Cross my heart and hope to die, if my students who didn’t fare so well last semester would have had a copy of Crossing the Bridge, every single one of them would have been more successful. At the moment I’m thinking of a couple of online students who just gave up and stopped logging on when they had a low test grade. Why didn’t they write me first? And then there was someone who didn’t bother completing the written component of the course. Didn’t he read the syllabus and realize that it counted 20 percent of his grade?

Here’s a section from the Introduction that foretells what the reader can expect from reading the book. Ah, that’s a key term, reading. One of my friends who helped to copy edit the book said that she knew students would benefit from the information in the book IF and ONLY IF they would read it. The trick, she believes, is in getting them to read something instructional on top of everything else they have to read/study.I don’t know how to motivate college students to read a book that will aid in their success. I only know that reading it will be greatly beneficial.

Here’s the section I mentioned above:

If you were a community college student standing before me, what would I say that might make a difference in your success?  How can I convince you of the value of an education in helping you attain your goals? After assuring you that you have what it takes to make your dreams a reality, I’d elaborate on the following five points. I’d also emphasize the importance of being intentional, of asking yourself exactly what you want your life to be like and then being purposeful in making it happen.

1. Think seriously about your unique gifts and interests. Then assess your aptitudes, interests, personality, and values before deciding on a college major.
2. Realize the importance of education in achieving career and personal goals and then choose the right college and the right major to help you prepare for you career.
3. Talk to college personnel including an admissions counselor, academic advisor and, financial aid specialists about your plans.
4.  Learn and practice college survival strategies including class attendance, time management, and study skills.
5. Apply some latent functions of education such as following “life laws” and managing stress.

As I write this post, I know there are students who are registering for classes this morning. In fact, there are some who have waited until today to be admitted to a college. Many are wondering about their choices and whether or not they’ve chosen the right path. I have some answers if only….