Advisor of the month: July 2017

What do you enjoy about your role in advising?
I am thankful to have the opportunity to be a source of encouragement and positivity in what is often a difficult transitional period in my students' lives. Working with students who have not yet decided on a major allows me to help students discover who they are as individuals and empower them to use their specific talents to make their own contributions to the world. It's an amazing feeling to celebrate their successes with them.

In what ways have you contributed to advising in your department/area?
In my eighteen months in my role, I have been tasked in several different ways to look closely at how we are affecting students in a positive way and how we can expand our reach. I was deeply inspired by my participation in the Appreciative Advising Institute this year and it has provided a framework for my contributions. I am currently coordinating an initiative in University Studies to improve our developmental processes with our advisees, taking a close look at our procedures and with the implentation of new tools in advising. I co-created and manage our department's social media. Lastly, I am a member of the inaugural Advising Ambassador team. I am so excited to be a part of the Virginia Tech community!

What advice would you give to other professionals who want to a make a difference in the life of their students?
All students have unique gifts and abilities. Help your students to find and celebrate what makes them who they are. Accomplishing this starts with shutting off distractions and giving our students our full attention!