Implications for Professional Practice

My time in the SDA program has been transformational. In every expressed learning
outcome and competency I have seen myself make tremendous growth, and I am coming out of
this program as a much more knowledgeable and capable professional. I have confidence in
abilities, and the clear understanding of about how I will continue on this trajectory of growth.
Moving forward my goal is to proactively maintain the relationships that I have built, and
actively seek new connections and opportunity.
Keeping Connections Strong (LO 10) (Artifact F,D)
This implication both supports my personal well being, but is also great for my
professional growth. Their have been so many incredible people that have supported in
understanding my identities and the strengths that I bring to the workplace that I have met
through my graduate cohort, my assistantship, internships, and networking opportunities. I have
found a community that continues to challenge my perceptions an allow me to grow. I know that
the relationships that I have forged will only help me as I move forward. Keeping in touch with
my network will unite me with new opportunities moving forward and will allow me to always
have connection to Washington if I decide to move out of the country (Artifact F).
I have found a stronger sense of my professionally identity in this program, and the
connections that I have made at SU, Bellevue College, and with colleagues in the surrounding
area will be a help to me in finding spaces to work that I am passionate about (LO 10). The
mentors that I claimed in our Student Development Capstone (SDAD 5900) class are people that
I hope to retain for the long foreseeable future. Michelle Etchart, my supervisor in my graduate
assistantship has been such a great support to me through my entire grad school experience

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(Artifact D), as I transition out of this stage of my life I hope to continue to maintain connection
with her as someone who can bring me joy and give me guidance when needed.
Networking (LO 1)
Networking has been a cornerstone my job search and Student Development Capstone
(SDAD 5900) class. My ability to connect with other professional about the work that we do in
the field will help me in better supporting students and as I work to advance in my professional
career. I want to continue to challenge myself to meet with new professionals regularly, not only
because it serves me as a place of energy, but also because it will align me with new opportunity
and growth.
Prior to being a part of this program, I was not confident in my networking abilities. I
felt uneasy about meeting a stranger for coffee, and was unsure about what I would talk to them
about. The skill that I have gained in networking has made me more thoughtful about me
interactions with people I hope to grow from, but has also kept me up to date on new trends in
the field (LO 1) as they have become a strong point of conversation for me in my networking. I
hope that in my next job that I will have funds available for professional development so I can
continue to grow my network at professional conferences.
Seek Involvement with Professional Organizations (LO 10)
Seeking involvement with professional organizations like NASPA and ACPA will be
extremely helpful for me in growing my network, supporting my growth in event
implementation, and experience with research. I plan on reaching out to be a part of the planning
board for the NASPA multiracial knowledge community. Unpacking my identity has been
extremely valuable for me in graduate school and I want to continue to have dialogues about the
complexity of the multiracial identity. I also see this as a platform to meet people with shared

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experiences to my own, and as a way to look into research about multiracial identity. In the next
couple of years I hope to be presenting for NASPA or ACPA in some capacity, this will also be a
huge step in fostering my professional identity (LO 10).
Maintaining my current network and being proactive about seeking new professional
relationships will be valuable to me as I move through the field and strive to create a positive
impact on the higher education system. These bonds will allow me to continue to grow and
development after I finish graduate school.