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December 2025

December 2025

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Welcome to December… a month of endings, celebrations, and new beginnings.

Dear Students,

As Student Success Coaches, we would like to take this opportunity to reach out and communicate with you directly. We understand that your academic journey can be challenging, but please know that we are here to support you every step of the way.

We want to remind you that your success is our top priority. We are here to provide you with guidance, resources, and support to help you achieve your academic goals. Whether you need assistance with time management, study skills, or navigating the university, we are here to help.

It is important to remember that you are not alone in this journey. For this reason we have created this entry to provide you with a direct message and to be able to contact us more directly. We hope you enjoy.

Student Success Coaches

Welcome to December… a month of endings, celebrations, and new beginnings.

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To Those Approaching Finals:

As you enter the final stretch of this semester, remember, you’ve come too far to let discouragement derail you now. Trust yourself. Trust the knowledge you’ve gained. Trust the hours you’ve invested in learning and growing. You are more prepared than you think. Finish strong. Notice I didn’t say “perfectly”, but authentically and with the confidence that you’ve done the work.

Celebrating December Graduates:

To those crossing the finish line this month… congratulations! Whether you’ve completed a degree, earned a certification, or finished a specialized program, FocusQuest celebrates this tremendous accomplishment with you. You’ve reached the end of this chapter, and we couldn’t be more thrilled to witness your success. This moment belongs to you. Celebrate it fully.

For Continuous Learners:

If you’re enrolled in programs without traditional semester breaks – those of you progressing through certifications, skills training, or year-round coursework – we see you too. Your journey doesn’t pause for December, and that’s okay. Keep your eyes on the destination, but don’t forget to appreciate where you are right now. Every module completed, every skill mastered, every challenge overcome is progress worth acknowledging.

Maya Angelou once said, “Success is liking yourself, liking what you do, and liking how you do it.” The journey itself, with all its struggles and victories, is where transformation happens. Don’t rush past it.

As the Year Closes:

Happy holidays to all who are celebrating! As 2025 comes to a close, take time to reflect on this year’s journey. Celebrate your successes:  the A’s earned, the concepts mastered, the obstacles overcome. But also honor what some might call “failures” or “setbacks.” Those moments taught you resilience, revealed your strength, and redirected you toward better paths. Viewed through the right lens, they’re successes too.

You’ve grown more than you realize. We’re proud to be part of your journey and excited to see what 2026 holds for you.

Here’s to finishing strong and starting fresh.

Dr. Ndala Booker
Chief Student Success Officer
FocusQuest, LLC

Ndala M. Booker, Ed.D.

Chief Student Success Officer

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The Power of Peer Support: Finding Your Study Tribe

The Power of Peer Support: Finding Your Study Tribe

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Why Peer Support Matters in Your Academic Journey 

You Don’t Have to Study Alone 

Whether you’re in a classroom, a dorm room, or learning remotely, one thing remains true: connection fuels success. Studying alone may feel productive, but over time it can lead to burnout, boredom, and isolation. That’s where peer support comes in—it offers encouragement, shared knowledge, and a sense of community. 

Social Learning and Mental Health Benefits 

Group learning improves memory and understanding. It also boosts your emotional well-being. Just knowing someone else is working alongside you can make a big difference—especially during stressful weeks or exam prep. 

 

What Is a “Study Tribe” and Why You Need One 

From Study Buddies to Success Networks 

Your study tribe is a small group of peers committed to helping each other succeed. They may be classmates, online learners, or even people in different time zones. What unites them is a shared mindset and mutual accountability. 

Shared Goals, Mutual Growth 

A good study tribe helps you: 

  • Stay focused 
  • Learn more deeply 
  • Share resources 
  • Celebrate progress together 

 

Benefits of Studying with Others 

Increased Motivation and Discipline 

When you know others are depending on you to show up, you’re more likely to stay consistent—even when motivation is low. 

Better Understanding Through Discussion 

Explaining concepts to others is one of the most effective learning methods. Study groups encourage questions, feedback, and collaborative problem-solving. 

Exposure to New Perspectives and Techniques 

Everyone has different ways of approaching material. Hearing different viewpoints can unlock your own understanding and introduce new study techniques. 

 

How to Form or Find a Study Group 

In-Person vs. Virtual Study Circles 

  • In-person: Great for local meetups, library sessions, or campus-based students 
  • Virtual: Perfect for remote learners, online classes, and global programs 

Tips for Starting Your Own Group 

  • Invite 2–5 people with similar academic goals 
  • Choose a regular meeting time 
  • Use platforms like Zoom, Discord, or WhatsApp for communication 
  • Set expectations early (focus, participation, sharing responsibilities) 

 

The Role of Accountability Partners in Academic Success 

What Makes a Good Accountability Partner 

An accountability partner is someone who: 

  • Reminds you of deadlines 
  • Checks in on your progress 
  • Celebrates your wins 
  • Gently nudges you when you procrastinate 

How to Stay on Track Without Pressure 

Set weekly or daily check-ins. Keep it casual but consistent. Share goals and track progress together without turning it into a competition. 

 

Leveraging Online Communities and Forums 

Reddit, Discord, Facebook, and Slack Groups 

There are countless digital communities where students can: 

  • Ask questions 
  • Share study resources 
  • Find encouragement 
  • Co-study with strangers turned friends 

Popular spaces include: 

  • r/college 
  • r/GetStudying 
  • Study Discord servers 
  • Facebook groups for student success or specific majors 

How to Find the Right Academic Community for You 

Search keywords like “study group,” “student support,” or your major plus “community.” Look for spaces with active members and respectful interactions. 

 

How to Make the Most of Study Sessions 

Set Clear Goals and Agendas 

Start each session by outlining what everyone hopes to achieve. Keep a shared agenda or checklist to stay focused. 

Use Study Methods Like Pomodoro or Feynman Together 

  • Pomodoro: 25-minute study sprints + 5-minute breaks 
  • Feynman Technique: Teach each other as if you’re explaining to a beginner 

Balance Focus with Fun 

Add light moments—like sharing a meme or a 2-minute stretch—to keep energy high and avoid burnout. 

 

Tools for Collaborative Studying 

Google Docs, Zoom, Notion, Miro 

These tools make it easy to: 

  • Take shared notes 
  • Brainstorm in real-time 
  • Organize group projects 
  • Host virtual study rooms 

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Categories
Newsletter

November 2025

November 2025

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