The First-Generation Experience: Navigating Identity, Social Capital, and Success

The First-Generation Experience: Navigating Identity, Social Capital, and Success

Being the "first" in a family to attend college is more than a technical journey through credits and GPAs; it is a profound act of reshaping a family’s legacy. In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Dana Patterson [https://www.linkedin.com/in/dana-patterson-13695ab/],  Vice President for Community at Wingate University, to explore the unique journey of first-generation students. We move beyond the traditional challenge narrative to highlight the incredible resilience and perspective these students bring to our campuses. Explore episode extras and more at Behind the Mic: www.gobeyondthesyllabus.com [https://www.gobeyondthesyllabus.com/].

Cracking the Code: What Employers Actually Want to Hear and What Students Are Saying

Jennifer Joyner [https://www.linkedin.com/in/jennifer-joyner-msl-0a76552a/] and LaToya Counts [https://www.linkedin.com/in/latoya-counts/] have devoted their work to helping college students navigate both personal and professional growth. LaToya Counts also extends this work through her book, 7 Step Transition from Student to Professional [https://www.amazon.com/Step-Transition-Student-Professional-ebook/dp/B075GYRRLT], her workshops [https://7steptransition.com/], and her new tool, ForwardStack [https://7steptransition.com/forwardstack/]. Their guidance equips students with the self-awareness, confidence, and focus needed to step into the workforce with purpose. I was honored to have them join the conversation on “Cracking the Career Code,” where they speak directly to students about recognizing their strengths and using their unique value to stand out to employers and mentors.  Are you a student trying to figure out how your personal talents translate into real-world career success? Don't navigate the shift alone. Listen in to learn exactly how to articulate your unique strengths into actionable career characteristics that employers notice. As always, have a seat and join the conversation as we go Beyond the Syllabus.  Explore episode extras and more at Behind the Mic: www.gobeyondthesyllabus.com [https://www.gobeyondthesyllabus.com/].

The "Co" in College: The Power of Co-Curricular Connections

On this episode of Beyond the Syllabus: Pedagogy and Purpose, we explore the transformative power of co-curricular engagement through the expertise of Keyua McElveen [https://www.linkedin.com/in/keyuam/], Director of Co-Curricular and Community Experience at Wingate University.  We define the "Co" in Co-Curricular community engagement as a bridge between academic curriculum and real-world community impact. The discussion includes how intentional experiences outside the classroom foster personal growth and professional readiness. This conversation highlights how students become active "Difference-Makers" in their communities.   Explore episode extras and more at Behind the Mic: www.gobeyondthesyllabus.com [https://www.gobeyondthesyllabus.com/].

The Soul Purpose

What happens when your daily work aligns with a calling? In this episode, we sit down with University Chaplain Dr. Benjamin Sammons to explore the bigger picture beyond the classroom. While higher education often focuses on GPAs and graduation regalia, Dr. Sammons challenges us to look deeper at the "purpose" that guides us when the ceremonies end.  Join us for a calming and reflective conversation about finding your cardinal direction in a shifting world and how we can help the next generation discover who they are truly meant to be. Special thanks to my colleague and Anesu Simango [https://www.linkedin.com/in/anesu-brian-simango/] for editing this espisode.  Explore episode extras and more at Behind the Mic: www.gobeyondthesyllabus.com [https://www.gobeyondthesyllabus.com/].

Name and Claim: Helping Students Own Their Expertise

In this episode of Beyond the Syllabus: Pedagogy and Purpose, I’m joined by my colleague Dr. Mary Jordan, Director of Career Service at Wingate University, to tackle the articulation gap, that challenging space where students’ academic experiences and professional identities connect. This conversation is about building the bridge from the resume to the interview room. We explore how to empower students with professional language that feels authentic to truly own their expertise. Dr. Jordan shares the interconnectivity of faculty and career services in planting the seeds for a 'bouquet' of student success at the end of the academic journey. Whether you are a student service professional, faculty, support coach, or a student looking to "name and claim" your expertise, Dr. Jordan provides actionable "marching orders" to start building your articulation bridge. Explore episode extras and more at Behind the Mic: www.gobeyondthesyllabus.com [https://www.gobeyondthesyllabus.com/].