Your academic MVPs

 Set! Hut! 

We're at the halfway mark and it's the perfect time to check in with our student success coaches. Though not all have the skills to make it on the field, they all are experts in assisting students on their academic journeys. Think of them as your personal coaches — calling the plays, offering support and helping you navigate graduate school from kickoff to the final whistle.

Meet Brett Bachelor and Steven Brockschmidt, two coaches who are ready to help you score big this semester.

Meet your coaches

The playbook: What's your coaching style?

Brett: I help students break things into clear, manageable steps. Graduate school can feel overwhelming, so I focus on planning ahead, staying organized and keeping things moving forward without letting stress take over.

Steven: Take advantage of the resources available online through the Manhattan campus! You can order library books, schedule virtual meetings with your financial aid advisor, find mental health support and even get help on your resume with the Career Center.

Signature play: What's your go-to move?

Brett: Stay connected. Check in with your advisor, ask questions early and don't wait until the last minute to reach out. A quick conversation can prevent a lot of unnecessary stress.

Steven: Don't be afraid to start with a graduate class or two as a non-degree seeking student. If you're thinking of changing careers, this is a great way to get a feel for a new field before completely committing.

Three academic game changers

Brett's top three:

1. Don't be afraid to ask questions.
2. Build connections with faculty, classmates and staff. That support goes a long way.
3. Break big assignments into smaller steps so they feel doable.

Steven's top three:

1. Always check your K-State email! You don't want to miss any updates from your professors or invitations to fun events on K-State Olathe's campus.
2. Have a plan for enrollment before the window opens in the semester; some classes fill up fast.
3. Take breaks when studying and try to have something fun to look forward to after completing a big paper, project, test, etc.

Best advice for your students

Brett: Give yourself some grace. Graduate school is a journey, not a sprint. Communicate early, check your email and Canvas regularly and don't wait too long to ask for help.

Steven: If you're going through a big life event, don't be afraid to take a semester off if you need it. Just let us know! You can take a break from coursework without having to reapply.

The essentials: What do students need to succeed?

Brett: A clear plan, consistent communication, good time management habits and staying on top of Canvas and email.

Steven: Checking K-State email and main Canvas pages for their programs, being aware of the academic calendar and high-level dates like graduation application deadlines, enrollment windows, etc., feeling free to send me an email anytime you have a question about anything! Even if I don't know the answer, I will figure out who does so you don't have to!

Motivation in the huddle: Quotes to live by

Brett's favorites:

1. "The beautiful thing about learning is that no one can take it away from you." — B.B. King
2. "A year from now, you'll wish you had started today." — Karen Lamb
3. "Believe you can and you're halfway there." — Theodore Roosevelt

Steven's favorites:

1. "A person who never made a mistake never tried anything new." — Albert Einstein
2. "You are never too old to set a new goal or dream a new dream." — C.S. Lewis
3. "The way to get started is to quit talking and begin doing." — Walt Disney

Flag on the play! Common academic fouls

Brett: Not checking Canvas or email regularly, missing deadlines, skipping class or Zoom sessions and waiting too long to ask for help.

Steven: Lack of communication, especially if you need time away. Your professors can work with you, but only if you let them know what's going on! There may be resources available that you're not aware of.

Why they love the game

Brett: I love being part of a student's journey. Supporting them as they grow, gain confidence and accomplish something they've worked hard for is special to see!

Steven: I love seeing students excel in their programs and discover new strengths and interests they didn't know they had! It's a privilege to be there as students start their first class and to be there as they graduate and move on to the next chapter in their lives.