| This research was predicated on the idea that the student affairs profession is guided by certain historic and essential values. It was also noted that little is known about the influence of such values on mid-level student affairs practitioners. This hermeneutic phenomenological study explored the existence, meaning, and influence of lived values of the student affairs profession as experienced by mid-level student affairs professionals.; Ten mid-level student affairs professionals from the mid-Atlantic region of the United States participated in this journey of exploration. These co-travelers explored their own values and those of the student affairs profession that were meaningful to them through their daily work experiences.; Through a series of conversations, descriptions of meaningful items, and written reflections, the co-travelers came to a greater awareness of the power of their work with students, the deeper influence of values on their daily efforts, and the connections to the values of the student affairs profession. Five themes emerged that created shared meaning between and among the ten co-travelers. These themes included: (a) invisible passion, (b) stirring the pots to create something of importance, (c) pushing and pulling from a center of gravity, (d) community, connections, and mattering, and (e) the enduring quality of care. All five themes could be connected to historic and essential values of the student affairs profession; specifically, the values of truth, equality, being an educator, community, concern for the development of the whole person, human dignity, and altruism or care.; Values reflection activities by the co-travelers demonstrated the power of reflection to promote professional pride, moved them to some kind of professional development action, or encouraged them to be more intentional in their daily work. As a result of the experiences and feedback of the co-travelers, a number of recommendations were offered to enhance and strengthen student affairs practice and individual professionalism, especially for mid-level practitioners. The recommendations focus on actions and activities by individuals, workplace supervisors, and professional associations to incorporate meaningful values reflection into daily work. |
