“How do I download Zoom?” “Where is a module?” “I just got this email that says, _________”. “How do I charge my books to my student account?” “What do I do if it says that the book is backordered?” “Who is my financial aid advisor?” “What does TR mean on my schedule?” “When do I go to class if my class is online and does not have a meet time like the others?” “What does it mean to have a synchronous class?” “How do I switch a class?” “Why isn’t this award posted on my account?”
As an Admissions Advisor I have helped several students transition from secondary education to post-secondary education. I met some of your students when they were juniors in high school, I guided them through the college admission process when they were seniors, and I’ve kept up with several who will be graduating this year. This school year has been like none other. I’ve been asked many questions like those above to help NMSU students get their year started. The start to this new school year is nothing I could have anticipated and I can only begin to imagine the questions that your student asked you over the last few weeks. If your student is on campus they are just now really getting settled. They’ve been learning about NMSU’s procedures to keep them safe and adapting to campus life. Students who are home this semester are also experiencing a transition. They are learning how to navigate their classes and plan out their semester from afar.
Your students have already learned some great lessons and class just began. NMSU promised to educate your student in the classroom and out. And I want you to know that your student is amazing. They have been challenged this year and I have seen so much growth in your student over the past few weeks. I have found your student to be:
- Resilient: This is a new school year, a new school, and a new set up. It has demanded of each student to step out and try new things.
- Persistent: Your student has learned to keep asking questions and advocate for themselves.
- Self-Disciplined: Understanding that many of your student’s courses are online, we know that it has called them to be organized and to be self-disciplined. They are learning time management in their studies. What a gift it is to challenge yourself to learn and manage your time. This skill is invaluable.
Some of you may be thinking that your student has not yet found their stride and you’ve been encouraging them to keep going. If you are searching for ways to encourage your student this can be a time that you reach out to emotionally support them, remind them to seek out campus resources that have been created to help them manage their studies, and remind them why they started and what their educational goals are. While the last few weeks have been full of questions, some concerns and worries, you have been the absolute biggest supporter of your student! As a university we are ever thankful that you have been with us to support your student as they cultivate resilience, persistence, and self-discipline and transition into a new school year.
Be Bold. Go Aggies!
