Thank You For Holding, I Will Connect You Now...

They say that of all the students who enter college, about 35% of those will drop out the first year. The reasons range from financial pressure (#1 answer...survey says!) to lack of direction. Given these varying anxieties, what makes the difference to students, like me (minority, low income, or PWD-parents without degrees), who are most likely to be in that 35%? What keeps us in school once we've slain the giant of fear to be there in the first place?

I remember going to my freshman orientation. Sure I stood out. The other kids had their moms or dads with them. And me? Well, I had my kid with ME! A professor made a presentation about the different options that were offered to students to help keep them in school. He said students who connect with an advisor, a mentor, or a professor on campus are more likely to make a graduation plan and see it through. Little did I know that HE would be the first connection that I would make on campus. He became my advisor and mentor, he kept me on the right path, and he saw me through to my Associate's. He became a trusted friend and one of my favorite people in the whole world. So today, 'reach out and touch someone', before you get disconnected.

This one's for you, Mr. Morell!