The other day I thought about the many mentors I’ve had over the years and the power of mentoring. Here are some tips on choosing and building good mentoring relationships or mentor-ships. Everyone benefits from mentoring. The first step in choosing a mentor is understanding that they help you reach your destination faster with less struggle. Take time to think about your goals and who can help you reach them. If your mentor can’t help you reach them, they probably know someone who can. It’s a two-way street. Having a mentor is not just about what they can do for you; it’s a partnership. Mentors love mentees who are willing to … [Read more...]

It’s back to school time and you’re late to register for the upcoming semester. I know you got distracted by Facebook or you were one minute too late before grabbing the class you needed online. Don’t fret; here are some tips that can help give you a smooth registration and maybe grant you access in that class that you need to take this semester. Tip #1 Develop a relationship with your advisor. This sounds simple, right? The truth is that most students are required to meet with their academic advisor before they can register for their classes. However, you’d be surprised how many students treat it like a routine dentist … [Read more...]

As high school seniors and college transfers are coming into the final stretch of their college selection process I would like to weigh in and offer a few helpful hints that will save you countless dollars as well as heartaches. You can thank me later. Here are four things to think over carefully before making your final decision. Taking the wrong things into consideration in any of these areas could make your next four years miserable... maybe even miserable enough to cut them short. Don't make that mistake. Start now to get connected, stay connected and graduate! In-state or Out of state? Wise men travel but wise people are also … [Read more...]

As the end of the school year fast approaches, it’s time to start taking a look at what’s ahead. Depending upon your year (pre-college, first year, sophomore, junior or senior) you have a lot to consider. The following tips will help you think about and prepare for your next steps. Pre-College Congratulations, you have been accepted and you are on your way to college! Before you take your first step on campus, take a minute to get organized. Do you have all of the necessary paperwork (college acceptance letter, financial aid award letters, immunization shot records, housing assignment letter, transcripts, etc.)? Be mindful that your … [Read more...]

After my first semester of college, I quickly realized that in order to get my cap and gown I could not do it alone. In fact, I am a proponent of the idea that college completion is not a solo journey. It’s a process that you should not experience alone. If you want to be successful in college, I implore you to get a supportive, beneficial support group that will help you get connected and stay connected throughout your college process. This goes beyond just the people you like; it’s about being intentional about the relationships that you form. For instance, when I was college, I knew that I needed connections in financial … [Read more...]

As a graduate of three distinctly different institutions, a former college administrator at four distinctly different institutions, and student leader, I’ve had an opportunity to see higher education from many different prospectives. Unfortunately, from what I’ve observed is that most institutions make the mistake of handling the first year experience in a “survival of the fittest” fashion. Most schools, frontload first year students with too much information during the first week of school. In my experience, I started to ask myself the question of who are we trying to benefit, ourselves or the students? Granted, student affairs … [Read more...]