Despite inclement weather, Henry Ford College’s Student Activities Office, the African-American Association, and Diversity Club pulled off another successful student success symposium on February 24, 2016, in the L Building Rosenau Rooms. The student success symposium began 11 years ago as one of Professor Rodgers, the College’s retention coordinator at the time, student retention initiatives.

The event has grown over the years into both a recruitment and retention event and now also invites area high school students to participate. In all, this year’s event had 123 students in attendance; 25 high school students and 98 Henry Ford College students. In addition, seven Henry Ford College faculty members attended the event.

This year’s symposium theme was “The Road Map to Being a Successful College Student.” The first speaker, Professor Rodgers, from the Communications Division, and Diversity Club faculty advisor, gave an introduction to the theme of the symposium by encouraging students to be persistent in their goal to complete college. He also informed students that there will be tough times and students may veer off the road to college success, but that they must also regroup and get back on the road to college success. He also informed students that college is more than about getting a job. College can be “transformative” and changes not only our financial situations, but also our understanding of ourselves and the world in which we live, which can also lead to happier and more fulfilling lives.

Nikki Pearson, who has been a constant presence at the symposium for several years now, took a different approach this year. Her presentation was entitled Utilizing Opportunities: “How I Succeeded in Balancing Life and College.” She used her personal experience as a community college student, single mother, and a self-proclaimed “partier” to connect with students. Yet, she persisted and eventually graduated from community college and went on to a university where she eventually received her bachelor’s of science degree in human resources. She currently works as a workforce development Specialist for Goodwill Industries of Greater Detroit in Milford, Michigan.

Trishanda Johnson, our keynote speaker, a native of Flint, Michigan, brought the theme of the symposium home with her presentation entitled “Building Blocks For a Successful College Experience.” Incorporating visual elements into her presentation style added impact to her witty discussion on the obstacles and challenges that many college students face. She, too, was a single mother, juggling work and school, but persisted and not only completed her undergraduate work, but also went on to graduate school where she received a masters of art in teaching. She currently works as a business teacher educator for the National Teachers Academy in Flint, Michigan.

Each speaker enhanced the theme of the symposium by building upon each other’s presentations, which positively impacted the students even more. When asked about how the event benefits Henry Ford College students, Student Activities Office director, Cassandra Fluker replied: “The student success symposium benefits our students by reinforcing the fact that they are on the right track of leading successful lives, which includes college completion.”
Although the resources to put on the event have been limited, the show still goes on every February. And based on this year’s turnout and positive student and faculty feedback, we look forward to next year’s student success symposium.