![]() ![]() One of my favorite parts about a presentation is when the presenter will share actual ideas and things to bring back to the office. I was excited to not only travel to a state I’ve never been to but to also begin to fill my brain with new ideas to bring back to campus. I was thrilled to receive the PACADA grant to travel to the 2018 NACADA National Conference in Phoenix, AZ. In closing, I again ask, “Who are you & who are you being?” Are you here to collect a check or are you willing invest yourself for the greater good of students? As well, ask yourself “what are you doing to support students of underrepresented populations in a place of unfamiliarity?”Īrticle By 2018 PACADA Grant Winner: Ashlyn Ruff Providing opportunities to learn, but also providing significant tips for growth and building a personal foundation. An event where university presidents and other administrators removed their titles, status quo, and mentor younger professionals. Speaking from experience, words cannot justify the impact of NASPA’s African-American Male summit it’s something to experience. By not sharing these stories we allow students to believe adversity does not exist. Students are able to see the resolve you have displayed through early trials and tribulations to reach this point. By sharing whom you, are as a person, with students also empowers them. Our vulnerability allows students to recognize us as humans, which opens up opportunities for mentorship. Sharing our stories allows us to build rapport. Our vulnerability, the narratives we share, and the interactions with students are have a direct impact on retaining students in unfamiliar places. Holmes intended for us to share our personal story of who we were and what we represented. Holmes, “The Generalist” as he introduced himself asked a simple question, “Who are you?” Immediately individuals around the room began sharing their name and what it is they do for a living, only to learn that was not the objective. for Student Affairs & Dean of Students University of Miami, posed a question, which highlights an integral part of keeping students connected. However, the question is for the students who are not using these organizations and facilities to develop a sense of belonging, how are we keeping these students connected to campus? Organizations such as National Society of Black Engineers, Black Student Union, Black Men’s Excellence Network, along with Mind, Body, & Soul, and facilities such as the Black Cultural Center provide great opportunities for involvement. Finding a community could be a challenging task. On a campus where students African-American students are roughly 3% population. This translates to roughly 3% of the university population. With 1,272 African-American students comprised of undergraduate, graduate, and professional students. Using data from Fall 2017 to put things into perspective, Purdue enrolled 41,573 students. While we could place the onus of students to know, in hindsight we also must look at ourselves and ask, “What are you doing to support students?” In many instances persistence in college can be one of the most challenging tasks due to financial issues, sense of belonging, lack of knowledge as it pertains to resources etc., and that is just to name a few. Community, empowerment, and the building of a personal foundation.Īs a Success Coach, my role at Purdue is to support students as they strive to persist. Thinking back to that conference summit in particular, I would say that the summit’s theme is what resonated the most. In a room full of black males, I felt at home. However, I must remind of my “first time attendee” hat that I was wearing at the time. In my opinion is, and was, the best session held at NASPA. “Leadership is about making others better as a result of your presence and making sure that impact lasts in your absence” -Sheryl SandbergĪ quote shared by President Dwuan Warmack of Harris-Stowe University wrapped up NASPA’s African-American Male Summit. As well, I would like to thank PACADA for affording me the opportunity as a recipient of the professional development grant. However, Philadelphia’s unpredictable weather made for a fun few days of wind, cold weather, and an unexpected blizzard. As a newcomer at NASPA, I was eager to learn, meet new professionals, and enjoy the city of Philadelphia. ![]() Philadelphia, PA the “City of Brotherly Love” known by many, although for me it was also the home of my first NASPA conference. Article By 2018 PACADA Grant Winner: Aaron Harris ![]()
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