As an SAPro, I wanted to write about the importance of supporting the SAGrad community. Questions ranging from SASearch, internships, professional development, and more were some of my biggest concerns as a new SAGrad. The relationship between SAGrads and SAPros is very important to have for both communities to grow successfully.

What I enjoy about the SAGrad community is the amount of support and kindness members with share with each other. During my time as a graduate student, the SAGrad community became a positive safe space to join each Sunday. With the Spring Semester being a busy time for all graduate students, I wanted to write about ways that fellow SAPro’s in the community can support SAGrad’s to have a successful semester. From offering advice on ending the year strong to job searching, there are a variety of ways to keep the SAGrad and SAPro connection going this academic year

Moral Support

During my first semester as a SAGrad, I remember how positive I felt after participating in my first discussion while learning about new opportunities at the same time. At first, I heard about the SAgrad chats and felt motivated to learn more. The topic was on “Ways To De-stress As A SAgrad” and became an introduction to a community of fellow graduate students that had the same experiences I did my first year.

For two years, this community helped my professional experience into the field and connected me to current SAfriends. The support from this first chat inspired me to participate in another discussion on professional development for SAGrad’s. Due to the great topics in the group, the chats went from a trail experience to a weekly part of my graduate school experience. Thanks to the knowledge of fellow graduate students, I felt comfortable sharing issues and questions I had as a first generation graduate student.

Along with the support I received from fellow graduates, hearing the input of SAPro’s made a difference. From learning about various organizations such as the Student Affairs Collective, ACPA, and NASPA and ways to support my students, the SAPro connection helped myself and others develop as future professionals in the field. I admire the support of SAPro’s in the community because of the knowledge and experience they had within the field. While learning about future opportunities in the field, I felt more connected to my path post graduate learning from professionals within the community. The support from SAPro’s became another reason why the moral support of professionals can benefit graduate students during stressful times.

Supporting Professional Development

The support of a SAPro to a SAGrad can help make stronger connections for all members of the field.

• Professional Development – Local To National Conferences, Leadership Development, Podcast and Blog, and Other Form Of Professional Development
• Social Justice – Advocating, Supporting Students, and Discussions on these topics
• Promoting SAGrad Community – Communicating within the chat, Offering Advice On Important Topics, and Listening To Members Of The Community

Keeping The SAGrad and SAPro Connection Strong In Student Affairs

To my fellow SAPro’s, be sure to come into the SAGrad chats on Sunday night at 8pm EST/5pm PST. Many of the topics and themes relate to SAPro’s suggestions and support to answer questions. My own mentee’s Allie Trigs (a future gem in the SAworld) and other amazing MOD’s host the chats on Sundays. They have been doing outstanding work for this community and encourage pro’s to be a part of their discussions.

Good luck to all SAGrad’s and remember you have a network of people that believe in your success. As a SAPro community, I want to encourage SAPro’s to active send messages of support and positivity to graduate students.

“Try to be a rainbow in someone’s cloud”-Maya Angelou