Coming to a Close
The days are counting down, people. This week marked the last week of us gathering for our weekly NUFP Wednesdays, and that was the first pinch to the skin that our time together is slowly coming to an end. Although, we have all been told that it is not a “goodbye” but it is a “see you later”. Before I become extremely sentimental, I wanted to highlight the amazing conversations that I have had with people including Michael Williams, Ph.D Student, and Gifty Ako-Adounvo, the Director of International Studies & Scholars. Meeting with Michael Williams and seeing his baby daughter was a privilege, and I enjoyed our conversation about graduate schools, types of degrees, and his journey in Higher Education. I admire his ability to balance his personal life and his professional career; even though it is difficult, he strives to be a great father, student, and life-long learner. I appreciated his authenticity and his efforts in making sure that I knew that he would be a life-long connection for me. I am thinking more critically about the institutions and programs in which I am applying for, and he brought up a good point when I was unsure if I wanted to risk continuing to pay for my education: “if you investing in your undergraduate education, why not do the same for your graduate education”.
I had another exceptional conversation with Ms. Gifty about her journey in Higher Education and International Affairs. Even as a little girl, she was absorbed in International Affairs and Multiculturalism; her father was involved with the Consulate so she was exposed to different cultures, customs, and traditions from around the world. With a warm and inviting presence, I loved engaging in conversation with her about study abroad and the initiatives that are being taken to acclimate international students to the OSU campus culture. I learned about how the Code of Student Conduct and the discussion of consent are being integrated into presentations and activities during their on-going orientation during the Fall. While these topics are not the center of discussion, the office is making it a point to integrate the Code of Student Conduct and the topic of consent more often. I felt like I was in a good place after having these meaningful conversations with staff and administrators.
After another week under my belt, OSU has grown on me as a possible institution for graduate school. Other interns who are part of this cohort are intending to apply to OSU’s program, and it would be hilarious if we all ended up as a cohort in 2015! It has been challenge thinking about our internship ending because of how close I am with everyone in the house. I know that each and every one of us will be trailblazers in Student Affairs, and I am extremely humbled by the challenges that everyone has overcome in order to be where they are now. Barriers were broken and meaningful conversations occurred more than I expected, and I appreciate everyone’s authenticity. Come June 19th, bring on the water works!
I had another exceptional conversation with Ms. Gifty about her journey in Higher Education and International Affairs. Even as a little girl, she was absorbed in International Affairs and Multiculturalism; her father was involved with the Consulate so she was exposed to different cultures, customs, and traditions from around the world. With a warm and inviting presence, I loved engaging in conversation with her about study abroad and the initiatives that are being taken to acclimate international students to the OSU campus culture. I learned about how the Code of Student Conduct and the discussion of consent are being integrated into presentations and activities during their on-going orientation during the Fall. While these topics are not the center of discussion, the office is making it a point to integrate the Code of Student Conduct and the topic of consent more often. I felt like I was in a good place after having these meaningful conversations with staff and administrators.
After another week under my belt, OSU has grown on me as a possible institution for graduate school. Other interns who are part of this cohort are intending to apply to OSU’s program, and it would be hilarious if we all ended up as a cohort in 2015! It has been challenge thinking about our internship ending because of how close I am with everyone in the house. I know that each and every one of us will be trailblazers in Student Affairs, and I am extremely humbled by the challenges that everyone has overcome in order to be where they are now. Barriers were broken and meaningful conversations occurred more than I expected, and I appreciate everyone’s authenticity. Come June 19th, bring on the water works!