DARIAN ABERNATHY
Pronouns: she/her/hers
Hometown: Hickory, North Carolina
Undergraduate Institution: The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Residential Student
Graduate Assistant, Fraternity & Sorority Life; SAHE Graduate Assistant, School of Education; Career Education Specialist, Career Center
Reason you chose SAHE: “When considering what I wanted out of a program, SAHE checked all of the boxes: Smaller cohort, prestige/ respectability/ creditability, emphasis on reflection, opportunities for research, opportunities for affordability, and social-justice focused. I struggled with justifying moving more than halfway across the country but ultimately reframed accepting my offer as a commitment to growth not only within the academic and paraprofessional design of the program but personally and emotionally. I am excited to expand my knowledge and network through the SAHE program, and I’ve trusted that the SAHE Administrators have selected some amazing humans for me to learn from and with along the journey.”
CAROLINA AVILA
Pronouns: she/her/ella
Hometown: Fort Collins, Colorado
Undergraduate Institution: Colorado State University
Residential Student
Career Education Graduate Assistant, Career Center
Reason you chose SAHE: “During my undergraduate years, I did a lot of self-exploration about who I am and what I genuinely wanted. I realized that I loved working for students and desired to help them navigate college. The SAHE program aligns with my goals of being an educator and mentor for underrepresented students by engaging in caring and culturally responsive relationships. I love that the program focuses on social justice and reflection.“
JORDYN BAKER
Pronouns: she/her/hers
Hometown: Wilmington, North Carolina
Undergraduate Institution: University of North Carolina – Wilmington
Residential Student
Assistant Residence Manager, University Housing
Reason you chose SAHE: “The reason I chose the SAHE program is because of my goals of becoming a Dean of Students or Chancellor one day. The SAHE program will be setting me up for the dream career I have in mind for myself. I also chose this program because it has been here for so long and is exactly what I was looking for.”
EMILY BARKER
Pronouns: she/her/ella
Hometown: Fort Collins, CO
Undergraduate Institution: University of Northern Colorado
Online Student
Reason you chose SAHE: “I recently changed career paths from K-12 teaching to working as an Academic Advisor at a community college. While I am enjoying it immensely, I have realized that there is much yet to learn if I want to continue in the field of student affairs and higher education! Several of my colleagues are graduates of the SAHE program and highly recommended it, and I was encouraged by the fact that they have part-time, online options for people who work full time like me. I love that the professors are working in the fields that they are teaching us about and that the whole program is centered around the reflective, scholar-practitioner model. I look forward to learning alongside students from a wide variety of backgrounds, and to gaining insight from their perspectives and experiences along the way as well.”
JOHN BATES
Pronouns: he/him/his
Hometown: Dayton, Ohio
Undergraduate Institution: The Ohio State University
Residential Student
Assistant Residence Director, University Housing
Reason you chose SAHE: “SAHE felt like the perfect program for me. Even at the start of the application process, I could tell that the SAHE program valued diversity, equity, and social justice as evidenced by the SAHE faculty, the course content, and the structure of the program. Coming here for interview days, there was a level of care demonstrated by the faculty and students for the interviewees that I think really separates the SAHE program from other student affairs programs. I distinctly remember faculty talking about the ethic of love and really connecting to that. Everything about SAHE felt unique. Also, it doesn’t hurt that Fort Collins is a beautiful area with nearby access to a lot of very cool spots to hike, amongst other outdoor activities.”
