About

Hello!

My name is Morgan Matchett and this is my Capstone Portfolio blog. This blog chronicles my journey through the Higher Education Master’s Program at Florida State University (FSU). Throughout the website, you will find pieces of my thoughts, reflection, and learning. My hope is that my learning will spark reflection in others. Please note that in addition to highlighting evidence of my learning of the NASPA/ACPA Core Competencies, this blog also contains my resume, cover letter, personal philosophy, and other information about my time at FSU.

Thinking about my time at FSU over the past two years, I liken my experience to a Hero’s Journey. The Hero’s Journey is a concept I have learned about in my assistantship at FSU in the Center for Leadership & Social Change. It outlines the key points in the journey of a character, from receiving a call to action, going on a quest, finding support from a mentor or friend, experiencing treacherous feats, and returning home with knowledge gained. This reflective model has been a success for students I work with in a community engagement program because it shows growth and also allows room for struggle. The image below shows a brief version of the Hero’s Journey.

Although the Hero’s Journey may sound a bit fantastical, I do believe that my experience in Student Affairs parallels this journey in many ways. Ordinary World. I grew up in Baton Rouge, Louisiana and always found myself to have an inquisitive mind. When entering college at Louisiana State University (LSU), I decided to major in Mathematics, a course of study that would let me be challenged and hone my skill of problem solving. I enjoyed learning complex mathematical theorems and backing up my thoughts in the form of logical proofs. Call to Adventure. What I found myself enjoying more, though, was the ability to connect and build relationships with others in my STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) living-learning community, research, classes, and service. My peers and friends are what motivated me to continue my education. Refusal of the Call. Although I could feel myself being pulled in the direction of something outside of Mathematics, I decided to stay with my major and try to supplement my interests with outside involvement. Meeting the Mentor. My involvement at LSU led me to find a passion for service through LSU Campus Life and Volunteer LSU. This office supported me and helped me thrive, teaching me practical skills and growing my passion for serving others. A mentor within this department encouraged me to think about a career in student affairs, where I could practice the relational aspects of life that I loved, while also gain a better understanding of community engagement work.

Crossing the Threshold. Coming to FSU for my Master’s program was a step into a new direction for myself, focusing on my desires to learn more about higher education and allowing myself to follow that dream. The Approach. Working at the Center for Leadership & Social Change during my time in the program has molded my mind to think critically about the world I am privileged to live in, and how my own identity shapes the lens I see the community I live in. This same idea shaped my approach into graduate school as the first classes I took in the program prepared me for graduate level thinking and writing. The Ordeal. My cohort and courses have challenged how I think of students and the purpose of higher education. My vision of student affairs has gone from black and white, to many shades in between. My focus on community engagement work was not disheartened by this process, but my eyes were opened to the importance and value of so many other areas of higher education. The Reward. This newfound philosophy on student affairs, which you can read about here, taught me the power of the individual in the context of a group. My cohort is filled with unique, caring, passionate people that I have learned alongside for two years. The disagreements and dialogue had has taught me the necessity of different ideas to create a dynamic and engagement work environment.

The Road Back/Resurrection/Return. Now at the cusp of graduation, I am beginning my way into the next steps of my life. Having a solid backing in student development theory, a renewed passion to the importance of this work, a greater understanding of the need for college students to be engaged in the community, and a support system of my peers, I feel ready to embark on the next steps.

Please enjoy reading more about my journey in higher education. Thank you to all of my family, friends, colleagues, and mentors that have supported me. You make up part of me, and I am forever grateful.

Morgan

Leave a comment