October is Careers in Student Affairs Month! To celebrate, the Office of Student Life is highlighting staff members from different teams and departments. Learn more about each staff member and their Student Life journey by reading the spotlights below.
Missy Godsey
Office of Student Life Finance
Missy is a Finance Specialist for Office of Student Life Finance. Missy has worked at IU and in the Student Life field for 30 years.
What’s one specific moment or story that sticks out to you and shows why you enjoy working in Student Life?
“For many years I have helped to advise and mentor some of our student organizations in the area of finance. Being able to help them take an idea and make it a reality while supporting and challenging them, as well as ensuring appropriate and efficient compliance with IU policies and procedures, has been very rewarding. The real rewarding moment, though, is seeing your former students succeed and having them come back to campus and stop in just to say hi.”
What advice do you have for those looking to work in the field of Student Life?
“To quote a former colleague of mine, ‘Every interaction between another human being is a chance to teach and learn.’ Take that to heart! Not only do we mentor and develop students, but they do the same with us.“
Is there anything else about working in this field that you would like to share with others?
“Ultimately, we all are here to serve students and sometimes our roles don’t always allow us to see that end result. If you are working in Student Life, your role matters and students are better because of it!”
Anna Krause
Office of Student Conduct
Anna is the Director of the Office of Student Conduct. Anna has worked at IU and in the Student Life field for eight years.
What’s one specific moment or story that sticks out to you and shows why you enjoy working in Student Life?
“The highlights in my career have been those where I worked with campus partners to create new initiatives and programs. In 2015, I worked with the Groups Scholars program staff to develop a Groups Scholars Conduct Board, integrating Scholars into the conduct process to promote peer accountability. Now, 9 years later, the board is flourishing. Watching the success of the students, the learning that occurs in those meetings, and the long lasting impact of the Board has been unmatched.”
What advice do you have for those looking to work in the field of Student Life?
“Take time to explore many different offices within Student Life before you settle on what you want to do. There are so many different roles that require different strengths and skills. If you don’t feel like the first office fits what you are looking for, try another because you never know what you may find.“
Jen Boes
Student Health Center
Jen is the Director of Nursing for the Student Health Center. Jen has worked at IU and the Student 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 Life?
“Every time I connect with students and gain insight into their perspectives, it feels like a great day. I genuinely enjoy supporting their health and well-being, and it’s rewarding to witness their appreciation for that help.”
What advice do you have for those looking to work in the field of Student Life?
“For those looking to work in the field of Student Life, my advice is to prioritize building strong relationships with students. Listen to their needs and concerns, and be genuinely invested in their well-being. Stay adaptable and open-minded, as student needs can change rapidly. Engage with a variety of campus activities to understand the diverse student experience. Finally, don’t underestimate the importance of collaboration; work closely with colleagues and other departments to create a supportive community. Passion and empathy are key!”
Katharine Esarey
Counseling & Psychological Services
Katharine is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker for Counseling and Psychological Services. Katharine has worked at IU and in the Student 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 Life?
“It’s amazing to witness lightbulbs go off in students’ brains when they grasp a therapeutic concept or develop a newfound understanding and acceptance of something they may have struggled their whole lives to understand. This is especially powerful when it happens in a group setting, such as a psychoeducational outreach event. Seeing students’ interest, head nods and the moment something just “clicks”- it’s so very exciting and rewarding to witness.”
What advice do you have for those looking to work in the field of Student Life?
“Take the time to invest in learning who you are as soon as you can. My professional life took off in a more fulfilling, enjoyable, fun, and confident direction the more I learned to embrace and share my authentic self in my work with students. Social worker Brene Brown says connection is why we’re all here and that we are hardwired for it. The more we can show up authentically (which also means imperfectly), the deeper the connections we can foster with the students we serve.”
Is there anything else about working in this field that you would like to share with others?
“It really is such a privilege and honor to be trusted with developing a deep knowing of another person’s life, challenges, and triumphs – outside of this profession, we might not otherwise get access to such meaningful experiences.”
Thank you to everyone who submitted their stories for Careers in Student Affairs Month! We are so grateful for all that you do in Student Life.
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