Meteorologists are forecasting snow. Yes, you read that right. Some regions of the US are expecting snow—in Spring! While reading this, you may feel a strong desire to check weather.com. That’s ok. You’re doing something that we all do, you are consulting experts.

Looking to the experts is a skill that we develop almost out of instinct. We instinctively look for help, direction, solutions, and suggestions. It is what families do as they help students with schoolwork, it is what I do when I review courses for the Study Lab (shameless plug), and it is what students do when they’re anticipating their next steps.

When coordinators work in a school, they are often the go-to for everything related to college and career. In the world of GEAR UP, coordinators are our meteorologists. They are experts at forecasting, planning, and delivering invaluable knowledge.

I was fortunate enough to recently connect with Randalette Williams‍, an expert from GEAR UP Georgia. Randalette shared some tips for how she is keeping students engaged and on-track.  

Randalette L. Williams, Ed.S became a member of the GEAR UP Georgia team by way of the Muscogee County School District. She started her education career in 1993 as an elementary physical education teacher after which she spent the next 20 years as elementary school counselor. Seeking to serve a different population of students, she accepted the position of GEAR UP Georgia Program Coordinator at Columbus State University in the spring of 2017, just one year after the sub-award began.

Her favorite part of working with the GEAR UP Georgia program is the opportunity to work with high school students. High school students have become her favorite group of students to work with.

"I desperately miss seeing and working with my students. We've created such a bond and a genuine level of respect for one another. I look forward to the day we can reconvene and resume business as usual."

In the meantime, Williams stays in C.O.N.T.A.C.T. with her students in the following ways and encourages you to do the same:

C- CREATE opportunities for your students to stay in touch via Zoom, Facebook, Instagram, or virtual office hours.

O- OFFER them outlets to express themselves without judgement.

N- Keep your NETWORK tight. Don't allow too much time to pass without conducting a check-in to see how your students are doing.

T- TOGETHER we will continue to reach those college access goals!

A- ALWAYS respond to their emails, text messages and other correspondence

C- Remind them to CAPITALIZE on this time by utilizing the resources that they have.

T- Take TIME to regroup, refocus and ready yourselves for the 2020-2021 school year!

It is impossible to do this work alone and you don’t have to. Experts, throughout the coordinator community, are willing to share best practices and suggestions for fostering a successful virtual college going culture.

Who are you consulting and what can you share?

I would like to extend a special thank you to Randalette Williams for contributing to this week’s blog!