What brought you to VCU?
After living in Atlanta for nearly six years, we moved home to the Richmond area to be closer to family. Upon our return, I worked in admissions overseeing recruitment initiatives at my alma mater (Longwood University), however, during that year I began to miss advising more than I anticipated. So, I set my sights on getting back into it and VCU had the perfect spot for me within CHS-sciences advising. It has been great getting back into a diverse and vibrant campus community and connecting with students at the advising level.
Can you describe what you currently do in your role at VCU? What does your day-to-day look like?
I tell all of my students that I am here to help with anything; I may not be able to directly solve their problem, but I can connect them with the correct resource(s) and support them. I think that is the best way to summarize what we do in advising.
At the baseline, I ensure my students are following degree requirements, and understand their options within those requirements. But, it goes far beyond that...I serve as the first line for my students; if they are struggling to attend class, I help them navigate that issue. If they are unsure of how to manage their time or study properly, I have a conversation about study habits and research-based study techniques (and strongly encourage them to see the academic coaches!). Most often, there are many outside issues that impact a student's ability to be successful in the classroom.
I am here to listen, offer support and guide them to the correct resources on campus to ensure they have a strong support system for optimal success here at VCU. In between those conversations, I am auditing degree candidates, assisting with commencement plans for all three of my departments, and offering various levels of support to our faculty, to name a few.
"I tell all of my students that I am here to help with anything; I may not be able to directly solve their problem, but I can connect them with the correct resource(s) and support them."
Tell us about the things you are most passionate about.
At work: helping students navigate the various "speed bumps" they may face, helping them reach goals and find new levels of success, specifically interested in the unique challenges that high-achieving students face.
Outside of work: my family, running/yoga/weight-lifting, reading, and I am a skincare nerd. I love reading about the science behind it all.
What is your proudest accomplishment?
Managing to work full-time and raise two little ones alongside my husband. It lends to a pretty hectic life day-to-day but somehow, most days at least, we seem to pull it off...I think? :)
Tell us something about yourself that would surprise people.
I am a yearbook nerd. I went to yearbook camp in high school and now I am making the yearbook for my daughter's elementary school. I can get lost in page layout and design for hours.