Community colleges generate amazing student learning outcomes but numbers don't inspire--stories do. A college in California is seeing lives changed by simply featuring stories (posters) of students who have overcome daunting obstacles, discovered hidden strengths, received help from unexpected mentors, completed their academic and professional goals, and even experienced transforming epiphanies in the midst of their
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Community colleges generate amazing student learning outcomes but numbers don't inspire--stories do. A college in California is seeing lives changed by simply featuring stories (posters) of students who have overcome daunting obstacles, discovered hidden strengths, received help from unexpected mentors, completed their academic and professional goals, and even experienced transforming epiphanies in the midst of their studies. Many of the amazing stories combine all the above experiences.
EXAMPLE: Christian Ramirez: Documented learning disability, first generation college student, failing basic skills Math, Reading, English, believed he was “destined to be a failure” THEN: Professors reached out, learned study skills, grades improved, gained confidence, became president of Honors Society, 2010 All-California Academic Team’s First Team, One of 50 nationally recognized as Coca-Cola Bronze Scholar, Citrus College 2010 Man-of-the-Year. NOW: UCLA Math and Economics major.
To see Christian’s story and many other examples, go to http://citruscollege.edu/mycitrusstory
Students see themselves in the faces of others when they stop, read, and reflect on their peers’ experiences. Some are inspired to be purposeful about discovering and creating their own story. By documenting and showcasing examples of changed lives, this college is giving fresh and relevant answers to questions such as, “Why am I working on this research paper again?” or “Why is it important to show up on time for class?” or “Do I really belong in college?” The answers to these and many other questions are tucked inside each account of unexpected accomplishment.
Believing that students often rise to the level of our expectations, faculty members strive to treat them as if they already were the scholars and practitioners they one day will become. The stories prove that when faculty and students teach, learn, discover, and overcome obstacles together in an atmosphere of respect, belief, and diligence, wonderful things can happen. By focusing on real-life examples the college seeks to create the expectation that discovery will happen and accomplishment is the norm for everyone.
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