SUSAN BROWN
Pronouns: she/her/hers
Hometown:Hartford, Wisconsin
Undergraduate Institution: Colorado State University
Online Student
Recruitment Coordinator, College of Agricultural Sciences
Reason you chose SAHE: “From interacting with SAHE program grads throughout my time at CSU as an undergraduate student, I was able to discover higher education as my dream career pathway. When I found out I could complete the SAHE program online while gaining work experience at CSU, it all clicked together for me! I love being able to learn about theories or best practices in one of my classes and relating what I’m learning directly to my work in my role at CSU. The support of instructors, advisors, and classmates has made the online SAHE program truly amazing!“
MAGGIE BURKS
Pronouns: she/her/hers & they/them/theirs
Hometown: Grapevine, TX / Portland, OR
Undergraduate Institution: Lewis & Clark College
Residential Student
Graduate Assistant, Student Resolution Center
Reason you chose SAHE: “I chose SAHE because the program’s values of social justice and equity, reflection, and intellectual curiosity aligned with my own. SAHE seemed to not just talk about these values but actually live them out in practice. The faculty, staff, and students I interacted with throughout my interview process were down-to-earth, kind, and incredibly helpful. Even though i-days were virtual, I remember a lot of joy from folks I interacted with. It made me feel comfortable showing up as my authentic self. I knew this was a program that would challenge me, and it made me excited for the opportunity to learn and grow!”
EDGAR CARRENO
Pronouns: he/him/his
Hometown: Wenatchee, Washington
Undergraduate Institution: Central Washington University
Online Student
Residence Hall Manager, Center for Global Scholars – International Education
Reason you chose SAHE: “The reason I chose the SAHE program at Colorado State University was because of the atmosphere, it being a larger school than my undergraduate institution, as well as the faculty and staff. The connections I have made even before the program began with fellow SAHE students and faculty have contributed to my success within the program and connection to SAHE. The focus on the scholar-practitioner model was another reason for choosing this program.”
MICHAEL CHAPMAN
Pronouns: he/him/his
Hometown: Kansas City, Missouri
Undergraduate Institution: Missouri State University
Residential Student
Assistant Residence Director, University Housing
Reason you chose SAHE: “Out of the programs I applied to and interviewed for, SAHE’s academic approach to diversity, equity, inclusion, and justice felt the most genuine. I feel both challenged and celebrated here and I am super thankful I get to experience my graduate school journey at Colorado State! 
Also the mountains are so beautiful and they make me happy! <3“
HYDIE CHEUNG
Pronouns: she/her/hers
Hometown: Hong Kong
Undergraduate Institution: University of California, San Diego
Online Student
Reason you chose SAHE: “The wide aspects of topics within the SAHE program is not only highly valuable to student affairs professionals around the world, but also inspiring to us as higher education professionals. Aside from the interactive discussions with my peers, one of the best part of the program is to learn and grow from building your portfolio and establishing a close relationship with an adviser. It really opens up my world and reminds me why I want to continue working in this field.”
AMBER COX
Pronouns: she/her/hers
Hometown: Wichita, Kansas
Undergraduate Institution: Kansas State University
Residential Student
Assistant Residence Director, University Housing
Reason you chose SAHE: “CSU’s SAHE was appealing to me because of the evidence of support for it’s students and it’s student outcome goals. It was, and still is, obvious to me that this program cares about it’s students on more than a purely academic level- I feel valued inside and outside of the classroom for my own experiences and identities and everything that I can offer as a person; and I am confident that, when I graduate, I will have developed professional and personal skills that will guide me through a successful student affairs career.“
CILISHA DAWSON
Pronouns: she/her/hers
Hometown: Smithfield, North Carolina
Undergraduate Institution: University of North Carolina at Pembroke
Online Student
Elementary School Teacher, Freedom Elementary School
Reason you chose SAHE: “I chose SAHE because this program aligned with my goals of wanting to support students in higher education. Currently, as an elementary school teacher, I support students in helping them foster a love for learning, I want to continue to support students through their educational journey and through life in general. I am excited, after successfully completing this program, to connect with students on a different level of support and help them reach their career and educational goals.”
ALYSSA DEGALA
Pronouns: she/her/hers
Hometown: East Providence, Rhode Island
Undergraduate Institution: University of Rhode Island
Online Student
AP Psychology and Research Teacher, Nakornpayap International School
Reason you chose SAHE: “Although I’m just starting my program, choosing the SAHE program feels like the right choice already. What has drawn me to their program was their commitment of theory-to-practice teaching styles. They care about student’s personal growth by focusing on the skills needed to be career ready from graduation on. They are driven to make sure students, even in their online program learn through application with internships and assignments.”
