This program has been developmental in improving my ethics and practice as a professional in higher education, I am no longer a future professional,

but prepared with the tools to enter this practice. I have been able to keep my own passion and integrity in this developmental process while challenging myself in my development. Before starting this program I had strong instincts and passion for serving students. I have been able to reflect and develop my values and practice. Both LO3 and LO10 have been an integral aspect of this program and my development. I know that moving forward into a full time position, that I have the tools to serve students with a well-developed professional identity. I also recognize that this identity will continue to grow and change, because I see myself as a life-long learner. The SDA program has shown me how to find answers, how to critically think and seek ethical best practices.

My Professional Identity LO3 (Establishing and enhancing professional identity) I define in dimensions that balance authenticity and professional standards. As I reflect through my portfolio, being a life-long learner and searching for continual development is an important aspect of the way I wish to perform this work. In Adult Learning EDUC 513, I learned about adult educational theories, and most importantly I reflected on my own passion and ethic of learning. My Professional Development Plan (Artifact I) is an example this. It reflects my values and commitment to practices common in the field of higher education such as research and mentorship. I have brought my authentic self to this plan as well as professional expectations of practice. I want to serve students and my institution to the best of my ability including having a plan for future personal and professional development. I hope that this plan, which will be continually edited and revisited, will be an example of my professionalism in my practice.

Professional Colleagues Part of establishing my identity in this field includes making connections with colleagues and other professionals which includes building professional relationships who understand and respect my work. I have worked hard to improve my ability to network which I have challenged myself to do through Linkedin, internships and informational interviews with folks across the country. I have also been willing to seek out conferences to make connections and stretch my network. The professional development plan reflects this, but even more so, the letters of promise document my ability to build relationships in this field while also bringing my authentic self. The letters of promise (Artifact F) written by my current supervisor and coworker in Housing and Resident Life, reflect my connections to my colleagues and how I present in a professional work

capacity. As I look forward to graduation this letters inspire and guide me to improve and love this work. These colleagues have written about my values, the way I work with students, and my passion for this field. I have be authentically and professionally present in my current work.

My Professional Integrity and Leadership LO10 (Exhibiting professional integrity and ethical leadership in professional practice) I also define as a balance between authenticity and professional standards. I also understand ethical practice to include a critical and reflective practice. My Personal and Professional Mission Statements (Artifact A1and A2) are also reflective of my professional identity process through the SDA program. I entered this program with passion and a strong personal integrity. This has transferred over to the development of my mission statements and my daily practice as an Assistant Resident Director. I have experienced this development in ethics of supervision, attending and responding to student feedback, and serving students with marginalized identities. I have sought to reflect on my actions, consult with my supervisor and refer to student centered approaches and applications of theory when I am challenged by new situations. I am proud of these mission statements and the time I invested in reflection and learning through practice with my internships and graduate assistantship. The mission statements outline my integrity as a professional. Ethical development is a difficult process of development because it is difficult to measure and assess. As reflected in A1 and A2, I believe that taking care of myself is taking better care of my communities and the students that I serve, this reflects my ethical relativism (Perry, 1981). My self-care is just one example how I practice my ethics as a professional. I also believe in continual learning, consulting research and best practices, and considering issues of marginality and oppression in my work. These values will strengthen my practice because I have taken the time to reflect and question my integrity and professionalism of field. This alignment should be exemplified by both of my mission statements. My professional development plan (Artifact I) reflects this professional development and practice. It is part of my professional integrity to always be challenging myself and continually improving my practice. This plan takes my strengths and areas for growth into account and reflects the way I will enter into the higher education field.

Conclusion Overall, this program has been developmental and challenging for myself. I hope to continue pushing myself, being critical and applying myself to new ideas and research. My professional work and my work as a student have lead me to this point. In reflection I am amazed at the ways I have been

challenged and grown through the program. The SDA learning outcomes have influenced my development and are reflected in my artifacts. I am proud that my portfolio reflects who I will be as a practicing professional in higher education.