A Deepened Sense of Purpose

When I consider the moment that I realized the true impact of my work in international education, a pivotal experience comes to mind: my participation in NAFSA’s Academy for International Education. I joined the Academy as the Region XII coach in 2019 and just this month wrapped up what turned into a five-year tenure with the program! My time in the Academy has been a transformative experience professionally and personally, one that has expanded my networks within the field of international education.  

Through the Academy, I have had the privilege of connecting with like-minded individuals, engaging in meaningful mentorship, and discovering new opportunities for personal and professional development. Reflecting on this journey, I can clearly see how the program has not only deepened my knowledge of the field but has also strengthened my role as a mentor, connector, and lifelong learner within the international education community. 

Giving Back

I joined the NAFSA Academy because I wanted to give back to the field and felt compelled to take on the role of an Academy coach. The landscape of international education is vast, with numerous institutions, policies, and practices intersecting across borders. The Academy’s structured curriculum—alongside its emphasis on collaboration and shared learning—helped me guide the members of my first Region XII cohort through their own professional development process.

One of the most rewarding aspects of the program was the chance to work with small cohorts of new professionals in the field. The shared learning environment created a sense of camaraderie and collective purpose as we all navigated the challenges (including the COVID-19 pandemic) and opportunities of international education together. The cohorts were more than just groups of individuals; they became supportive communities where we openly shared our successes and struggles. We learned from each other’s experiences and offered valuable feedback on projects and ideas.

The cohorts were more than just groups of individuals; they became supportive communities where we openly shared our successes and struggles.

As my first year as a coach came to a close, I realized the impact of my work in that role within the Academy. My first cohort of trainees had changed so much from the beginning of the program to the end, and during our final meetings , they shared how valuable my insight had been. I feel like I naturally coach and mentor people that I work with but being able to do so with a group outside of work, within the larger international education community, was impactful. It helped me make meaning of how I could truly give back to the field that has given me so much.

Finding My Strengths as a Coach and Mentor

Coaching allowed me to more fully step into a mentorship role where I could share my insights and experiences with new professionals who were just beginning their journey in the field. As a coach, I found it inspiring to help others connect the dots between theory and practice, guiding them as they navigated challenges and explored new opportunities. I was deeply moved by how eager my trainees were to learn and grow, and it reminded me of the impact that mentorship can have in shaping one’s professional identity.

This experience not only expanded my sense of purpose but also opened my eyes to the significant role I could play in shaping the future of the field. 

Being a coach also allowed me to see the power of mentorship in action. It reinforced my belief that international education, at its core, is about building relationships—be it between students, faculty, or colleagues across the globe. The ability to connect others and serve as a sounding board for their ideas, questions, and concerns felt both humbling and rewarding. This experience not only expanded my sense of purpose but also opened my eyes to the significant role I could play in shaping the future of the field. As I mentored these new professionals, I realized how essential it is to foster connections and provide guidance in an industry that thrives on collaboration and mutual support.

Building Relationships and Community

The relationships I have developed through the NAFSA Academy have been some of the most valuable aspects of my journey. The opportunity to meet colleagues from across the United States has been a gift. These are not just colleagues but friends—friends with whom I continue to connect and share personal and professional triumphs and challenges. We lean on one another for advice, support, and encouragement, knowing that the world of international education can sometimes feel isolating and overwhelming. Being able to talk openly about our struggles and successes has not only strengthened our professional relationships but has also created lasting bonds that transcend the workplace.

The sense of community I have found within the Academy is unique, and I am continually inspired by the dedication and passion of my colleagues. The program has given me the confidence to engage more deeply with the international education community, to push boundaries, and to advocate for positive change. The mentorship relationships I’ve built have instilled in me a sense of responsibility to continue supporting and uplifting others in the field.

We lean on one another for advice, support, and encouragement, knowing that the world of international education can sometimes feel isolating and overwhelming.

Furthermore, my involvement in the Academy has helped me realize the value of staying connected to knowledge communities within international education. Through the program, I have become more involved with various professional organizations and learned about the wealth of resources and opportunities available within the field. The connections I’ve made through NAFSA have allowed me to access a network of experts and thought leaders who are continuously advancing the field, and I now see myself as part of that ongoing conversation. International education is a dynamic, ever-evolving field that requires constant learning, adaptation, and collaboration.

Shaping My Journey—and the Journey of Others

As I look ahead to the future and transition into a new professional role at a new institution, I am more committed than ever to my role within the field of international education. The Academy has not only provided me with the skills and knowledge to be more effective in my work but it has also deepened my sense of purpose. I have learned the importance of mentorship, the value of a strong professional network, and the power of shared learning. These lessons will continue to shape my professional journey as I work to support the next generation of international education professionals and contribute to the growth of the field.

Ultimately, my experience in the NAFSA Academy has been nothing short of transformative. It has expanded my network, broadened my perspective, and equipped me with the tools to be an effective mentor, leader, and collaborator. The connections, lessons, and experiences I have gained through the Academy have given me a lens through which to see the true impact of my work in international education, and I will be forever grateful for the opportunity to serve as a volunteer leader. •

Kira Espiritu is the assistant provost for international affairs and the director of the International Studies Abroad Office at the University of San Diego.