Projecting your sucess to your students
Guidance or direction helping a student to obtain a goal when they have no idea or support system is a very tough job. Why is that because lack of family support can cause a student to fall back into HABEs'" establishing that connect believe system and seeing them get that job and diploma brings both the student , family and instructor great joy. That's why we enjoy being an educator. Testimonial
I'm a chemist teaching dental hygiene students, so I am not in the field that they are training for. Some students have a conception of chemistry or chemists as some obscure ideal. I try to make a point that we are regular people who may be good at chemistry, but may struggle immensely at other areas of knowledge or life. Perhaps a particular topic/skill could be considered an arrow in a quiver. Perceived (or actual) weakness in one area shouldn't make someone feel that they are a less capable or valuable person overall.
Ernida,
Your story is a great example of a "similar other" to whom students can easily relate.
Jeffrey Schillinger
I have had many challenges during my nursing school years. Ive had struggle with child care, finances , transportation and so forth. I want my student to know and undertand that despite of my struggles with school, i'm proud to say that i stuck with my plans and had achieved my goals. When i meet my students for the first time, i make it a point to tell them my story. So many of my struggling students approach me during the program and they tell me," if you can do it , I can do it"! It puts a smile on my face everytime!!!!
Laurel,
Thanks for choosing to give back by becoming and educatior. Adult students react well to those who have previously been in their shoues or who can draw upon their own life experiences as part of the instruction.
Jeffrey Schillinger
One of the reason I chose to work in this environment is because I want to give back to my community. Educating nursing student is one way I can help, and letting know that I can do it they can also. Telling them about obstetrics I overcame sometimes thats all they need to turn that light bulb on to get them on their way to a better life.
I agree, I also feel that it is important to let students know where we have come from. I think students need to hear some of our success stories and failures so they can realize we are human, we got through the storm, and they can to.
I agree that the support system does have some difficulties in and out of the classroom. I always encourage students by telling them that they are here now and that in itself is a big step they have accomplished. The fear of the unknown is a barrier that all individuals must overcome. I have a motto that I tell students, ‘change is good’. I have seen student lives change as they have met or exceeded their goal of finishing college.
