I always knew I wanted to work in education. Education was always something I was passionate about. I knew I was lucky; there are a lot of people in the world who don’t get the education I do. I have the privilege of getting a free education from Pre-K through 12th grade. And I have the privilege of being able to pay (through my own pocket or loans) for a post-secondary education-- including a Master’s degree…eventually. My first deadline for graduate school is December 1, 2016. That’s 7 months away, give or take. I’m absolutely terrified but excited at the same time. I can’t wait to help students the same way people helped me

I currently work three jobs on campus during the semester, and one--maybe two?--on campus over the summer. During the semester, I am a writing tutor and a subject tutor. I am also a First Year Mentor (FYM) for Salem State University’s First Year Experience (FYE) office. This job flipped my life upside down--or better yet, right side up. I started my college career as an Elementary Education major, with a second major in English Literature. Then, I dropped Elementary Education and stayed with my English major. I added a Secondary Education minor, I decided I wanted to teach middle school. After a few months I wanted to teach high school, then I found my home in Higher Education and Student Affairs (HESA).

My first year at Salem State wasn’t great. It wasn’t terrible, but it definitely could have been better. I took way too many classes, I was always stressed, and I felt secluded from my community. Luckily, FYE was there for me. They probably don’t even remember when I came to them in tears, and someone took me outside and talked with me for over an hour. I didn’t go back until my sophomore year when I applied to be an Office Assistant.

Working for FYE is amazing. I work for great people, and I do great work. They’re my second family.

Since then, I’ve realized that HESA is my calling. I get the chance to work with students in a variety of ways, who are all from a variety of different backgrounds and in a variety of situations. I’ve had an impeccable mentor who has guided me to HESA and has helped me become the best HESA professional I can be at this time. When people ask me why I don’t want to teach my answer is simple: I found my home.