March 23, 2016

To the Members of Naseeb Bhangals e-Portfolio Committee:

My initial impression of Naseeb is likely something I will never forget. Within our first few days of Residence Life
training, she and I sat at a beach near campus and I heard her account of her educational journey and how she
arrived at Loyola. Her passion for teamwork, her curiosity about others, and her introspection about power,
privilege, and difference were interwoven into her narrative in a way that made her authenticity seem
unapologetically confident for a first-year graduate student.
Over her next year and a half as an Assistant Resident Director, that authenticity was challenged. Naseeb
encountered moments where her personal values were overshadowed by departmental decisions, professionals were
unwilling to answer her (justified) questions about developing culturally competent practices, and students tested
her capabilities as a young professional. Through all of these scenarios, Naseeb found ways to stay true to who she
is as a person and a professional. Despite being met with resistance, she found space to nurture students wellbeing
even after she was no longer supervising them. She continued to foster dialogue that encouraged others to think
critically about how their internalized dominance showed up in spaces. She reflected on how she could demonstrate
more patience, reframe questions, and listen to students stories more deeply. Naseebs resilience in the face of
difficult situations was always coupled with her willingness to receive feedback and to learn more. She consistently
adjusts her approach to work in higher education while staying true to who she is at her core.
The potential that Naseeb has as a higher education professional lies here, with the promise she makes to herself
every day to live and work as authentically as possible, while challenging others to do the same. Her genuineness can
inspire awe in a room full of people because she does the internal work that allows her to develop meaningful,
caring relationships that break down the walls with which students and professionals so often guard themselves. She
has a respect for storytelling and peoples lived experiences that is necessary to incorporate into our work as student
affairs practitioners as we strive to dismantle systems of oppression that continuously leave certain voices unheard.
She uses critical pedagogy in ways that are accessible to her audience and that invite them to be vulnerable, discover
their own self-worth, and develop communities built on empowerment, trust, and reflection.
Over her time in Loyolas Higher Education Program, Naseeb has developed into a professional unlike any other I
have met. The program has been blessed by her contributions both in and outside of the classroom, and students
and staff are undoubtedly lucky to have her continue sharing her authenticity as a critical member of Loyolas
Student Diversity and Multicultural Affairs team for the coming years. Her ability to communicate stories and weave
theory into her interactions with colleagues and students provides her with the capacity to use her place in higher
education to transform lives, departments, and institutions. I am confident that she will continue to do just that.
Sincerely,

Jennifer L. Kosciw, M.A.

Assistant to the Dean of Students & Coordinator of Conduct and Compliance
Elmhurst College
jenn.kosciw@elmhurst.edu
Office of Student Affairs

190 Prospect Avenue

(630) 617-5199 phone

Elmhurst, Illinois

(630) 617-3387 fax

60126-3296

www.elmhurst.edu