This multi-part story shared on LinkedIn in Fall 2026, in real time, captures the powerful “dark to the light” transformation of a former Make-A-Wish kid in her first semester at California State University, Chico!
PART 1
Sharing educational wealth: Another learning culture “makes my day” story – Make-A-Wish Part 2!
Once upon a time, I had the great pleasure of providing a Make-A-Wish kid (Kimberley) with the opportunity of attending her first National Football League (NFL) & Los Angeles Chargers game, and she enjoyed an unforgettable experience.
Fast forward to today – I learned that Kimberley began her college studies this week at California State University, Chico, and, inspired by her personal journey, she plans to major in Psychology to “become a pediatric counselor and go back to a pediatric hospital to help kids process anything that they are struggling with emotionally after surgeries or chronic illnesses.”
Without hesitation, I sent Kimberley a customized learning culture “gift” for CSU Chico – a toolkit for success (available at tinyurl.com/yd4cfzc3), with everything students need to be empowered with the learning culture – including 1) having a mindset for learning (most important part!), and 2) knowing how to approach the learning, to create their own success with the knowledge that THEY define THEMSELVES!
Kimberley made my day when she replied, “THAT’S SOOOO COOL!!!!!! Omg thank you for sharing!! THAT’S AMAZING!!!!!!! I really appreciate all the helpful tools included in the toolkit. Thank you so much!!!!! So much I didn’t know about!!!!!”
Starting today, Kimberley will now be in control of her learning to make her wish of becoming a pediatric counselor come true!
I’m very proud of Kimberley, and, yes, it is this easy to transform student lives, but higher education leaders must be “student-centered” and have the urgency to turn on the lights to empower students with the learning culture when they begin their college studies because it must be the foundation on which student success is built (if there is any doubt, then ask Kimberley!).
The learning culture revolution has begun at turning-on-the-lights.com. There is no longer a reason for any student to remain in the dark with regards to the culture for learning which exists in every institution of higher education. Thank you for sharing. Revolutionaries are invited to take this revolution wherever it is needed!
PART 2
Sharing educational wealth: Another unapologetic message to higher education leaders – your students are in the DARK and “learning culture” is the key!
Yet, at some level in your “higher ed fish bowl,” you seem to take a cavalier attitude toward student success, while you continue to push “high-impact practices” uphill.
Is there an “acceptable” yield rate for student success? One student who fails is too many!
The fact is that the higher ed “machine” is set up as an Enrollment Model (a.k.a. business as usual) – with students left to succeed through trial and error in the dark, not as a Success Model (which uses learning culture to increase student success) – see my 7/24/25 post (tinyurl.com/2e59e3f5).
In a recent Make-A-Wish Part 2 “makes my day” story, I shared a California State University, Chico first-year Latina’s reaction in going from the “dark to the light” after beginning Week 1 in the dark and then being introduced to the learning culture – including 1) having a mindset for learning (most important part!), and 2) knowing how to approach the learning.
In the dark, she feared failing her classes. Then, empowered with the learning culture, she began Week 2 in control of her learning to make her wish of becoming a pediatric counselor come true!
Following her Week 2 experience, she replied, “Thank you for all your support. I really don’t know what my semester would have been like without the learning culture! So thankful to God for your help!!!”
Yes, it is this easy to transform student lives, but higher education leaders must be “student-centered” and have the urgency to turn on the lights to empower students with the learning culture when they begin their college studies because it must be the foundation on which student success is built (if there is any doubt, then ask Kimberley!).
The learning culture revolution has begun at turning-on-the-lights.com. There is no longer a reason for any student to remain in the dark with regards to the culture for learning which exists in every institution of higher education. Thank you for sharing. Revolutionaries are invited to take this revolution wherever it is needed!
PART 3
Sharing educational wealth: (Repeat) Message to higher education leaders – “learning culture” is the key!
BREAKING NEWS!
