Category: Student Succes Coaching

As we gear up for the start of the 2023 Fall semester, it’s a great time for a fresh start. Whether you’re a High School graduate embarking on this exciting new chapter of college life or returning after a relaxing summer break, this semester holds promise and opportunity.

To all the recent high school graduates just starting college, a big congratulations on this significant milestone! We understand that you might be feeling a mix of nerves and excitement. Rest assured, we’ll have plenty of tips and advice for you in the coming weeks, (Make sure you are following us on Instagram and LinkedIn. But for now, remember to take a deep breath and remind yourself that you’ve got this! Believe in your abilities and you’ll see just how amazing this journey can be.

For those of you coming back after the summer break, keep your eyes on the prize and stay focused on your goals. You’ve already made strides, and this semester is another step toward achieving your dreams.

And to those who are returning to school after some time in the working world, congratulations on making the decision to return to education. Don’t second guess yourself or your choices. Instead stay resolute in your purpose for coming back, focus on your goals, and savor every moment of this unique journey.

No matter where you are, remember that this is YOUR journey, your education, and your future. Let’s make the most of this semester together!

FocusQuest is focused on you. Are you focused on you?

The concept of time is fascinating. If we fail to embrace and appreciate each moment, we risk missing out on so much, just like Summer slipping away. It feels as if Summer has just begun, but in certain areas, we already see younger students standing at the corner, waiting for the school bus.

As we approach the start of a new academic year, I want to offer a gentle reminder: Your PURPOSE is crucial to your academic journey. As you embark on this new year, take a moment to reflect on what you’re doing and, more importantly, why you’re doing it. Michael Jr., the comedian, believes that understanding your “why” can have a more profound impact than focusing solely on your “what.” So, keep in mind WHY you are pursuing your education. Is it to expand your knowledge, follow your passions, make a positive difference, or secure a better future for yourself and your loved ones? Whatever your purpose may be, hold it firmly in your mind.

By keeping your purpose at the forefront, you’ll stay on track and steadily progress towards your goals. Embrace your academic mission with a clear understanding of why it matters to you. With purpose guiding you, you’ll find the motivation and determination needed to excel in your studies and create that brighter future.

We have just about come to the middle of summer, and to those of you who are not in school, I hope you are kicking back, relaxing, and making the most of your well-deserved break. But we also want to help you ensure you have a fantastic post-summer experience, as well.  Last month, we encouraged you to take some time to reflect on the past academic year. Make sure you celebrate your accomplishments and learn from any challenges you faced and overcame. We also suggested that summer is a great time to build connections and expand your network. Attend networking events, finding internships, or industry-specific programs to enhance your skills and gain practical experience is a great power move. Build relationships that can help shape your career and open doors for future opportunities. In addition to those two, here are a few more:

Explore new areas: Use this free time to explore new places, whether it’s visiting a different city, embarking on a road trip, or even venturing abroad. Traveling not only broadens your horizons but also allows you to experience new cultures, make lifelong memories, and maybe even discover hidden passions.

Pursue a hobby or passion: Use the extra time to delve into a hobby or pursue a passion project that you’ve been postponing during the semester. Whether it’s painting, writing, playing an instrument, or even starting a small business, follow your passions and let your creativity soar.

Most importantly, Take care of yourself, Recharge:  Use this summer break as an opportunity to recharge and rejuvenate your mind and body. Remember to prioritize self-care during this break. Get enough rest, eat healthy, exercise regularly, and take time for yourself. Engage in activities that make you happy and reduce stress. This way, you’ll approach the upcoming academic year with a refreshed mind and rejuvenated spirit.

Remember, this post-summer period is a unique chance for personal growth, exploration, and self-discovery. Make the most of it by trying new things, expanding your horizons, and taking care of yourself.

Team FocusQuest wishes you all an amazing and fulfilling summer break!

Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) have played a crucial role in American education, providing opportunities for African American students to receive quality higher education when options were limited. These institutions have produced influential leaders, innovators, and changemakers who have contributed significantly to various fields. However, HBCUs face unique challenges that hinder their growth and impact, with one of the most pressing issues being the ongoing funding challenge. 

HBCUs often struggle with financial stability due to a significant funding gap compared to predominantly white institutions (PWIs). This disparity arises from various factors, including historical and systemic inequalities, limited endowments, and reduced access to external funding sources. 

How can HBCUs innovatively move forward? It starts with change.

At the core of every HBCU is the richness of its culture and strong sense of community. Students, faculty, and staff are all part of a close-knit, supportive, and welcoming community. One question school administrators must contemplate is, How to incorporate innovative strategies from external vendors without losing the best part of the school- its culture? 

If we’re honest, change isn’t easy and can be scary. As a business consultant, I know this too well. Although change is difficult, we must remain relevant and impactful. 

Change management provides a structured approach and set of processes to transition individuals, teams, and organizations from a current state to a desired future state. The typical steps in change management include: 

• Define the need for change to identify and clearly articulate the reasons and drivers behind the need for change; 
• Develop a change management strategy that outlines the approach, objectives, and critical activities for managing the change; 
• Formulate a change management team to oversee and drive the initiative; 
• Conduct a change impact assessment on various aspects of the organization, such as processes, systems, roles, responsibilities, and culture; 
• Communicate the plan; and 
• Provide training and support. 

Let’s face it. Rome wasn’t built in a day. Transitioning to where you want the organization to be regarding using innovative strategies to acquire and retain students and building robust online and in-person programs will take time. And equally important, you want to ensure that you don’t lose the core of who you are along the way. I get it! If you want to learn how to implement change management in your organization, email info@focusquest.com. We’re here to help! 

And just like that, the semester is over. Can you believe it? It feels like only yesterday we were opening our laptops and diving into the syllabus. Now it’s time to take a deep breath and reset. We know there are some of you who are going to just keep going through the summer, taking classes and continuing your path to graduation. But for others of you, classes are over until fall. While it’s important to take this time to rest and recoup, let’s not forget to keep our minds active. Between the trips and the fun, take a little time to casually review what you’ve learned throughout the school year. It will help reinforce your knowledge and keep your brain in tip-top shape for the next semester.

Summer break also presents fantastic opportunities for personal and professional development. Consider applying for summer internships in your field of interest. They can provide valuable experience and propel you closer to your goals. Summer is also an ideal time to seek out mentors. Connect with professionals in your industry or alumni who can offer guidance and insights into your chosen career path. The wisdom of mentors can be invaluable as you navigate your academic and professional journey.

Additionally, don’t overlook the possibility of securing scholarships. Look for scholarships tailored to students in your field or at your college level. Every little bit helps when it comes to covering the cost of education, and many students have managed to finance their entire education by just dedicating time to finding scholarships during the summer.

So, take the time to rest and recharge, but don’t drop it all. Ask yourself, what will your September self say to your June self once September arrives?  Will you look back and say, “I’m really glad I did what I did to help get myself ready!” Or will you say, “I wish I had done more to prepare myself.” Dedicate a little time to prepare yourself for the upcoming semester. Trust us, you’ll be thrilled that you did when the new academic year rolls around.

So, from the whole FocusQuest Team…Enjoy your summer break and make the most of it!