Professional Documents
Culture Documents
photo was taken before our step performance at Binghamton University's Caribbean Student
Association competition. That was one of my first performances as a member of UB Step
Troupe. UB Step Troupe has had an influential impact on my experience as a graduate student as
it started off as a co-curricular activity and transformed into professional development as a club
advisor.
Artifact: Photo of Black Solidarity Day Rally
I chose this artifact because I never viewed myself as an advocate or activist until this
moment when I transform my awareness, knowledge, and skills into action. This photo was taken
after UB Black Student Union's Black Solidarity Day unity rally. Black Solidarity Day is
observed to recognize black pride, self- determination, self-reliance, and cultural reidentification. On this day every year, I proudly wear all-black clothing, take a day off from work
and school if possible, participate in Black liberation events, and only support Black-owed
businesses. That was the first time that I ever advocated for campus issues by marching with a
sign that asked for unity and it definitely will not be the last that I advocate for social change.
Sophomore: Spring 2015
During my sophomore semester, I felt like I took on too many responsibilities as a
graduate assistant, member of the step team, and attending general body meetings at several
student organizations. I was not satisfied with my first semester grades and I wanted to change
that so I decided to focus my time into my academics as I felt comfortable in the academic
setting. I achieved my goal of attaining a 4.0 that semester for the first time in my life. I lost
more weight than I thought I could ever and I managed my stress better than I did the first
semester knowing where to go when I need something or someone. I still did not love being in
Buffalo or at UB. I completed four courses: ELP 505: Organization & Governance, ELP 509:
American College Student; ELP 514: Student Development Theory; ELP 520: Counseling for
Student Affairs.
ELP 505: Organization & Governance
Niagara Frontier State College Proposal. I chose this paper because this was the most
frustrating project I had to complete. I have never been in a group of 8 people before and it
taught me so much about group dynamics especially in Higher Education when everyone has
their own job responsibilities and collaborating with others is not first on their priority list. I am
definitely proud of the work that we produced.
ELP 509: American College Student
Shining Light On SUNY UB's EOP Students' Adjustment to College. I chose this
paper because I had to interview EOP students about their experience and link it to the research
that we learned in class. Engagement and transitions to college campuses is one of my interest in
Student Affairs so conducting this research and talking about it was very rewarding.
ELP 514: Student Development Theory
Frindle #1. I chose this paper because I learned how to take useful notes and highlight
the important information for my sometimes overwhelming readings. Although many students
expressed frustrations about writing frindles, I actually having them so I can look back through
them and use my work as a resource.
ELP 520: Counseling for Student Affairs
Helping Session Transcript. I chose this paper because it was the first time I ever
transcribed anything and I felt so proud with how confident I was when I spoke with the student
about her experiences as transfer student. It was so natural the way I used Egans SOLER
(Square, Open, Leaning, Eye Contact, and Relax) method to actively listen and ask open ended
questions.
Junior: Fall 2015
After my amazing life-changing experience as an ACUHO-I intern, Resident
Director of Sports Camp at Brown University, I struggled with transitioning back to Buffalo and
the UB community. During my junior year, I reflected often on what Ive already accomplished
while looking ahead to life after graduation. I felt anxious about what comes next and the job
search began so I wanted to make sure I expanded my experience so I could market them on
resume to successfully start my career. I joined the Western New York Student Leadership
Conference Committee as well as became an intern in the Intercultural and Diversity Center. I
became the Senate for our departments Graduate Student Association and had the official title of
graduate advisor for UB Step Troupe. My courses seemed more academically rigorous and I was
not motivated by the content that I was learning. I got closer to my friends that I met the year
prior, but this was probably the first semester that I articulated that I hate school. I loved
learning, but I was not happy about how my classes were going. I completed three courses: ELP
507: Financing Higher Education, ELP 539: Program Evaluation & Assessment; ELP 693:
Multicultural Competence in Student Affairs.
ELP 507: Financing Higher Education
Financial Crisis Through the Lens of a Higher Education Administrator and a
Student. I chose this paper because it challenged me to look at finances from a higher education
administrator perspective and not just as a poor struggling college student. When you are paying
the expensive bill, you do not always get the opportunities to understand where your money is
going and now I do.
Hispanic Heritage Council of Western New York. He discussed the history of the organization,
the issues within the Hispanic community in Buffalo, and ways that UB students could get
involved. The next semester we re-evaluated the goals of the program and decided to focus on
how student organizations at UB advocate for campus community issues instead of Buffalo
community at large.
Senior: Spring 2016
My senior semester is definitely one of the most exciting as I am anxious to leave Buffalo
and I took several trips anytime I could. I attended The Placement Exchange and the NASPA
Conference in Indianapolis, which I loved because I had the opportunity to meet so many
wonderful people in the field and make meaningful connections with the Black Student Affairs
Professionals network. I received 3 on campus interviews with Loyola University-New Orleans,
Providence College, and Tulane University. I received an offer with Loyola after 2 of my on
campus interviews and I feel they are my institutional fit so I cancelled my last interview. I took
a weekend getaway trip with a close friend to Washington, D.C. My supervisor at my graduate
assistantship with Medaille left the institution and I had to take on the responsibilities of the
Director of the office. I successfully passed my comprehensive exam, which not only means that
I am definitely graduating, but that my program feels that I can successfully handle issues on
campus as a Student Affairs professional. I am in the process of completing three courses: ELP
510: College Access and Choice, ELP 582: Multicultural Education: Theory and Practice; ELP
523: Capstone Seminar for Student Affairs.
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the submission that chose me to be a NASPA Jim Rhatigan Fellowship Scholarship recipient to
receive $500.
Conclusion
It is important for me to take time to reflect on my past so I know where I am going in the
future. The past four semesters have been an emotional rollercoaster, but I would not change it
for the world. UBs Student Affairs Administration program has made me the Student Affairs
professional that I am today. Academically, Ive changed as I am able to substantially support my
arguments with literatures and theory so I can apply it to my practice. Personally, Ive never felt
so confident in my knowledge and my identity. Professionally, Ive changed from a being a
person who knows the issues on college campuses to being the person who is willing to take a
stand on the issues and advocate for my students. I look forward to the future ahead.