1.) What was one take away that you learned from working in FYE?
I learned how much I love working with students, as well as how varied and diverse the role of a student affairs professional can be.
2.) How did your experience in FYE prepare you for your first job after Salem State?
Just recently, it was an extra busy day in my office. We were short staff for various reasons and had a high volume of phone calls and students. I was juggling emails, student appointments, walk-ins and admission outreach. Our student workers commented on how easily I was able to move from one task to another, even when being interrupted multiple times. FYE taught me that. It taught me how to be flexible in my position and my work. The fast-paced working environment of FYE, where you get to wear many hats, enabled me to easily transition into my role at Middlesex.
3.)What is your favorite memory/the best part of working in FYE?
The people! I am still in touch with many of my fellow grads! It is great that I still have a group of people who understand and support me personally and professionally. The professional staff - from Mathew to the many professors I was able to work with - showed me the true value of hard work and collaboration. And the students at SSU are amazing. They are informed and bright and taught me what it means to really listen to students.
4.) What skills did you learn from working in FYE, how are they applicable to your current job.
What didn’t I learn in FYE? Time management, active listening skills, presentation skills/oral communication, event planning, management, organization… and the list goes on! While I use some of these skills more than others in my current position, having a varied set of skills has been very helpful when asked to take on new projects or spearhead the planning of big events like our Open Houses. Not only do I usually have some FYE experience to pull from when taking on a new project, but I am comfortable with trying something new and the unknown that comes with it.
In my current position I get to do a wide range of things and no two days are the same. FYE is similar. I was able to learn how to prioritize different tasks. When you wear a lot of hats and have a lot on your plate, it can be overwhelming. Working in FYE helped me learn how to prioritize the tasks at hand and the students sitting in front of me, which has helped me in my current position.
5.) In what way(s) do you feel like FYE supported you in your growth throughout the HESA program?
FYE has helped me apply theory to practice. The overlap from the graduate program to direct practice has been helpful in seeing my growth as a new student affairs professional. I have tangible skills that I can take with me to class and in the work place. FYE is a unique experience in that we have the opportunity to do projects that can have a positive impact on the campus culture and create a welcoming environment for first year students.
6.) What is one piece of advice you would like to give a first year graduate student who is about to start their Graduate retention fellow in FYE?
FYE becomes to be a family and it is important that you express when you need help or support. It is important to reach out to your colleagues and supervisors when you are feeling overwhelmed. The student staff is always willing to help so do not hesitate to delegate tasks so you can focus on larger projects.
I learned how much I love working with students, as well as how varied and diverse the role of a student affairs professional can be.
2.) How did your experience in FYE prepare you for your first job after Salem State?
Just recently, it was an extra busy day in my office. We were short staff for various reasons and had a high volume of phone calls and students. I was juggling emails, student appointments, walk-ins and admission outreach. Our student workers commented on how easily I was able to move from one task to another, even when being interrupted multiple times. FYE taught me that. It taught me how to be flexible in my position and my work. The fast-paced working environment of FYE, where you get to wear many hats, enabled me to easily transition into my role at Middlesex.
3.)What is your favorite memory/the best part of working in FYE?
The people! I am still in touch with many of my fellow grads! It is great that I still have a group of people who understand and support me personally and professionally. The professional staff - from Mathew to the many professors I was able to work with - showed me the true value of hard work and collaboration. And the students at SSU are amazing. They are informed and bright and taught me what it means to really listen to students.
4.) What skills did you learn from working in FYE, how are they applicable to your current job.
What didn’t I learn in FYE? Time management, active listening skills, presentation skills/oral communication, event planning, management, organization… and the list goes on! While I use some of these skills more than others in my current position, having a varied set of skills has been very helpful when asked to take on new projects or spearhead the planning of big events like our Open Houses. Not only do I usually have some FYE experience to pull from when taking on a new project, but I am comfortable with trying something new and the unknown that comes with it.
In my current position I get to do a wide range of things and no two days are the same. FYE is similar. I was able to learn how to prioritize different tasks. When you wear a lot of hats and have a lot on your plate, it can be overwhelming. Working in FYE helped me learn how to prioritize the tasks at hand and the students sitting in front of me, which has helped me in my current position.
5.) In what way(s) do you feel like FYE supported you in your growth throughout the HESA program?
FYE has helped me apply theory to practice. The overlap from the graduate program to direct practice has been helpful in seeing my growth as a new student affairs professional. I have tangible skills that I can take with me to class and in the work place. FYE is a unique experience in that we have the opportunity to do projects that can have a positive impact on the campus culture and create a welcoming environment for first year students.
6.) What is one piece of advice you would like to give a first year graduate student who is about to start their Graduate retention fellow in FYE?
FYE becomes to be a family and it is important that you express when you need help or support. It is important to reach out to your colleagues and supervisors when you are feeling overwhelmed. The student staff is always willing to help so do not hesitate to delegate tasks so you can focus on larger projects.