Your Degree Can't Save You

As Higher Ed. professionals we know that what we do for our first generation college students is holistic, yet we have a tendency to place so much focus on their academic success and accomplishments that we inadvertently ignore serious issues with students that need to be addressed. These issues include everything from unrealistic post grad expectations, depression, emotional instability and handling rejection. As a result we graduate first gen students at high rates, which looks good for our respected programs, but so many of these student are struggling to hold it together mentally and emotionally after graduation, which is also a reflection of our programs and initiatives. This interactive presentation, which is conducted by Dr. Reggie Walker will seek to address some of these issues that our students are facing that have nothing to do with their academics. First we’ll identify what nonacademic issues we know are students are coming to college with that need to be addressed. We’ll then engage in an open discussion about mental health where we’ll explore the particular journey of a former student now professional, Elijah Blackwell, who dealt with depression and anxiety despite being a superb student academically and otherwise. Dr. Walker will discuss his role in assisting Elijah and what he’s witnessed regarding college alum and their post graduate struggles, as a result of certain issues not being addressed while in college. Finally, Dr. Walker and Mr. Blackwell will present recommendations and best practices regarding the mental/emotional health of our students. Last, the presentation will give the participants the opportunity to discuss their own journey with being emotionally healthy, whether or not they have believed a degree will solve their issues, what they believe they could do now to become emotionally/mentally healthy and what role they expect college professionals and their universities to play in that.