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Published bySherilyn Elfrieda Peters Modified over 9 years ago
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College – a view from the foster parent/child
Dr. Fran Chastain, Dean for Student Affairs Donavan Chastain, College Student
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Speaker Background Fran Chastain
Bachelor of Science, Industrial Engineering from Southern Polytechnic State University Master of Business Administration from Brenau University Doctor of Education, Workforce Development & Educational Leadership from University of Georgia 12 years – industry 14 years – technical college 13+ years – foster parent, 11 adopted children via foster care
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Speaker background Donavan chastain
In and out of foster care for years prior to 2002 2002 placed with Chastain’s 2006 adopted at age 13 by Chastain’s 2013 graduated high school entered college 2014 changed majors 2015 – have a plan!
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7,824 400,540 Foster Children Georgia – 2014 United States – 1/2/2014
United States – 1/2/2014 400,540 U.S. Department of Health & Human Services
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Should be the same! Want to be the same! Are not the same! Why?
Foster Care Youth Should be the same! Want to be the same! Are not the same! Why?
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Why is there a difference?
Background – homeless, foster care (family) Addictions (parents) Abuse (mental, physical, sexual) Neglect Abandonment Death of parent or guardian How long in the system? Or homeless? Necessity – surviving comes before education (what will tomorrow bring?) Trust – Who? Why? When? How long? Lack of knowledge
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What is different? Snow globe – their own little world (emotionally safer) Attachments/Support Systems – do they have any? Survival instinct – where will I be? Worldly knowledge – has anyone ever connected enough to actually make the knowledge shared “real” Deer in the headlights Listening but not hearing Social comes first – but yet difficult Truth – Are you getting it? Three steps – one at a time
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Is this picture for real?
College students Student Advising Making Friends Stereotypes Responsibility Is this picture for real?
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7 Habits of defective college students by sean covey
Habit 1: Be Reactive – blame all your problems on others Habit 2: Begin with Squat in Mind – don’t plan, avoid setting goals Habit 3: Put First Things Last – take only courses that start after noon Habit 4: Think Win-Lose – view school as a vicious competition Habit 5: Seek First to Talk, Then Pretend to Listen – talk a lot because only your ideas count Habit 6: Don’t Cooperate – assume that people are weird; teamwork is overrated Habit 7: Burn Yourself Out – forget keeping your life in balance
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Student GOALS Build self-confidence Develop a career path (choices)
Have a detailed PLAN OF ACTION Enroll in an appropriate college (find the right fit) Learn to ask questions (comfort) Learn to ask for help Understand the consequences of not following through - Responsibility
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7 habits of highly effective college students By sean covey
Habit 1: Be Proactive – “I am responsible for my education and life.” Habit 2: Begin with the End in Mind – “I have a plan for what I want to accomplish.” Habit 3: Put First Things First – “I set realistic priorities.” Habit 4: Think Win-Win – “I am considerate of others but I also have the courage to stand up for myself.” Habit 5: Seek First to Understand, Then to Be Understood – “I hear people out before expressing my own opinion.” Habit 6: Synergize – “I value the strengths of other people and combine them with my own to solve problems.” Habit 7: Sharpen the Saw – “I regularly recharge my body, heart, mind, and spirit so I can stay sharp and improve myself.”
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How do we overcome? Layers of an onion – peel them back
Dig deep to understand each one – find the truth – IT IS HARD! Never give up on them Instill courage and self-esteem Empowerment One step at a time – multistep processes will be lost Time – make it real – building the trust takes enormous amounts of time
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College GOALS Open to helping students (guide or better yet – hold their hand) Being known to have people who know (know what? the secret) Know the challenges Find solutions for the challenges Realize the differences of these students Find ways to identify these students Creating specific Retention Plans for students identified in this category Promote services available to ILP, foster/adoptive parents, group homes
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Needs to see better results
Mentors – with specific goals and activities to get to the finish line Academic Coaches - to keep these students from falling off the grid Funds – to allow colleges to employ Academic Coaches Workshops – for students and mentors to walk through the steps Intrusive Advising – get in their business so they know and understand the facts – do not squash their dreams but drill in the requirements to meet set goals Guided Pathways – students should know exactly what to take and when – no guessing games and very few if any choices Early Intervention – middle school is not too early! Do NOT lose them in the maze!
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Technical/community colleges
A GREAT place to start a path toward a bachelor’s degree, complete an associate degree or complete a diploma in a skilled program area to enter the workforce quickly. Smaller class sizes = individualized attention Learning support courses Success Centers Students are not numbers Job placements rates are HIGH An environment where small successes will lead to rewarding careers!
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References The 7 Habits of Highly Effective College Students by Sean Covey Complete College America, Achieving the Dream, Adopt Us Kids, U.S. Department of Health & Human Services
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Contact Information Fran Chastain, EdD North Georgia Technical College Donavan Chastain College Student
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