News

Sometimes, the greatest gifts arrive in the most unexpected ways. Recently, I received a message from a former participant of Waubonsee Works, a program funded through the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA). The news brought more joy than the most expensive present. “I got the job,” the email exclaimed. While it is exciting news to hear someone received a new position, this email was particularly exciting, as I knew this job would change his life, his family members’ lives, and so many others.

This time of the year is often referred to as the festive season of giving, sharing, and joy. I, for one, look forward to spending extra time with family and friends in one place celebrating the gifts of life and sharing memories of the past. A time to gather, share, and laugh.  

When speaking with enrolled members of different tribal groups during Native American Heritage Month or otherwise, a prevalent theme often emerges: First Nation peoples are not merely or only historical societies. That is – within the American zeitgeist, we often conjure black and white images of native peoples, standing stern-faced, clad in eagle-feathered headdresses and wearing long-bone beads across bare chests. Such stereotypes not only over-generalize the incredibly rich and diverse 570+ tribes recognized in the U.S., but also paint a picture that First Nation peoples have more in common with the Ancient Sumerians or Romans, rather than the contemporary world.

As the Dean for Student Engagement, I am constantly reflecting on the significance of student engagement and its numerous benefits for personal and professional growth and the broader community. When students participate in campus or community activities, such as joining student organizations, attending social events, and interacting with others, it positively affects their well-being, mental health, and overall satisfaction.

In my role as Dean for Adult and Workforce Education at Waubonsee Community College, I am privileged to work with an amazing group of individuals that are dedicated to building strong connections in our community and promoting social equity. I am also the proud father of three children. Recently, I took my six-year-old son to our local public library, and he was immediately drawn to the Hispanic Heritage Month book display. He became interested in a book about the Pledge of Allegiance, which tells the story of a young girl's great-aunt who had lived in the U.S. for many years after immigrating from Mexico.

In a post-COVID world, higher education professionals encounter more students who are having difficulty finding their place on campus as we return to in-person classes and face-to-face environments, activities, and events. Sense of belonging is key for students to feel like they can ask for help and succeed overall, but how can we, as staff and faculty, help our students feel like they "belong"? Now more than ever, it is important to have collaboration amongst staff and faculty across different institutions to promote the utilization of all available resources to our students. 

Can you recall the last task you procrastinated on? What was the outcome? Chances are, you might not have fully comprehended the benefits of completing it or visualized the progress it could lead to, which made it difficult to understand the necessary steps or believe that it was achievable.

In today's diverse and dynamic landscape, Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) serve as powerful tools for fostering inclusivity, driving innovation, and allowing employees to showcase their strengths. These affinity-based networks, built on shared identities or interests, play a pivotal role in empowering individuals to harness their unique abilities and contribute meaningfully to their organizations.

As an adjunct faculty member in the Adult Education Department at Waubonsee, I've seen firsthand how technology can improve the learning process for students. When used correctly, technology can assist educators in engaging students, customizing lessons, and providing access to otherwise unavailable resources. With the academic year quickly approaching, I'd like to offer some tips that can benefit students and instructors. 

College can often be overwhelming, given all the processes and information students need to navigate to succeed. Too often, students feel like they’re experiencing information overload as they try to enroll, pay for, and complete their coursework. At times, students struggle to identify where to go for help or understand when to ask for help to succeed. On top of it all, students have a lot more on their plates than just classes; they juggle responsibilities at home, work, and relationships, to name a few. Imagine trying to find a place where you feel a sense of connection and belonging when you are trying to balance all of this? I believe that is where advising can be used as a tool for creating student success and belonging.