Category: Student Succes Coaching

Hey FocusQuest family! Hope everyone had an absolutely fantastic summer! 

As we step into a new academic year, I’m buzzing with excitement about all the possibilities ahead. A new year means new beginnings, fresh starts, and incredible opportunities! If last year was awesome, this year can be even MORE amazing. And if last year wasn’t your greatest? This is your moment to make it the absolute BEST year you’ve ever had! 

Ready to hit the ground running? Here are three things you can do RIGHT NOW to set yourself up for a phenomenal year: 

1. Remember Your Purpose Why are you doing what you’re doing? Reconnect with that driving force, that vision that gets you excited about your future. Your purpose is your fuel – keep it front and center! 

2. Take Some Honest Assessment Time Here’s where we get real with ourselves. Take a close look at last year – what worked and what didn’t? Was it time to upgrade those study skills or revamp study habits? Maybe some time management tweaks were needed? Did you skip asking for help when you really needed it? Should you have visited the tutoring center more often? Were there too many distractions pulling your focus – perhaps too much time on social media or other electronic pursuits? 

Honestly evaluate those missteps. Look at moments when you felt you didn’t reach success, then determine WHY. Understanding the “why” is absolutely vital to your success moving forward. What did you do that led to successful outcomes? What caused the not-so-successful ones? Address these insights NOW, before school starts again. 

3. Assess and Adjust Your Habits Take inventory – what habits need sharpening? What needs to be eliminated completely? It only takes a little focused time to figure it out, change what needs changing, and start fresh on the right foot. Get yourself truly ready for this new school year! 

For those of you already in classes or in programs that are year round, and moving along your journey – keep going and stay focused! Whether you’re an online learner or an on-campus scholar, we are cheering you on every single step of the way. 

Here’s to a phenomenal year ahead! You’ve got this! 

Dr. Ndala Booker 

Chief Student Success Officer 

FocusQuest 

Hey FocusQuest family!

Can you believe we’re already in June? What an incredible year it’s been watching you grow, achieve, and absolutely crush your academic goals!

First things first – to all our recent graduates, CONGRATULATIONS!  You did it! Whether you earned your certificate, associate’s, bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral degree, you’ve accomplished something extraordinary. We are SO proud of you and can’t wait to see how you’ll use your education to make a difference in the world.

For those of you enjoying summer break right now – you’ve earned every moment of rest and relaxation! Soak up that sunshine, spend time with family and friends, and recharge those batteries. But here’s a little friendly reminder from your success champions: try to set aside just a few minutes here and there to flip through those notes from this past year. Nothing intense – just a quick skim to keep that knowledge fresh in your mind. Trust me, your future self will thank you when classes resume!

And hey, speaking of strengthening your skills – we have something amazing coming up! FocusQuest is hosting two FREE virtual workshops this summer: “Unlock Your Academic Identity” on June 26 and “Master Your Time, Master Your Future” on July 24. Whether you’re heading into college this fall or looking to bounce back stronger after facing some academic challenges this past year, these workshops are designed to give you the tools and confidence you need to succeed. It’s our gift to you – completely free and incredibly valuable!

To our amazing students in year-round programs who don’t get that summer break – we see you, we appreciate your dedication, and we’re cheering you on every single day! Your commitment to continuous learning is inspiring, and remember that taking care of yourself along the way isn’t just important – it’s essential.

Whether you’re on break or hitting the books, know this: FocusQuest is your success champion. We believe in your potential, we celebrate your victories (big and small), and we’re here to support you through every step of your educational journey. Your dreams matter, your goals are achievable, and your success story is still being written.

Here’s to a fantastic June filled with growth, joy, and the knowledge that you have an entire team rooting for your success!

FocusQuest is focused on You!

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