I love superheroes and have been a fan of comic books since I was a kid. From Captain America and Wonder-Woman to Spider-Man, superheroes have been one of the best parts of my life. I think of SA Pros, Grads, and other SA leaders as superheroes in their roles of helping students develop successfully. Superheroes have a variety of superpowers that enable them to solve crimes, help others, and become leaders. Power can be a great tool to help establish new goals, opportunities, and ideas.

In today’s society, the issues heroes face within their comics or movies relate to how students deal with internal and external conflicts within their own lives. Many of the bonding experiences I’ve had with students have been over their connection to their favorite superheroes. During this summer semester, I wanted to reflect on the roles SA representatives have in their positions to help mentor, guide, and assist students in their overall growth.

As the summer session moves into the productive season of events—orientations, trainings, and more—I wanted to share how using your “superpower” can make a difference. It can be easy to let the long days of the summer get you down or tired. However, using a strong motivator can help change those moments into a positive ones.

Let’s Power Up—Morning Motivation

Prior to my workday, I listen to music on a motivational playlist. Use a motivator to start your day on a positive note. Starting your morning with a power-up can change your mood and make your creativity stronger throughout the day. In addition, you can power up with activities you do during your daily breaks or with a motivational mantra.

Using Your Super Gadgets

As with any superhero, you need resources to help save the day; even Batman has a list of gadgets including his Batmobile and other WayneTech gear. Student affairs professionals can use a variety of gadgets (resources) to help solve issues. These gadgets can be work items to help you accomplish tasks or de-stresstor items to help you relax after work.

My super gadgets are my:

To-Do List-My To-Do list is the Robin to my Batman. It helps me feel accomplished during the rush time of the semester. My To-Do List is my go to for tracking what needs to be done for the day and the timeline in which goal must be accomplished.

PS4- My PS4 is great for those “treat yo self” days and to help me relax after a productive day of work. I plan to use this summer to tackle a backlog of games before the Fall semester.

Family and Friends– The biggest power I have is my amazing support circle of close friends and family members. Talking to them about future plans, checking in, and more helps a lot during the longer weeks in the summer.

#SAGamers– As the host of my own student affairs Facebook group called SAGamers, I love to be a part of the group and talk about video games. Connecting with amazing professionals about their interest in video games is one of the best parts of being the leader of the group. These chats, gaming ideas, and updates always make my day and help give me an outlet.

Finding Your Superpowers

During the academic year, I try to find ways to use motivation to stay positive within my role. This is a message I also give to students to help them find their “superpower” to stay encouraged during the academic year. I use a Big 5 motivator within my life and it has helped with long days in my role. The five motivators for my work style are:

Ambition- To work ahead on projects, goals, and tasks.

Plan– To make a timeline for ideas and connecting them to expected dates and learning outcomes

Compassion- To make sure my students are doing well and caring about my daily role

Adaptable– To go with the flow on big changes or updates that might change my plans

Grit- To never give up on my plans or ideas even with obstacles in my way.

Whatever your superpowers are, remember to be proud of them and strive to make a difference. Good luck this summer and be proud of your superpowers of success! This summer, find out what your SA power for success is and how to use it to stay motivated.

“Passion is energy. Feel the power that comes from focusing on what excites you”-Oprah Winfrey