I am Azize Cornejo, a student in the M.S in Higher Education program at Penn State University. I have always had a passion for helping others and making a difference in people’s lives which is why I earned an alternative medicine degree. It wasn’t until I attained my job at a community college that I had a transformational experience. It was through this experience that I realized the value and opportunity to influence students’ lives giving my career a deeper purpose while gaining a profound sense of satisfaction. I believed that obtaining a graduate degree in higher education would fulfill that satisfaction.

At my present job for the past 18 years, I’ve attained experiences as an institutional liaison supporting students, staff, and faculty. This experience helped me gain valuable knowledge and acquired a good understanding of students’ transitions into higher education while becoming aware of institutional needs. I’ve learned to skillfully navigate the differences of institutional political complexities, how to collaborate with diverse leadership styles, and addressed challenges that may arise. My duties extend to traditional and non-traditional student populations focusing on student development, counseling, presentations, academic advisement, and conducting workshops.

My strongest traits are centered in my organizational planning abilities and leadership skills. I’m a critical thinker with analytical skills who can identify gaps, challenges, and recognize patterns that prevent students and institutions from achieving their goals. I have a passion in guiding students to achieve their academic potential and help them reach their career dreams.

What sets me apart from others is my strong commitment to students to develop their academic intellectual, philosophical, and practical competency in higher education because I’m constantly challenged and enriched by it. Also, what differentiates me from others is my core values, as they involve purpose, integrity, adaptability, respect, acceptance, diversity, discipline, and determination. My professional philosophy plays a big role, as I advocate the cultivation of collaborative exchanges to encourage active learning, support competency through direction, feedback, referral, and guidance.

Upon completion of my MS program at Penn State, my plan is to remain an active learner and keep informed about higher education topics and trends, in addition, to find opportunities where I can further grow and apply my administrative expertise and expand my collaborative leadership to help bring new perspectives to areas of critical importance in higher education. I look forward to incorporating my knowledge and experience into a leadership position in the academics or student affairs settings. The goal is to play a role where I can assess and reexamine policies and procedures in order to create sound educational experiences that are challenging and enriching for students and that extends beyond their academic abilities.

Thank you

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