Rather than failing, a California State University, Chico first-year, FIRST-GEN LATINA is now in full control of her learning to create her own success and achieve her dream of becoming a pediatric counselor – thanks to being empowered with the LEARNING CULTURE, including 1) having a mindset for learning (most important part!), and 2) knowing how to approach the learning.
This fall, I’ve chronicled the powerful “dark to the light” transformation experienced by Kimberley after beginning Week 1 in the dark and then being introduced to the learning culture.
With great excitement, she began applying the learning culture in Week 2, sharing, “I really don’t know what my semester would have been like without the learning culture!” Then, in Week 3, she introduced the learning culture to a classmate who was in the dark!
Here is her update (in all caps!) for her first writing assignment:
“RAFAEL!!!! I GOT A 10/10 FOR MY RESEARCH SUMMARY PAPER!!!! THE ONE I WAS SO DOUBTFUL ABOUT AT THE BEGINNING!! YAY FOR THE LEARNING CULTURE/MINDSET!!!”
Why can’t this be the “new normal” instead of the current status quo with students in the dark?
There is nothing across higher ed that matches the pure power – often instant and very dramatic, of the learning culture!
But is anyone listening (or care)?
Imagine the impact if leaders, particularly at community colleges, are intentional in “turning on the lights” to empower students, including returning students, from Day 1 with the learning culture. This is truly the first momentum point (Day 1 Actualized Agency – tinyurl.com/3xe367jk), i.e., either students have the knowledge, ability, and support to be in control of their learning or they don’t!
It is educational wealth and must be the foundation on which student success is built, yet it is a hidden curriculum – especially for first-gen students, and it is implied at best, which leaves students to learn it in a piecemeal fashion in the dark through trial and error.
There are many challenges in higher ed, but learning culture shouldn’t be one of them because our students must balance academics and life.
If you don’t get it, then ask. If you don’t ask or try, then students will pay the price.
As long as students are allowed to be traumatized in the dark – experiencing depression, self-doubt, and abandoned dreams, then student success initiatives will not be as effective as they can and must be (if there is any doubt, then ask Kimberley!).
The learning culture revolution has begun at turning-on-the-lights.com. There is no longer a reason for any student to remain in the dark with regards to the culture for learning which exists in every institution of higher education. Thank you for sharing. Revolutionaries are invited to take this revolution wherever it is needed!
PART 4
Sharing educational wealth: (Repeat) Message to higher ed leaders – “learning culture” is the key!
Week 4 update – this story chronicles a California State University, Chico first-year, first-gen Latina’s powerful “dark to the light” transformation after beginning Week 1 in the dark and then being introduced to the learning culture, including 1) having a mindset for learning (most important part!), and 2) knowing how to approach the learning.
With great excitement, she began applying the learning culture in Week 2, sharing, “I really don’t know what my semester would have been like without the learning culture!” Then, in Week 3, she introduced the learning culture to a classmate who was in the dark!
In Week 4, she sent this text (in all caps!) about her first assignment:
“RAFAEL!!!! I GOT A 10/10 FOR MY RESEARCH SUMMARY PAPER!!!! THE ONE I WAS SO DOUBTFUL ABOUT AT THE BEGINNING!! YAY FOR THE LEARNING CULTURE/MINDSET!!!”
Also, as trained in the learning culture, she comes prepared to class with Bullet Point Reading notes and questions.
This week, she raised her hand to answer a question, and her professor said, “I appreciate it, Kimberley,” then he looked to see if any other student knew the answer.
This is how she now DEFINES herself, and she is no longer the Week 1 student in the dark who didn’t understand “what the professor was saying” and feared failing her classes!
Why can’t this be the “new normal” instead of the current status quo with students in the dark?
There is nothing across higher ed that matches the pure power – often instant and very dramatic, of the learning culture!
But is anyone listening (or care)?
Imagine the impact if leaders, particularly at community colleges, are intentional in “turning on the lights” to empower students from Day 1 with the learning culture. This is truly the first momentum point (Day 1 Actualized Agency – tinyurl.com/3xe367jk), i.e., either students have the knowledge, ability, and support to be in control of their learning or they don’t!
