My Values Aligned With Student Affairs

During my undergraduate career I was blessed with the opportunity to have worked for the department of student life and the Access Opportunity Program at SUNY Geneseo. As a College Union Manager, I was able to work with individuals who loved working with students. During my time with the Access Opportunity Program, I witnessed how professionals consistently advocated for students. Values aligned with student development, diversity, equity, relationship building, inclusion, and student success were constantly showcased during my time working for Department of Student Life and the Access Opportunity Program. Working with these two departments allowed me to consider the kind of environment I would like to work in as a student affairs professional. As a student affairs professional I would like to work in an environment in which student advocacy is the primary goal. Moreover, institutions who are willing to listen to the concerns of their student body are more considerate of student needs. I would like to work in an institution that prioritizes the needs of students to ensure student success. Institutions who build strong relationships with their students tend to have an involved student body. Institutions with strong ties to their student body advocate for respect, equity, diversity, social consciousness, civic engagement, student development, and social justice. Working in an institution who promotes these kinds of values would contribute to my professional and personal success. As an individual I value mutual respect, transparency, social justice, community involvement, and relationship building. I believe that students and professionals at institutions need to communicate, while appreciating individual. Communication between the two parties promotes a feedback mechanism in which professionals can identify what services at the institution need to be updated. This will result in the administration and the student body working together to constantly make the institution a better place. Communication between students and the administration also builds on the community aspect of an institution, which I value deeply. Working in a community environment will allow me to learn from students, faculty and staff through our constant interactions. This would allow me to professionally and personally grow in a welcoming, respectful and inclusive environment.