SUSDA Member of the Week – Elia Grenier

Where do you work and what do you do?

I work as a Senior Administrative Assistant in the Office of University Planning here at SU, supporting the Assistant Vice President for University Planning and the Director of Institutional Research, and the Chief Information Officer.  It is a very interesting office to work for as I get insight into strategic planning and assessment, institutional research and data, and technology contracting, planning, and budgeting (I know, it’s exciting stuff!). I do a lot of scheduling, survey administration and reporting, and generally learning how to understand and visualize data. I have worked full-time throughout the SDA program, but have only been working on campus since October. I love being on campus more so I can participate in more SDA and SUSDA events like community meetings, internship and portfolio presentations and socials.

Interesting fact about you:

I have tattoo on my ribs with the Mary Oliver quote “Tell me, what is it you plan to do with your one wild and precious life?” I try to always take that to heart and not sweat the small stuff (with varying degrees of success!)

How do you de-stress?

I like riding my bike (I am a year-round bike commuter), taking kickboxing or step classes, and cooking good food while

listening to All Things Considered or This American Life on NPR.

Where do you see yourself in 5 years? 

I hope to be in a Program or Project manager role at a college or university, most likely either here in the Northwest or back in Montana.

What would you like to see within SUSDA? 

I would like to see more opportunities for people to connect across different backgrounds—GA/non GA, part time, full-time, on-campus/off-campus, employed outside of higher ed…I look forward to helping make those connections as part of next year’s E-team.

 

SUSDA Member of the Week – Jasmine Reyes

Where do you work and what do you do? (4-5 sentences)

I currently work at Forest Ridge School of the Sacred Heart, an all-girls, independent, college-preparatory school in Bellevue that serves students grades five through twelve. My role as an Associate Director of Admission includes recruiting prospective students, assisting families as they navigate through the admissions/transfer process, and supporting students and their parents during academic and personal growth transitions as they advance to the next academic chapter. I’ve also worked with Institutional Advancement (Development, Marketing, and Alumnae) offices, international students, and helped facilitate in new student orientations, high school club, and academic advising. This year, I’m lucky to see my first applicant pool of students graduate!

Interesting fact about you: (1-2 sentences)

I work at the school I attended – still see the teachers I had and now call them by their first name.

I love Caffe Ladro (iced Medici!) and Korean dramas (there hasn’t been one series where a Kleenex box was left unopened)

How do you de-stress? (1-2 sentences)

My instant de-stressor: visit a local park with waterfront view… sometimes just looking out at the vast landscape of blue water, mountain ranges, and evergreen trees, coupled with hearing the soft crash of the waves and watching birds soar helps me relax. I also like capturing photography (nature and portrait), listening to Pandora’s classical guitar radio station, and occasionally sweating out stress through Zumba (I’m a total beginner, though :)

Where do you see yourself in 5 years? (1-2 sentences)

In five years, I am excited to see how I’ve grown professionally and personally. I hope to be immersed in various learning experiences with colleagues and students in higher education, as well as understand and witness student development in action beyond the pre-teen/adolescent age.

What would you like to see within SUSDA? (1-2 sentences)

As a commuter student, I often wish I had the chance to enjoy all that SUSDA has offer with such a supportive community; however in the meantime, I’m embracing the chance to meet new faces and find commonalities. In efforts to appreciate and learn more about the inner workings of various higher ed work environments, I wonder if there are career event opportunities or “bring-your-SUSDA-friend-to-work” day.

 

Reflection on the Portfolio Process

Emily Wolfkiel’s reflection on the portfolio process (Artifact L), SDA e-portfolio 2013:

This process was trying at times, as I am not much for reflecting—I sometimes feel that I reflect too much in this program, but then I do not know if that is possible. I much prefer reflecting through dialogue, and found the task of written reflection to be tedious at times. Now that I have completed this undertaking, however, I am happy to have had the chance to make greater meaning of all the things I have learned along the way. I have had the opportunity to make intentional connections between course content and professional practice, and can speak to my experience in the SDA program in a comprehensive way. This process has also helped prepare me to talk about my learning in the job market and with other professionals, which is a valuable skill to have moving into the future. I find that in the professional interviews I have completed up until this point, I feel more prepared if I have spent time reflecting beforehand. Working on this portfolio project while simultaneously searching for my first professional job have made me more comfortable with the ambiguity of what my life will look like after graduation.

