Mentoring Program Manager at U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services
The day I graduated from Boise State University’s Master of Science in Organizational Performance and Workplace Learning (OPWL) program was one of the most enriching experiences in my life. To learn, grow, and achieve beyond my expectations was a burning desired goal, a long six-year struggle. To some degree, passing the portfolio defense and graduating from Boise State University felt surreal.
In the summer of 2011, the first time I contacted Boise State, I discussed a passion to help people develop and navigate through learning journeys to ultimately open minds and lift spirits. The positive energy, openness, and guidance from Boise State staff helped me quickly realize I made the right choice in selecting Boise State and the OPWL program.
One of my challenges was working full-time in a demanding job and going to graduate school part-time. Each semester I took only one class. The strategy, achieve a desired goal one step at time. The program demands focus, self-accountability, time, and diligence. Family, co-workers, and Boise State staff became my support system.
Every semester at Boise State there was a common theme, dynamic courses with exceptional customer service. The Boise State professors and staff were professional, patient, receptive to student concerns, and dedicated to student success regardless of gender, age, race, culture, or educational background. Each class was different, but all were challenging, mentally stimulating, and inspired creative thinking.
In 2014, I published my first article in the Performance Improvement Journal of the International Society for Performance Improvement (ISPI). In 2017, I was a co-presenter at the Association for Educational Communications and Technology (AECT) Conference, another first time experience. The feeling of pride as a Boise State alumna is both overwhelming and delightful.
My parents taught me to value knowledge, which is a gift once obtained no one can take away. If learning and helping others grow is your passion, then Boise State’s innovative Master of Science program in Organizational Performance and Workplace Learning is the right fit for you. I highly encourage others to put fear aside, “take a leap of faith in yourself” and explore the possibilities.
Publication
Cruz, A., & Dunn, D. (2014). Case Study: Improving Customer Satisfaction, Quality, and Performance using Performance-Centered Solutions at ADDS Communication. Performance Improvement, 53(8), 19-23
Presentation
Mentoring, workplace learning, and performance improvement: Evidence, evaluation, and research methods from a multiple studies literature review. Lisa A. Giacumo, Jie Chen, and Aurora Seguinot-Cruz, Boise State University. Association for Educational Communications and Technology (AECT) Conference 2017.