It is educational wealth and must be the foundation on which student success is built, yet it is a hidden curriculum – especially for first-gen students, and it is implied at best, which leaves students to learn it in a piecemeal fashion in the dark through trial and error.
If you don’t get it, then ask. If you don’t ask or try, then students will pay the price.
As long as students are allowed to be traumatized in the dark – experiencing depression, self-doubt, and abandoned dreams, then student success initiatives will not be as effective as they can and must be (if there is any doubt, then ask Kimberley!).
The learning culture revolution has begun at turning-on-the-lights.com. There is no longer a reason for any student to remain in the dark with regards to the culture for learning which exists in every institution of higher education. Thank you for sharing. Revolutionaries are invited to take this revolution wherever it is needed!
PART 5
Sharing educational wealth: (Repeat) Message to higher education leaders – learning culture is the key!
MORE BREAKING NEWS!
Following a 10/10 on her first research summary paper in Week 4, Kimberley earned a high score of 102.78% (including bonus) on her first exam in Week 5, while the class mean was 78%!
Rather than failing, Kimberley – a California State University, Chico first-year, FIRST-GEN LATINA, is now in full control of her learning to create her own success and achieve her dream of becoming a pediatric counselor – thanks to being empowered with the LEARNING CULTURE, including 1) having a mindset for learning (most important part!), and 2) knowing how to approach the learning.
This fall, I’ve chronicled the powerful “dark to the light” transformation experienced by Kimberley after beginning Week 1 in the dark and then being introduced to the learning culture.
With great excitement, she began applying the learning culture in Week 2, sharing, “I really don’t know what my semester would have been like without the learning culture!” Then, in Week 3, she introduced the learning culture to a classmate who was in the dark!
Why can’t this be the new normal instead of the current status quo with students in the dark?
There is nothing across higher ed that matches the pure power – often instant and very dramatic, of the learning culture!
But is anyone listening (or care)?
Imagine the impact if leaders, particularly at community colleges, are intentional in turning on the lights to empower students from Day 1 with the learning culture. This is truly the first momentum point (Day 1 Actualized Agency – tinyurl.com/3xe367jk), i.e., either students have the knowledge, ability, and support to be in control of their learning or they don’t!
It is educational wealth and must be the foundation on which student success is built, yet it is a hidden curriculum – especially for first-gen students, and it is implied at best, which leaves students to learn it in a piecemeal fashion in the dark through trial and error.
If you don’t get it, then ask. If you don’t ask or try, then students will pay the price.
As long as students are allowed to be traumatized in the dark – experiencing depression, self-doubt, and abandoned dreams, then student success initiatives will not be as effective as they can and must be (if there is any doubt, then ask Kimberley!).
The learning culture revolution has begun at turning-on-the-lights.com. There is no longer a reason for any student to remain in the dark with regards to the culture for learning which exists in every institution of higher education. Thank you for sharing. Revolutionaries are invited to take this revolution wherever it is needed!
PART 6
Sharing educational wealth: (Repeat) Message to higher ed leaders – learning culture is the key!
Week 6 update – the student who feared failing her classes in Week 1 is now a rising scholar!
This story chronicles a California State University, Chico first-year, FIRST-GEN Latina’s powerful “dark to the light” transformation after beginning Week 1 in the dark and then being introduced to the learning culture, including 1) having a mindset for learning (most important part!), and 2) knowing how to approach the learning.
With great excitement, she began applying the learning culture in Week 2, sharing, “I really don’t know what my semester would have been like without the learning culture!”
Week 4: Earned 10/10 on her 1st research summary paper!
Week 5: Earned a high score of 102.78% on her 1st exam, while the class mean was 78%!
With her continuing mastery of the learning culture and improving critical thinking skills, “Week 6 was much better than Week 5”!
Her prep for class improved because she used Early Alert and Self-advocacy in meeting with her professor in Week 5.
Plus, she embraced her vulnerability when she was first to volunteer to present her latest research summary paper in class!
