Defying the odds

Going to university can be tough: there’s the workload, the independence and being away from home for the first time. But some Dalhousie students cope with more than homesickness.

Like Sabrina Li, from Inner Mongolia, they may come from vastly different countries and be overcoming language and cultural differences. Like Lyn Bennett, now an English professor at Dalhousie, they may have family and financial responsibilities to juggle. Or, as in David Curry’s case, they may be the first in their families to go to university and end up feeling like a “fish out of water” once they get here.

Nevertheless, these students are incredibly driven to succeed: “I didn’t have the courage to fail,” says Spiwe Karipache-Scoggins, a nursing student originally from Zimbabwe. 

On Monday, April 28, the third annual student success symposium takes place at the Potter auditorium in the Rowe Building. Called Defying the Odds, the symposium will focus on ways of assisting at-risk students. Symposium participants will hear from current and former students who’ll relate the obstacles they faced and how they overcame them.

Participants can also read the nine compelling student stories that have been posted on the Academic Advising website.

“These stories will provide the basis for our discussions,” says Pat DeMeo, director of Student Academic Success Services at Dalhousie. “The kinds of challenges faced by these students at risk may include financial pressures, cultural adaptation, lack of academic confidence or preparation, disabilities, childcare concerns, lack of peers or role models and lack of direction.”

After the panel discussion, participants will break out in small groups to discuss the implications. As Dr. DeMeo says, “What needs were identified?  What can we do to meet these needs better?”

In the afternoon, participants can pick from one of three sessions: “Helping students in distress,” led by Victor Day, director of Dalhousie Counselling Services Centre; “Who ya gonna call?” on resources available on campus for student in need, led by Dr. DeMeo; and “Moving Forward,” an analysis and planning session which follows up on the morning’s discussions.

Dalhousie faculty members, administrators and student services professionals are welcome to participate. There are still spaces available for all sessions (except lunch); please register using the online form.

READ THE STORIES: Sabrina Li | Lyn Bennett | Fred Walsh | Clarence Batan | David Curry | Laura MacDonald | Wudi Chinye | Spiwe Karipache-Scoggins | Gigi Pelletier