- They have a tremendous amount of energy and desire for success.
- They can easily be distracted and their attention must be captured in order for them to be engaged.
- They must learn the importance of overcoming failure and not showboating success.
- They must learn to work together as a team, recognizing each other’s strengths in any group and trusting each other.
Well, these hyper eight year olds have taken one of the most
challenging seasons and learned about themselves as individuals and as a
team. The result? A 9-1 win in their first game of the spring
season this weekend. The focus? It was
trust in each other, using resources and planning that creates opportunities
for success. The same approach can be used
for coaching college students.
In academic coaching, we seek to identify where a student is
at right now and engage them with resources or strategies that can take them to
the next level. Often times, it’s
getting them to recognize that team that surrounds them and letting them know it’s
ok to trust each other for support. A
college education is challenging, and as Sanford stated, learning can only occur
when you balance that challenge with the appropriate level of support. It’s a noteworthy occasion when this happens. We, as academic coaches, have a
responsibility to listen to a student’s story and provide them with the
information and guidance to make a decision so they can take the next step
towards success. It is a huge
responsibility.
I had my reservations about taking on some responsibility
for coaching a soccer team of eight year olds.
Now, I am grateful for the gift of that experience. I have learned that ALL students have the
potential and it is amazing when an engaged, purpose driven and communal
experience begins to make an unachievable dream a reality.
To my son Ethan, keep kicking! Coach knows you're doing your best and you are doing great!
