-reflexive practices that create opportunities to “sit with myself”. Watt (2007) calls us to grow the stamina to “sit with discomfort, continuously seek critical consciousness, and engage in difficult dialogue” (p. 115). I realized I knew very little about myself from a critical lens when entering graduate school, but now that I have engaged in reflective self-work I am able to better understand how I navigate this world and how I relate to others. Watt (2007) further explains that thoroughly exploring one’s own identity is a part of functioning honorably in a multicultural community. I have been able to engage my colleagues and students in courageous conversations that help to collectively develop us as people and professionals. Consequently, it has allowed me to critically think through, evaluate, and address topics of power, privilege, and oppression founded in truth, reconciliation, and growth. I have exercised self-reflection through set aside time each week in which I take a deep dive into my emotions and experiences. I also model it in my interactions with students and colleagues, recalling times where I grew significantly in my quiet, personal time. I believe that a commitment to self-discovery is simultaneously a commitment to others and an act of servant leadership.
I have a commitment to use my knowledge to enact change in order to actively create and maintain equitable environments. In my three years of professional experience in elementary education, I witnessed complex, oppressive systemic issues that created significant barriers in access to education for my students from underrepresented identities despite not understanding the power, privilege, and oppression present. Now, I am equipped with more knowledge that has opened my eyes to the number of ways power structures within and around higher education continue to disproportionately impact already marginalized students. As a woman of color and in my role as a student affairs practitioner, I aim to challenge dominant ideologies and advocate for change in institutional policies and practices. One way I have initiated change is through the development of a culturally enriching curriculum for the IU School of Medicine that challenges faculty and students to digest topics like physician bias, intercultural communication, respecting diverse healing traditions, and physician advocacy to create more equitable health environments. Shifting culture is not for the faint of heart; it takes time, intentionality, and collaboration. However, the benefits of an equitable, respectful, and culturally rich environment is worth the effort.
I have the passion and knowledge to advocate for others. When the moment calls to stand for justice, to choose discomfort over normalcy, to critically engage a community bigger than myself for the betterment of others, I want to be present. Michelle Obama once said that “You can’t sit at the table if you aren’t prepared.” Not only do I want to be present, but I also want to be equipped with the knowledge, skills, and dispositions needed to advocate. Advocacy requires:
a) humility and a strong sense of self, b) Critical thinking, Discernment, and Innovation, c) Resilience, persistence, and adaptability and d) Collaboration.
As an emerging professional, I am committed to my own lifelong learning. Learning can take place formally through departmental workshops, attendance at conferences, or office mandated readings, and I actively take advantage of the opportunities provided to me. Additionally, I engage in more informal learning opportunities, like reading blogs, newspapers, and social media daily and engaging with colleagues about the work they do to learn more.
Self-discovery, initiating change, and advocacy are at the core of my professional work. Through a strong sense of self, passion for creating equitable environments, and a responsibility to advocacy, I believe that my philosophical values coupled with my knowledge, skills, and dispositions make me a strong addition to any team.
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