the view from here
jaci sayen
No guarantees, but endless possibilities is how I view my future. For over two years, I have been waiting to earn a degree that will put me in a marketable position for an athletic administrative job, one that I have had my heart set on since college. Additionally, due to my learning experiences I have been able to apply various new skills to my current job and have grown an interest in the possibility of becoming involved in the kinesiology department as an adjunct instructor.
A degree is just the foundation; what I need is field
experience. My existing professional relationship with
Rick Atkinson, combined with the privilege of learning
from him in two courses in my Master of Arts in
Education (MAED) program, granted me a unique
opportunity to see a different side of my colleague. As
my instructor, he allowed me to simultaneously garner
support and guidance from him. He has said on
numerous occasions that I can volunteer alongside him
in order to gain the experience and knowledge
necessary to achieve my goal. His encouragement,
insight, and openness have proven to be an invaluable
asset that I am extremely grateful for.
The very first MAED course I took in the fall of 2012
set the tone for my post-baccalaureate, lifelong
learning journey. The course, EAD 801 Leadership and
Organizational Development, was led by Debbie
McFalone, a spirited and strong leader who inspired me
to become a better version of myself – both personally
by creating an “absolute no list,” and professionally
through building my brand as a trusted leader. Not only
did she build my confidence as a graduate student in
general, she also sparked my curiosity in teaching at the
collegiate level. Through an assignment where students
identified a board of directors of individuals who
influenced, or currently influence one’s values, I began
to see the resources around me that I may be able to
leverage as I progress on the path I have chosen. When the course concluded McFalone connected me with Nancy Colflesh, who introduced me to the idea of pursuing the Doctor of Educational Leadership. The College of Education’s website describes this program as “designed for educators and other practitioners who have aspirations for improving their own leadership practice, for developing leadership capacity within their organizations and communities, and for making significant contributions to their local communities and to the future of Michigan.” This is the perfect opportunity to keep learning and growing, and to officially become a formal educator.
Since starting the MAED program, I transitioned to a new position where I have been continuously learning the daily aspects of my job as well as the numerous regulatory and compliance codes our office often utilizes and references. Every year our office inspects building life safety systems (sprinkler systems, smoke/heat detectors, kitchen hood suppression systems) throughout the 26 residence halls and apartments on campus. To fully prepare for the aforementioned inspections, I have completed various trade-related courses offered through the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) that required an online examination for certification. Many of these courses are moving entirely online and I will be continuing to take at least one every year to keep up to date with the changing codes and regulations.
Another aspect of my new position is administering content of an online learning management system that is primarily used for required regulatory compliance training. As recently as last semester (Fall 2014) I was taking EAD 863 Training and Professional Development course and built a training program that I was able to present to my supervisor, who has since updated a health and safety best practices training course designed for new managers. Additionally, and concurrent with this capstone seminar, I have learned how to present information in a beautifully creative form by way of an infographic. After our office concluded our annual health and safety audits this past fall I presented the results to my supervisor using the platforms Easel.ly and Piktochart who provide free infographic templates. Both of these contributions made to my organization would not have been possible without the experiences and knowledge gained from my master’s program.
As I close out my master’s degree, it has become more evident over time that I have an insatiable hunger for new learning and developmental opportunities and intend to relentlessly pursue them. I have undoubtedly added to my versatility and educational development with the ability to use new forms of technology, including creating this website. In the years to come I will apply my knowledge and skills by continuously developing the training programs our office provides being acutely aware of the learning styles of participants through identifying and catering to their needs. I plan to pursue a Doctor of Educational Leadership to potentially become an instructor at the collegiate level in an effort to be as impactful as some of the great teachers that I had along the way. Most importantly, I am interested in working with collegiate student athletes that are in need of guidance but may not know it yet or how to ask for it. There is no slowing down for me and I realize now, more than ever, that I have the ability to do great things with my degree and with added confidence will attempt to fulfill these aspirations. With my recent induction into The Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi, I must continue to fulfill its motto which is to "let the love of learning rule humanity" and guide my life.