Throughout my time in FSYA, I got to meet individually with many of the advisors to learn about their roles and professional careers. It was interesting to hear each of their unique stories and how they arrived in their current position. Most academic advisors have a degree in higher education, but others come to the field from other areas of education, including elementary or high school education.

I shadowed many hours of on-on-one advising appointments. Each advisor has a distinct style of relating to students and philosophy of student development. During the beginning of the semester, I observed many students coming into the office to drop or add courses. I also sat in on some appointments where students came to their advisors to ask for recommendation forms for transfer applications. The advisors who I observed had the best interests of the students in mind as they dealt with each individual situation. One advisor told her advisee about how she transferred schools during her undergraduate studies and how she made the right decision for herself. It was also interesting to see how the advisors had developed strong relationships with certain advisees, who came to see them about more personal matters. Academic advisors play an important role in student retention rates and often advise students on much more than coursework. They are also teachers, serving as instructors for the UNIV 101 course required of all Loyola freshman, as well as guiding students throughout their transition to the university. 

By getting to know the FYSA team, attending some of their meetings and trainings, and learning about Student Academic Services as a greater unit, I was better able to understand and appreciate the role of academic advisors. I also gained an understanding of the skills, characteristics, and day-to-day work required of an advisor. Shadowing in FSYA helped me to meet CEPS Learning Outcome B (graduates possess an independent and specific area of expertise) and Learning Competency 1 (develops expertise in a focused domain of educational practice). My professional goal is to combine my practice in international higher education with advising expertise.