For my engaged learning experience I worked for IUPUI’s Center for Transfer and Adult Students (CTAS). As I work at the front desk on the third floor of Taylor Hall I answered incoming calls, addressed incoming emails, assisted in the check in process, and was an in-person resource for transfer and adult students. This experience was particularly important to me because my goal is to work within higher education. In participating I was able to develop communication and writing skills as well as gain a better understanding of how Indiana University operates. 

In doing this experience, I noticed that the work I was doing supported what I was learning in class. While completing this experience I took part in two classes entitled Professional Writing Skills and Human Behavior in Organizations. The goal of Professional Writing Skills was to provide research and solutions for an organizational problem. In both this class and in my work with CTAS, I developed the ability to be concise. In addition, I gained understanding how to interact professionally with my peers, and gained an understanding of problems contributing to a positive work environment. Human Behavior in Organizations taught why and how humans interact with each other in a work environment. In both this class and my work with CTAS I gained an understanding of what great leadership looks like and what factors contribute to positive peer relationships. CTAS also allowed me a greater understanding of how IUPUI’s advising department works and the struggles that some students face. I learned that IU has qualities of a workplace that I would do well in, and that advising in addition to disability advocacy is a department I enjoyed. This caused me to shift my goal from solely disability advocacy to higher education broadly. 

I worked with current and prospective transfer and adult students. Transfer students are students who began their collegiate journey at another institution. Adult students are students who are older than twenty-four and pursuing their first undergraduate degree. Most often, I served this community by being a friendly face and a facilitator. I was there to answer questions they had, either by phone, by email, or in-person. I was there to guide them in scheduling advising appointments and through the process of applying to IUPUI. I was also responsible for setting up, tearing down, and participating in the running of tabling events. This provided me with a better opportunity to connect with students and create a better support network for them. 

I gained the ability to manage multiple forms of communication at once. Working at CTAS, it was my responsibility to respond to all phone calls and emails. In addition to this, I was responsible for checking students in for their appointments and in-person questions. At times, I would be in the middle of writing an email, speaking with someone on the phone, or checking someone in when another student attempted to contact the office. At first, figuring out how to prioritize student inquiries was difficult. Over time, I gained the ability to assess my progress on the task at hand. Once I was able to do that, managing all forms of communication became easy. I was then able to answer all questions and create meaningful interactions with students. 

I do feel like I left an impact on the students I served. While their interactions with me were short, creating a welcoming environment was important to me. On multiple occasions I was told that my knowledge and kindness and willingness to find solutions greatly improved their experience. My experience working with CTAS was an overwhelmingly positive experience. Working with these students, who face barriers similar to my own, was incredibly meaningful as I was able to be a helping hand in them moving forward with their goals. I also found meaning in the community I built within and around CTAS. The work environment consisted of like-minded individuals whose goal was to help students. This experience confirmed for me that higher education is a place I will fit well in. 

Currently, my career goal is to work within higher education. I would like to work specifically within the advising, accessible education services, or multicultural education departments. Based on this experience, I will continue to work in my position with CTAS. I will also look for other opportunities to network and interact with the above departments. Since I love IU's culture, I will specifically be working toward a full time position at IUI. This position specifically has confirmed my interest in working within higher education. It has also opened up new avenues past accessibility for me to explore. I have already participated in the Multicultural Leadership and Empowerment Program this Spring. I will be applying for a position as a Multicultural Peer Educator for the 2024-2025 School Year. 

This experience was an excellent way to learn more about one department within higher education. I was able to build skills relating to the field. In addition, I was able to network with professionals in the field. From this networking, I have a better understanding of how to move forward with my goals and what qualities are best to exude to achieve the positions I strive to. I also gained experience working with a few departments at IUPUI. From that I have learned that IU’s culture as a whole is one that I love, and hope to be a part of post graduation.