NALLELY DOMINGUEZ HOLGUIN
Pronouns: she/her/ella
Hometown: Thornton, Colorado
Undergraduate Institution: University of Colorado Boulder
Residential Student
Assistant Residence Director, University Housing
Reason you chose SAHE: “During I-Days I was impressed with the faculty and staff, the passion for their work showed in the conversations I had with them. As I spent time with my potential cohort I was excited to continue to work with them and build connections. On top of having a good I-Days experience the values of the SAHE program align with mine and I love the emphasis on social justice and reflection. SAHE also offers an assistantship to get real world experience in the field while attending school. As a Latina coming into a PWI I knew SAHE would be a perfect place for me where I would feel supported and encouraged to grow.“
MEGHAN HADDY
Pronouns: she/her/hers
Hometown: St. Paul, Minnesota
Undergraduate Institution: University of Northern Iowa
Residential Student
Coordinator of Student Engagement, Adult Learner & Veteran Services
Reason you chose the SAHE Program: “After graduating from my undergrad, I worked in international education at the North American Office of the International Summer School at the University of Oslo for three years. There were some professional development opportunities but I wanted greater personal growth and development. Looking at grad schools, I knew I wanted to grow in my ability to support non-traditional and underrepresented students so both the SAHE program and working within ALVS gave me that opportunity. At I-days, the current students, faculty, and staff within the SAHE program, were genuine, caring, and honest. They also demonstrated that they actually followed some of the values set forth by the program. These two things drew me to the program even more..”
CHELSEA HAPNER
Pronouns: she/her/hers
Hometown: Zeeland, Michigan
Undergraduate Institution: Hope College
Online Student
Building Monitor, University of Maryland University College
What you’ve enjoyed most about the SAHE Program: “Overall, I have thoroughly enjoyed the full SAHE journey! I love the classes and topics, the online formatting, the professors, and the new connections and friendships being made! The SAHE program is both challenging and rewarding.”
LILIANNE HERNANDEZ
Pronouns: she/her/hers
Hometown: San Diego, California
Undergraduate Institution: University of California, San Diego
Online Student
Residential Services Assistant – Housing, Dining, and Hospitality, University of California San Diego
Reason you chose SAHE: “When I started my program search I found out about the SAHE program and knew that was the one for me because of the of the course variety that could prepare you for many higher education areas and its high reputation. However, living in San Diego and never having moved states, made the SAHE program a far away dream. Luckily, I followed my boyfriend’s advise on looking into online programs and that is when I found out the SAHE program was also offered as an online option. The fact that the SAHE program was online made my dream feel more attainable than ever.”
LISA JANG
Pronouns: she/her/hers
Hometown: Los Angeles, California
Undergraduate Institution: University of California, San Diego
Residential Student
Assistant Residence Director, University Housing
Reason you chose SAHE: “I chose the SAHE program because it was one of the only programs I applied to that felt very genuine in their approach and intentions. One of the supervisors that I really enjoyed working with in my undergraduate years, who also helped me start on my path into a career in student affairs, was a SAHE graduate. I applied with good hopes and fell in love during I-Days as I got the chance to engage in conversation with current SAHE students and faculty members that made me really want to attend and learn here. I felt that this would be a space where I could truly grow as both an individual and as a student affairs professional.“
REANNA KLANSECK
Pronouns: she/her/hers
Hometown: Kailua, Hawaii
Undergraduate Institution: Boise State University
Online Student
Battalion S1, U.S. Army
Reason you chose SAHE: “I discovered my passion for working with students in higher education as a Resident Assistant in college. Through this experience, I was blessed with the opportunity to support and challenge my residents, but I never had any of the knowledge behind it besides the basics that were taught in training. I had never heard of student development theories or campus ecology before, and I didn’t do any research or evaluations in the role. I chose the SAHE program to learn more and become more engaged with student affairs and student development. I believe that CSU’s online SAHE program is the only online program worth enrolling in. It is a rigorous academic program with practitioner faculty, practicums, in-depth curriculum, and countless opportunities.”
