We're excited to feature Student Voices, our blog series that brings unique student perspectives to our blog. From academic challenges to tech-driven success stories, hear directly from students about the tools, strategies, and experiences shaping their education. Stay tuned for inspiring insights!
How Accessible Support Helps Students Overcome Barriers and Build Academic Confidence
During my sophomore year of college, I struggled in a class more than I ever had before. The information presented in lectures never seemed to make sense, the homework took me forever to complete, and the exams were incredibly challenging.
Deep down, I knew I was struggling, but even after receiving poor exam grades, I convinced myself, "I'll just do better on the next one." In reality, my mind swirled with thoughts of being judged by others, watching my GPA plummet, and having future job opportunities slip away because of this one grade. With so much pressure from an academically competitive environment, public markers of success like Dean’s List, and my own high expectations, I was very hesitant to admit that I needed help.
Fortunately, several factors helped me overcome those internal roadblocks and seek the help I needed:
- I had a strong support system of friends and family who encouraged me
- My professor held office hours where students could ask questions and receive personalized instruction
- My university heavily promoted resources such as professor office hours, academic advising, and peer tutoring
Without knowing that so many other students were taking advantage of these opportunities, I never would have considered using them myself. Realizing that I wasn't the only one who needed assistance eased my fear of being judged. When I saw my peers achieve success after using those resources, I began to believe they could make a difference for me too. That finally gave me the push I needed to reach out.
I decided to attend my professor’s office hours and was surprised to find the room filled with students. The professor took time with each of us, answering questions and working through exam problems one by one. That individualized guidance allowed the information to finally click and created an environment where I felt comfortable admitting where I needed extra support, something I had rarely experienced before. Because I sought help, I passed the class and even made the Dean's List for the first time!
Learning to Ask for Help
While office hours helped me overcome one challenge, they also changed the way I approached future ones. Another important step in my student success journey was exploring additional learning opportunities before things became critical. Recognizing your own strengths and weaknesses is a strength in itself.
I remember someone from the academic advising department posting on our Microsoft Teams channel encouraging students to sign up for peer tutoring. So, when I enrolled in another class that I thought I might struggle with, I knew I needed to make use of that resource. The only setback was that the platform for signing up was difficult to navigate. I almost gave up because the system provided the perfect excuse: "I couldn't sign up because I couldn't actually find where to sign up." However, I pushed through, eventually figured it out, and I'm glad I did.
Breaking Down Barriers to Student Support
The tutoring sessions I attended weren't focused on preparing for an exam or quiz; they were simply dedicated to working through the weekly homework. Having that resource available and attending almost every week made me feel more confident and excited to learn. I even shared with my friends and classmates that I was going to a tutor in hopes of breaking the stigma and encouraging them to seek the help they might need as well.
How Institutions Can Help Students Thrive
Institutions have a profound impact on students' academic success. Whether through professors, academic advisors, tutors, or other support staff, their role is to meet students where they are and serve as a guiding light for those who may have fallen behind or taken a different path. Creating multiple avenues for academic support is only part of the solution.
Institutions must also ensure students know these opportunities exist and feel comfortable using them. Whether through student ambassadors, advertisements throughout academic buildings, or university communications, these services should be easy to access, widely promoted, and presented in a way that encourages students to engage with them before they reach a breaking point.
My own experience showed me that success isn't just about working harder. It’s about knowing when to ask for help and having the confidence to use the opportunities available. By making student success services visible, accessible, and approachable, institutions can help more students overcome their own internal roadblocks and achieve academic success.
