Success Coaching

What is one struggle you faced as a student? When I started community college, I had no idea what I wanted to do in life. I really struggled being able to identify what my strengths were and how to choose a career path that would be right for me. I took personality and career exploration quizzes to help point me in the right direction, but I never had a mentor or a guide to help me process what would be best for me long term. I felt like I was making major decisions about my life and future completely on my own, causing a lot of anxiety. I ended up choosing my major from which classes I enjoyed most at Heartland (Communication and Spanish).

What is one struggle you faced as a student? The biggest struggle I faced as a student was life balance and motivation. As a college baseball player, all I wanted to focus on was playing baseball. It took the maturing process to realize that without school and focusing on my studies that I would not be eligible to play baseball. I had always been a good student and never had to put extra effort into my schoolwork like I did once I got to college. Finding the balance between sport and school was hard in the beginning, but the use of mandatory study hours for the team allowed me to put the effort toward school that was necessary. Not every student has that and may feel like there is no one to help with the transition we all go through. I had coaches that helped along the way and so do you! That is our role as Success Coaches. We are an outlet for the everyday student that needs guidance on their journey towards success.

What is one struggle you faced as a student? I believe my greatest struggle during my college years was obtaining balance. I took on too many things. I worked four jobs while attending school. And although I strongly believe in being productive, I believe balance is key. I wish someone would have helped me to see that all aspects of the college experience can prove to be invaluable. I think becoming involved in clubs, organizations, sports or volunteer opportunities on campus will help guide students to become more well rounded. I think these types of experiences open the doors to new relationships, new passions, self fulfillment and true life-long learning. I urge students today to self discipline to maintain balance during their college years paying attention to things like: strong health (nutrition, hydration, sleep, exercise), studies (true focused learning instead of checking things off a list), work (great experience, helps with financial freedoms, possible connections for future career), volunteer opportunities (provides such a sense of self worth oftentimes), clubs, organizations (opens doors to new interests and can provide real life education).

What is one struggle you faced as a student? One thing that I struggled with in college was really being focused on making the most of my experience. I wish I would have taken advantage of all the resources and opportunities that were available to me. I did not realize my true goal of working in higher education until a few years after I graduated. If I had focused more on getting engaged while I was working on my Bachelor’s degree maybe I would have realized my dream even earlier. Since I cannot go back and have my college experience again, I try to focus on helping students take advantage of all the opportunities that are available to them while at Heartland.

What is one struggle you faced as a student? Navigating the college "system" was hugely overwhelming for me. I was a first-generation college student (the first in my family to attend college) so no one in my household had any idea where to begin. Everything from applying for financial aid, registering for classes, buying books, managing a college course load, and getting connected on campus was outside of my comfort zone. There were times during my first year that I wanted to give up rather than deal with the stress of figuring out how everything worked. Over time, I learned a lot from trial and error (and my fellow students!) but spent much of that first year feeling stressed out and confused rather than enjoying the experience. I wish there had been a coaching program when I was a student to help take the mystery out of navigating that first year of college!

What is one struggle you faced as a student? My greatest struggle in college was finding a way to connect in such a large university and get the support I needed. I came from a small town and knew most students in my class of 175. Going to such a large university with 40,000 undergraduate students meant that I had to find a place to fit in and connect with other students. I tried several student groups, organizations, and gatherings before I found the right fit for me. It was stressful adjusting to college life and I want to help students find a way to connect with others here on campus and in the community. Learning to try new things and meet new people helps students feel connected both personally and in classes and is a skill that creates opportunities throughout life.

What is one struggle you faced as a student? My greatest struggle in college was trying to balance everything! It was difficult getting used to a college workload, working a job, getting involved in extracurricular activities and balancing relationships with friends and loved ones. I was also helping care for a sick parent during my college years. It was a very stressful time, and I wish I had access to all the resources that are available here at Heartland for students. I want to help connect students to the appropriate resources and assist them in getting the most out of their college experience

What is one struggle you faced as a student? One struggle I faced as a student was learning to ask for help. I always wanted to be independent and figure everything out on my own. Asking for help felt like a weakness to me then. I was very closed-minded to allowing other people give their perspectives or advice. Never letting anyone in was isolating and lonely at times. However, now I have learned that everyone needs a helping hand every once in a while. Now, I think about daunting tasks like climbing mountains. It's much easier to climb when you have someone to guide you and other people to lean on. It's also much more enjoyable once you've made it to the top and get to take in the view with other people. If I were to tell my Freshman self one piece of advice it would be to let people help you along the way and always show gratitude when they do!

What is one struggle you faced as a student? My greatest struggle in college was procrastination. There were nights when all of a sudden, the sky brightened as I put the finishing touches on a paper I worked on all night. The new freedom that comes with being a college student is wonderful, but it's something that we must make good decisions with. We can use our time to have fun, and we should! We can use our time to work, and we should! However, we really need to plan how we will use our time to get our homework done and make that a priority. I wish I had a Success Coach to help me with my time management skills back when I was in college. I've learned a lot since then and would like to help you not make the same mistakes I did.

What is one struggle you faced as a student? One of my early struggles during college was being a first generation student. No one else in my immediate family had attended college, so figuring out the process was scary and challenging. I had a lot of support from college staff, who encouraged me to continue the process. Figuring out financial aid and navigating the college system was so intimidating, but pushing through the unknowns was so worth it. A later struggle of mine was having my children while finishing my degrees. I continued going to school full time, working full time, and raising babies. The odds were against me in many ways. I was tired and constantly wondered how much I had left in me. I was motivated to finish my degree to obtain a better career and ensure a good future for my children. Learning and developing time management, self-motivation and interdependence was key to my success! I was lucky to have supportive instructors, family members, and friends who helped when I needed it. Don’t be afraid to seek help and discover ways to work through challenging situations.

What is one struggle you faced as a student? One of my biggest struggles early on was having the intense feeling that I didn’t “belong” at college. Coming from a family and a neighborhood where many had not graduated high school and none had attended any college, I had so much misunderstanding of what college was, who could attend, and so on. As far as I knew, college was where the children of rich people went to become doctors and lawyers. Luckily, I had a High School Guidance Counselor who caught me my Junior year and made me pick a career other than grocery store clerk (my plan at the time), take the ACT, and apply to some colleges. While there was no way for me to attend the schools I liked the most (even with a full tuition scholarship, I couldn’t afford room and board), I found myself with an almost full tuition scholarship at a school to which I could commute, and all of a sudden, college was an option. For me, college was serious business. I needed to keep a 3.6 GPA to keep my scholarship, or I’d lose the chance to finish my degree. [Nobody told me that community colleges existed, so I thought that this was my one and only shot.] And being someone with a 40-minute commute who was working several part-time and seasonal jobs, college was also very transactional. I went to school, attended my classes, went to work, went home, and studied like my ability to continue depended on it. But being surrounded by 18 year olds who were living in the dorms, not working, without a care in the world, treating college like a social thing – I couldn't relate to them. They were from an entirely different world of two story brick houses. I felt like an imposter. Over time, I came to realize that everyone has a different “college experience”. That was their college experience. Mine was my college experience. And while the 18-year old carefree culture is what was most visible, that wasn’t the core culture of the college itself. The core culture of the college itself related to faculty and staff caring about students (including me) and helping each along his or her journey. Once I figured that out and embraced my own path, I knew I was where I belonged. Heartland students come from a wide variety of backgrounds and past experiences, and you ALL belong here. If you ever feel like you don’t belong, come sit with me for a bit. One thing I can tell you for sure is that I’m happy you’re here.