Category: Special Posts
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My Journey in Privilege and Relationships
I want to share my journey through understanding privilege and the relationship between myself and those around me. I’m not sure who this text is for. It’s certainly not meant to be a full recount of all of the issues in societies and how they should be fixed – I am nowhere near that insightful.…
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Work, Family, Friends, and Choice
I want to preface this with a few disclaimers. First, the thoughts here do not necessarily reflect those of my wife or anyone else related to me. Second, I absolutely love my job, my friendly, and those around me. Finally, I recognize that I have a wealth of privilege that enables me to make the…
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Choice Only Benefits the Priveleged
I’ve been doing a bit of reflecting on my political views, and I think I’ve identified the reason I tend to prefer the federal government setting social and commercial laws and regulations over allowing businesses or states the freedom to decide whether or not to set these policies. Most of it boils down to the…
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Struggles in Searching: Introduction
As we begin to enter the hiring season for Student Affairs/Higher Education Administration, I found myself reflecting on my searches in the past, both for graduate assistantships and for full time positions. Reflecting on these searches leaves me wondering how one’s background, social class, and financial stability can influence their success in the job search…
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Struggles in Searching: “Finding the Right Fit” – A Fallacy for First Searches
Many times throughout my search, I heard some variation of the following phrases: “It’s all about finding the right fit.” “You’ll find the job that is right for you.” At first, these felt like wonderful ideas! Here I was, a new graduate entering a field that is very structured in providing outlets for one to…
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Struggles in Searching: “Trust the Process” – Efficiency v. Effectiveness in Job Applications
A selective list of perfect positions at perfect institutions that perfectly match your interests, desires, and goals. A carefully crafted resume that describes in detail the work you have done to promote student development and engagement. A fine-tuned cover letter that shows how the institution’s needs, the position description, and your expertise are in perfect…
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Struggles in Searching: “What Kind of Musical Instrument Are You?” – Fluffy Interview Questions and Wasting Time
“If you were a musical instrument, which one would you be and why?” “What superhero do you most identify with?” “If you could eat any meal for the rest of your life, what would it be?” “If you had $100 and a day off, what would you do with it?” We have all heard these…
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Struggles in Searching: “What is your Perfect Sunday?” – Describing Your Needs
Some of the most difficult questions I faced in my search were questions on my preferences. What did I want from an institution? How did I want to receive support from supervisors? What ideal office environment was I looking for? Why was I interested in a specific position, institution, city, regional area? What would my…
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Struggles in Searching: Conclusion
I did not set out in this to provide solutions to the problems I faced. Rather, I wanted to share my experiences with anyone out there who could benefit from hearing them. One of my biggest supporters in my most recent search was a member of my cohort that was going through a similar situation…
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Making America White Again
“The New Colossus” Not like the brazen giant of Greek fame, With conquering limbs astride from land to land; Here at our sea-washed, sunset gates shall stand A mighty woman with a torch, whose flame Is the imprisoned lightning, and her name Mother of Exiles. From her beacon-hand Glows world-wide welcome; her mild eyes command…