Student supports are essential for student success. I have many students who struggle with basic and safety issues. Their focus and motivation is lacking because their mental and even physical energy is taken up by the stress of trying to cope with their life outside of the classroom. As an instructor, I make sure to know about and take advantage of all available student support systems on campus and immediately reach out to them when I learn of a situation in a students life that will impede their learning. This is a big part of our job as teachers....to connect students to the supports they need in order to help them regain focus on achieving their career goals. At our institution, we have financial supports that can include help with gas money, or help with finding a place to live. Those things can make or break the experience for the student.
