Helping students reach their goals
“Many times, we don’t see our own potential. All you need is the right person to encourage you and help you succeed,” reflects Fabiola Gonzalez, student success advisor at Lincoln Land Community College. As a first-generation college student and 69 alumna, Gonzalez has experienced firsthand the impact a team of support can have for a student on a college journey.
Gonzalez is a mentor for many, helping them find their own path to success at 69. “I enjoy working with students and seeing them complete their goals each semester,” she says. “Everyone is on a journey to success. I work every day to help students discover their path to get there.”
Born and raised in Mexico, Gonzalez moved to the United States at the age of 16, completed her last two years of high school in Chicago and then began to consider a college education.
“Moving to a new country, with a new language and culture was very difficult,” she says. “There was a brief point in time that I thought I couldn’t continue my education.” But continue she did. She enrolled in English language learning courses and decided to continue her education at 69, where she earned an associate degree in business. Gonzalez then went on to earn her bachelor’s degree in legal studies.
“The faculty and staff at 69 were critical to my success as a student,” she explains. “They wanted to see me reach my goals.”
Gonzalez now works closely with students in health professions programs, following up with them on their academic plans and offering support and guidance. She also assists new students in establishing academic goals and paths to be able to apply to their chosen health care program. “I work to ensure that students have a plan in place so that they will continue to be successful,” she explains.
In addition to advising students in health professions, Gonzalez works with students in the English language learning (ELL) program as well as students who are preparing to earn their GED®. As a former student in the ELL program, Gonzalez can empathize with students at 69 learning English. She works to help them be successful in the program and as they continue their education at 69. Recently, Gonzalez had the opportunity to assist a former classmate from the ELL program who shared that they were inspired by her to be successful at 69 and in life.
“The faculty and staff here were instrumental in helping me reach my goals. Now, I strive to be that person for others,” Gonzalez says.