Student Affairs Philosophy

My student affairs philosophy is grounded in a deep belief in the power of authenticity, joy, and cultivating community. I believe that every interaction, whether it’s a conversation with a student or collaboration with colleagues, should be rooted in kindness and a genuine desire to understand one another. My experiences have taught me that continued curiosity, engaging in joy, and fostering a community of care are essential in supporting students and helping them thrive. My goal is to support students and community members in thoughtfully creating lives centered on justice, equity, and inclusion through education, intentional action, and ongoing reflection.

Inspired by the words of Kevin Williams, I understand that community engagement goes beyond surface-level actions like handing out flyers or promoting services. True engagement is about building meaningful relationships, listening to communities, and acknowledging how institutions may have failed them in the past. It requires confronting uncomfortable truths, making amends, and prioritizing the needs of those who have been harmed by systems of power. Engagement, to me, is reciprocal—it’s about working with the community, not telling them what they need.

In my role as a student affairs practitioner, I recognize that advocating for marginalized communities can come with personal risks, from social consequences to job security. This calls for deep self-reflection—what am I unwilling to sacrifice, and how can I leverage my privilege to support others? I believe that if you are in a position of visibility and influence, it’s essential to lead with clarity, integrity, and a commitment to equity. My work is about reflecting on my values and responsibilities, leaning on my trusted community for support, and ensuring that my actions align with my principles.

I am passionate about storytelling as a tool for social change. I draw inspiration from the works of adrienne maree brown, who teaches that prioritizing joy is a radical act of community building. This belief aligns with my commitment to transformative justice, which challenges us as student affairs practitioners to rethink accountability, disrupt harmful structures, and build more equitable systems.

My journey into student affairs began at Hamline University, where I developed a passion for helping students navigate their college experiences. As a Student Coordinator for New Student Programs, I honed my skills in supporting incoming students and presenting research on socio-economic barriers to involvement. This experience taught me the importance of equitable access and how institutions can create inclusive environments that enrich the student experience.

Although I didn’t initially realize that student affairs was a profession, I am grateful for the mentors who helped me discover my passion and purpose within this field. My background in music and social justice taught me the power of artistic activism, while my work in student affairs emphasized the significance of identity, relationship-building, self-authorship, and reflection. Together, these experiences have shaped my approach to supporting students and continuing my growth as both an educator and a lifelong learner.

Asking questions fills me with glee and sitting on porches brings me comfort. Wind chimes make me feel grounded and country music makes me feel nostalgic. Dive bars remind me of home. Frothed coffee creamer gives me a spring in my step and fresh flowers rejuvenate me. Cowboys make me giddy and gel pens soothe me. Pink dresses bring me delight and fun pants fill me with happiness. Colorful eyeshadow dares me to be bold. Dogs make me smile. Rolling the windows down in my car at 11:39pm and screaming my favorite song reminds me of how large and complex the world is. I have an intense love for a lot of things; but above all else, I love love the most.