Higher Ed Perspectives

S1 E2 - Academic Turning Points

Dr. Tonya Cannon, PhD, SHRM-CP, ACUE Season 1 Episode 2

In this episode, I’m sharing a pivotal moment from the college journey of one of my students that completely reshaped how they approach challenges—both academically and personally. During their junior year, they faced a difficult research project that left them feeling overwhelmed and stuck. As someone who came across as being very self-sufficient, asking for help didn’t come easily. But they reached out me our conversation not only changed the direction of their project but also reignited their passion for the work.

This experience offers two crucial lessons: the importance of seeking help when needed and the power of collaboration and mentorship. It shifted their perspective on tackling challenges and boosted their confidence in asking for support. Join me as I dive into how this turning point helped the student grow academically and personally — and how embracing vulnerability can lead to powerful breakthroughs.