October is Careers in Student Affairs Month! To celebrate, the Office of Student Life is highlighting staff members from different departments. Learn more about each staff member and their Student Life journey by reading the spotlights below.
Harrison Damm
Office for Sexual Violence Prevention and Victim Advocacy
Harrison Damm is a Confidential Victim Advocate in the Office for Sexual Violence Prevention and Victim Advocacy. Harrison has worked at IU in the Student Affairs field for 11 months.
What’s one specific moment or story that sticks out to you and shows why you enjoy working in Student Affairs/Life?
“There are many moments that stick out to me regarding my enjoyment of working in Student Affairs, but anytime I am able to connect with a student, whether working with them individually, tabling at an event, or educating in a classroom environment is where I find the most enjoyment in my work. In particular, our office has a great prevention program called In Their Shoes that offers our students the opportunity to follow a hypothetical Indiana University student’s journeys through a traumatic event they have experienced. Having people engage with this educational experience and interact with their thoughts on this difficult topic is an exceptional opportunity.”
What advice do you have for those looking to work in the field of Student Affairs/Life?
“I have not been in the field for very long, so my experience and advice-giving ability is limited. With this in mind, I would say that if you can maintain the value of keeping your students’ best interest in mind while meeting them where they are at, then you have a much greater opportunity to find success in Student Affairs.”
Kade Padgett
Accessible Educational Services
Kade Padgett is an Access Coordinator in Accessible Educational Services. Kade has worked at IU professionally for one year, but seven years in total. Kade has worked in the Student Affairs field for four years, two as a professional and two as a student leader.
What’s one specific moment or story that sticks out to you and shows why you enjoy working in Student Affairs/Life?
“In my first year as a professional, I worked extensively with a student who was going through a series of personal challenges due to severe illness among family members. The student was in need of documentation to receive services and we had worked for months together to get them set up with a provider while running into drawbacks that extended the process. Ultimately, through working with the student, we were able to get them tested, set up with accommodations, and develop a working relationship that helped the student learn vital life skills as they transitioned into adulthood. What made this experience so memorable was that I received a note months later from the student’s mother, who shared with me how deeply she and her family appreciated all the help that I provided to their student in a trying time. It’s moments like these that solidify to me why I do the work I do and it makes coming into work something I look forward to.”
What advice do you have for those looking to work in the field of Student Affairs/Life?
“Going into Student Affairs is not for the faint of heart! If you want to support students, the best way you can do so is by learning to support yourself and those around you first. If you are not well, then it can make supporting another individual much more difficult. Learn to set boundaries with yourself personally and professionally, and invest some time into personal development.”
Is there anything else about working in this field that you would like to share with others?
“Working in Student Affairs has helped me grow and expand so much as a person, and really showed me that my potential to grow and learn did not stop with my master’s degree. I am really excited to see where my career takes me and I hope that I can make a lasting impact on students and staff alike!”
Jada Tompkins
Office of Sorority and Fraternity Life
Jada Tompkins is the Assistant Director of the Office of Sorority and Fraternity Life. Jada has worked at IU for one year and three months, but she has worked in the Student Affairs/Life field for three years.
What’s one specific moment or story that sticks out to you and shows why you enjoy working in Student Affairs/Life?
“One of my fondest memories of working in the field has been the rapport and relationships I’ve established with the students. This stems from lessons learned from my FSA during my undergraduate years. Servicing the entirety of a student is looking past their leadership title and seeing them for who they truly are. Many student leaders that I’ve met have told me the impact of my compassion in their lives. While others may view what I do as a job, it is an honor to show up in this way. Though I am young in the field, I’ve already seen how much a caring advisor means to a student. I am overjoyed I’ve been able to have the same impact on the student leaders I’ve been fortunate enough to meet on my journey as the key players in my collegiate career had on me. My office is a collection of keepsakes and memories from the students I’ve connected with over the years.”
What advice do you have for those looking to work in the field of Student Affairs/Life?
“Many people will stumble into this work, but when it finds you my advice is to lean in. Take every opportunity to learn from others in the field around you. Shop around when it comes to your interests. I view Student Affairs in the same way I view collegiate leadership, there is always a hat you can try on and it’s bound to fit. Don’t limit your exploration to what it is you’ve normally done. Your skillsets can be an asset to many functional areas.”
Is there anything else about working in this field that you would like to share with others?
“There are days when the work may require more, but there is never a day that passes that you don’t have an impact on the future. We are all pouring into the cups that can turn into engaged alumni and proud Hoosiers.”
Jenna Chase
Office for Sexual Violence Prevention and Victim Advocacy
Jenna Chase is a Confidential Victim Advocate for the Office for Sexual Violence Prevention and Victim Advocacy. Jenna has worked at IU in the Student Affairs field for a year and five months.
What’s one specific moment or story that sticks out to you and shows why you enjoy working in Student Affairs/Life?
“Moments that stick out to me include working with students in crisis. My intervention as one of the many support people on campus and the Office of Student Life resources I am able to offer students can create monumental and positive change in a student’s life. Student Affairs gives me the opportunity and the tools I need to provide stability for students at a very critical point in their lives. Contributing to a student’s safety and emotional well-being is a huge part of why I enjoy working in Student Affairs.”
What advice do you have for those looking to work in the field of Student Affairs/Life?
“My advice for those looking to work in Student Affairs includes prioritizing the student while recognizing the student’s needs will vary. Students have different cultural backgrounds, life experiences, and levels of trust when it comes to big institutions like IU. It is important to adapt so that each student feels uniquely supported and heard.”
Is there anything else about working in this field that you would like to share with others?
“Working in Student Affairs has provided me the unique experience of working one-on-one with students to offer that interpersonal support while simultaneously collaborating with campus partners to make concrete change happen for students.”
Crystal Hempstead
Center for Veteran and Military Students
Crystal Hempstead is the Senior Assistant Director for Outreach and Support at the Center for Veteran and Military Students. Crystal has worked at IU in the Student Affairs field for two years and one month.
What’s one specific moment or story that sticks out to you and shows why you enjoy working in Student Affairs/Life?
“My absolute favorite moments, because I have the pleasure of reliving this with various students every year, is when you first meet a brand new terrified freshman and then run into them a year (or multiple years) later. They grow in confidence, seem to really find their identities, and flourish. Witnessing personal growth and knowing the Student Life team gets to promote and assist in that growth is very rewarding.”
What advice do you have for those looking to work in the field of Student Affairs/Life?
- “There is never a lack of need. A self-care plan is crucial.”
- “Someone at IU already does that and it’s their job, find them and ask for help! The Student Life team loves to help each other, but you need to ask us or we won’t know.”
- “Step out of your office and mingle sometimes. It’s easy to get jaded when you’re swamped.”
- “Lastly, do you want innovation, creativity, or just something to smile about? Go talk to students. They’re doing amazing things and normally love talking about it.”
Is there anything else about working in this field that you would like to share with others?
“Enjoy the journey, go to the student event and be the only “old person” there, we literally have the chance to live college life with great humans every day!”
Stay tuned all throughout October for more staff spotlights!
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