Derek Smith

9072 La Luna Ave

Fountain Valley CA 92708
November 24, 2014

Dr. Lea Jarnagin

800 N. State College Blvd.
Fullerton, CA 92831-3599
Dear Dr. Jarnagin,

I am writing to you today to because you have been an important

part of my life. You have supported me through my journey spiritually
and financially and I am grateful for all that you have done. Without
your guidance and support I would not be attending the University at
Buffalo getting my Masters degree in Higher Education- Student Affairs.
You have played an integral part of my life and I would like to share
with you some of the things that I have gained throughout my first
semester in the program.
The program has definitely met my expectations in regards to
making me feel confident about the field I am going into. Although this
semester has been a huge learning curve and transition, the program
has taught me essential and practical knowledge about different
functional areas that are of interest to me. The SAA program has been
a support for me in times of need and has begun to expose me to so
much even outside of academia.

The most important subject knowledge that I have gained so far

has been the history of higher education. Understanding the
foundation of the field in which student affairs was developed is
essential to understanding our place as professionals. Although the
subject knowledge on history was really dense at times, I will be better
equipped to assist and understand the ways and reasons institutions
were developed. This will help me professionally so that I am able to
truly understand such issues different populations are facing and have
faced so that I am better equipped to see what worked and what I can
do differently based on the history of what has been done.
There have been a few important people in the program that I
have come to know. From day one, Honey has been a great friend,
study buddy, and colleague. Every Friday, despite our busy schedules
we set time aside from our day to do an activity or go somewhere.
Honey has exposed me to apple picking, has helped me be more
confident in my abilities, and has been a person that I could go to for
advice or to vent about everything and anything. Charles is another
person that I would say has been an important person to me in this
program. Charles has a very similar personality as mine, which I
appreciate. He is extremely smart, considerate, and a selfless
individual. He has been another person I can go to for anything. The
impact of these two individuals have really kept me going in the
program, they both encourage me to get my work done when I am

exhausted and help clarify material when I simply just do not

understand. Not having any family here on the east coast has
definitely been a struggle, but these two individuals in particular have
been there for me in times of need.
The aspects of Student Affairs that I perceived differently than
before the semester started are the silos between different areas and
departments in academic affairs as well as within the student affairs
division. I have always perceived all departments were operating for
one purpose; to serve students and that they would work seamlessly.
Research and assessment were always something I have heard about
and never really took the time to familiarize myself with because I was
frightened by the idea of doing either. I perceive and understand the
aspect of assessing programs and departments a lot more differently,
in that it is not all that overwhelming, as it may sometimes seem.
My first semester in the SAA program has helped me understand
myself in many ways. First and foremost I feel more confident in my
abilities to get work done, read and analyze material more critically,
and contribute to class discussion when relevant. Coming into this
program, I was terrified of being able to keep up with all the reading
and writing since I was coming from a business background. I learned
how to be more open, take risk, and step outside my comfort zone.
Public speaking and leading class discussions was not exactly what I
wanted to do, but knowing the importance and gaining the experience

is something I would do all over again. The SAA program has helped
me learn how to be more independent. Although not academically
related, not having any family to assist with little things as grocery
shopping, taught me the importance of planning ahead and being
efficient with my time. Academically related, the program has helped
me better understand my future professional direction by elaborating
on what I was previously exposed to. An area that I want to work and
get experience in is within housing. It has been helpful to talk about
the history of housing (campus living), bring in professionals who
currently work in the field, and analyze case studies to validate my
interest into this functional area.
Again, thank you for all your support! I hope all is well in
California, and I look forward to seeing you soon!

Sincerely,

Derek Smith