Application of Knowledge and Skills
1. Understand theories behind one's own practice
When a resident violates university policy it is my job to reinforce the policy and make sure they understand why the policy is in place for their safety and the safety of others. The letter below was sent to a resident who violated the alcohol policy. Sending letters to students really helped me understand some of the theories I learned during my time in the program. For example, in sending letters I always attempted to help develop competence and understanding for the student and help with the development of doing the right thing.
2. Reflect on the social, political, and psychological influences on one's personal development
The Formal Self-Analysis paper form the College Student Development class really helped me reflect on everything that has had an impact on my development as a person, student, and professional. The informal self-analysis, I gave my own assessment of myself without any formal studies or articles. However, withe the Formal Analysis, it solidified my assessment of my self and gave me an even deeper understanding. It also showed me that my path is unique in its own way, but is still similar to many other students who succeed in college. I have learned from the people I have encountered and I have even learned from myself on this journey as well.
3. Assume leadership role(s)
The last two years I served as the Residence Life Black History Committee representative. I was able to work with other departments as well as students during this time. It was my responsibility to speak on behalf of the department and also create and arrange the event that we would sponsor during the month. In this role I was able learn many things about organization and working with businesses in the city. In this leadership role, it showed me how easy it is to network with local businesses and start something that can be carried on.
4. Participate in program or organizational planning
I had the opportunity to work with the Athletic department as we collaborated in a Pack the Stands Night for the Lady Tigers. We had to meet often and exchange ideas and best practices in order to get the game advertised and to get students excited about the game. A lot of planning went into this project because we had to prepare for giveaways, halftime shows, and timeout entertainment. It was really a pleasure working with athletics and it also showed me just how much work goes into each and every game for each sport.
5. Motivate personnel
I have had multiple opportunities to motivate individuals at the University of Memphis as well as others inside of the city as college students. However, I take great pride when I am able to help other students outside the university and city. Over the last two years I have been able to speak to and motivate numerous college students through presentations about protecting their name and creating a positive identity for themselves that effects their self worth. I find great pleasure in motivating others because others motivated me when I was in college too.
6. Manage organizational change
Ben Morton asked for my help last summer as he attempted to update the Ethics in Action Educational Sanction program online. I went through the material myself as if I were a student and provided honest feedback on what would make this program more effective and even more helpful for the students and the Office of Student Conduct. This change led to the creation of another Educational Sanction "Conflict Resolution" that I also helped Ben establish and put in the rotation to help students make better choices in college and in life.
7. Plan and implement projects involving technology
Each RA is required to assemble a portfolio at the end of each semester to show what they have done and learned from their job. As a supervisor I foster ideas that will be helpful to them when it comes to completing their RA Portfolio. I encourage students to use PowerPoint, Prezi, and other online tools that will help them create a more engaging and creative presentation that will make it more enjoyable for them and the audience when they present their work.
8. Build group commitment
I have had the pleasure to create multiple intramural sports teams for my residents which all required communication and buy-in from the residents. These teams created a sense of family, but more importantly commitment. Students typically are not always committed to things at their that they do not care about. Intramural sports allowed me to help teach the lesson on commitment for these students and also the reward of teamwork as we became champions in one of the leagues.
9. Transform collective thinking skills
I have had the pleasure to work directly under my supervisor Amanda Virag. She has been most helpful when it came to my development as a professional. She has shared different viewpoints and perspectives on how I view scenarios as an entry level professional or GA vs. her view from her position vs. the views of her superiors. In our 1 on 1 meetings she paints the picture from many views so I can understand why things work the way they do. I think the most important lesson I have learned from her has been her delivery or response when I make a mistake. It is always delivered in an empowering way that does not make me feel like a failure. It is handled so it can be a learning experience and not an execution.