We all have those times when we doubt our abilities and just want to give up. Sometimes we have set too big a goal or life just gets in the way with a curveball or two. But it is what we do in these moments that defines us and ultimately decides whether we go on to achieve our goals and dreams, or not.
When making the commitment to study, it is hard to know what the future holds. From the time you start your learning journey to the time you graduate, you might start a family, change your job, increase your work hours or take up a new hobby. So how do you work with these new life events and continue with your commitment to online learning? And who do you turn to for advice on what to do next? For many eCampus NZ students, our Student Advisors offer that support, that guide, that cool head or simply an ear to listen.
Our Student Advisors are Brenda Shanks, Cecilia Aynsley Brown, and Vicky Hunwick. Their job is to work with students to reach their study goals. They support learners throughout their study journey – this includes helping students come up with a realistic plan to achieve their learning ambitions, working through any issues they might have with their course, listening to students and encouraging them to keep going.
Life experience, busy families of their own and a mix of backgrounds in marketing and event management has prepared Brenda, Cecilia and Vicky for their roles.
“We all have families, we understand work and life pressure and we have many years of life experience that helps us to understand student needs and enables us to be a sympathetic shoulder to lean on. We really think all our students are amazing. Most of them are working very hard to make a better life. It is truly inspiring. It is nice to play a small part in them achieving their goals,” says Brenda.
As Student Advisors, Brenda, Cecilia and Vicky have seen many of the hoops students go through when studying. One of the biggest lessons they teach is time management.
“It’s funny, we all agree it is the most important skill you can have when studying online. It is valuable to busy working parents, right through to school leavers with busy social lives,” says Cecilia.
All three recommend, a calendar plotting out important study and assessment deadlines, taking extensive notes, allocating time in your week for study and planning/prioritising study around life.
“For example, if you are a busy school leaver, we recommend studying during the week, so you can get out and enjoy your weekend. This stops excuses. For parents with young children, we recommend finding a quiet time to study, most often this is once the kids are in bed or in the weekend when you can get support from family and friends,” says Brenda.
Whatever the hurdle that is stopping you from reaching your study goals, the eCampus NZ Student Advisors are here to listen. We encourage all our students to make contact if you need some advice or are struggling.
“We love talking with our students. We are here for them. There is nothing more satisfying at the end of my day than seeing a student work hard and just going for it,” says Vicki.
To contact a Student Advisor, call 0800 328 269