Running head: PORTFOLIO PROCESS ASSESSMENT 1

Portfolio Process Assessment

Sophie J. Boyer
Seattle University

















PORTFOLIO PROCESS ASSESSMENT 2

Portfolio Process Assessment
Pre-Presentation
I have been hearing about the Student Development Administration culminating portfolio
project since I began the program in September 2012. I watched my peers and friends complete
the process last spring, and waited with mixed feelings of dread and apprehension to begin my
own portfolio process. As I slowly pulled apart the components and requirements and began
tackling one piece at a time, I realized it was not so bad; I could do this! And it was during this
process that three key lessons were discovered or reaffirmed.
1. Written reflection is very challenging for me. Reflection in general is not my favorite; I
do not journal or blog, although I have tried multiple times. I prefer to sit down and talk
with someone about how I am feeling, what I have learned, and how I am impacted.
Converting those feelings and conversations to paper for portfolio was a struggle. I want
to become a more reflective practitioner, and I need to find a method that is more
personally meaningful to me.
2. I am a very logical, task-driven thinker and doer. Reading the ten page E-Portfolio
Components document was overwhelming; I needed to break it down into smaller
chunks, make lists, and begin crossing items off. In fact, in partnership with my portfolio
accountability buddy, I created the following portfolio board:





PORTFOLIO PROCESS ASSESSMENT 3

Those that know me well probably are not surprised by this; I certainly was not.
Portfolio, however, did affirm my ability to conceptualize a major project,
compartmentalize the sections, and prioritize the necessary tasks.
3. The final lesson that was reaffirmed during the portfolio process was the importance of
community. I was intentional in creating a supportive community during the creation of
my portfolio, both in support of my own progress, but also so I could support my peers.
Group work sessions, check-ins, and celebrations were key components of my portfolio
success.
Post-Presentation
Presenting my portfolio last Friday ended up being a much more emotional process than I
had anticipated. Anas question about keeping people at arms length really struck me, and I was
truly overcome with emotion. My committee and those in the room supported me through this
portion of my presentation and continued to push me to dig deeper and share more of myself.
During the feedback portion, we discussed the importance of reflection and taking time to pause
and either lean in or lean out of the situation. A second key piece of feedback I received from
my committee and from this presentation process was to take pride in my leadership abilities and
accomplishments. The portfolio presentation was a very difficult hour for me, but I am grateful
for my committees intentional and insightful questions and feedback.