Quarterly Reflections
Quarterly Reflections
here are my one year quarterly reflection in LHE ;)
Autumn 2023
Embarking on the dual journey as a full-time student in the University of Washington's Leadership in Higher Education (LHE) program and as a full-time Guided Pathways Navigator at Renton Technical College (RTC) has marked a significant, albeit challenging, new chapter in my life. This reflection delves into the integration of my academic learning with my professional experiences, highlighting how both environments have contributed to my personal and professional development.
Adapting to Dual Roles
This quarter was particularly intense as I adapted to the dual demands of being a full-time student and a full-time professional in higher education. The transition was overwhelming at times, balancing rigorous coursework with the responsibilities at RTC. However, this challenge also provided a unique opportunity to directly apply classroom theories to my workplace challenges and vice versa, enriching both my academic and professional experiences.
Learning Experiences and Key Moments
My coursework for the quarter included EDLPS 558: Introduction to Qualitative Research Methods in Education, EDLPS 580: The American College and University, EDLPS 586: Navigating the P-20 Pipeline, and EDLPS 598: Special Topics in Higher Education. Each class offered deep insights, yet it was during my internship where I encountered a key moment—applying educational theories to real-world scenarios at RTC, which primarily focuses on technical education, a topic less commonly discussed in traditional higher education frameworks.
Reflection on Learning Moment
Integrating qualitative research methods into my RTC projects transformed my perspective on data and its role in educational effectiveness. This shift in perception was pivotal, fostering a newfound respect for qualitative insights into student experiences. Additionally, bringing discussions about technical colleges into academic settings like EDLPS 580 highlighted the diversity of educational models and broadened the discourse on what constitutes higher education, enhancing my and my peers' understanding.
Impact on Professional Practice
The dual immersion in academic and professional settings this quarter has enabled me to better understand the intricacies of higher education and effectively contribute to RTC's mission. This has prepared me for more informed decision-making and leadership, particularly in environments that may not traditionally align with the mainstream discourse of higher education.
Development of Core Competencies
This quarter, I notably advanced in several LHE core competencies:
Applying student development theories in a technical college setting, enhancing student success and engagement at RTC.
Understanding dynamic institutions, using course frameworks to navigate and contribute to RTC's transformation.
Leadership and management, improving through practical leadership and strategic planning experiences at my internship.
The first quarter of 2023 was as challenging as it was rewarding, marking the beginning of a significant transformation in my professional life. The ability to intertwine the theoretical knowledge from my LHE program with practical applications at RTC not only deepened my understanding of the unique role of technical colleges in higher education but also empowered me to contribute more effectively to both academic and workplace discussions. As I continue with my studies and professional duties, I look forward to further developing these insights and skills, ready to face new challenges and opportunities with a more integrated approach to educational leadership.
Winter 2024
The Winter quarter of 2024 represented a period of transition and deeper self-discovery within my dual roles as a student in the University of Washington's Leadership in Higher Education (LHE) program and as a Guided Pathways Navigator at Renton Technical College (RTC). This reflection focuses on the theme of leadership as explored through my coursework and its practical applications at my workplace.
Evolving Identity and Leadership
As I settled into my roles, this quarter was pivotal in shifting my perspective from merely adapting to actively leading. The courses I took, particularly EDLPS 565: Race, Equity, and Leading Educational Change, and EDLPS 588: Leadership and Management in Higher Education, were instrumental in this transformation. They not only provided the theoretical underpinnings of leadership but also practical approaches to enacting change and advocating for equity within the educational sector.
Coursework Insights and Integration
EDLPS 520: Education as a Moral Endeavor emphasized the ethical responsibilities inherent in educational leadership, shaping my understanding of my role not just as a job but as a commitment to moral stewardship.
EDLPS 565 and EDLPS 588 directly addressed the core of leadership and management. These courses helped me view my work at RTC not just as administrative but as a chance to be a transformative leader who advocates for systemic change, focusing on equity and inclusion.
EDLPS 579: Special Topics in Organizational and Policy Analysis and EDLPS 596: Secondary Data Analysis provided me with the tools to better understand and analyze the institutional dynamics and data at RTC, enhancing my decision-making skills.
EDLPS 601: Internship continued to be a ground for applying these insights, allowing me to experiment with leadership styles and strategies in real-world settings.
Reflection on Learning Moment
A significant learning moment occurred when I applied concepts from EDLPS 565 in a leadership meeting at RTC, advocating for more inclusive policies. This experience was not only a practical application of my learning but also a test of my emerging leadership identity. It underscored the importance of voice and influence in leadership roles, especially in settings that traditionally might not focus on issues of race and equity.
Impact on Professional Practice
This quarter has slowly reshaped my professional identity, encouraging me to take on leadership responsibilities with more confidence and purpose. The knowledge and skills gained are now being used to influence policies and practices at RTC, aiming at a more equitable educational environment. This aligns with the LHE core competency of effectively leading within higher education through strategic and informed decision-making.
Development of Core Competencies
This quarter, I developed several LHE core competencies, notably:
Leadership and management in higher education: Enhanced through active engagements in leadership roles and strategic decision-making at RTC.
Commitment to professional development: Strengthened by my continuous learning and application of educational theories in leadership practices.
The Winter quarter was transformative, marking a shift from adapting to leading. My academic experiences provided a solid foundation of knowledge, which I have begun to apply in my professional life at RTC. As I move into the next quarter, I am eager to continue this journey, further integrating and refining the leadership skills necessary to advocate for and implement meaningful change in the field of higher education.
Spring 2024
Spring 2024 Reflection – Final Quarter at UW
As I conclude my journey at the University of Washington's Leadership in Higher Education (LHE) program this Spring quarter, it has been a period of significant achievement and reflection. This final quarter not only deepened my understanding of higher education through complex coursework but also marked a pivotal transition from student to full-time educational leader at Renton Technical College (RTC).
Comprehensive Academic Engagement
During this quarter, my coursework included EDLPS 585: Resource Allocation in Higher Education, EDLPS 590 A: Student Populations and Experiences in Higher Education, EDLPS 593: Assessment and Evaluation in Higher Education, and EDLPS 535: Historical Inquiry in Education Research. Each of these courses equipped me with critical skills and knowledge that enhanced my practical and strategic capabilities, particularly in managing resources and understanding diverse student needs.
Strategic Applications and Professional Growth
A defining moment this quarter was leveraging the strategic resource management techniques from EDLPS 585 during RTC's critical budget revisions, ensuring that our allocations directly supported our core educational missions. The insights gained from EDLPS 590 A about diverse student populations have been instrumental in reshaping our student services to be more inclusive and supportive.
Final Reflections and Future Directions
This quarter, more than any other, has required me to synthesize and apply my cumulative learning in a meaningful way, preparing me for my future role in higher education leadership. As I transition out of my student role, I carry with me not just the knowledge from my LHE program, but also a profound commitment to applying these insights to create impactful and lasting changes in higher education.
Anticipating New Challenges
As I look forward to my professional future, I am excited to apply the comprehensive skills I have developed at UW. My understanding of assessment and evaluation from EDLPS 593 will continue to influence how we measure success and implement improvements at RTC. Meanwhile, the historical perspectives from EDLPS 535 will inform my approach to future challenges and opportunities in the education sector.
Conclusion
Reflecting on my time at the University of Washington, I am immensely grateful for the opportunities to grow both intellectually and professionally. As I close this chapter, I am eager to embark on the next phase of my career with confidence and a solid foundation in leadership, ready to advocate for and implement transformative changes in higher education.