My extensive experience as an academic and study abroad advisor, as well as my work in Japanese Supplement School and the International Student Scholar Services Office, have reinforced my competency in student advising and support. I have developed strong listening, organizational, and goal-setting skills to help students from diverse backgrounds reflect, brainstorm, and set realistic goals. While I am aware of the need to strike a balance between appropriate support and avoiding over-intervention, my ongoing research on supporting marginalized international students will further enhance my knowledge and skills in this area. My interpersonal, group facilitation, and partnering abilities demonstrate my commitment to holistically supporting student development.

As a Graduate Assistant (GA) in the Office of Institutional Research, Effectiveness, and Planning (IREP), I had the opportunity to participate in a variety of assessments. As a member of the University Assessment Committee (UAC), I gained insight into fostering a culture of evidence and adherence to standards through feedback on each department's self-assessment. Through the opportunity to interpret and present the results of a peer review of retention rates on the Retention Advisory Board (RAB), I developed skills in interpreting, reporting, and utilizing evaluation results. This experience strengthened my ability to effectively communicate and utilize evaluation results in decision making. In addition, conducting my own researches outside of courses helped me develop practical skills in program evaluation, research methodology, and data analysis.

Having experienced being a minority, I am passionate about addressing institutional barriers faced by international students and creating a more inclusive environment. Through the application of theories such as critical race theory, I have become more aware of my role within systems of oppression, privilege, and power. My experiences at the University of Mississippi deepened my understanding of the challenges in my community, but I recognize the need to engage more actively with different units, departments, and agencies to influence and collaborate beyond my immediate sphere. To do so, I plan to focus on developing strategic relationships and collaborative skills. While I am capable of incorporating my knowledge of inequity and social justice frameworks into my daily work, I aim to further enhance my skills in designing and implementing programs that actively promote social justice and inclusion. Additionally, I will work on building an active network of campus stakeholders to facilitate collective action and advocacy for meaningful change.

As someone passionate about racial identity development and the adaptation of international students, I am committed to improving student affairs and teaching practices based on the concepts and principles of student development and learning theory. Working with students as an undergraduate coordinator gave me an informal theory of their development. I felt this was not enough to contribute to student success, so I decided to pursue graduate study in higher education. Studying student development theories and models and their application to diverse student populations at the University of Mississippi has deepened my understanding of student development and deepened my passion for the field. During my time in the University of Mississippi, I organized and participated in seminars on topics like cultural competency and academic success strategies, demonstrating my ability to create programs based on learned theories. Additionally, my involvement in assessment of critical thinking skills based on the Quality Enhancement Plan at IREP has equipped me with the skills to properly assess and evaluate the effectiveness of learning and teaching opportunities.

I am experienced in managing social media and ensuring the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) compliance, quickly integrating new technology, and providing IT support. However, I recognize the need to develop my skills in understanding technology-related policies that may perpetuate inequities. To address this, I plan to expand my knowledge of policy implications, participate in professional online networking, and continue supporting the integration of technology in educational settings, allowing me to influence change and promote social justice. My experience providing IT support and encouraging student use of new technology has equipped me with the ability to anticipate problems and develop proactive strategies. I also have experience using and protecting electronic data in compliance with legal and ethical standards. Moving forward, I aim to increase my knowledge of technology-related policies and practices that favor certain groups, and develop the ability to change social structures. Additionally, I have managed the department's social media presence and assisted faculty and students with the transition to online classes during the pandemic, but seek to cultivate a stronger professional digital identity and presence.