She has another 1st exam in Week 7. As her Corner Man, I instructed her to “GO KICK ITS BUTT”! She replied, “YES! That makes the exam less scary because I know the strategies to do so!”
Why can’t this be the NEW NORMAL instead of the current status quo with students in the dark?
There is nothing across higher ed that matches the pure power – often instant and very dramatic, of the learning culture!
But is anyone listening (or care)?
Imagine the impact if leaders, particularly at community colleges, are intentional in “turning on the lights” to empower students from Day 1 with the learning culture. This is truly the first momentum point (Day 1 Actualized Agency – tinyurl.com/3xe367jk), i.e., either students have the knowledge, ability, and support to be in control of their learning or they don’t!
It is educational wealth and must be the foundation on which student success is built, yet it is a hidden curriculum – especially for first-gen students, and it is implied at best, which leaves students to learn it in a piecemeal fashion in the dark through trial and error.
If you don’t get it, then ask. If you don’t ask or try, then students will pay the price.
As long as students are allowed to be traumatized in the dark – experiencing depression, self-doubt, and abandoned dreams, then student success initiatives will not be as effective as they can and must be (if there is any doubt, then ask Kimberley!).
The learning culture revolution has begun at turning-on-the-lights.com. There is no longer a reason for any student to remain in the dark with regards to the culture for learning which exists in every institution of higher education. Thank you for sharing. Revolutionaries are invited to take this revolution wherever it is needed!
PART 7
Sharing educational wealth: (Repeat) Message to higher ed leaders – learning culture is the key!
Week 7 update – the student who feared failing her classes in Week 1 is now a rising star!
This story chronicles a California State University, Chico first-year, FIRST-GEN Latina’s powerful “dark to the light” transformation after beginning Week 1 in the dark and then being introduced to the learning culture, including 1) having a mindset for learning (most important part!), and 2) knowing how to approach the learning.
With great excitement, she began applying the learning culture in Week 2, sharing, “I really don’t know what my semester would have been like without the learning culture!”
Weeks 4 & 7: Earned 10/10 on her 1st & 2nd research summary papers!
Week 5: Earned a high score of 102.78% on her 1st exam, while the class mean was 78%!
Week 6: Her prep for class improved after she used Early Alert and Self-advocacy in meeting with her professor. Plus, she embraced her vulnerability when she was first to volunteer to present her research summary paper in class!
Week 7: She attacked another 1st exam and reviewed her Section Summaries with a professor in office hours. Impressed by her effort, her professor awarded her 7 extra credit points!
Why can’t this be the NEW NORMAL instead of the current status quo with students in the dark?
There is nothing across higher ed that matches the pure power – often instant and very dramatic, of the learning culture!
But is anyone listening (or care)?
Imagine the impact if leaders, particularly at community colleges, are intentional in “turning on the lights” to empower students from Day 1 with the learning culture. This is truly the first momentum point (Day 1 Actualized Agency – tinyurl.com/3xe367jk), i.e., either students have the knowledge, ability, and support to be in control of their learning or they don’t!
It is educational wealth and must be the foundation on which student success is built, yet it is a hidden curriculum – especially for first-gen students, and it is implied at best, which leaves students to learn it in a piecemeal fashion in the dark through trial and error.
If you don’t get it, then ask. If you don’t ask or try, then students will pay the price.
As long as students are allowed to be traumatized in the dark – experiencing depression, self-doubt, and abandoned dreams, then student success initiatives will not be as effective as they can and must be (if there is any doubt, then ask Kimberley!).
The learning culture revolution has begun at turning-on-the-lights.com. There is no longer a reason for any student to remain in the dark with regards to the culture for learning which exists in every institution of higher education. Thank you for sharing. Revolutionaries are invited to take this revolution wherever it is needed!
PART 8
Sharing educational wealth: (Repeat) Message to higher education leaders – learning culture is the key!
MORE BREAKING NEWS!
The California State University, Chico first-year, FIRST-GEN LATINA, who feared failing her classes in Week 1, earned a 98% score on a Week 7 first exam, with a mean of 76.8% and low of 39%!
