College Life/Expert Profile

Expertise

I can help answer questions of parents and students about many of the "out of the classroom" aspects of learning and American college life, including relationships (with peers, parents, faculty, and staff), campus living, getting involved, first year issues and concerns, alcohol and drug use, career development, utilizing campus resources, leadership development, etc. I am not qualified to answer specific questions about homework topics (other than above), financial aid eligibility, or questions of a personal nature that may deserve the attention of a licensed counselor.

Experience in the area

I have over 10 years of professional experience working at private and public institutions, a Masters Degree in Student Development, and a BA in Psychology. I am currently working towards my PhD in Educational Psychology.

Publications

Various campus publications/newsletters

Education/Credentials

MA Student Development from Appalachian State University, NC
BA Psychology from Huntingdon College, AL

What do you like about this subject?

College was a rough time for myself, my parents, and my friends. It was also an amazingly rewarding experience in terms of learning and growing as a whole person. I love being able to help guide students towards similar experiences and help them and their friends and family navigate this transitional experience more effectively and productively.

What do you still hope to achieve/learn in this field?

I hope to complete my PhD coursework and dissertation within 3 more years, and I would like to explore research opportunities exploring aspects of culture, context, technology, and neuroscience in learning. I also hope to again work oversees to help build and improve educational systems abroad.

Something interesting about this subject that others may not know:

Learning as experienced by the student is a seamless and integrated process It is not carved into distinct categories as our schools and institutions tend to organize teaching. The greatest learning experiences come from integrating knowledge gained from different areas, different people, and at different times in their lives, and applying them effectively in a meaningful context.

Something controversial or provocative about this subject

The value of a degree depends less on the educational opportunities and experiences provided by the instructor than on the mental effort and deeply personal investment given by the learner.