Want an A? Need help? Just ask!

Let's be honest!

Let’s be honest, college students do not often utilize the resources that are offered at their university. In my case, I wasn't using the Center for Learning Support Services at Southern Illinois University Carbondale.

​I personally have been struggling this semester with managing my class workload. However, this has changed since I reached out for help. Recently, I've felt a huge weight lifted off my shoulders. I wish I had  asked for help sooner. 

The Backstory

I decided I needed an academic coach when my workload of classes and co-curricular activities started to pile up on me. I began to feel unmotivated; so much so that I was actively avoiding work. Or, I was procrastinating. I would avoid doing assignments until the night before when I absolutely needed to finish them.

I therefore set out to find some help at my school. After doing some research, I found the Center for Learning and Support Services website, where I discovered that an academic coach is what was the best fit for me. 

The Center for Learning Support Services offers a variety of resources for students who are struggling with their courses. The center staff offers everything you could think of in terms of academic support: tutors, academic coaches, test preparation workshops, etc. During COVID-19, they are offering all services online for virtual meetings! They offer more details on their website. 

​After I filled out their online form, they responded to me and matched me with a coach within 30 minutes! 

My coach and I have weekly meetings, and she is involved with my schedule and gives me task management and organizational tips to enhance my productivity skills. For example, making a To-Do list has always seemed tedious to me, but my academic coach walked me through how to organize one and it has made my life so much easier. 

She has even given me tips on how to step away from schoolwork and find time to relax.

Work hard, play hard! 

You Can Get Help Too!

You can get help too! All you need to do is reach out. What do you have to lose? 

Three easy steps to taking control of your academic life:

1. Visit the CLSS website >> clss.siu.edu: Browsing their website and reading the services they offer (Left column) will give you a better idea of what may best suit your needs. 
2. Request a service: Click the “Request a Tutor/Academic Coach” button once you find your match and fill out the request form for what exactly you are looking for and your time availability. 
3. Check your email! Once the CLSS matches you with a tutor/academic coach, they require you to respond within 48 hours, otherwise you will need to fill out the request form again. 

There is no need to struggle by yourself, these services are here to help you succeed! 

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Author

Monika Fudala is currently studying Commmunication Studies at Southern Illinois University Carbondale. She serves as the Human Resource Manager of the Communication Career Council. She hopes to become an HR leader after graduation in spring 2021. Connect with Monika on LinkedIn: 
linkedin.com/in/monyafudala ​