Summary of Learning in the First Year Jocelyn Pacheco Summer 2013

My first year as a Student Affairs student brought great experiences and opened my eyes to what my future career will really be like. Every activity, paper written, group project, and examination aid my growth as a student and professional. I feel very comfortable in stating that I have achieved learning outcomes through various means. During my first semester I was able to achieve program student outcomes 4, 5, 9, and 10 in ARP 610, while working in the leadership development program that we called Aztecs LEAD. The outcomes touched upon our ability to strategically work with various leadership styles, identify our own leadership strengths and areas in need of further development, and to apply research to practice in areas of specialization and focus. Through the creation of Aztecs LEAD, I was able to identify my own leadership strengths, and understand and strategically work with my group who also had distinct leadership styles when researching, writing and presenting our project. In ED 690, I achieved program student outcome 9 and 10 through the research bibliography assignment, since multiple concepts were gathered, read, analyzed and condensed. In addition to the research, the writing portion was vital to deliver important and concise information. In addition, program student outcome 4 and 5 were achieved. In ARP 622, program student outcome 1, 3, 4, 5, 8, and 9 were achieved through the class presentations and group work, but more so through my service learning presentation. Prior to this assignment, I understood the meaning behind flexibility and improvising, and the importance of research and theory, but giving a presentation on a topic where I should be the expert, reinforced my passion for research and education. I enjoyed doing research and writing my research paper, but I took so much pride on my presentation and method of delivery. During my second semester I was able to achieve program student outcomes 1, 3, 5, 6, 8, and 10 in ARP 747 through discussions, lectures, and group exercises, and especially through

journaling. I learned that my personal experiences shape me as a person, student, and professional, my perspective about education, and reflect why I want to make changes in the education system. In ARP 621, my third journal entry had a great focus on student learning outcome 1, 2, 5, and 10 since I had to know the theoretical foundations, conduct research and interviews, reflect, observe, and conceptualize my students problems or milestones, and create an appropriate presentation method. In ARP 760, my internship experience and internship folder allowed me to supplement my knowledge and skills learned in the academic setting with opportunities for hands-on application as stated on the second course learning outcome, and mirrored by PSLO 1, 3, 5, 6, 7 and 10. My internship folder was a compilation of power points, hand-outs, flyers, and college information which I shared with the San Diego and Sweetwater Unified school district to better prepare student for college. I feel very comfortable in stating that I have achieved the program learning outcomes stated above, yet program learning outcome 1, 4, 5, and 10 were reinforced the most since I felt they were continuously addressed and reinforced in each course. Although I feel very happy that I have come to achieve several learning outcomes, I have yet still to achieve or reinforce learning outcomes 2, 3, and 7. I definitely feel I have learned a lot, but I want to make sure I master every outcome so I can do the best work possible once I am out in the field. The learning and professional development opportunities I need to pursue in the next year to ensure I achieve all of the program learning outcomes involve attending webinars, read many more books, magazines and articles to keep myself updated with the constant changes in higher education, speak to professors and professionals to guide me and prepare me for my future career, and research in detail my different options and careers paths within student affairs.

My personal and professional goals have stayed the same for the most part. The only thing that really changed was that I knew that I wanted to pursue a PhD, but I was unsure as to what would be my focus. After this years classes, experiences, and overall knowledge of the field, I have decided to pursue a PhD in educational policy. Because of this program I feel more encouraged than ever to pursue my goals and I am excited because I found my true passion and drive. I do feel I am on target to achieve my personal and professional goals, as I constantly refer back to them and ensure that I am achieving what I desire. At this point I feel any learning and professional development opportunities will aid me in achieving my goals, as I feel that every learning experience is valuable in making me a better student and professional.