How Did You Get Involved With Student Affairs? A NUFP Story

How did you get involved with student affairs?

My story began sophomore year at Oregon State University. I had just attended a Racial Aikido, an intergroup racial identity retreat. I spent a weekend learning about privilege, intersecting identities, how to respond to racism, and how to promote dialogue about race on campus.

I was tired.

I was enlightened.

I was confused.

I was curious.

One of the facilitators noticed my moments of panic and moments of clarity at the retreat. She noticed my interest in promoting diversity education and knew my involvement as a student leader on campus.

Her name was Wendy Aleman.   

She met with me after the retreat, and we talked about everything – majors, dining hall food, hobbies, weekend plans, and career paths. She recognized my interests in education and working with underserved students. She knew I was a student leader before I recognized that in myself.

She nominated me for NASPA NUFP (NASPA undergraduate Fellows Program). NUFP is a semi-structured mentorship program for students from historically underrepresented and disenfranchised backgrounds to explore careers in higher education and student affairs. 

Wendy Aleman introduced me to the world of student affairs. 

Now I want you to answer the question - who are your student leaders? Share the world of student affairs with these leaders by nominating and nominate a student for NUFP today!

Fall NUFP application are due October 31, 2016. For more information about the program contact [email protected] or refer to the NUFP website. 

Sophie Wilson serves as the Residential Experience Coordinator for INTO Oregon State University. She coordinates the Global Village Living-Learning Community, and supports the international student on-campus housing and dining experience. You can contact her at [email protected].