In sharing her achievement, she texted, “I’M SO SO SO HAPPY RIGHT NOW!!!!!!!” – especially because, as a former Make-A-Wish kid, she also fought through physical pain in Week 7.
Add this to 10/10 scores on her first two research summary papers and a high score of 102.78% on a first exam in Week 5, with a mean of 78% and low of 47.2%!
Rather than failing, Kimberley is now in full control of her learning to create her own success and achieve her dream of becoming a pediatric counselor – thanks to being empowered with the LEARNING CULTURE, including 1) having a mindset for learning (most important part!), and 2) knowing how to approach the learning.
This fall, I’ve chronicled the powerful dark to the light transformation experienced by Kimberley after beginning Week 1 in the dark and then being introduced to the learning culture.
With great excitement, she began applying the learning culture in Week 2, sharing, “I really don’t know what my semester would have been like without the learning culture!”
Why can’t this be the NEW NORMAL instead of the current status quo with students in the dark?
There is nothing across higher ed that matches the pure power – often instant and very dramatic, of the learning culture!
But is anyone listening (or care)?
Imagine the impact if leaders, particularly at community colleges, are intentional in “turning on the lights” to empower students from Day 1 with the learning culture. This is truly the first momentum point (Day 1 Actualized Agency – tinyurl.com/3xe367jk), i.e., either students have the knowledge, ability, and support to be in control of their learning or they don’t!
It is educational wealth and must be the foundation on which student success is built, yet it is a hidden curriculum – especially for first-gen students, and it is implied at best, which leaves students to learn it in a piecemeal fashion in the dark through trial and error.
If you don’t get it, then ask. If you don’t ask or try, then students will pay the price.
As long as students are allowed to be traumatized in the dark – experiencing depression, self-doubt, and abandoned dreams, then student success initiatives will not be as effective as they can and must be (if there is any doubt, then ask Kimberley!).
The learning culture revolution has begun at turning-on-the-lights.com. There is no longer a reason for any student to remain in the dark with regards to the culture for learning which exists in every institution of higher education. Thank you for sharing. Revolutionaries are invited to take this revolution wherever it is needed!
PART 9
Sharing educational wealth: (Repeat) Message to higher ed leaders – learning culture is the key!
Week 8 update – the student who feared failing her classes in Week 1 is a rising star!
This story chronicles a California State University, Chico first-year, FIRST-GEN Latina’s powerful “dark to the light” transformation after beginning Week 1 in the dark and then being introduced to the learning culture, including 1) having a mindset for learning (most important part!), and 2) knowing how to approach the learning.
With great excitement, she began applying the learning culture in Week 2, sharing, “I really don’t know what my semester would have been like without the learning culture!”
Weeks 4 & 7: Earned 10/10 on her 1st & 2nd research summary papers!
Weeks 5 & 7 1st exams: Earned a high score of 102.78% in Week 5 (class mean 78%) and a 98% in Week 7 (class mean 76.8%)!
Week 6: Her prep for class improved after she used Early Alert and Self-advocacy in meeting with her professor. Plus, she embraced her vulnerability when she was first to volunteer to present her research summary paper in class!
Week 7: She reviewed her Section Summaries with a professor in office hours. Impressed by her effort, her professor awarded her 7 extra credit points!
Week 8: She attacked a 2nd exam, then she was knocked out on the weekend by pain medication. She shared that, if she were in the dark, this experience would have caused her to drop out of school. Instead, empowered with the superpowers in “having a mindset for learning” she is valiantly fighting on with excellence!
Why can’t this be the NEW NORMAL instead of the current status quo with students in the dark?
There is nothing across higher ed that matches the pure power – often instant and very dramatic, of the learning culture!
But is anyone listening (or care)?
Imagine the impact if leaders, particularly at community colleges, are intentional in “turning on the lights” to empower students from Day 1 with the learning culture.
