Reflection & Final Conclusion
I am so grateful I found this program, took the classes I did, and met so many amazing students and faculty in this MLIS program at SJSU. I love learning new things, new technologies and finding new venues to connect with others and through the world of libraries I can be a citizen of the world and a lifelong learner. This program has given me specific skills I could utilize in a variety of information professions as well as a big picture understanding of the importance of information literacy and information systems to global and local communities.
When I was fifteen my very first job was as a page at my local public library in Colorado. I have since had so many different jobs and life experiences that have led me to this MLIS program, and to this point in my life. For much of my life I have felt like an outsider taking photographs of other people’s lives and experiences and longing for a sense of belonging. This is the first time I have ever felt a sense of inspiration, understanding and connection to something bigger than myself. I have worked mainly in jobs where I created a final product that someone purchased from me in the form of art, photographs, or service. The LIS world of information, lifelong learning and service to a community feels more profound, stimulating and in many ways exciting.
I have prepared myself for a career in this field with four internships, over three hundred hours of library work outside of my MLIS degree, a year as the chair of the American Library Association Student Chapter, a year and a half as the student assistant to prominent teacher librarian Dr. Loertscher. I am currently the Secretary of the Special Library Association Southern California Executive Board, and I have done more networking while seeking my MLIS degree than in the first three decades of my life. I will graduate in May of 2023 with a 4.0 GPA, having completed this program in just under two years. I will have three years of paid library experience on my resume, multiple projects I can use as examples of my skills learned and I am ready to roll up my sleeves, join a library team, and get to work.
Thank you for taking the time to read about my experience and being a part of my journey.
Rachel Lynn Fleming
All introductory, reflective, and evidentiary work submitted is mine alone (except where indicated as a group or team project with group member names redacted), and has been prepared solely by me.
When making my e-portfolio public I will respect the privacy of others by removing mention in this e-Portfolio of information that could lead to the identity of individuals (team members in group projects, internship supervisors, interviewees, etc.). - Rachel Fleming