Portfolio Process Assessment

One of my favorite aspects of the portfolio process has been revisiting my earlier works
in the SDA program. After creating my personal and professional mission statements in graduate
school, it was fascinating to go back to my Student Affairs Philosophy and see that my values
and sense of purpose remain the same. Unconsciously, I even used the same language for both
pieces. I found this constancy reassuring; my education has helped me think about how to
improve my student development practices, but my reasons and principles for doing this work
remain the same.
I deeply appreciated seeing the consistency of my mission, but I also enjoyed looking at
the evidence of my professional growth. As I selected my artifacts, I was able to intentionally
select pieces that represent my most important experiences and moments in the SDA program.
Looking at them in their sum, it is apparent to me how much I have grown as a leader, a
supervisor, an advisor, and a student development practitioner. While my professional
development and action plan demonstrates that I still have considerable areas for continued
growth, it has been incredibly meaningful to see that my time in the SDA program has been well
spent.
Presenting my portfolio helped deepen my understanding of the importance of
professional community. Sharing the work I have done over the past two years with my
colleagues was powerful; it gave me the opportunity to show pieces of myself that I do not get to
talk about in my every day work. Moreover, the support and encouragement that my committee
gave me, both in terms of the work I presented and my plans for the future, encouraged my selfconfidence. As I continue on my professional journey, I am gladdened to know that I have that
support to lean on, particularly when I am facing moments of confusion or self-doubt.

Finally, as I begin my job search process, developing this portfolio has been an invaluable
tool for not only reminding myself of who I am, but also for tying together the pieces of my
experience. Reflecting on my concrete experiences and how they tie into SDAs learning
outcomes and the NASPA/ACPA competencies has truly helped me better understand and
articulate my professional growth and identity. I feel well-prepared to take the steps forward in
my professional journey.