Notes from Dr. Hubain
Dr. Helen Ellison.
A name that I will forever speak from these lips because of her significant impact on my life and experience being in Higher Education and Student Affairs. She was unwavering in her support of me. She also saw so much in me that I did not see in myself.
Some years ago, just before her passing, she made an across the county trip and made sure to plan a stop to see me in Denver, Colorado. During this visit she shared that one of the most important things that I should always be is authentic in my leadership. She remembered an unsure boy who created a center while in undergrad and saw me grow into myself and my identity. She shared that becoming who I am, separate from my professional identity, is the thing that would make me happiest in my roles in the future. I began striving to be who I wanted to be personally and then professionally.
Synergy between supervisor and graduate students is essential to the success of both the organization and all parties involved in the learning process. While there is a primary focus on the graduate assistant, we often do not focus on GA supervisors and their growth & development as those who are charged with guiding GAs.
A big hope and goal of mine with these newsletters is to provide opportunities to have both GAs and supervisors have open conversations about growth and development. Owning what we don’t know and learning together. We will be continuing to share important resources and reminders with you through these letters. We also are excited about many small initiatives that are in development, which are aimed at creating greater support for supervisors and graduate assistants.
