My educational mission statement is one that is constantly evolving. When I started the PASA program, I had a larger vision of changing the world, making an impact, and being a lifelong learner. While those stay true today, I have shifted some of my ideals and values towards centralizing on certain populations such as Asian Pacific Islander students, first-generation college students, and international students. Some of these student populations stem from my past experiences of working with them, and having recognized the level of influence I have placed onto their lives.
The sense of pride and ownership I have taken in my work is constantly reflected in my current graduate assistantships, as well as the papers I write for my courses. I started graduate school without a clear focus on which student population or functional area I wanted to work in. As I moved forward in the program and explored different functional areas, I have found my niche and passion for working particularly with international students. I have learned the importance of applying theory to practice, and I strive to continue making an impact in my community today.