Advising and Supporting

Recognize the strengths and limitations of one's own worldview in communicating with others.

Illinois State University | WGS 490: Feminist Theories and Methodological Issues | During this course and while completing my Women, Gender, and Sexuality Studies certificate, I developed a better understanding of my privilege as a straight passing, white woman. I now understand that while I have great knowledge of social justice, there are great limitations to my communications, and often listening is more powerful than speaking.

Facilitate reflection to make meaning from experiences with students, groups, colleagues, and others.

Graduate Assistant | As a graduate assistant, I make it a point to teach myself and my students reflection. I will often reflect with students, and have them reflect on experiences during one-on-one meetings as well as group meetings, as a way to slow things down, learn how to express our feelings with each other, and trust in one another.

Conscientiously use appropriate nonverbal communication.

University of Missouri |ELPA 9458: Helping Skills for Student Affairs | A large portion of this course was an assignment that involved recording ourselves while we role-played different scenarios with our classmates. This gave us the opportunity to work on our verbal and nonverbal communication skills and practice working through difficult situations ahead of time.

Facilitate individual decision-making and goal-setting.

Illinois State University | University Housing Services Graduate Assistantship | This assistantship allowed me to practice facilitating not only goal-setting but also time management and success coaching with my residential assistants. The RA role itself had many deadlines and forms that the students had to fill out, on top of the community role they were filling by spending time and energy with their residents. Many of my RAs had a difficult time managing this role with being a student, so it was my responsibility to work with each of them on personal goals and time management skills.

Appropriately challenge and support students and colleagues.

Illinois State University | University Housing Services Graduate Assistantship | Because this role was filled with a lot of support for the students, I had to challenge myself to remember that deadlines still had to be met and when they were not, I still had to give out warnings or 'points'. This was a part of that challenge and support for my students because if all I did was give them support and never challenge them to do better, they would feel like they could miss deadlines or not understand the importance of completing their goals.

Know and use referral sources.

Illinois State University | University Housing Services Graduate Assistantship | During monthly one-on-one meetings with my resident assistants I would regularly discuss difficult and personal situations with them. This would often result in me referring them to departments across campus that could help them beyond my capabilities.

Perceive and analyze unspoken dynamics in a group setting.

University of Missouri | Involvement Graduate Assistantship | During an Involvement Week Kick Off Event, I noticed two of my students were not getting along in the area they had been assigned too. They were speaking to students about our involvement office while handing out t-shirts, and I could tell one student was becoming frustrated by how the other was continuing to speak over them. As soon as there was a small break in students, I decided to switch a few students around to different areas, without saying why. During events I like to balance between enjoying the work my team has put into making the event happen, and being aware of all dynamics to be sure that the entire team is enjoying themselves.

Identify patterns or behavior that may signal mental health or other wellness concerns.

Illinois State University | University Housing Services Graduate Assistantship | Working within housing, especially, I saw a lot of students that were working through difficulties in their mental health. I have been trained in QPR and how to work with students who are questioning their life.

Mentor students and staff.

Graduate Assistant | During each of my graduate assistantships, I have made it a goal for myself to be a mentor for any student who wanted that relationship. My favorite part of student affairs has always been the relationships I get to have with the students, so I have been very open that anyone who is looking for a mentor has one in me.

Demonstrate culturally-inclusive advising, supporting, coaching, and counseling strategies.

University of Missouri |ELPA 9458: Helping Skills for Student Affairs | During our role-play assignments, my group specifically focused on increasing our advising, coaching, and counseling skills for oppressed and minoritzed groups. Out of the three role-plays we filmed, our three scenarios focused on an international student, a student in the LGBTQ+ community, and a student with suicidal thoughts.

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