Reflection
When I started at San Jose State University’s School of Information, I was unsure of my career path and future. I was eager to dive in and explore everything. I’m grateful to those I contacted for guidance as I decided which courses and what pathway to choose. Everything seemed to click after choosing to pursue the Archival Studies & Records Management pathway. I became passionate about preservation, metadata, research, and special collections. Metadata is an essential component of accessing information. Without metadata, locating, organizing, and managing information effectively would be challenging. This is even more vital in today’s digital age, with censorship and misinformation on the rise. I have strived to promote information literacy and defend the right of free access for all.
“Without libraries what have we? We have no past and no future.”
– Ray Bradbury (1920-2012, American author)
I’m grateful to have had the opportunity to meet so many welcoming and accepting people in the program. During my second semester, I was invited to join the Special Library Association Student Chapter (SLASC) as the assistant communications director. I was a part of SLASC for most of my time in the program, and it has helped me grow as an information professional and an individual. Serving in student leadership positions helped me improve my professional communication and teamwork skills. My undergraduate degree in Art, with a concentration in Graphic Design, proved valuable in leadership roles such as Communications Director and Social Media Coordinator.
Some of my greatest strengths come from my customer service background. My ability to deal with various personalities and work styles has made collaborating with a group less intimidating. I have a passion for writing and aspire to be published in a professional journal in the future.
When conducting research or increasing awareness in the information profession, writing can be used to convey results, make suggestions, or raise issues. I have also built a networking foundation of fellow students, alumni, internship colleagues, and other professionals I have met in person and/or virtually. My professors have been some of my biggest supporters. Most have offered to be references, informed me of internship or volunteer opportunities, and provided insights into the information field.
Part of what drew me to the library and information science field is my desire to help others. After reflecting on my assignments, projects, and volunteer work, I am inspired to become further involved in regional, national, and international professional organizations. Through my research on Angkor and the Khmer Empire (which is located in modern-day Cambodia) and my involvement in the student leadership of the Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) iSchool group, I have gained a deep appreciation for cultural competence. I will strive to continue exploring, researching, and assessing the needs of AANHPI communities to create lasting positive change on a global scale. After conducting extensive research on Deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals for various projects and assignments, I am committed to becoming a better advocate and providing greater accessibility and resources for the community.
Although graduating and leaving the School of Information will be bittersweet, I am confident I will find my place in the library and information science world. I’m thankful for all my experiences during the MLIS program, which has created lasting professional and personal relationships. I am eager to become an information professional and promote global collaboration, universal access to information, and aid in the inclusive and equitable flow of knowledge across borders. My passion lies in preserving diverse cultural legacies and ensuring that all voices are heard and celebrated.