EMILY KILBURG
Pronouns: she/her/hers
Hometown: Cuba City, Wisconsin
Undergraduate Institution: University of Wisconsin La Crosse
Online Student
Project Coordinator, University Marketing and Communications
Reason you chose SAHE: “In a former position I held in the finance world I had the opportunity to hire, train, and mentor our college interns. It was through that role that I discovered my passion for supporting students. I began exploring a career shift that would lead to more of this type of work. One of my former undergraduate mentors introduced me to the world of student affairs, and encouraged me to investigate it further. In the midst of all of this, I moved from Wisconsin to Colorado and started working at CSU’s main campus in a business admin capacity. When it came time to pursue my degree, I was already all in becoming a Ram. The community, servant leadership, education, and environment at CSU is second to none, online and in person.“
NATALIE LESTER
Pronouns: she/her/hers
Hometown: Lived in Fort Collins for almost the last 10 years, so I feel this is my new hometown
Undergraduate Institution: Colorado State University
Residential Student
Senior Coordinator for the Reisher Scholars Program, Scholar Success Programs
Reason you chose SAHE: “I choose SAHE because I believe student affairs is about truly meeting students where they are at and having an impact on something bigger than myself. As a student affairs professional, I have dedicated my life and career to being the person I needed when I came to college. The legacy of mentorship is a ripple effect that starts with outstanding mentors as they lead the next generation. As a product of the legacy of mentorship, I look forward to passing on that which motivated me to go into student affairs. I choose SAHE because this program’s commitment in theory-to-practice will develop my knowledge and effectiveness to better support students’ success. Upon taking SAHE’s classes, as part of the Student Affairs graduate certificate, I have been taught foundational skills that will equip me with the strategies to implement them into my work. Resonating with the message that, “people will work in student affairs by instinct, and find they need a solid education,” I am empowered in this program to help me become a more well-rounded, competent, and equity-conscious student affairs practitioner.“
KURT LOESER
Pronouns: he/him/his
Hometown: Longmont, Colorado
Undergraduate Institution: University of Colorado – Boulder
Online Student
Materials Handler II, CSU Bookstore
Reason you chose SAHE: “Student support has been my principal duty at the CSU Bookstore, regardless of the time of year or current job responsibilities. While my role facilitating student success by providing all information pertaining to course materials across the universities many departments is a gratifying foundation, it is essentially limited to the first four weeks of a given semester. Obtaining a master’s degree in Student Affairs would expand the access I have in enacting positive change in students’ lives.“
AMBER MAZURANA
Pronouns: she/her/hers
Hometown: Windsor, Colorado
Undergraduate Institution: Butler University
Expected Year of SAHE Graduation: 2022
Online Student
Senior Instructor, Colorado State University- School of Dance
Reason you chose SAHE: “Amber has been teaching at CSU in the School of Dance for almost a decade. After a twenty-year career performing professionally and training dancers in pre-professional programs, she discovered a passion for working with students in higher education. Currently in her second year of the SAHE program, Amber continually strives to gain a deeper understanding of the important issues affecting her students and the field at large. As a student affairs scholar-practitioner, she aims to listen intentionally, challenge while providing support, guide choices, and facilitate holistic growth. As a mother, wife, friend, colleague, teacher and mentor, Amber hopes to share her passion for life, help others on their journeys and positively impact her community. The online SAHE program at CSU allows her to fulfil all these roles while giving her the flexibility to learn the essential skills needed to excel in higher education.”
