Writing Samples
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There are multiple iterations of our own stories. Which one would you choose to tell?
College is often a transformative time in many students' lives, where they encounter challenges and opportunities for growth. As an undergraduate student, college was an opportunity for me to embrace my creativity in a time of constant uncertainty. In this essay, I share impactful moments I encountered during my years as an undergraduate. By analyzing these stories through the lenses of intrapersonal, interpersonal, and cognitive dimensions of student development, I will introduce a new theory of student self-authorship. I will then compare this new theory to existing student development theories. Finally, I will provide examples of direct application of my new theory to the field of student affairs, as well as discuss how we can best support the holistic growth and development of college students.
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Student affairs professionals are often asked to ensure their campus is inclusive of all students. In order to guarantee equitable experiences for students and staff, conversations about diversity, equity, and inclusion on college campuses often focus on intersecting identities such as race, ethnicity, gender, social class, sexual orientation, age, and disability. Fatness and sizeism are seldom incorporated in diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts within student affairs which directly affects the recruitment, retention, and satisfaction of fat student affairs professionals and fat students. This essay calls upon professional organizations within student affairs to offer trainings and resources surrounding sizeism and anti-fat bias, and conversations on how to ensure that fat students and fat student affairs professionals are physically and emotionally able to be involved on campus.
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This paper explores the complexities of free speech in the context of U.S. college campuses, particularly regarding the genocide in Palestine. It examines the historical and legal foundations of free speech, focusing on First Amendment protections and landmark Supreme Court rulings. The study addresses the growing tensions surrounding free expression in an increasingly polarized political climate, considering the implications of hate speech, harassment, and censorship within higher education. Using a qualitative approach, the research analyzes institutional policies and the role of student affairs professionals in navigating the balance between protecting free speech and maintaining an inclusive, respectful environment. Key findings suggest that while free expression is essential, it is often challenged by provocative or politically charged speech. This research offers practical recommendations for university administrators and student affairs professionals, including the development of clearer guidelines and support systems to manage contentious speech while ensuring compliance with legal standards. Future research can further explore the evolving role of campus policies in addressing free speech during times of political conflict and social unrest.
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In this article, I examine the journey to fat liberation in higher education, focusing on bias recognition, a redefinition of wellness, and affinity cultivation.
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AI has made it easier to cheat and plagiarize in college classrooms, shifting the focus away from critical thinking and creativity. To counteract this, institutions must promote personal growth, self-reflection, and the development of skills that AI cannot replicate, which can be accomplished through Makerspaces. This shift also redefines student success, moving away from traditional assessments toward more holistic and individualized approaches.
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This paper explores the experiences of fat professionals in student affairs, highlighting the discrimination they face while emphasizing their valuable contributions to the field. Drawing from Silvis & Santos (2018), the article examines how fatness intersects with race, gender, and sexuality, particularly for fat Queer and Trans People of Color (QTPOC). It critiques oppressive hiring practices and the pressure to conform to body norms within higher education. The paper applies queer theory and Muñoz’s disidentification to explore how fat practitioners navigate institutional barriers and resistance, advocating for a more inclusive understanding of body size and liberation in academia.