student challenges in post-secondary programs...

In working with Student Affairs & Services at Saint Mary's University for 14 years, with the majority of that time being part of The Counselling Centre, I acted as the front line of contact for all students new to the service.  That means that they shared with me their concerns, I would assess their needs, and offer guidance, support, and recommendations. 

It may have been a suggestion to participate in counselling or academic & life skills coaching (which I also offered) or a referral to another resource. 

It became very clear over time that there are so many students, even those who, from the outside, seemed to be doing well, struggling in a variety of areas.  Below are some insights I took away from my work with students in this capacity.

Top 10 Insights:

#10. It's often not that students lack the academic ability to succeed, it's all the other "life stuff" that gets in the way.  Building resilience, learning from mistakes, and managing challenging emotions and difficult situations provide the foundation for a positive academic and personal experience.

#9.  It is a pretty huge transition to a more unstructured approach to learning.  Did you know that for best results students should be working 3 hours outside of class for each hour in class?  Students struggle with this because in many cases they have not learned how to structure their time.

#8.  Students who are involved on campus, whether they join a Society, work part-time, or are on student government, feel much more connected and engaged in their experience.  Those who do not, for any number of reasons, tend to report a disconnected, disengaged experience.

#7.  It can be overwhelming!  Whether it's a one-year diploma or a four-year degree, students encounter significant struggles along the way and require some extra tools to manage and keep going.

#6.  Students feel lonely.  That one may seem surprising, but it is one of the top concerns that brought students into The Counselling Centre.

#5.  They are juggling what seems to be a million things! They often have a full course load, are working part-time (or full-time), involved in student groups or volunteering on campus - they have relationships, and responsibilities that fight to take priority.

#4.  While there are usually services offered by universities and colleges, student demands often outweigh the resources available on campus.  Students often have to wait weeks to access services and then support and guidance is spread out over time. Because semesters pass quickly and instruction is fast-paced, it is easy for students fall behind, become frustrated, and lose motivation.

#3.  One in three students are struggling with mental health challenges and could benefit from additional training and support to help them manage their concerns so they can focus on enjoying and engaging in their post-secondary experience.

#2. No one can do it alone!  Being a student requires you to develop "academic allies" - others who want success for you just as much as you do.  This can be family, friends, classmates, or peers in group training seminars.

#1: Learning skills around emotional intelligence and self-management is what's going to shift you from merely surviving to fully thriving!

I know, some of that may seem like scary news,  But there's good news! Post-Secondary coaching allows high school and post-secondary students to hone in on ways to address the above concerns. Students are guided in developing effective student life and self-management skills, including the ability to navigate challenging situations, manage stress and difficult emotions and build resilience.  ​

Author

Learn more about Bobbi Beuree, Halifax-based Coach + Facilitator