It is educational wealth and must be the foundation on which student success is built, yet it is a hidden curriculum – especially for first-gen students, and it is implied at best, which leaves students to learn it in a piecemeal fashion in the dark through trial and error.
If you dont get it, then ask. If you don’t ask or try, then students will pay the price.
As long as students are allowed to be traumatized in the dark – experiencing depression, self-doubt, and abandoned dreams, then student success initiatives will not be as effective as they can and must be (if there is any doubt, then ask Kimberley!).
The learning culture revolution has begun at turning-on-the-lights.com. There is no longer a reason for any student to remain in the dark with regards to the culture for learning which exists in every institution of higher education. Thank you for sharing. Revolutionaries are invited to take this revolution wherever it is needed!
PART 10
Sharing educational wealth: (Repeat) Message to higher education leaders – learning culture is the key!
Question – “WHAT IS THE REASON FOR THE PROBLEM THAT STUDENTS ARE NOT INTRODUCED TO THE LEARNING CULTURE?” (see ANSWER below!)
I was asked this question this week by the California State University, Chico first-year, FIRST-GEN Latina who feared failing her classes in Week 1 and is now a rising star!
I’ve been chronicling her powerful “dark to the light” transformation after beginning Week 1 in the dark and then being introduced to the learning culture, including 1) having a mindset for learning (most important part!), and 2) knowing how to approach the learning.
With great excitement, she began applying the learning culture in Week 2, sharing, “I really don’t know what my semester would have been like without the learning culture!”
The result:
10/10 scores on her first two research summary papers!
First-exam scores of 102.78% (high score, with class mean 78%) and 98% (class mean 76.8%)!
Plus, fully demonstrating what it means to “have a mindset for learning,” including Potential, Commitment, Secret to Success, Self-advocacy, Emotional Intelligence, Mental Toughness, Goal Focus, purpose for the learning – Freedom, and Embracing Vulnerability!
Yet, Kimberley asked her question because she met another Chico student, majoring in microbiology, who is STRUGGLING in her classes!
Without hesitation, she introduced the student to the learning culture and referred her to the Turning on the Lights website for training videos!
Herein is the ANSWER to her question: THE PROBLEM ARE THE HIGHER ED LEADERS WHO ALLOW STUDENTS TO REMAIN IN THE DARK!
There is nothing across higher education that matches the pure power – often instant and very dramatic, of the learning culture!
But is anyone listening (or care)?
Imagine the impact if leaders, particularly at community colleges, are intentional in “turning on the lights” to empower students from Day 1 with the learning culture.
It is educational wealth and must be the foundation on which student success is built, yet it is a hidden curriculum – especially for first-gen students, and it is implied at best, which leaves students to learn it in a piecemeal fashion in the dark through trial and error.
If you don’t get it, then ask. If you don’t ask or try, then students will pay the price.
As long as students are allowed to be traumatized in the dark – experiencing depression, self-doubt, and abandoned dreams, then student success initiatives will not be as effective as they can and must be (if there is any doubt, then ask Kimberley!).
The learning culture revolution has begun at turning-on-the-lights.com. There is no longer a reason for any student to remain in the dark with regards to the culture for learning which exists in every institution of higher education. Thank you for sharing. Revolutionaries are invited to take this revolution wherever it is needed!
PART 11
Sharing educational wealth: (Repeat) Message to higher education leaders – learning culture is the key!
MORE BREAKING NEWS!
The California State University, Chico first-year, FIRST-GEN LATINA, who feared failing her classes in Week 1, earned a 2nd high score of 105.56% on a Week 8 2nd exam, with a mean of 76.6% and low of 30%!
When she received the great news, she immediately texted, “CORNER MAN!!! Just in!!!”
This gave her a huge boost of confidence after fighting through a physically painful weekend.
Add this to 10/10 scores on her first two research summary papers and first-exam scores of 102.78% (high score, with class mean 78%) and 98% (class mean 76.8%)!
Rather than failing, Kimberley is now in full control of her learning to create her own success and achieve her dream of becoming a pediatric counselor – thanks to being empowered with the LEARNING CULTURE, including 1) having a mindset for learning (most important part!), and 2) knowing how to approach the learning.