The portfolio process helped me recognize within myself an ability to take a large, daunting task and separate it into manageable parts. I held myself to a timeline, and this self-discipline was critical to me completing this project. Though I have always considered myself a high achiever and diligent, I worried that at this point in my academic career I would not have the energy to finish strong. I am pleasantly surprised to have proven myself wrong, though I certainly cannot take all the credit. At the beginning of the SDA program, I very much wanted to put 100% into everything that I did in graduate school; while I still have that ambition, I have realized that sometimes life happens, and sometimes things do not turn out as you would hope. I am proud of this final portfolio, as I feel I have truly given it my all despite challenges that I have faced this year.

I am grateful to have had an opportunity to look back at my accomplishments and learning over the past two years in the SDA program. It has felt like a whirlwind at times, and to be near the end of my SDA career is both exciting and daunting. Through the portfolio process, I have identified ways in which I have grown over the past two years, and ways that I hope to continue to grow in the future. I am at peace with my experience and the challenges I faced along the way. I am grateful to my peers and classmates for their support in our collective journey through this assignment, and I thoroughly enjoyed opportunities to commiserate, share work spaces, or offer advice. I do not think I could have completed this task without the help of my peers.

Looking ahead, I hope this portfolio serves as a reminder of all the hard work I have put into my graduate degree. I hope that I can look back on it and remember the joys and frustrations that I endured. It was not easy; in fact it was much harder than I anticipated. Finally, I am excited to revisit my experience in the future and discover new things about myself that I am unable to see at present.

Please feel free to explore my portfolio at the following link: http://emilywolfkiel.weebly.com/index.html

 

SUSDA Member of the Week – Noah Overby

Where do you work and what do you do?

I work at South Seattle Community College in the International Programs Office doing academic advising. Working in the department has enabled me to get a grasp on a variety of functional areas within International Programs including advising on immigration issues, admissions and transfer, academic planning, and activities and events. Right now I’m focusing on advising students in our Intensive English Program (IEP). We have been focusing on intrusive advising to help retain students and encourage their success when they face initial adjustment, attendance, or study skills challenges.

Interesting fact about you:

I studied fine arts for my undergraduate and have a painting that has been purchased by the City of Seattle for their Portable Works Collection and completed a commission for the Alexis Hotel in downtown Seattle. My partner and I are also having a baby due June 7, 2013 (my graduation gift)!

How do you de-stress?

(You mean besides being interviewed for the SUSDA Member of the Week?) My life is very full right now, so I don’t have a lot of time to distress at the moment; however, given the opportunity I love to paint, draw, make prints, and cook wonderful food. I’m also looking forward to trying my hand at creating an herb and vegetable garden this spring/summer after graduation.

Where do you see yourself in 5 years?

In five years I could see myself in a director position within an International Programs Office. I waiver about whether I would want to pursue a doctorate down the road, but for now I’m just excited to be finishing my master’s program!

What would you like to see within SUSDA?

This is my last quarter in the SDA program, so I would like to maintain my connection to SUSDA moving forward. I hope to participate as a resource or mentor for students in the program. I know International Programs is often an interest of students in our program, so I am happy to answer any questions people may have about working in International Education or a community college.

 

SUSDA Member of the Week – Chanell Sagon

 

Where do you work and what do you do?

I am currently the College Readiness Coordinator at South Seattle Community College. I am responsible for providing the College Readiness Academy Workshops (topics include COMPASS testing, financial aid, 4-year/2-year comparisons, etc.), outreach, and advising to students at West Seattle High School. I also work as a Graduate Intern for Tacoma Community College in the Office of Student Life. My responsiblities there include advising, facilitating leadership training, and developing a leadership acrredited course at TCC.

Interesting fact about you:

Something that not a lot of people know is that I’m born and raised in Oahu, HI. After 6 years of living here, I’m slowly becoming a “Washingtonian” but still a local girl at heart! I’m also a Foodie, a musical junkie, and a Girls & Game of Thrones Fanatic.

How do you de-stress?

