The first eight weeks of school are over, spring break is long gone, and May is around the corner. As your student prepares for the summer with more classes, internships, or graduation they may start to feel a little more stressed. However, we want to provide you with some tips and tools to help your student finish S.T.R.O.N.G.
Tip #1: S-Success looks different for everyone.
Help your student understand and embrace that success looks different for everyone. High GPAs, awards, etc. are successes but trying your best and learning from your failures is a success too. A failed exam is an opportunity to reevaluate and prepare for passing the next exam. Learning to use campus resources like the Academic Support and Resources (academicsupport@hc.edu) is a success too! Late Night Hours hosted by the Academic Support and Resources will be from April 29th until May 9th.
Tip #2: T-Time management.
Time management is essential for everyone and every task we face. Events come up, or students have to juggle two papers and three exams two weeks. Don’t be afraid to ask your student what time management looks like for them. It
isn’t ever too late to start using a planner, Google calendar, or whatever is best for them. The right time is always now.
Tip #3: R-Rest and Relaxation.
What is the best way to combat stress? Rest and relaxation will help your student rejuvenate and tackle their next task. Running at 100 mph can be taxing mentally and physically. Our campus has several events each week to help them achieve this opportunity. Events include Bible studies, Food truck Thursdays, Lunch and Learns, talent shows, and much more. If your student tells you there aren’t any opportunities, then they most likely aren’t reading their student newsletters or paying attention on-campus. Encourage them to take a brief moment to step away from papers, studying, etc. and take a moment to practice self-care to help them complete this academic race.
Tip #4: O-Opportunities are awaiting.
There are a plethora of opportunities on campus to ensure the success of your student as long as they seek and utilize them. Where should they start? Start at the resource. Professors have office hours for a reason. Encourage your students to visit their professors for any clarification they don’t have from lectures or homework assignments. Other opportunities include meeting with success coaches from the Department of Student Success, attending walk-in tutoring sessions with the Academic Support and Resources, or meeting with their academic advisor to strategize about future coursework.
Tip #5: N-Navigate summer plans now.
Summer is around the corner and if your student hasn’t secured their summer plans yet it isn’t too late. Encourage them to visit Career and Calling for connections to employers that are still looking for interns. Career and Calling (careerandcalling@hbu.edu) can help them with resumes,
mock interviews, and much more. If summer classes are on the list, advising season is also around the corner, ask your students if they have signed up for an advising appointment to receive their pins to register for classes. Most importantly, ask them if they have any holds on their account that will serve as an obstacle that keeps them from registering for classes. Preparing to handle the holds now will give them the opportunity to sign up for the classes they want.
Tip #6: G-Grit produces hope.
I’m not talking about the dish that comes with shrimp. Grit is defined as the strength of character or strength of will. Failures are inevitable in life, but grit develops when we learn from trying times in our lives. Use failure as an opportunity to reevaluate, reassess, and reassure your student that they can overcome this obstacle and that it will only strengthen them and prepare them for adulthood. Romans 5:3-4 (NIV) states, “Not only so, but we[a] also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; 4 perseverance, character; and character, hope.”
This post was written by our Department of Student Success, reach out to them by going to HC.edu/studentsuccess