Friday Convocation Speakers Invite Students to Take Advantage of All Southern Virginia University Offers
Convocation speakers last Friday at Southern Virginia University reminded students that despite the tough stuff college life brings, it can be the ultimate time of growth and opportunity.
The convocation was titled “Lift, Launch, Lunch,” a spin-off from university president Reed N. Wilcox’s slogan for Southern Virginia — “Gather, Lift, Launch.” Students gathered to hear a motivating message from four keynote speakers and to enjoy sub sandwiches, chips, cookies, and Capri Suns.
As a Career Coach in Southern Virginia University’s Career Development center, I meet students who are not so sure what they want to do or who they want to become. They may not know what their strengths are or what steps they should take next in life. I see students who are overwhelmed with all that their current situations demand — homework, upcoming tests, expectations from school or family, or balancing education, work, and social life.
Chad Kelland, Southern Virginia’s Director of Student Support Services, sees even more of the struggles students face. At Friday’s Convocation, he offered a message of empathy and encouragement. “I know that you’re all really trying, and I know that this is not an easy time of year. What you’re going through is normal.” Kelland reminded students that they wouldn’t value their education if it was easy. As I look back on my own educational experience, I realize how true that is.
It was once said that there is no growth in the comfort zone and no comfort in the growth zone. How important it is to remember that we have a choice whether we allow the opposition we face to grow us or defeat us. American psychologist Abraham Maslow said, “In any given moment we have two options: to step forward into growth or to step back into safety.”
Chris Pendleton, Vice President of Admissions and Marketing, shared how his life flourished as he chose to step forward into growth. Accompanied by entertaining photos and video, he illustrated his path from the “hoops is life” attitude as a teen, to community college, to his time as a student-athlete at Southern Virginia, to his life post-graduation when he interned at The White House as a speechwriter.
Pendleton landed the interneship in part through the encouragement and connections of Professor Fran MacDonnell, as well as an amazing letter of recommendation from Professor John Armstrong. “It’s something I never would have imagined possible as ‘young Chris,’ Pendleton remarked. Currently, he is one course away from finishing a master’s degree in communications at Johns Hopkins University, with an emphasis in digital communications.
Pendleton emphasized how important it is for students to find and follow mentors while at Southern Virginia. Both its small class sizes and the caring administration, faculty, and staff make Southern Virginia University a place where each and every student can have at least one meaningful mentor.
With faculty and staff who advise and support students through their years here, it’s no surprise that at Southern Virginia University, 93% of students are placed in jobs within 6 months of graduating, and 90% of those who pursue graduate school are accepted. Cameron Crowther, Executive Director of Career Development, stated that “nobody does [career placement] as well as we do.”
As a relatively new employee to Southern Virginia University in Career Development, I am constantly witnessing how Southern Virginia gathers all who wish to come, lifts them from where they are, and prepares them to launch into a successful life and career after college. What a privilege I have to be a part of that.
Kelli Woodard, my fantastic colleague and the Career Planning Specialist at Southern Virginia, closed Convocation by inviting students to take advantage of all that Southern Virginia offers and to come and see what we, in Career Development, can do to prepare them for launching into life.
As Career Development staff, we strive to provide students with personalized professional guidance in all things career, from knowing what they are good at to landing the dream job… and (almost) everything in between.
To schedule an appointment with Career Development, visit my.svu.edu. Come find out how to maximize your experience at Southern Virginia University and prepare to launch into your future. It’s never too early or too late. What are you waiting for?
