Welcome to another episode of Life Altering Events, in this episode "Making Student Feel Safe", we have the privilege of chatting with Veronica Mendez Liaina, an academic advising specialist and professional learning development consultant. Veronica has played a pivotal role in assisting first-generation students in navigating the challenges of transitioning to college.
The transition from high school to college can be overwhelming, particularly for 1st generation students, since no one in your family has been to college. They have no idea what to expect. Where do I go; who do I see for help; am I the only one like me at this school? The pressure from family to succeed is enormous.
Students come in with implicit bias from what they heard at home or in high school. Such as no one cares about you in college; you sink or swim on your own. It can be terrifying.
Thankfully there are counselors like Veronica Mendez-Liaina to help students find their voice.
Meet the Guest: Veronica Mendez Liaina
Veronica is an Academic Advising specialist & Professional Learning Development Consultant & Facilitator at Spokane Falls Community College. Prior to this role she was The Academic advisor for prospective, current and former students within the Kinesiology and Sport Management programs at Washington State University.
Veronica Mendez-Liaina, M.Ed. is currently the main academic counselor at Pullman Center of the Community College of Spokane and is entering her fifth year of service. She is a 1st generation graduate of Washington State University with a BA in Communication- Public Relations and M.Ed. in Higher Education. Her professional expertise is in higher education student affairs, primarily in academic advising, Diversity, Equity,& Inclusion training, and professional development for faculty and staff.
Before working at CCS, Ms. Mendez-Liaina worked at Washington State University for 18 years in various departments such as the College of Business and College of Education as an academic advisor. She also worked as a program assistant for the WSU Multicultural Student Services, participated in recruitment events for WSU Admissions and Athletics, and served as an campus advisor for ASWSU organizations and Multicultural fraternities and sororities. Ms. Mendez-Liaina professional affiliations include National Academic Advising Association (NACADA), National Association for Campus Activities (NACA), and WSU Alumni Association. She has lived in Pullman, WA for 28 years and has three sons, Daniel, Sonny Jr, and Morin.
🔐Key Takeaways
- Safety and Support: Veronica underscores the significance of making students feel safe and supported in their educational journey.
- Planning and Flexibility: She advocates for planning and flexibility, encouraging students to explore various options and persevere in the face of setbacks.
- Power of Connection: Veronica believes in the power of connection and understanding, emphasizing the importance of recognizing students' backgrounds, struggles, and aspirations to provide effective guidance.
- Trust and Openness: Fostering an environment of trust and openness, Veronica ensures her students feel comfortable discussing problems and celebrating victories.
- Non-linear Success: Success is not a linear path; Veronica reassures students that it's okay to change courses, majors, or take time off if needed.
- Impact and Joy: Proud of the impact on her students' lives, Veronica finds joy in their successes, validating her passion for her work.
- Advice for Counselors: She urges academic advisors and counselors to know their students beyond creating academic plans, recognizing the profound impact this can have on students' lives.
💡 Discussion Points
- Role of Academic Counselors: Explore the pivotal role of academic counselors in guiding students through their academic journey.
- Importance of a Plan B: Discuss the importance of having alternative plans and understanding that there are always options in education and career paths.
- COVID-19 Impact: Examine the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on students' learning processes and academic experiences.
- Parental Expectations: Discuss the struggles students face in meeting parental expectations and the fear of disappointing their families.
- Creating a Safe Space: Highlight the need for academic counselors and educators to create a safe space where students feel comfortable expressing themselves.
- Understanding Students: Emphasize the importance of understanding and listening to students without creating preconceived stories about them.
- Long-term Impact: Explore the lasting impact an academic counselor can have on a student's life and the satisfaction derived from witnessing their success years later.
- Value of Community Colleges: Discuss the valuable role community colleges play in broadening educational opportunities for students.
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