Advisor of the month: August 2023

What do you enjoy about your role in advising?
I enjoy being the first line of defense for students. As they work through the array of situations they encounter throughout their academic careers, I enjoy being a safe space and point of contact to aid them in getting the most out of their college experience, academically and otherwise.

In what ways have you contributed to advising in your department/area?
As a former high school teacher, I've brought a polished skillset to advising in meeting students where they are, because I was just teaching where they were prior to their acceptance to Virginia Tech. Additionally, I have taken what was effective as a high school teacher and modified it to be a boon for advising. I have even begun working on a CMDA Helpdesk to both synthesize and disseminate information to students efficiently.

What advice would you give to other professionals who want to a make a difference in the life of their students?
It may seem a bit on the nose, but caring about student issues is at the core of what we do. They may not always approach issues with grace or humility, but they are real issues, and often we can help quell the biggest storms in our students' lives.