In my specific field of International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS), my first year in the field of higher education will

require that I become an expert in the various technologies involved in the roles as Designated School Official and/or Alternate Responsible Officer. This process will involve mastery of the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) and extensive knowledge of regulations implemented by the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). I predict that my first year will be building upon my foundational knowledge of these technologies and databases, as well as more interaction with students through advising international students and possibly supervising in-office student workers. As I gain more confidence in advising students on regulations and building relationships with them, I will then have the chance to focus on intentionally implementing my knowledge and skills in student development theories, listening and counseling skills and general advocacy for international students at my institution others in the United States. My action plan for continued professional development in the field of higher education is based upon my desire to continually learn and gain as much knowledge as possible. The daily action will be to read publications such as The Chronicle of Higher Education and regularly visit the on-line news section of NAFSA: Association of International Educators. I will also maintain close connections and relationships with my colleagues from the Masters in Higher Education program. We will all be new professionals at universities across the nation and we have been a support system for each other over the past two years, why stop these relationships after graduation? The career aspirations I share with my colleagues have supported the cultivation of strong friendships that will serve as a network of support as we are learning how to navigate our new roles and environments. I also plan to continually build my professional network as a member-leader in NAFSA. After graduation I foresee having more time to dedicate to a

leadership role in this organization which will strengthen my commitment to the field and advocacy for students. Finally, my next educational aspiration is to either earn a second masters degree in multicultural communication or potentially a doctorate in higher education or an internationally focused program. I think it is critical to my growth as a professional that I continue to learn and especially improve my knowledge in new cultures and possibly even a third language. If I do not earn another formal degree after May 7, 2014, I plan to always be enrolled in a class in my effort to continuously improve as a professional and global citizen. As professionals in higher education we unconditionally support our students, but we also demand a great deal from them and I think it is important for us to lead by example and ensure that we are always educating ourselves.