Surviving Higher Ed

We've made it to the end of Season 01! This journey would not have not been possible without you and we are grateful to you all for inspiring us. We recap what we have discussed and share our highlights from the season, as well as some of our most impactful takeaways. We answer a guests question about the "lifestyle" that is absent for some who work in student affairs, and give our advice based on being in the exact some spot of not being able to live life to the fullest. We reflect on the steps we took to get to we are now and remind folks - you have the power of agency. Description: Hosts: Michael Gamez & Crystal De La Riva Instagram: @survivinghighered Submit your questions and/or stories: https://linktr.ee/Surviving_HE

For our LAST guest episode, we invite PT Jones to share his unique experience of working in Higher Education and Student Affairs and how it led him to his current role outside of the field. We reflect on gatekeeping, boundary setting and being underpaid! PT shares a resonating piece of advice from a former supervisor as we discuss his time at his most recent institution: “When you've picked up all of the breadcrumbs, know that is ALL the breadcrumbs we have.” We tackle a question submitted by a listener about how the field can make more space to include others who are not a part of traditional Higher Education and Student Affairs roles. Hosts: Michael Gamez & Crystal De La Riva Guest: PT Jones (he/she/they) Instagram: @survivinghighered Submit your questions and/or stories: https://linktr.ee/Surviving_HE

In many work settings, the needs of people with disabilities are not given as much attention and urgency as they should. On this week's episode, we invite Jillian to share her experience working in Higher Education and Student Affairs as a person with disabilities. She shares the struggles she faced as an undergraduate student and how she uses her experience to support students and professionals. We answer a listener's question about how to get more involved within the field. Tik Tok accounts referenced: @wheeliep0ppin @theartiemack @deafthat Hosts: Michael Gamez & Crystal De La Riva Guest: Jillian Strong (she/her) Instagram: @survivinghighered Submit your questions and/or stories: https://linktr.ee/Surviving_HE

Our podcast was started due to the toxic experiences we and many professionals experience/ed in the field of Higher Education and Student Affairs. This week, we chat with Mark to discuss his experience around navigating a toxic work setting and his experience transitioning out of the field. We compare our experiences in Higher Education and Student Affairs to being out of the field, and the impact it has had on us. As a group, we share tips for transitioning out of the field for folks who are considering this move. Hosts: Michael Gamez & Crystal De La Riva Guest: Mark Smiley (he/him) Instagram: @survivinghighered Submit your questions and/or stories: https://linktr.ee/Surviving_HE

What does the concept of ‘fit' even mean anymore? In our interview experiences, we've noticed fit can be rooted in bias. This week's episode focuses on a listener's submission around the concept of fit and what to do when you feel you don't fit with an organization or department. We also explore navigating the phrase “we're a family” in the work setting and how to navigate friendships in the field. Hosts: Michael Gamez & Crystal De La Riva Instagram: @survivinghighered Submit your questions and/or stories: https://linktr.ee/Surviving_HE

Have you ever been told, “you know you can do this for a living?” - referring to the field of Higher Education and Student Affairs. Oftentimes, highly involved undergraduate students are plucked to join the profession without being told the realities of the work. Jose joins us to discuss his path into the field and discusses critical moments during his journey. We explore the graduate school experience, working in the field during the ongoing pandemic, and Jose shares tips for how to navigate the work while prioritizing yourself. Hosts: Michael Gamez & Crystal De La Riva Guest: Jose Arce (he/him, any/all) Instagram: @survivinghighered Submit your questions and/or stories: https://linktr.ee/Surviving_HE

What does growth look like in higher education? This week's submission shares the experience of one individual's journey in and out of the field. We expand on this topic and discuss professional development, succession planning, and job-hopping. What roles do supervisors play in facilitating growth? We compare our experiences with supervisors and share characteristics of healthy environments that support growth in all its forms. Hosts: Michael Gamez & Crystal De La Riva Instagram: @survivinghighered Submit your questions and/or stories: https://linktr.ee/Surviving_HE

We invite higher education scholar-practitioner Dr. Valerie Glassman to discuss burnout and trauma in the field. Dr. Glassman's knowledge of this topic extends from her dissertation research, which explores concepts developed from medical practitioners' experiences with malpractice stress and applies them to student conduct practitioners. We discuss how current and incoming Higher Education and Student Affairs professionals can care for themselves while still doing impactful work. Articles referenced: Finkelstein, C. (2015). Physician well-being. AMA Ed Hub. https://edhub.ama-assn.org/steps-forward/module/2702556 Glassman, V. B. (2021). The Judicialization of Student Conduct Administration and Its Impacts on Practitioners (Publication Number No. 28667202) [Doctoral dissertation, East Carolina University]. ProQuest Dissertations Publishing. Mcleod, M. E. (2003). The caring physician: A journey in self-exploration and self-care. The American Journal of Gastroenterology, 98(10), 2135-2138. Tunajek, S. (2007). Dealing with Litigation Stress Syndrome. AANA Journal, 61(7), 22-23. https://www.aana.com/docs/default-source/wellness-aana.com-web-documents-(all)/dealing-with-litigation-stress-syndrome.pdf?sfvrsn=6f2c4bb1_2 Hosts: Michael Gamez & Crystal De La Riva Guest: Dr. Valerie Glassman Instagram: @survivinghighered Submit your questions and/or stories: https://linktr.ee/Surviving_HE

This week we share our first story submission! This episode's author details their experience in Higher Education navigating familiar issues of low salary, comp time, and raise rejections. We dive into these topics HARD because we know many of you can relate. Why is salary not transparent? What are the implications of strong staff retention? Having dealt with these issues ourselves we share our own experiences and provide feedback highlighting alternative approaches and healthy coping. Hosts: Michael Gamez & Crystal De La Riva Instagram: @survivinghighered Submit your questions and/or stories: https://linktr.ee/Surviving_HE

On this week's episode Nat Betancourt joins the podcast to discuss their experience currently working in higher education and student affairs. Nat discusses their involvement with the NASPA Undergraduate Fellowship Program and how it impacted their experience in the field. We unpack our experience in higher education and student affairs graduate programs, and how it impacted our professional journeys. As many of you know, the current state of higher education and student affairs is MESSY AF right now, and we go IN on it. Hosts: Michael Gamez & Crystal De La Riva Guest: Nat Betancourt (they/them) Instagram: @survivinghighered Submit your questions and/or stories: https://linktr.ee/Surviving_HE

Michael is a recent expat of Student Affairs, having worked in the field for 5 years professionally. He took to Tik Tok to share his experience about leaving and shed light on traditionally minimized experiences within the field. Crystal is a mental health clinician with 10 years of professional experience in higher ed, and has transitioned out since 2019. They both worked at the same University and connected based on shared interests, and mutual appreciation for advocacy and student support. Crystal and Michael discuss their inspiration for starting this podcast. They reflect on their journeys in higher ed and also comment on the current state of the profession. Hosts: Michael Gamez & Crystal De La Riva Instagram: @survivinghighered Submit your questions and/or stories: https://linktr.ee/Surviving_HE