Discover Your Major Day is an annual themed event hosted by the University of Memphis’ Academic Counseling Center. At the start of each year, more than 1,000 students get the opportunity to gather information on university majors, minors and campus departments. This year, I was charged with the responsibility to conceptualize the theme for Career Services—Passport to Success.  In correlation with this idea, I created a marketing tool that provided students with information regarding the services and events for the office, as well as useful tips to prepare the U of M community to be successful in today’s working environments. This brochure remains as a key print resource for students and alumni that seek more information concerning Career Services.

One of my first research papers completed was for Overview of Higher Education. In this course, I was expected to identify an issue related to the course content and research it. For this assignment, I chose to learn about the lack of minority access in higher education. Through this assignment, I was able to explore and identify problems that have impeded minorities (particularly African-Americans) successful and equal admission into American higher educational environments.

My final exam in HIAD 7443, College Environments, required me to analyze a case study. I was tasked to identify factors that world improve the community of MidSouth University. As the "Vice President of Student Affairs", I had to employ problem solving strategies that would shift the campus culture. My recommendations inspired collaborations amongst various campus departments and the local community; as well as, suggested how personnel can help students succeed in the college environment and make it welcoming to a diverse group of students.

The course Education and Community provided me with the opportunity to identify a problem related to sustainability and involve myself in creating change by way of involvement and research. Due to health issues that have affected my family members, I was motivated to encourage my community and myself, to maintain better eating habits. I spent time volunteering with the Memphis Farmers Market and through course texts such as, Soul of a Citizen and Memphis Building Community, I was able to apply theory to my experiences to ignite change.

As a student in HIAD 7200, Post Secondary Athletics, often times I am charged to think like a college administrator and provide recommendations to real life situations that our text describes. In effort to do so successfully, I have to think logically and critically about each situation and view each scenario through the lens of campus administration. The artifact that best describes this competence is my response to a discussion question during week seven of the course.

The First Impression activity in HIAD 7444 was impactful. I was assigned to observe five students at random in a public place and record my initial assumptions. Through this process, I too began to recognize my own assumptions, as well as my assumptions towards others. After completing this experience, I received the chance to express and reflect with my peers on how stereotypes influence our perceptions. 

I chose to gain an understanding and challenge assumptions and stereotypes that are commonly associated with a group of students I do not identify with. By way of immersion, In HIAD 7444, I explored the experiences of students with disabilities. My experiences exposed me to their role within the campus community and through reflection, I was able to remove the assumptions I had towards this population.

Each year the office of Career Services collaborates with the Center for Academic Retention and Enrichment. The partnership strives to enrich the academic progression of academically at-risk students. Each semester, I coordinate and lead small group workshops to assist students with their career development. By way of survey assessment, I am able to analyze and interpret the success of the program.

Introduction to Educational Leadership was one of my favorite courses during my master's program. Over the weeks of this course I had the chance to explore leadership styles with my peers and apply my knowledge to how I view myself as a leader. The journal partner reflection assignment allowed me to synthesize my experiences as a leader and analyze my leadership style. Although I consider myself as a supportive leader, I understand the necessary accommodations I must take in different situations to become a successful leader and follower in the future.