Author: Agustina Tumminello

Graduation season is upon us, and caps and tassels are filling the air! To all our Class of 2025 graduates – CONGRATULATIONS! You’ve reached this incredible milestone through dedication, perseverance, and countless hours of hard work. Take a moment to celebrate this achievement – you’ve earned every bit of it.

As you turn your tassel and step into the next chapter, remember that the greatest asset you possess is your belief in yourself. The confidence you’ve built and the knowledge you’ve gained will serve as the foundation for whatever path lies ahead. Whether you’re heading to graduate school, starting a career, or exploring new horizons, carry forward the resilience that brought you to this moment.

Welcome to the Journey

For those of you preparing to begin your college journey this fall, we want you to know that you have chosen a path of tremendous opportunity. The decision to pursue higher education is an investment in yourself and your future. As you stand at this threshold, know that you’re not alone.

We at FocusQuest are your champions, your cheerleaders, and your partners in success. In fact, we’re so determined to contribute to your success that we want you to be the first to know: FocusQuest will be facilitating two virtual College Preparedness workshops this summer. Registration is absolutely free because this is our gift to you for reaching this point in your academic journey. Be on the lookout for the announcement about the dates and times.

A Continuing Journey

To our graduates: your journey doesn’t end here. It transforms. The skills you’ve developed, the relationships you’ve built, and the perspectives you’ve gained will continue to shape your impact on the world. We wish you success, fulfillment, and continued growth in all your future endeavors.

To all students, whether graduating or beginning: remember that education is a lifelong journey. Keep learning, keep growing, and keep believing in your ability to achieve great things.

Here’s to new beginnings, new achievements, and the bright futures ahead!

Dr. Ndala Booker

Chief Student Success Officer

FocusQuest

As April unfolds, many of you are entering the final stretch of your academic year. Whether your semester ends this month or in May, take a moment to acknowledge what you’ve accomplished. In a world filled with competing demands and unprecedented challenges, your commitment to education is truly remarkable.

You’ve navigated complex assignments, balanced personal responsibilities, overcome obstacles, and continued to grow intellectually and personally. Your resilience isn’t just admirable—it’s transformative. Each challenge you’ve faced has strengthened your resolve and expanded your capabilities.

Looking Forward

For those crossing the graduation stage in the coming weeks: congratulations! This milestone represents not just academic achievement but personal triumph. As you step into the next chapter, carry with you the critical thinking skills, knowledge, and perspectives you’ve developed. The world needs your unique contributions now more than ever.

For those contemplating beginning or returning to your educational journey this fall, I encourage you to engage in thoughtful reflection. Where do you hope to be in two or four years? What path will lead you there? Education remains one of the most powerful vehicles for transformation, opportunity, and impact. Your future self will thank you for the decision to invest in your growth today.

A Final Thought

Whether you’re completing a semester, finishing a degree, or considering your next educational step, remember that learning is never wasted. Each course, each assignment, each moment of discovery contributes to who you are becoming.

The FocusQuest team celebrates your persistence and believes in your potential. As this academic year draws to a close, we honor your commitment and cheer for your continued success.

Onward and upward!

Dr. Ndala Booker

Chief Student Success Officer

FocusQuest

This past week brought the wonderful opportunity to present a session for student leaders at the UNCF NAC/NPAC Leadership Conference. Meeting these remarkable students was truly a highlight of the event. Engaging in conversations about their academic journeys, hearing about their struggles and accomplishments, and witnessing their determination firsthand – these moments powerfully remind us why we do what we do at FocusQuest. Each student’s story reinforces our commitment to supporting academic excellence and personal growth.

Finding Your Second Wind: Strategies for the Final Push

As we move past midterms and spring break into the crucial final weeks of the semester, many students find themselves at a crossroads. The initial enthusiasm of January has faded, fatigue may be setting in, and the finish line might seem distant. This is the perfect moment to find your “second wind” – that renewed energy and focus that will carry you through to success.

Reassess and Recalibrate

Take a moment to honestly evaluate your midterm performance. What worked well? What didn’t? This isn’t about dwelling on disappointments but using them as valuable data to adjust your approach. Remember that struggle isn’t failure – it’s feedback.

Small Steps, Big Impact

The remainder of the semester might seem overwhelming when viewed as a whole. Break it down into weekly goals, then daily tasks. Each completed assignment, each productive study session, and each question asked in class moves you forward. Celebrate these small victories.

Connect and Collaborate

Now is the time to strengthen your support network. Form study groups with classmates, schedule time with tutors, and meet with your professors during office hours. The most successful students aren’t those who never struggle – they’re those who know when and how to seek help.

Prioritize Self-Care

Your brain performs best when your body is well-cared for. Maintain regular sleep schedules when you can, incorporate movement into your day, and fuel yourself with nutritious foods. Even brief moments of mindfulness or short walks outside can refresh your mind and improve focus.

Remember Your ‘Why’

Reconnect with the reasons you’re pursuing your education. Whether it’s career aspirations, personal growth, or creating a better future for yourself and others – keep this purpose at the forefront of your mind when motivation wanes.

The coming weeks will test your resilience, but they also offer the greatest opportunity for growth. At FocusQuest, we believe in your ability to finish strong. Our academic coaches are here to support you every step of the way as you transform challenges into achievements.

Dr. Ndala M. Booker

Chief Student Success Officer