As I move forward in my career as a Teen Services Librarian for the City of Santa Clarita, I will apply these competencies directly to the responsibilities of the role. This position requires providing reference and reader’s advisory services, developing and leading programs, supporting patrons with technology, and evaluating community needs. Through this program, I developed the ability to approach these responsibilities with intention—using research to understand teen interests, designing programs with clear outcomes, and evaluating services to ensure they are meaningful and effective. I also gained experience communicating with diverse audiences, adapting to changing needs, and creating inclusive, engaging environments, all of which will be essential in serving teens and supporting the broader community.

In addition, the role emphasizes outreach, collaboration, and staying current with trends in library services and technology. I will continue to build on these skills by engaging with professional resources such as the American Library Association (ALA) and the Young Adult Library Services Association (YALSA), while also staying informed through professional literature, webinars, and emerging practices in youth services. As libraries continue to evolve, I am committed to growing alongside the field and ensuring that my work remains responsive, innovative, and centered on the needs of the community I serve.

Acknowledgements

This journey would not have been possible without the guidance and support of the faculty who shaped my experience throughout this program. I would like to thank Dr. Patty Wong for her mentorship and for grounding my work in real-world application, particularly in grant writing and understanding how to align services with community needs. Her course helped me see the direct impact of thoughtful planning and advocacy in library work.

I am deeply grateful to Dr. Anthony Chow for creating opportunities to engage in meaningful, hands-on work through the Book Ecosystem initiative. His emphasis on global impact, innovation, and community-centered design pushed me to think beyond traditional library models and consider how information services can reach and support diverse populations.

Thank you to Dr. Johanna Tunon for strengthening my foundation in reference services and for emphasizing the importance of thoughtful, user-centered interactions. Her course reinforced the value of meeting people where they are and providing support that is both effective and empathetic.

I would also like to thank Dr. Julia Gosart for helping me better understand information communities and the ways people connect with information in meaningful and complex ways. Her course shaped how I think about users, access, and the broader role of libraries in supporting communities.

I am grateful to Dr. Anthony Bernier for challenging me to engage deeply with research and think critically about how knowledge is developed and interpreted. His course strengthened my ability to analyze scholarship and approach research with intention and clarity.

Thank you to Megan Price for providing a strong foundation in understanding the information professions and helping me see where I fit within the field. Her course gave me a clearer sense of direction and purpose as I moved through the program.

I would also like to thank Ellyssa Valenti for her work in digital services, which helped me better understand how libraries continue to evolve in response to changing technologies and user needs. Through her course, I gained hands-on experience with digital tools, service design, and evaluating how technology supports access and engagement. These skills will directly inform my work as a Teen Services Librarian, particularly as I support patrons with technology, create digital and in-person programming, and adapt services to meet the needs of a generation that engages with information across multiple platforms.

To the additional faculty who supported my learning throughout this program, your guidance, feedback, and dedication made a lasting impact on my growth as both a student and an emerging professional.

I dedicate this degree to my heavenly furbabies, whose love continues to stay with me, and to my niece and nephew. I hope they grow up knowing that their future is something they can actively build through hard work, persistence, and dedication.

Finally, to my partner, thank you for your patience, your unwavering support, and for standing beside me through two degrees, not just my MLIS but also my Bachelor’s in Communications and Organizational Leadership in the Public Sector. You filled in the gaps when I needed it most and never let me lose sight of the finish line. I would not be here without you. I look forward to continuing to build abundance together.