This fall, I’ve chronicled the powerful “dark to the light” transformation experienced by Kimberley after beginning Week 1 in the dark and then being introduced to the learning culture.
With great excitement, she began applying the learning culture in Week 2, sharing, “I really don’t know what my semester would have been like without the learning culture!”
Why can’t this be the NEW NORMAL instead of the current status quo with students in the dark?
There is nothing across higher ed that matches the pure power – often instant and very dramatic, of the learning culture!
But is anyone listening (or care)?
Imagine the impact if leaders, particularly at community colleges, are intentional in “turning on the lights” to empower students from Day 1 with the learning culture. This is truly the first momentum point (Day 1 Actualized Agency – tinyurl.com/3xe367jk), i.e., either students have the knowledge, ability, and support to be in control of their learning or they don’t!
It is educational wealth and must be the foundation on which student success is built, yet it is a hidden curriculum – especially for first-gen students, and it is implied at best, which leaves students to learn it in a piecemeal fashion in the dark through trial and error.
If you don’t get it, then ask. If you don’t ask or try, then students will pay the price.
As long as students are allowed to be traumatized in the dark – experiencing depression, self-doubt, and abandoned dreams, then student success initiatives will not be as effective as they can and must be (if there is any doubt, then ask Kimberley!).
The learning culture revolution has begun at turning-on-the-lights.com. There is no longer a reason for any student to remain in the dark with regards to the culture for learning which exists in every institution of higher education. Thank you for sharing. Revolutionaries are invited to take this revolution wherever it is needed!
PART 12
Sharing educational wealth: (Repeat) Message to higher ed leaders – learning culture is the key!
Week 9 update – a TCB (Taking Care of Business) week for the student who feared failing her classes in Week 1 and is now a star!
“There are many challenges in higher education, but learning culture shouldn’t be one of them because our students must balance academics and life.”
As a former Make-A-Wish kid, she is living this quote after being knocked out by pain medication the previous weekend, which would have caused her to drop out of school if she had still been in the dark.
Instead, empowered with the superpowers in “having a mindset for learning,” she is valiantly fighting on, and she expertly applied the steps in “knowing how to approach the learning” to catch up in her studies!
This story chronicles a California State University, Chico first-year, FIRST-GEN Latina’s powerful “dark to the light” transformation after beginning Week 1 in the dark and then being introduced to the learning culture, including 1) having a mindset for learning (most important part!), and 2) knowing how to approach the learning.
With great excitement, she began applying the learning culture in Week 2, sharing, “I really don’t know what my semester would have been like without the learning culture!”
In week 9, she also submitted her 4th research summary paper and presented it in class at her professor’s request! She earned 10/10 scores on papers 1 & 2.
Informed that an upcoming test will be harder, I shared with her “The Fight” (tinyurl.com/mremxk3t), with the question, “Will you be stopped?”
Why can’t this be the NEW NORMAL instead of the current status quo with students in the dark?
There is nothing across higher ed that matches the pure power – often instant and very dramatic, of the learning culture!
But is anyone listening (or care)?
Imagine the impact if leaders, particularly at community colleges, are intentional in “turning on the lights” to empower students from Day 1 with the learning culture.
It is educational wealth and must be the foundation on which student success is built, yet it is a hidden curriculum – especially for first-gen students, and it is implied at best, which leaves students to learn it in a piecemeal fashion in the dark through trial and error.
If you dont get it, then ask. If you don’t ask or try, then students will pay the price.
As long as students are allowed to be traumatized in the dark – experiencing depression, self-doubt, and abandoned dreams, then student success initiatives will not be as effective as they can and must be (if there is any doubt, then ask Kimberley!).
The learning culture revolution has begun at turning-on-the-lights.com. There is no longer a reason for any student to remain in the dark with regards to the culture for learning which exists in every institution of higher education. Thank you for sharing. Revolutionaries are invited to take this revolution wherever it is needed!