Recently my institution cut the Director of Student Life and Leadership position from the college. This has left me without the person who I intended to mentor me through my first professional experience in higher education. My tiny department ofthree has shrunk to two leaving me feeling a little lost. Now, I look to ACUI for mentors who canprovide me with guidance as I learn about the tricks of the trade.
My morning started with the new professional panel discussion that focused on transitioning into a professionin higher education. It was so helpful for me to hear advice from seasoned professionals. I enjoyed hearing about their early mistakes and how they learned and developed from some of their failures. I laughed at one of Debra Hammond’s examples where she stressed the importance of a site visit. One of the most significant messages that I thought the grouped received was the importance to be willing to learn and that we are always learning. New professionals may think we know everything, but really, no the truth is that no one knows everything. The annual conference has already proven to be an excellent leaning opportunity for me. I left the first session feeling more confident than when I entered. Many people shared their experiences and I’m comforted in the fact that I’m not the only one who feels lost.
As I network with others, attend educational sessions and participate in the fun activities I realize how fortunate I am to be at ACUI this year. With the absence of an immediate mentor it is refreshing to have people advising me and sharing ideas about how to succeed as a professional in the field.