The college experience encapsulates more than just academics. Although that’s certainly the dominant component, more occurs in the years a student spends on campus than just the accumulation of new knowledge. As an advisor, it is my responsibility to be both a resource and a gateway to these experiences, ensuring students receive the support they need, the guidance they require, and the knowledge of the opportunities available to them.
I make sure from the first time we meet that I know that student’s goals and expectations as well as any barriers or difficulties they may be facing. We then work together to identify potential campus resources and/or solutions to any hurdles they may face or opportunities they wish to pursue. I will also offer suggestions to ensure they graduate having taken full advantage of the curricular and extracurricular opportunities that interest them.
As students exit my office they cannot avoid seeing a moderately sized piece of artwork directly adjacent to the door. It’s of a scene from the start of the video game “The Legend of Zelda” where the main character, Link, is greeted with a sword and the words “It’s dangerous to go alone, take this.” Besides showcasing my perhaps overly nerdy personality, the art reinforces ultimately what I hope students take away from an advising session with me: the knowledge that they’re not alone throughout this college journey, and that I will always be available to support them.
In October 2023, I was honored to receive the 2023 Global New Faculty Advisor award from NACADA, the Global Community for Academic Advising.
If you happen to be one of my advisees and found yourself here looking for my website of resources, here you go!