Sitting on my porch with my favorite magazine and coffee in hand is what I call a perfect “de-stresser”. I am a huge believer in retail therapy, and also taking quality time to spend with friends & family.

Where do you see yourself in 5 years?

I see myself happily content in both my personal and professional life. My ultimate goal is to move back home to Hawaii working as a Student Life Assistant Director or Program Coordinator in one of UH’s Community Colleges. I hope to facilitate leadership development training within the Community Colleges, working specifically with low-income, and at-risk students of color.

What would you like to see within SUSDA?

Weekend events would definitely something I’d like to see more of. Being a “non-traditional” student (living off-campus & part-time), it’s hard to find the time during the week. Creating events that are more “commuter” & “part-time” student friendly would be a great way to get even more connected to the program.

 

SUSDA Member of the Week – Anna Rachel Renzetti

Where do you work and what do you do?
I currently work for the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (that’s a mouthful, I know!). I am a Rehabilitation Technician for DVR, which means I support counselors who work closely with individuals with disabilities. We work as a team to help people get employment opportunities that fit their abilities. Sometimes I feel like I’m the only one in our program not working directly with students, however this work is very rewarding and inspires me to be a better student affairs professional.

Interesting fact about you:
Oh dear… I think it might be interesting to some that I am from Salt Lake City, Utah. I’m also someone who loves adventure. I bungee jumped of a 265 foot bridge in Costa Rica. It was and still is the craziest thing I have ever done!!

How do you de-stress?
As crazy as it sounds, commuting as become some what of de-stress zone for me. At first it stressed me out but then I realized I was putting energy into something that wasn’t worth it. Instead, I crank up KEXP and enjoy the ride!

Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
In 5 years I hope I am happy and healthy. I really want to be empowering students to see their strengths and abilities and help them turn that into a future. I will be starting an internship at Highline this summer, and I can see myself thriving in that type of setting.

What would you like to see within SUSDA?
SUSDA has been so supportive and creative so far! Since I am a non-traditional student who works off campus and doesn’t live near/on campus, I would love the opportunity to get to know more students who are in the same boat.

 

Reflections on being First-Year Liaison

Reflections on being First-Year Liaison
By Keisha Jackson
April 12, 2013

This past year I have had the great honor of serving SUSDA as the First-Year Liaison! I have had a ton of fun in this position doing programming that I love! Some highlights for me include: chairing the Graduation Celebration Planning Committee with six fantastic classmates who are also first years (Erin, Jackie, Katie P., Theresa, Tracy & Sophie), hosting
table talks, socializing with various classmates within the program and immersing myself into my graduate school experience.

A year ago I was also doing work that I truly loved as a full-time professional at the College Success Foundation. I invested five and a half years into my work there and grew immensely as a person, professional and advocate for social justice. Then, on the assurance of that change is necessary I left that role and came into my SDA experience full of passion, energy and hope to get involved, create meaningful relationships and to enjoy this experience of graduate student life. The first-year liaison position has been a wonderful opportunity to engage in all of the aforementioned areas.

In this experience I have learned a few things about myself. First, I am pretty adaptable to changing settings. Even, if there is discomfort, I lean into it and try to learn and grow in the transition. Second, I have an extreme Type A personality! Surprise people! But I have noticed that it has gotten worse while I have been in grad school. But the truth is that it’s a very good thing! To be organized through the constant chaos that is grad school keeps me grounded. Third, I enjoy learning from others and though I bring my ideas, skills and talents to the table, others do as well and I am very happy to receive their ideas, skills and talents into my space of learning and adapting.

Finally, I have enjoyed the guidance and conversations that I have had within the SUSDA e-team, especially from Mike (chair) and Kelli (Vice Chair). They have both provided helpful information to me, which has aided in my ability to be First-Year Liaison. Additionally, my SUSDA mentor Laura Lynn Horst has been wonderful! She was the First-Year Liaison 2011-2012 and provided me with a wealth of information (and documentation) all year long (via email, text, and our favorite pass time – happy hour – with an occasional karaoke time to boot!)

It’s been a blast! Now, the homestretch to presenting a lovely graduation celebration to the SDA graduating class of 2013 awaits! June 14 here we come!

GAME ON!!