Short and Sweet

3) What keeps you going? What are the best parts of the work, particularly any surprises you've experienced, ways in which the work was better or more fun than you expected?

The students I work with and the colleagues who support and challenge me.  I now have former students who are graduate students in the field and several who are now Student Affairs professionals.  A former student I worked with at SMU is now an Assistant Director of Student Activities at SMU following graduate school at Virginia Tech and after working in Residence Life and the University of Arkansas for several years.  I take pride in knowing that I have been able to help others find a career that is rewarding and important.

4) What advice would you share with entering professionals?

Follow your passion and take advantage of opportunities as they present themselves.  Be engaged in your institution’s community and think beyond Student Affairs.  Relationships are IMPORTANT!

I'm happy to expand on both of these answers but hoping these answers will generate some conversation :)