Before I even started reading chapter 16 the title caught my eye, “Strategy and Intentionally in Practice”.  This immediately reminded me of a conversation I had with a fellow single parent the other day.  We talked about how important it was to have a plan with good, solid intentions to be a successful single parent.  Traditional parenting situations at least have a back-up parent; if one gets busy the other can step in to help.  This is not the case for single parents so we need to be extra prepared and have a good strategy in place to ensure our children’s needs are still met in the best way possible!

            The seven principles of “good practice” (found on page 289) provided great insight.  The more I read in this class the more I start to understand how in many ways student affairs professionals become the “parents” of higher education.  Not in the way that they spoil kids or are overly protective, just in the way that they continue to provide guidance and structure to help the individual continue to grow as a holistic person.  The two that really stood out to me where “helping students develop coherent values and ethical standards” and “communicating high expectations”.

            The budgeting section was interesting to me as well.  It is good for me as a parent to see where the money is going because it makes it slightly easier to swallow the thought of the huge bill associated with higher education.  I know some individuals get worked up about student fees because they don’t want to pay fees for something they never use such as the fitness center or admission to athletic events for students.  I do not share this thought.  I think the fees are fairly nominal compared to the opportunities presented to students if they choose to take part in the activities supported by student fees.  Not only does their participation make the fees justifiable it also helps improve their college experience, adds to the campus environment, and aids to development of skills such as social and time management skills.  Two great skills that are not easy to learn in the classroom if all the student is focused on is academics.

            My girls love tactical feedback.  After they complete something they want feedback from an authority about to what degree they have completed it.  I do think they could adjust to more formal assessment but I think it would take time.  Perhaps they are a little too much like their dad in that regard.  They like facts, statistics, and graded feedback because it provides motivation for the activities.  It might be that competitive drive and receiving a grade allows they to push themselves to be the best.  Luckily for them they have the skills and natural abilities that allow them to be at the top of the class with a little hard work and determination.  I can see how students who do not have these natural gifts would struggle and perhaps feel discouraged.  I think it is important that every student sets goals however, that goal does not always need to be to achieve straight A’s.  The goal should be attainable for the student.