Lisa Rogers ePortfolio Letter of Promise ReflectionThe choice of Jon Merrill and Sophie Zumout to write my letters of promise was an easy one. I work with both of these professionals in the context of my role as an Assistant Resident Director. Sophie serves as my current supervisor. She challenges me to think and go deeper. She poses difficult questions and lets me talk about what I want to talk about. She has been a consistent support this year as I navigate my second year in the academic program as well as the job search process. She inspires me to be a better person for others every day.Jon Merrill and I first met at NASPA prior to deciding to attend Loyola University Chicago. I am so lucky that our paths crossed again. Jon has been a rockstar throughout my time here. My first academic interaction with Jon was in our Multiculturalism for Social Justice class during our first semester. We were partners in a facilitated dialogue and paper. Since then we have worked on other projects and I am always reenergized talking with him. He challenges me and has seen me grow more than others in the program.After reading the letters of promise, I am flattered by what they had to say. I often wonder how I am perceived in the classroom and in my assistantship. Seeing how these two described me is touching and I believe they captured the areas in which I grew the most: vulnerability and self-awareness. During my time at Loyola University Chicago, I was given many opportunities to reflect on what I wanted out of life. As Sophie alluded to in her letter, I have avoided the busy-syndrome that is prevalent among my classmates and the field. By making time for self-care and building relationships, I have been able to stay connected to various sub-groups within our cohort, as Jon mentioned. I perceive this as one of my strengths and am happy to see that others see it as one as well. Again, I am humbled by their words and know I would not have been successful without them.