Running head: PEF REFLECTION 1
PEF Reflection
Johnathon Shaw
UWL
PEF REFLECTION 2
This is one of the competencies that I have difficulty putting into words. In general, I
think that I would be in the intermediate area. I’ve always lived by my personal code of ethics,
and my parents both instilled in me a set of core values that I still hold today. I carry these into
my work as a student affairs professional. This fits with one of the intermediate level points that
expects student affairs professionals to be aware of how culture impacts their view of ethical and
professional behaviors. I am a Midwesterner, who believes in the nuclear family and many of the
traditional values, like hard work, honesty, and how a person should conduct themselves. I also
recognize that impacts how I view the world and it differs from many of the students I interact
with. For example, one of my students places far higher value on extended family than I do, and
prioritizes tasks differently as a result. Neither of us are wrong, but I have to be aware of these
cultural differences so that we can all learn and grow to form an inclusive environment.
In my career so far I have not yet faced any true moral dilemmas. However, in my search
for internships and for jobs, I research the institutions at which I am applying to see if I could see
myself working there. I have to do some research and affirm that the institution does not partake
in any practices that I might find questionable. For example, I will never work at a for-profit
college because I feel that they are predatory and I do not want to be a part of that system.
Additionally, I look into the social justice aspect of the college or university. I am privileged in
many ways and want to work at an institution that values diversity and inclusion and help me
continue to understand and evaluate my privilege and what it means. Additionally, I am a
hypocrite. I believe that to be a human is to be a hypocrite, and it requires a constant effort and
reflection to make sure that my practices are in congruence with my beliefs. For example, if I
worked at an institution that implemented a policy that I morally disagreed with, I would love to
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say that I would speak out. However, I acknowledge that I may be hesitant to in fear of losing my
job. This is a bit of a drastic example, but I included it because it shows that I am self-aware,
reflective, and intentional in my practices.
Reflection is another strong suit I have in this competency. In my Advising and
Supporting reflection, for example, I am able to reflect on my work and practices and
acknowledge the areas I need to improve on. This pandemic has impacted my mental health, as it
has my students’ as well. One of my core beliefs is that I should always leave my personal
problems at the door because my students deserve my complete attention and energy. There were
times, however, I was so mentally and emotionally exhausted that it was incredibly difficult for
me to do that. I was not acting in congruence with my beliefs, and once I realized this, I was able
to intentionally begin practices that helped me live up to my own standards.
I currently keep a journal, and this helps me reflect and recognize times when I might be
struggling to live up to my own standards and act in congruence with my beliefs. This will allow
me to continue to be mindful about the lessons that I have learned and is a built in way for me to
continue being a reflective learner, analyzing my duties as a professional.
For my artifacts, I would direct you to two items: the food pantry and towards my
capstone poster. In the food pantry, I work to help make UWL more equitable and increase
access to basic necessities such as food and toiletries. We have also created satellite pantries in
other departments, such as OMSS, so that students with marginalized identities can have
increased access to items, while avoiding the stigma associated with using a pantry. In my
capstone poster, I address an ethical issue in higher education: the cost of attending. I provide
ways that we can continue to serve students while addressing ethical concerns. These items are
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very close to me as I hold those values dearly. This is how they reflect my personal and ethical
foundations.
