Embracing Academic Growth: A Journey with ACTS at Montana Bible College

Navigating the Transition to College Life

Academics don’t come naturally to everyone. In fact, when deciding whether to attend college, many prospective students express nervousness about their academic proficiency. This is a common concern that can weigh heavily on the minds of those considering higher education.

When students arrive at college, they often experience a “culture shock.” The academic expectations in college are significantly higher than those in high school. This leap can be a complicated adjustment for new college students. Therefore, needing some help with that adjustment is completely understandable. A little assistance can go a long way and even mean the difference between passing and failing.

That is where I come in.

I’m Mandi Foster, the ACTS Director for Montana Bible College. ACTS stands for “Academic Culture Training for Students.” As the name suggests, I assist with the “culture shock” that students may feel when they are newly immersed in the college academic world.

Support for Every Student

As the ACTS Director, I am available to assist every student—not just the newly minted freshmen. My time is not limited to probationary students either. Any student at MBC can call or email me at any point for any assignment. They can request help with a daunting project or a paper looming on the horizon. Recently, I even helped a graduating senior revise and edit his commencement speech. As the writing instructor at MBC, helping students with their writing is, of course, a joy for me.

Students can also request to meet with me for the entire semester, for weekly sessions if needed. When a student asks to be included in my weekly ACTS schedule, the first step I take is to write an action plan detailing our shared goals for the semester. These goals are tailored to their personal needs and could include, but are not limited to:

• Improving study habits and time management

• Enhancing comprehension of course readings

• Building confidence in academic ability

• Gaining proficiency in the research and writing processes

  
  

The goals are to be completed by the end of the semester. Regardless of the goal, it is always rewarding to look back over the action plan and see the progress the student has made. Each week, as we work on the specific skills the student requested, they also share with me how classes and assignments are going. They keep me in the loop regarding major upcoming projects and papers, and I assist them in the research and writing processes.

Whatever we are working on, I make a point to celebrate the little wins along with the big ones!

Overcoming Challenges Together

Of course, not every session is solely about the wins. Many conversations I have with students during ACTS sessions revolve around pushing through discouragement. I offer encouragement and share personal anecdotes from my own college experience.

I often tell discouraged students that I, too, failed a course in college and had to retake it. I share the breakdowns I experienced and how overwhelmed I felt, especially with math assignments. I explain how I struggled to comprehend anything my math professors said in class. This comes from someone who now teaches at two colleges and is pursuing a doctorate in English!

I believe that the vulnerability and honesty of a teacher is one of the most effective ways to connect with students. I can personally attest that this openness helps students trust me and relate to me. Building these relationships is a crucial part of the formula for student success. As one of the students in the ACTS program, Hudson Kelly, wrote:

“ACTS is so helpful to all of us and really shows how the MBC staff cares for us and is invested in our learning,” Hudson said. “To have the extra hour for work every week with Ms. Foster has been so beneficial to my academics and also my student life here, getting to know my classmates as well as Ms. Foster.”

When Hudson first joined ACTS, he was as nervous about college as any other freshman. Yet, over the course of the semester, I watched his confidence grow. I helped him make flashcards and study for exams, guiding him through the writing process. Most of his success comes from his positive attitude and willingness to put effort into each assignment.

“I find that personally, school can get fast-paced at times, and it’s good to slow down, focus on one thing at a time, and really dive into the work,” Hudson said.

The Power of Belief

Three years ago, when I first began tutoring college students with writing, I said a phrase to a student that stood out to me, and I still use it even now.

That phrase is a simple, “You can do this.”

And they can. My job as the ACTS Director is to help students believe that. I encourage them to understand that they can reach their academic goals with hard work and God’s help. Watching students change their thinking and grow their academic confidence is incredibly rewarding. It is amazing to witness them begin to believe they “can do this.”

All students can achieve amazing things. Sometimes, it just takes someone to believe in them so they can believe in themselves. And I can say with certainty that their ACTS Director believes in them!

Conclusion: Your Journey Awaits

As you embark on your academic journey, remember that support is always available. Whether you are struggling with a specific subject or simply need someone to talk to, I am here for you. Together, we can navigate the challenges of college life and celebrate your successes.

With dedication and faith, you can thrive in your academic pursuits. The journey may be challenging, but with the right support and mindset, you can achieve your goals. Let's embrace this journey together!