As students head back to college, encourage engagement and exploration
As another academic year begins, thousands of students across New Hampshire and the country are preparing to start or return to college. For many families, this season brings excitement, anticipation, and often a fair amount of anxiety. Parents naturally want to know whether their son or daughter will succeed and whether they have chosen the “right” path.
The good news is that college success is about much more than selecting the perfect major on day one.
In my years working with students, I have found that the most successful college students share several common characteristics. First and foremost, they show up. They attend classes, participate in discussions, meet with faculty, and commit themselves to the daily work of learning.
This may sound simple, but I have rarely seen a student fail who consistently showed up, stayed engaged, and asked for help when needed. The relationships that help students persist through challenges and achieve their goals are built through regular interaction with faculty, advisors, and peers. Success in college is rarely the result of a single decision or defining moment. Rather, it is built over time through steady effort, meaningful engagement, and a willingness to take advantage of the opportunities college provides.
Successful students also become active members of their campus community. They join clubs, participate in student activities, play intramural sports, attend campus events, and seek opportunities to connect with others. These experiences not only make college more enjoyable, they help students develop leadership, communication, teamwork, and problem-solving skills that employers consistently value.
Equally important is building a strong support network. College should never be a journey that students navigate alone. Faculty members, advisors, counselors, coaches, and staff are all invested in helping students succeed. Peers also play a critical role. The friendships and connections developed in college often become sources of support, encouragement, and lifelong learning.
Perhaps no aspect of college creates more anxiety for students and families than choosing a major. Too often, students feel pressured to have their entire future mapped out before they have even experienced a college classroom. Many arrive on campus believing they must immediately select a career path and stick with it. The reality is far different.
It is often estimated that the average college student changes majors three times during their academic journey. While some view that statistic as a sign of uncertainty, I see it as evidence that the college process is working exactly as it should.
College is designed to be a time of exploration and discovery. Students arrive with interests, but those interests often evolve as they are exposed to new subjects, ideas, and opportunities. A student who begins in business may discover a passion for information technology. An aspiring engineer might develop an interest in healthcare. Another student may find purpose in education, social services, or advanced manufacturing after meeting inspiring faculty members or participating in hands-on learning experiences.
These changes do not represent failure. They represent growth.
When students interact with faculty, advisors, and industry professionals, they gain insights into careers and vocations they may never have previously considered. Through internships, classroom experiences, student organizations, and career exploration activities, they learn more about themselves and the world around them. They begin to identify not only what they are good at, but also what motivates and inspires them.
Higher education has always been about more than workforce preparation alone. College is a place for intellectual growth, personal development, civic engagement, and the discovery of one’s passions and purpose. In recent decades, rising costs and economic pressures have understandably increased the focus on selecting a major based primarily on earning potential. While financial considerations are important, they should not be the sole factor driving educational decisions.
Students who find careers aligned with their interests, talents, and values are often the individuals who experience the greatest long-term satisfaction and success. Discovering those passions requires exploration, curiosity, and openness to new possibilities.
One of the most rewarding aspects of serving at Nashua Community College is witnessing the remarkable transformation that takes place in our students. Many arrive on campus excited but understandably anxious about beginning their higher education journey. They question whether they belong in college and wonder if they have what it takes to succeed.
Yet over the course of two years, those same students often discover strengths they never knew they possessed. They find their academic voice in the classroom, develop confidence in their abilities, and build meaningful relationships with faculty, staff, and peers who support their growth. Most importantly, they begin to see themselves differently. The student who once doubted their potential begins to recognize that they are capable of achieving goals that once seemed out of reach. Watching students gain the confidence to pursue their dreams and believe in their ability to accomplish more than they ever imagined is one of the greatest privileges of working in higher education.
So, as your son or daughter heads off to college this fall, my advice is simple: encourage them to fully engage in the experience before them. Encourage them to attend classes, join clubs, participate in activities, and meet new people. Encourage them to build relationships with faculty, advisors, and mentors. Most importantly, encourage them to remain open to the opportunities that college presents.
The goal of college is not simply to earn a degree. It is to discover who you are, what you care about, and how your talents can contribute to your community and the world around you. When students embrace that journey of exploration and engagement, they position themselves not only for academic success, but for a lifetime of personal and professional fulfillment.
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