A Year of Growth and Connection: Heartfelt Reflections | April 2024
Submitted by: Sherry Tshibangu 2023-2024 Minett Professor
As the 2023-2024 academic year draws to a close, so does my tenure as the Minett Professor at Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT).
It is a time for contemplation, a time for looking back on a year filled with notable professional successes and profound personal growth.
Throughout the year, I have had the honor of leading an array of workshops and presentations, each with a singular purpose: to equip our cherished students with the crucial life skills they need to thrive. For example, the financial literacy workshop guided students through the complexities of personal finance, budgeting, and credit card management, and equipped them with essential skills.
The Women of Color Honor and Ambition (WOCHA) Power and Influence Workshop became a heartwarming tribute to the resilience and power of women of color, inspiring each young woman to channel their influence toward creating meaningful change.
In our personal branding workshop, students explored the creation of a distinctive personal brand. They learned that a memorable brand is built on a foundation of a strong reputation and the weaving together of their experiences, aspirations, and skills.
In a deeply personal presentation, I connected with RIT’s first-generation students, sharing my own narrative as a first-generation student from half a century ago. The story of how higher education reshaped my destiny and that of my family resonated with many students, illustrating the transformative power of education.
The true potency of these workshops and presentations lay not only in their content but in the vigorous discussions they incited and the moments of revelation they provoked.
My mentorship journey with Morgan Lopez was especially profound, as it evolved into a beautiful dialogue of shared learning. Morgan's heartfelt affirmation, "Sherry has been an exceptional mentor! Through our meetings, she has shared insights that significantly broadened my perspectives on my career and personal life, introducing me to ideas that sparked a new level of excitement for what the future holds," underscores the depth of our collaborative growth.
The professorship offered a plethora of opportunities to engage with the vibrant RIT community, fostering connections and friendships that have endeared me ever more to this special place.
I attended President Munson's address to the community which allowed me to forge connections with esteemed colleagues and gain a deeper understanding of RIT's objectives, triumphs, and ongoing projects.
I engaged in a stimulating webinar on Artificial Intelligence (AI), a field on the brink of reshaping our existence, which reawakened my passion for learning about this groundbreaking area.
Events such as the Fall DDI Family meeting served as a vibrant arena for interaction, allowing me to meet and connect with students of diverse heritages, which added depth to my RIT journey.
The Future Faculty Career Exploration Reception not only showcased the potential of up-and-coming national scholars but also reflected RIT's strategic and creative approach to talent acquisition.
Furthermore, the reception hosted by President Munson for new multicultural faculty and staff was an affirmation of the institution's commitment to an inclusive and diverse culture.
Social events such as the DDI Holiday Party were also invaluable for networking and fostering enduring relationships within the RIT family.
As I bid farewell to the Minett Professorship, my heart is full with an abundance of warm memories, the inspiring faces of students and peers, and the wonderful emotions that have accompanied our shared journey.
It was a privilege to serve in a role that brought me a wealth of enlightening moments, personal growth, and profound connections, all of which I will cherish for a lifetime.