See You When I See You: A Post-Graduation Reflection

"Shelby, it's time! Shelby, it's time!" As I remember this line for the famous classic, Steel Magnolias, I reflect on the two years of serving, learning, and growing at Florida State University.  As of April 27, 2012, I graduate from FSU with my masters degree in higher education and student affairs.  As many colleagues stated before I began this journey, the experience in graduate school is over in a blink of an eye.  Of course, it did just thank.  I remember walking onto campus in February 2010 following my presentations at SEIFC.  I was so excited yet so nervous.  Would I make the right connection? Would the program be the right fit for me? Would I walk away from this experience changed?  To all of these questions, I can respond, "YES!"  

My journey at Florida State has been one with many opportunities, challenges, and successes but one thing that I remember most of the is support.  Whether I challenged the process with developmental models for programs while serving as a graduate assistant or the theoretical framework of Kohlberg and how it influences how I educate and model my work with and for students.  Another element has been my process of understanding "us" - this is not about me or what they do but rather what do we and us do.  It probably was one of my most challenging learning curves to understand how to effectively collaborate with others without focusing on the potential recognition of the work.  Through these times and many others,  the faculty, administrators, and colleagues have stood by me for better or for worse.  

The Center for Leadership and Civic Education was the mecca of my heart and soul.  I found my faith, my love, and my passions through my interactions and collaboration while serving with the team that we affectionately know as The Center.  Whether Dr. Mills or Heather Stitely challenging me on how I see fraternity and sorority as a values based movement rather than just social groups or reflecting with Dr. Osteen and Jennifer Dascomb on different personal and professional experiences, I found my home.  The smiles, the laughter, the music, and the tears have been a part of me and my growth while working at the Center. Each day I found the strength to commit myself to the fundamental constructs of educating and developing students in a environment that challenges and supports each step they take in their experiences.  

When I walked across the stage at my hooding ceremony, tears filled my eyes because I felt that I am prepared to serve as a professional in higher education.  Hearing Virginia Byrne reflect on her time at FSU brought the laughter and smiles back while I kept reminding myself that this would be the last time we would all be in one room together.  As each member of my cohort moves away or each of the students leave (or graduates), I tell them that I will see them when I see them.  I cannot say good bye because it is not the end.  Many of the people I have had the pleasure to work or grow with while at FSU will continue with me in the future, whether that be big or small.  As Jason Aldean sings, "we will laugh about the old days and catch up on the new."  I am proud of what has become me as a student and now as I transition into being a professional.  Yeah, there are tears and music to go along with it but I will never forget Florida State and the impact that has been forever made on my heart, mind, and soul. I pray my life serves as a reflection of my work and my education.  Let the search for knowledge continue. L&R! 

The Placement Exchange: A Young Professional’s Reflection of the Journey

Calm... In the process, I can assure you most people are not calm. For me, the experience is calm but more so re-affirming my commitment to serve in higher education. If you asked my mentors, they would tell you that I appeared to be calmer at The Placement Exchange rather than the conference. However, I was not always this way. Many times I struggled to find my self, my understanding, and my place in this profession. A few months prior to The Placement Exchange I was stressed, panicked, and nervous about one thing.... the unknown. I am sure that the limited postings on The Placement Exchange website had me at a level of alarm especially when you look for Greek Affairs to find less than 50 positions available. As weeks progressed, my search intensified and navigated in many different directions. Although my map of the future was not clear, I knew I would find myself in this process. Until The Placement Exchange, I had few interviews that I connected. Now, I am in Phoenix for The Placement Exchange and the 2012 NASPA Conference and my fears have tampered down. To be honest, I worried that my housing colleagues would be successful and I would struggled. Obviously, I recognize that this is about fit not a competition among peers. I found colleges and universities that I adore and love while others will make great colleagues and partners for future collaboration.

In addition to the relationships with colleagues and universities, I created other new relationships that revolved around “THE TABLE” which was a common meeting spot for me and several other candidates across the country. The common meeting spot became in some regards our home. As each of the candidates come from varying backgrounds and interests, we found something in common – a passion for holistic student education and engagement. Although in some eyes, we appeared to be a clique but we are more than that. We are a strong formation of candidates supportive of the actions of our fellow tablemates. We ate together, laughed together, discussed the hard issues together, and found each other together. Although my cohort reflects certain similarities, it has been said that those who struggle together have an unparalleled bond.

Although The Placement Exchange may intimidate many candidates, there is something in this experience that brings out the underlying truths of student affairs professionals. First, be yourself – not the hypothetical or the “I am somebody in front of others.” You will uncover that finding yourself and being you are important to the success of your job search process. Second, this process is about “fit.” Be honest with yourself about how you feel in regards to the interview and interactions that you have with the professionals from the respective college or university. If you can be true to yourself and find the right fit – you set your self up for success. Third, be honest. Do not act like you can do something when you cannot. I realized in my process that I had no working knowledge of scheduling software for fraternities and sororities. As much as I wanted to say yes, I stated that I did not but was willing to learn. Finally, be patient. I recognize that this is the worst virtue for many young and entry-level professionals but I can assure you that good things come to those who wait.

Honestly, I believe that this has been a worthwhile experience. I would not change this experience for anything. I feel more prepared to present myself to others as well as give my story of past, present, and future endeavors as a professional. I also thank Florida State University for the countless hours of mentorship, preparation, education, and follow-up that you have invested into me as I prepare to take the next step in my professional career. The Florida State Division of Student Affairs, College of Education, and alumni have significantly influenced the man and professional that I am today. Although I do not know what the next step may be, I will continue to know that I am prepared for a professional in higher education and holistic student learning.