OWHE Blog
Transformative Mentorship for Women of Color Dec 20 2018
Have you ever engaged in a mentorship relationship that transformed over time to meet your current needs as your personal and professional roles evolved and grew? For the three of us, Kim McAloney, Jenesis Long, and Janet Nishihara, we recognized that we had indeed engaged in a mentorship relationship that continued to transform and evolve. This blog details the research project we conducted on the mentorship experiences we, as three women of color at a predominantly white institutions (PWI) have co-created, that feel unique and different than the typical ‘mentorship’ we had heard of. Each of our relationships developed as a part of our academic and professional journey to the field of student affairs through programs such as NASPA’s Undergraduate Fellow Program (NUFP), OSU’s College Student Services Administration graduate program, and OSU’s Educational Opportunities Program (EOP).
Something Good Dec 6 2018
At least three topics were half-written and discarded since I decided to share on this blog. When I thought about things I am seeking myself as a woman, professional, and citizen, I could only think: “something comforting, something good.” I didn’t know how to write “goodness,” and then it occurred to me to share what I already have--my favorite self-development tools, study-break treats, and sparks for inspiration.
Travel Tips from Suzanna Nov 22 2018
Traveling for work can be a lot of fun, but it can also be exhausting, time consuming, and stressful. As the Director of Graduate Student Recruitment and Admissions, I travel extensively in the fall and with assistance from a colleague who travels exponentially more frequently (Thanks Ryan!), here are some tips to minimize the pain and maximize the benefits of traveling for work:
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Take time to plan ahead. When I’m planning a trip, Google Maps is my best friend, especially if I’m not familiar with the location I’m traveling to. Where’s my event located? Will I want to stay close by? Does it make more sense to stay closer to the airport if I’ll have to get to there during rush hour to make my flight?
Celebrating the Success of First-Generation College Students Nov 8 2018
One of the greatest accomplishments of my life was obtaining a college degree. While my parents did not attend college, they instilled in me the importance and value of education and learning. However, when it came time to navigate the college application process, I felt I was at a disadvantage. I was underprepared for standardized tests, uninformed about financial aid and scholarship opportunities, and wholly unaware about college’s academic and social culture.
With such limited understanding, I ended up applying only to one school, 20 minutes away from my hometown. I had never even visited the school prior to my acceptance. I attended summer orientation alone because I did not realize parents and family were invited. After a few months on campus, I quickly realized not only did I face challenges as the first in my family to attend college, but I was also a student of color on a predominantly white campus.
Q & A with Amanda Stanley Oct 25 2018
Q: Tell us a little about the journey that led you to your current role in higher education.
Brenna’s Journey of Growth in Higher Education Sep 6 2018
Struggling with shyness and anxiety as a child, I always envisioned myself in the medical field with the minimum amount of interpersonal contact (including, for a few years, a forensic pathologist!). My anxiety and self-confidence worsened as I found myself in an abusive relationship-turned-marriage at the age of 18. The following years were fairly dark - attempted suicides, flunking out of college, eating disorders, poverty and food insecurity, and general misery and despair. I withdrew even more from others for a variety of reasons, and rarely spoke with others unless I had to at work. While I had always been shy growing up, I was also very independent and opinionated; as anyone who has been in or known someone who has been in an abusive situation, you lose a lot of the essence of who you are.