Seven Months - And There is so Much More to Know
By Kathreen Silva

Those were the thoughts that flew to mind when I was asked to write an article that would describe my experience as a new financial aid advisor at the University of Idaho. My next thought was that I am not qualified; what could I possibly say that would be worthy of print? That said, I decided to put myself out on a limb and let the reader be the judge.

My decision to apply for the position of financial aid advisor was rooted in idealism - I wanted to make a difference. While I was answering phones, working the counter, and answering student e-mail as a member of the front-office staff, it was not unusual for me to tell the student it would be best to "make an appointment with your advisor." My interaction with the student ended there and I found myself wishing I could have helped the student more. My wish was granted. As a person often does with any new job, I soon came face-to-face with "Expectation v. Reality."

For the most part, my expectations were realized. I knew going into the job that sometimes I would be able to help and sometimes I would not. What I didn't realize was just how much of themselves advisors put into each student's situation and how difficult it could be when one is unable to help. I didn't realize that, as much as I believed in students taking responsibility, poor planning on their part did constitute an emergency on mine. I didn't realize how frustrating it could be to put forth so much effort, spend so much time with a student, and not receive a thank you. I didn't realize how much it would bother me when a favorite student decided not to return the next semester.

Conversely, I didn't realize just how gratifying it would be to help make it possible for a student to return to school the next semester. It didn't matter that it took extra time to write to a student's doctor for assistance in getting the student a disability-based scholarship, to make a phone call to my son's daycare to ask that a student's twins be accepted, or to research a student's options for tutoring. What mattered was that I made a difference.

Although student contact is imperative, processing paper-work often takes up the majority of my days. I didn't realize just how much time that involved especially when the technology side is concerned. Thank goodness (or should I thank the systems-support people?) for all the reports we run that act as safety nets, allowing us to make corrections to student aid packages before the award letter is mailed. I cringe when a report shows an error I made, but better that than the student noticing the mistake. I have an e-mail folder entitled "kudos" where I keep appreciative e-mails from students and parents. On those days when everything I touch falls apart, I turn to that folder to help me keep a perspective on things!

So, in seven months what have I learned? I have learned that when given a proper explanation, most students are reasonable. I have learned that "the devil is in the details." And I have learned that I have a long way to go.