Part 2 of a 2-Part Series: Transitioning a Student - A Success Story

By Andy Zides
March 16, 2010

Last entry, we provided an overview of how League School staff members helped Paul enroll in Bristol Community College. This entry, we explore the additional challenges Paul faced in taking the first step in becoming a college student – finding his classroom.

Once Paul was enrolled into his first course, introductory math, he expressed some concern about finding his classroom on a large college campus. In speaking with Paul, I realized that while the whole idea of college was something that he truly wanted to experience, it nonetheless was proving to be a bit overwhelming.

I worked closely with both Paul and his mother to lessen his concerns by printing out a map of the campus, showing Paul exactly where his class was located, and arranging for his mother to drop him off right in front of the building his class was in. Essentially, we were able to make a college campus as small as a single building that Paul had to enter.

While these plans alleviated some of his worries, Paul was still concerned about finding his classroom once inside the building. Therefore, I role-played with him using our campus at the League School as a model, showing him where he could find assistance in terms of knocking on office doors, where to look for room numbers on these doors, and how best to approach a stranger in the building when needing to ask for directions.

As the Program Coordinator for the Pathfinders Program, the League School’s progressive academic program, I believe that simply educating our students is not enough. We must continually do all we can to ensure that our students have either college, a job, or both, waiting for them as soon as they transition from the League School. Through our new internship program coordinated by Maureen Pratt, students learn job skills essential for placement in a variety of fields.

Not only is Paul enrolled in college but he also is interning at Siemens through our internship program. Therefore, when Paul transitions from the League School, he will be actively working toward his college degree while possessing real job experience at a large company that could lead to full-time employment.

Currently at Siemens, Paul engages in the following tasks:
• Restocking shelves
• Emptying the trash compactor
• Recycling materials
• Filling purchase orders

Paul’s ability to attend college and hold down a job is a tribute not only to Paul’s motivation but also League School’s commitment to our students. As a member of the “Let’s Get Paul into College Sub-committee,” I am proud to work at a school and with a team committed to going the extra mile for our students.

 

 

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