One of the most monumental things I have realized this semester is that I cannot wait to go back to a small liberal arts institution. While I am still, and even more so, enthusiastic about the work that ODS does, I am also reminded of the collaborative work that I love. A few weeks ago, I got an email from a student with whom I had met in ODS, which showed me the impact I'd had on their educational experience. I feel like that may be a rare occurrence in a disability office, simply because of the nature of the work and because of how students feel about and identify with their disability.
Even though I can understand that, I have to compare it to my experience in my assistantship, and the experiences I had as an undergraduate. I was invested in my students and worked with them more frequently. There I feel like not only could I see the difference I was making, but was making more of an impact. So while I recognize the importance of disability offices and do enjoy that work, I also want to be able to work in an office where different populations of students intersect.
I know I can't do that at a larger institution, because an office such as that simply would not function effectively or efficiently. I look forward to continuing my work with students with disabilities, in ODS for some of spring semester, and in my future career. I also look forward to being able to reach out to other populations of students as well.
Even though I can understand that, I have to compare it to my experience in my assistantship, and the experiences I had as an undergraduate. I was invested in my students and worked with them more frequently. There I feel like not only could I see the difference I was making, but was making more of an impact. So while I recognize the importance of disability offices and do enjoy that work, I also want to be able to work in an office where different populations of students intersect.
I know I can't do that at a larger institution, because an office such as that simply would not function effectively or efficiently. I look forward to continuing my work with students with disabilities, in ODS for some of spring semester, and in my future career. I also look forward to being able to reach out to other populations of students as well.