La Nueva Profesional Latina: Taking my first steps

Written By Yaileimy 'Jamie' Rodriguez
Syracuse University

About two years ago I attended my first NASPA conference where I began to connect with the Latino/a Knowledge Community and now have been given the opportunity to share with you my experience as a new professional in the field.

Born in Panama, I moved to the states at age five. After living in New York City until I turned 13, a big move was made to Homestead, Florida located south of Miami.
In April 2010 I was offered the Residence Director position at Syracuse University in the Office of Residence Life.

As my family and I drove the 1,408 miles from Miami, to Syracuse, NY, I recalled a conversation I had with a friend two years ago. I kept telling her, “ I just want to know.”
What was I so curious about? While my friends graduated from undergrad at Florida International University and went on to their first ‘real world’ job, I was starting my graduate assistantship and still unclear of when my ‘real word’ life would begin. It felt as if my life would be on a stand still for the next two years.

Here I am a recent graduate of the College Student Affairs program at Nova Southeastern University where I worked as the Graduate Assistant of Housing, and I now know where my ‘real world’ job will be and more or less where I want to head as a student affairs professional. Luckily, I was able to get over the feeling of having my life on pause and instead look around to see the opportunities I was being given while doing my grad work.

In those two years I was provided the opportunity to develop true knowledge and foundational skills that I know will come in handy as I begin my first full time position. Therefore, my first advice to share with others who are fresh out of undergrad and starting their grad work in student affairs is, “ there is no rush.”

With this in mind, as I start training for my new position- I wonder what seasoned professionals wish they knew as they started their first full time position in student affairs. Any advice?