HALEY MCAVENEY
Pronouns: she/her/hers
Hometown: New Milford, New Jersey
Undergraduate Institution: University of Delaware
Residential Student
Graduate Assistant, Off Campus Life; Chapter Graduate Advisor, Fraternity and Sorority Life
Reason you chose SAHE: “In my journey through searching for a Higher Education & Student Affairs program that felt right for me, I made a list of a few non-negotiables. The first – I wanted a program that centered social justice and advocacy. I wanted a program that had built-in experiential learning components. I wanted a program that was going to be academically challenging. SAHE checked all of those boxes and then some. After visiting campus, I knew the SAHE program was right for me – the faculty, students, and campus culture aligned exactly with the experience I wanted from a graduate program. I’ve also found that moving across the country has been a bonus to my growth as a student and professional!“
JESSIE O’NEAL
Pronouns: she/her/hers
Hometown: Fort Collins, CO
Undergraduate Institution: University of Maryland
Online Student
Graduate Admissions Counselor
Reason you chose SAHE: “I am always striving to be the best at what I do and I want to be somewhere where I’ll have the opportunity to develop my skills and work with people I can truly learn from. Some of the most innovative industry leaders work at Colorado State University and that’s a big reason why attending this institution really excites me! In my current role as Graduate Admissions Counselor for the College of Business at CSU, I have been able to work alongside faculty, staff, and students and love it. I find inspiration in the experiences, the relationships, and the knowledge I have gained. I appreciate being a part of a university culture and enjoy mentoring and motivating the people around me. The environment and culture of a college can be exciting and rewarding and I want to experience it, furnish it, and give that back to the students. I went to the University of Maryland and truly believe that my experience there, in a supportive, inclusive, and cultivating environment, helped me to learn and grow into the person I am now, and I would love to be able to provide that for others. In the future I not only want to ensure that student’s in higher education have an enriching experience that supports them in their diverse backgrounds, strengths, and values but I also want to create foundations in order to make sure that what they do experience is well thought out, supportive, and intentional.”
CARINA PALOMINO (OROZCO)
Pronouns: she/her/Carina’s
Hometown: Guerrero, Chihuahua, Mexico
Undergraduate Institution: Colorado State University
Residential Student
Assistant Resident Manager, University Housing
Reason you chose SAHE: “Throughout my undergraduate experience I learned the most outside of the classroom. I was highly involved with the alternative break community and mentorship programs. I found my love and passion for social justice, working with others, and supporting students’ success through these experiences. Thank to my mentors and support system, I learned that what I enjoyed the most during my undergrad career is a field of work, therefore I applied to SAHE.”
KIM PANNELL
Pronouns: she/her/hers
Hometown: Fort Collins, Colorado
Undergraduate Institution: Colorado State University
Residential Student
Assistant Residence Director, University Housing
Reason you chose SAHE: “I chose SAHE because reflection is engrained in my nature. SAHE was the first program I had ever seen that centered deep reflection and intentionality as a core value of what we do. When I think about supporting others through a career path, having the opportunity to hone in my own ability to critically reflect and apply myself in a thoughtful way sounds crucial. In life, I aspire to always be a human that supports other humans being humans – and I was drawn to this program knowing that I would be able to do that. Not to mention, some of my favorite mentors and colleagues from undergrad had attained a CSU SAHE degree, so I had a lot of inspiration to look up to!“
MAIJA LINH PHAM
Pronouns: she/her/hers
Hometown: Clackamas, Oregon
Undergraduate Institution: Oregon State University – Honors College
Residential Student
Assistant Residence Director, University Housing; SAHE Graduate Assistant, School of Education
Reason you chose SAHE: “I chose the SAHE program due to the overwhelming support I received as an undergraduate student. When I asked what schools I should apply to, many of my mentors and supervisors spoke highly about the quality of education and experiences that the SAHE program and CSU provides. When it came to my interviews, SAHE /CSU students and faculty provided the most comfortable, engaging, and welcoming spaces out of all the schools I applied to.“
SIERRA PIERCE
Pronouns: she/her/hers
Hometown: Glendale Heights, Illinois
Undergraduate Institution: Iowa State University
Residential Student
Graduate Assistant, Campus Activities; Chapter Graduate Advisor, Fraternity and Sorority Life
