By Kennedy Shivers
shivk6@mail.broward.edu
College experiences can hold many positive aspects such as excitement and joy. Conversely, they can present issues that may impact the student’s intellectual, psychological, or emotional well-being. Student services that provide valuable knowledge on accessing important services can be essential, as tackling educational, work, social, and other aspects of a student’s lifestyle can be overwhelming. Broward College provides accessible services that cater effectively to students within their institution.
Reaching out early is crucial for a student’s success. Getting issues addressed before they become severe will offer individuals the tools necessary to cope with difficulties, deal with stress, and enhance their quality of life. Whether the struggles involve academics, financial issues, housing difficulties, or mental issues, turning to the right resource will offer the individual a huge difference. Needing to seek guidance will not be a display of weakness but a show of taking control of one’s own well-being.
At Broward College, there are many services that cater to the academic support of students, such as the Academic Success Centers (ASC), which offer free tutoring services in math, science, writing, languages, and STEM education. The ASC offers students tutoring services on a one-on-one or group basis, either face-to-face or online, as well as quiet areas for studying, textbook checkout, and laptop or calculator checkout if needed. Moreover, for first-generation college students, low-income students, or individuals with documented disabilities, there is the TRIO Student Support Services (SSS), which includes personalized academic advising, tutoring, and mentoring that helps students remain on track in achieving their educational objectives.
Apart from educational support, Broward College provides services that cater to students going through challenges in their personal lives. Seahawk Outreach Services (SOS) helps students with issues such as food insecurity, housing, financial troubles, utility problems, technology, as well as other issues that might affect their education. This program is a resource link that helps students with applications, as well as providing tools such as laptops for them to be able to pursue their education without being interrupted by challenges that might come along.
Taking care of mental, as well as emotional, well-being is also a top priority of Broward College. My College Doctor, a form of telemedicine, provides online or phone-based counseling, therapy, or psychiatric services on a 24/7 basis. What’s more, this service is free with or without insurance. And this service is perfect for students requiring flexible scheduling beyond regular office hours. Thus, Broward College, through its confidential mental health service, assists its students in coping with stress, being resilient, and taking care of their well-being.
In all, juggling college responsibilities with other aspects of one’s life is always a challenge, but the use of Broward College’s support services will always make a difference. Seeking services, facilities, and programs in academia, as well as those that cater to individuals’ lives, will ensure that these individuals flourish, remain focused on their educational objectives, and are able to deal with their day-to-day issues. In other words, despite the difficulties experienced, Broward College students are surrounded by a sea of resources to help them be successful in their endeavors.