When I saw the recent #SAConnects posts, I was so excited to have the opportunity to write a blog post about some amazing people that have helped me find bonds and connections in Student Affairs. As a first year graduate student, I have met so many amazing people in my position that motivate me to reach my goals each day and share amazing experiences. To be honest, I believe everyone we meet provides a unique experience in our lives and my goal was to make as many meaningful bonds I could during my graduate journey. Although I am thankful for so many amazing people that have sparked my passion for student affairs, I wanted to highlight some of the people and experiences I had that made during my undergraduate experience and my first semester of graduate school and start to a student affairs career successful.
EOF Mentors- At Ramapo College, I was a mentee for some of the best leaders under the Educational Opportunity Fund Program. My EOF advisors and mentors helped provide me with leadership skills and funding to have a successful undergraduate career. It was thanks to this amazing program that I was able to find my passion to work towards a career in Higher Education as a professional in equal opportunity services. I am so thankful for the countless mentors and supporters that still send me encouraging messages and kind words as I continue towards a Master’s Degree.
My SA Mentor, Anne– Anne was my Residence Director for two years and connected me to Student Affairs. As an RA, her leadership and experience help sparked my passion to become a leader in the SA field. Thanks to Anne, I learned so much about residence life and ways to earn a graduate position to help start my experience towards a position in Student Affairs. Now, I am a Graduate Residence Director and there isn’t a day that goes by that I forget to thank her for her leadership and guidance as my supervisor, mentor, and friend. I am thankful to now be a peer in the same field with such a wonderful and accomplished person. As my first SA Connection, I still keep in touch with her about ways to learn and grow with Residence Life and graduate school.
My Graduate Peers- When I started my first day as a Graduate Residence Director, I was welcomed into a promising and successful system of hardworking and supportive leaders. My first semester as a GRD has been nothing been rewarding and positive as I met some of the greatest peers and leaders to start my student affairs experience. I want to thank some of my friends for always been so helpful along my journey and sharing laughs and lessons during this productive and promising first year. From conferences to office hours, they are some of the best people I know and I am thankful to work in this wonderful department with them all as a Residence Director.
My Future- At the age of 22 and with my first year of graduate school ending in a few months, I am excited to see what other options will open to a promising future. Next year, I will finish my graduate program, earn a Master’s degree, and apply for my first full-time professional position. Although I am very nervous for everything coming up, I am so honored and proud to see how much hard work and ambition can pay off towards a promising future. Here’s to more success and achievement as I finish one important chapter in my life and open the doors to new experiences in my life. No matter how far things may seem, I am thankful for every experience I have earned and the amazing people that inspire me to grow each day.
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> BONUS <
Podcast with Craig Bidiman on Supporting #SAGrad Success
