Running head: IMPLICATIONS FOR PROFESSINAL PRACTICE LEARNING OUTCOME

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Implications for Professional Practice Learning Outcome Narrative

Alysia Sin
Seattle University

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Learning Outcome Narrative Implications LO 2, 3, 6; Artifacts B, F, H

Introduction
Reflecting on everything that I have learned throughout this program, I feel that it is most
important for me to stay student-centered with the utmost care. The intent of student affairs
has always been to connect people who need with people who care (McClellan & Stringer,
2009, p. 3). This simple sentence begins the first chapter of The Handbook of Student Affairs
Administration book and yet strongly resonates with me because I care deeply for the well-being
of others. This is a personal and professional trait that has been praised throughout the SDA
program and even prior. Others can see that I go above and beyond to make sure that students are
best set up to be successful with clear information, intentional resources, active listening, and
affirmations. Regardless of all of the knowledge that I have and will learn, the theme of caring
for students will allow me to create the most supportive environment for my students.
Intentionality (LO 2; Artifacts B, F)
Being intentional in my language, actions, and ideas has proved to be critical in caring for
students and strongly connects to LO #2: Understanding students and student issues. Key
dimensions in LO #2 are: fostering meaningful relationships with students, authentically sharing
my experiences with students, and being critical and creative of solutions to impact major
student issues. I feel very blessed to have had an assistantship and internship with high student
contact during the program. These opportunities have allowed me to have meaningful
conversations with students and truly grow in this learning outcome. I feel honored that students
have shared accomplishments and struggles with me. I find joy in affirming their strengths and
offering advice from my own experiences to give perspective and close the power dynamic that
may be present. Artifact B displays my growth with Knowing myself is crucial in building

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genuine rapport with students and helping them be familiar with their story. Artifact F shows
that I am aware and thinking critically about the areas that I need to grow in to serve
marginalized students better. For example, I state that I want to Increase knowledge of funding
and policy in education, especially for low-income, first generation students. Through my work
and personal experience, finances are a huge reason as to why students cannot access higher
education or continue pursuing it. So learning new knowledge about this complex issue will
allow me to help students better and inform colleagues.
Professional Development (LO 6; Artifacts E, D)
All of the opportunities I have had to grow professionally have allowed me to collaborate
with colleagues and peers and serve students in meaningful ways. This connects to LO #6:
Developing and demonstrating skills in leadership and collaboration. Key dimensions in LO
#6 are: being aware of my authentic leadership strengths b) utilizing and creating opportunities
for collaboration, and seek trainings and opportunities to continually develop my leadership
style. In EDAD 5700 Leadership in Education I and EDAD 5710 Leadership in Education II, I
have reflected and solidified my core values of love, happiness, and social justice. Knowing my
core values along with leadership styles and concepts will help me stay centered and confident.
In Artifact D, my internship supervisor Therese Williams, praised the ways in which I am a
leader by working autonomously and in partnership with the team. In my assistantship I am so
grateful that I have two of my peers to collaborate and be in community with. We problem solve
and offer each other different perspectives constantly. I know that I will bring this relational spirit
to all of the environments that I will work in. Through my assistantship, I have also been
appreciative of the trainings and conferences that have inspired me to continuously take my
leadership to the next level in the future. I want to continue to engage in large scale events like

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this because of all of the amazing passion and knowledge shared around best practices. Artifact
E highlights many of the ways that I see myself as a leader and plans to continue to grow in my
leadership skills.
Commitment to Lifelong Learning (LO 3; Artifacts B, H)
Challenging myself to pursue knowledge and seek opportunities to grow personally and
professionally will be necessary to provide the type of student service that I value. This connects
to LO #3: Exhibiting professional integrity and ethical leadership in professional practice.
Key dimensions in LO #3 are: understanding my personal and professional values, being honest
an accountable in my work, and doing whatever it takes to help students meet their individual
needs. Artifact B clearly states my core values of empathy, relationships, empowerment, and
social justice. This articulation took much reflection and is a culmination of my curricular and
professional experiences these past two years. I pride myself on meeting students individual
needs and going above and beyond when necessary. With my part-time, assistantship schedule it
is easy to get distracted by other stressors during student appointments and having
transactional versus development conversations. However, I try my best to be present in the
moment and make sure to give them the most helpful information and resources possible, even if
that means researching the answer together or following up via email. Along with building
rapport and trust with students, I strive to forge that same relationship with my colleagues as
well. I do this by stepping up and helping others and keeping my word. Lastly, Artifact H
expresses my understanding that I need to be more reflective of my personal experiences as well.
Conclusion
Looking forward to moving beyond the SDA program and SU, I will stay true to caring
for students and let that guide my practice. I am extremely proud of the growth that I have gone

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through and am committed to challenging myself to continue improving as a professional and
leader.