Reason you chose SAHE: “I am incredibly passionate about the field of student affairs and the work we do to support students. As a first-generation biracial student, I wouldn’t be where I am today without the support from mentors along the way. After applying to numerous graduate programs, CSU stood out amongst all others. It’s obvious from your very first interactions how caring the faculty is and how intentional the program is in shaping well-rounded, thoughtful professionals. SAHE promotes a deep sense of community while instilling social justice and care into all aspects of our work. Through the cohort model, applicable portfolio development, and professional on hands learning experiences through assistantships, this program is incredibly special.“
NOEL QUINONES
Pronouns: he/him/his
Hometown: Riverside, California
Undergraduate Institution: Riverside Community College; California State University, Fullerton
Residential Student
Assistant Residence Manager, University Housing
Reason you chose SAHE: “The overwhelming support, assistantship, and practicum experiences are just a few reasons I chose SAHE. But the most important deciding factor for me had to be the curriculum. When browsing through potential graduate programs, I noticed the SAHE curriculum was the most organized and intentional focusing on foundational competencies I felt were necessary to be an informed and well-rounded student affairs professional. I had specific needs entering a graduate program wanting to learn of assessment and evaluation, law in higher education, and organizational behavior. The SAHE curriculum checked all the boxes and offered much more with its scholar-practitioner model and the culmination of the SAHE portfolio. Simply put, I felt SAHE would provide me with the best education!”
SARAHY QUINTANA TREJO
Pronouns: she/her/ella
Hometown: Greeley, Colorado
Undergraduate Institution: Colorado State University
Residential Student
Event and Program Graduate Assistant, Career Center; Chapter Graduate Advisor, Office of Fraternity and Sorority Life
Reason you chose SAHE: “My undergraduate experience at CSU provided me with support, growth, and learning. I built connections I deeply value and I did not need to search far to find the graduate program for me. Many of the folks and programs that supported my growth as an undergraduate were related to the efforts by SAHE alumni and current SAHE students. These connections allowed me to realize that SAHE is a great place for me to continue my learning and that the folks going through the program are committed to equity. I am excited by the knowledge the faculty hold because they are all practitioners as well as teachers. I was also attracted by the emphasis on reflection in the program, which is something I value in my life and believe is essential to the field of student affairs. Additionally, the SAHE program and my assistantship prioritize funding their students, which was a huge factor in my decision to choose the program. I overall feel supported by the faculty and my cohort!”
JENNIFER REINKE
Pronouns: she/her/hers
Hometown: Oshkosh, Wisconsin
Undergraduate Institution: University of Minnesota
Online Student
Associate Professor, Human Development and Family Studies
Reason you chose SAHE: “I have been in academic affairs my entire career. The more I work with students in the classroom, the more I recognize how students’ lives outside the classroom play a critical role in their student experience. I chose CSU’s SAHE program to more deeply understand the holistic student. The flexibility the online program offers has allowed me to pursue my educational goals at a time and place that are conducive to my other work and life demands.”
BRIANNA RIDENOUR
Pronouns: she/her/hers
Hometown: Alliance, Nebraska
Undergraduate Institution: University of Nebraska-Lincoln
Residential Student
Program Coordinator, Adult Learner & Veteran Services
Reason you chose SAHE: “After serving as an AmeriCorps member with College Possible, one of the main reasons I decided to continue my path to student affairs was because of my experience supporting high school students from low-income backgrounds as they navigated the college process. I gained insight into the barriers that restrict students from entering post-secondary studies and I am painfully aware of the many obstacles that will blindside them once they are enrolled. I chose to pursue Colorado State University’s Student Affairs in Higher Education Master of Science program to expand my theoretical knowledge and practice to successfully create positive institutional change in higher education. I aspire to gain the intellectual capital necessary to build successful transition programming that encourages students to take ownership of their education and increase retention. It is the work of student affairs to create a learning environment where students know they belong to a community that believes in their talents, resilience, and ability to succeed; and while I might not be able to eliminate all future barriers for my previous students, I know pursuing CSU’s SAHE program is a step in the right direction.”
