Advising Philosophy
Why do I advise?
Although I only started my career as an academic advisor a short time ago (almost five years), advising has had a special place in my heart for a long time. As a first-generation college student from a small town, I had a hard time adjusting to college and being away from home for the first time. Halfway through my first year, I considered moving back home and attending a community college. I would have, too, if it were not for a staff member that took me under her wing. She provided me with resources on how to get involved on campus and even helped me find a job. I knew she “had my back” throughout my entire undergraduate career and would help me navigate through higher education. All these years later, I still think about her and how she helped me succeed. My personal experience is one of the reasons why I chose to become an academic advisor. So many students struggle to navigate higher education for a multitude of reasons. As an academic advisor, I want to show them that they have the power to not only navigate through higher education but be successful, just as a staff member did for me so many years ago.
When working with my students, I follow a holistic advising approach. Holistic advising focuses on the whole student. In other words, not only focusing on academic goals or concerns but also personal and professional goals or concerns. Holistic advising also requires that the advisor sees each student as an individual. Every student is different, and there is no one size fits all answer for every student. Therefore, it is essential to understand the specific needs of each student and tailor advising services appropriately. For example, meeting with a brand new, first-time-in-college student is much different than meeting with a transfer student. This example reaffirms the importance of the holistic approach and its focus on the whole student.
NACADA Core Values
If I had to choose three NACADA core values, they would be Respect/Integrity, Inclusivity, and Caring.
Respect/Integrity: Although both are different values, they go hand in hand. Advisors must build positive relationships with their students, treating them with dignity and respect. Part of that relationship entails practicing honesty and ethical behavior. Our students look to us as mentors, so we must practice those skills if we hope to impart that wisdom upon them.
Inclusivity: I embrace and engage in the culture around me. Every student brings different experiences to the table, and I celebrate these differences by providing encouragement and support to my students.
Caring: I care for each student and ensure that they meet their personal, professional, and academic goals. I do my part to help support, listen, and teach my students.
Academic advising holds a special place in my heart. I plan to learn, grow, and advance in my career as much as possible to continue to positively impact my students and contribute to the advancement of academic advising.
