One of the challenges, and joys, of working at a college like Fulton-Montgomery Community College is the broad diversity of students. While it is true that such diversity includes race, religion, nationality, sexual preference, age, and other aspects that are typically thought of when one thinks of diversity, it also means students who have a variety of academic backgrounds and history.
Community colleges see students who excel academically. There are those who have had tremendous success in high school and continue that success in college. Other students who may have struggled through high school find success at college. Then there are those students who have been pushed through the system and are not prepared for college level work. Many students, regardless of their high school ability, do not understand what it takes to be successful in college, or even how to go to college. Yet, all are welcome at a community college.
What is unique at community colleges, and I think particularly demonstrated at FM, is the dedication of the faculty and staff to student success. This doesn't mean that every student gets a passing grade; because ultimately, any student's success is based on the work that he/she puts into their education. It means that through our faculty and staff, FM provides the academic assistance, the emotional support, the guidance, and the connection with students that it takes for them to be successful.
During our recent Middle States Evaluation Team Visit, several of the team members said to me, "Many community colleges say that they are dedicated to student success; you folks live it." Nothing could have made me more proud.
Additionally, the Leadership Team of FM meets with students once a month to talk about their FM experience. We hear over and over that our faculty really care about them; they feel connected and they know the faculty want them to succeed.
Today, the need to connect to students is greater, and more challenging, than ever before. Most students on our campus are dedicated to their studies and respectful of our faculty and staff. However, there are some that may challenge us, not because they wish to fail, wish to be rude, or that they intend to cause trouble; rather, for those who are more difficult, I believe it has deeper roots in other issues. These students may have issues like extreme poverty, feelings of less worth than others, feeling like they are 'dumb,' have been abused, or any number of other challenges in their lives. A real challenge for community colleges is to reach those students who need us the most because when we do, magic happens.
I have witnessed the growth of several students - from troubled to successful. I have seen students turn their lives around because someone on campus showed that they cared. I have supported students who were trying to pick themselves up from a checkered past and have graduated with honors.
Will we reach every student? No. But we will continue to create a culture that demonstrates that no matter where you came from; no matter what your history is; if you work with us at FM, you will succeed. And that success is a sweet reward.