CARLOS RUBIO REGALADO
Pronouns: he/him/his
Hometown: Tulsa, Oklahoma & Tamazula, Jalisco, Mexico
Undergraduate Institution: The University of Oklahoma
Residential Student
RamEvents Program Coordinator, Campus Activities
Reason you chose SAHE: “I chose the SAHE program because I wanted a new experience in an area where I am passionate about the work. During our interview weekend, I was amazed by how great my potential cohort members were and was impressed by the space that the faculty were creating for us. I particularly fancied the programs focus on self-reflection as a means to better establish your studies and work. Also, you can’t knock how beautiful those foothills look sometimes, and being close to the mountains is a huge plus for me! :)”
MARA TINAJERO DAZA
Pronouns: she/her/ella
Hometown: East Los Angeles, California & Michoacan, Mexico
Undergraduate Institution: University of California, Santa Barbara
Residential Student
Graduate Assistant, Parent & Family Programs; Chapter Graduate Advisor, Fraternity and Sorority Life
Reason you chose SAHE: “I chose SAHE because I wanted a graduate program that would challenge me to grow while also supporting me in that growth. During my interview days, the students, staff, and faculty were all so welcoming and willing to be of support in any way possible. That truly stuck with me as a first-generation, low-income, Latina. On top of that, I really valued the program’s emphasis on social justice and reflection. SAHE is unique in that they do not just say that they care about those two but really demonstrate it through their curriculum, actions, and overall SAHE experience. At the end of the day, I truly feel that coming to SAHE was the right decision for me!”
LALO VELAZQUEZ
Pronouns: he/him/his
Hometown: Bell Gardens, California
Undergraduate Institution: University of California, Los Angeles
Residential Student
Assistant Resident Manager, University Housing; Graduate Student Coordinator, The Symposium for Inclusive Excellence
Reason you chose SAHE: “I chose SAHE because the core mission and values being centered around social justice, equity, and diversity was something I knew I wanted in the graduate program I chose to attend because I knew that was what I wanted and needed to support my personal and professional growth. I felt that although most programs talked about being student-centered and working directly with students, SAHE really was intentional with trying to put that into practice, with the curriculum and assistantships working together to make us well-rounded scholar-practitioners. I also felt throughout the application and interview process that SAHE would be a good space with a lot of support for me as a first-generation, Latino student. With all that in mind I knew that SAHE was the right program for me!”
HOAI VU
Pronouns: he/him/his
Hometown: Hastings, Nebraska
Undergraduate Institution: The University of Nebraska-Lincoln
Residential Student
Assistant Residence Director, University Housing
Reason you chose SAHE: “As a first-generation Asian American student, I struggled to navigate the college journey. I wasn’t very involved my freshman year and never really put much thought into my identities and development. For every aspect of myself that struggled, student affairs was always there to help me. Whether it was regarding finances, my identity as a minority student, or building important relationships for college, there was always a professional who could lead me to where I needed to be. I’ve always been an interpersonal person and recognized that everyone’s life journey is different. Once I finished my summer of being an orientation leader, I knew that this was the career field I wanted to get into. I want to be able to help students who are going through the same things that I did as an undergraduate so that they can have a complete and full college experience. Along with that, I didn’t have the opportunity to have educators who looked like me and understood me. Asian American Pacific Islander student affairs professionals are few and far between, but I want to inspire the next generation of AAPI students.”
B WULLER
Pronouns: they/them/theirs
Hometown: Stillwater, Oklahoma
Undergraduate Institution: University of Oklahoma
Residential Student
Co-Curricular Leadership Development Graduate Assistant, Student Leadership, Involvement, and Community Engagement
Reason you chose SAHE: “I chose the SAHE program because I knew I would equally be both challenged and supported in my academic, professional, and personal life. This program provides enriching, collaborative courses and hands-on experience through assistantship positions. On a more personal note, the people in SAHE make me feel seen in my identity and have created an environment where it’s safe to explore more of who I am and how that shows up in my work. Coming to Fort Collins felt like coming home.”
