Overview
This lecture is a personal account of navigating college as a biology major, overcoming obstacles, and utilizing support systems to succeed academically and personally.
Educational Background & Family
- Graduated from Washington College in 2017; currently pursuing a bachelor's in biology at Governor State.
- First-generation college student; parents finished high school but not college.
- Older sister joined the Marines after high school; younger sister attends Northwestern.
Motivation & Evolving Goals
- Initial motivation for college was earning potential; shifted toward valuing knowledge and self-growth.
- Continued in college to gain practical skills and self-worth, not just for a degree.
Major Obstacles & Coping Strategies
- Biggest challenge: grandfather's cancer and hospice care, balancing family, work, and school.
- Managed time by completing homework at work and utilizing flexible, computer-based assignments.
- Prioritized tasks by keeping work, school, and extracurriculars within close proximity.
Asking for Help & Teacher Relationships
- Initially hesitant to ask for help; eventually learned the value of communicating struggles to professors.
- Extensions and office hours were beneficial after seeking help, which improved academic success.
Academic Setbacks & Persistence
- Experienced doubts and struggled with difficult classes and teacher relationships.
- Took time off from challenging classes, returned with a new approach and instructor, and succeeded.
Support Systems Used
- Used tutoring, advising center, computer lab, friends, family, church, and coworkers for academic support.
- Found tutoring effective, especially when matched with tutors who fit personal learning style.
Study & Success Strategies
- Chose study partners based on shared goals and willingness to ask questions.
- Used office hours before major tests to clarify expectations and build professor relationships.
- Defined success as setting, achieving, and exceeding personal goals.
Benefits of City Colleges of Chicago
- City Colleges offers abundant resources, accessibility, affordability, and support for students.
- Utilized library resources and equipment loans to support learning.
Recommendations & Lessons Learned
- Advocates for increased financial aid and scholarships for students who don't qualify for full financial aid.
- Recommends new students use all available resources and not limit themselves to a single campus.
- Emphasizes the importance of humility, persistence, and following one's own path to success.
Influential Teachers & Effective Tutors
- Most influential teacher treated students as peers and provided constructive feedback.
- Effective tutors assess the student's level, provide correction, and understand both material and teaching expectations.
Key Terms & Definitions
- Office Hours — Designated times when professors are available for student questions and support.
- Tutoring — Academic assistance provided by trained students or instructors to help with coursework.
- Advising Center — Campus resource providing academic guidance and planning.
- Work-study — Campus job that offers flexible hours and supports students financially and academically.
Action Items / Next Steps
- Take advantage of tutoring, office hours, campus resources, and multi-campus opportunities.
- Seek out financial assistance options and scholarship notifications.
- Stay informed about campus events and support services.