Path to Success Paper

Purpose: To identify any challenges (barriers or obstacles) that may get in the way of you being successful in college

Outline:  The following outline is to be used as a guide.  Do not use the headings “Paragraph 1,” Paragraph 2,” etc. Rather, write this paper as a four-paragraph essay, with an introduction, two body paragraphs, and a conclusion. The paper should flow with transitions and transition words.

Paragraph 1: Introduction

  • Include the purpose of paper, (but do not write “the purpose of the paper is…).
  • Identify one opportunity for improvement. (or more if you need to discuss more challenges to reach the minimum)

Paragraph 2:  What is the challenge?

  • Further explain the challenge if necessary.
  • Analyze and explain why this challenge is significant.
    • How do you know this is a challenge?
    • How might this be a problem for your academic or career success?

Paragraph 3:  What is the strategy or strategies to address and/or overcome the challenge?

  • Identify strategies to overcome this challenge.
  • How can you overcome this challenge and move to being successful?
  • What resources do you need?
  • What are some resources at the college that can help you with the challenges?
  • Who can help you with this strategy?
  • What can you move beyond this challenge?
  • You must identify at least one on-campus resource that can assist you.

Paragraph 4:  Conclusion

  • Briefly, summarize your challenge and your strategy (one sentence).
  • Be sure to discuss whether you have optimism or pessimism about overcoming this challenge (a few sentences).

How will this paper be graded?

This paper will be graded on the 100 points.

Assignment Requirements

  • Write one to two pages.
  • Use Microsoft Word.
  • Follow MLA format.
  • Use “I” as this paper is about YOU.
  • Submit to Path to Success drop box in D2L.

Ideas for challenges (items you may have challenges with, difficulty managing, accessing, or do not have practice with)

  • Academic skills
  • Access to computer
  • Childcare
  • College knowledge, how the system works
  • College readiness
  • Diversity, equity and inclusion
  • Emotional health
    • Text anxiety
  • Equality and/or discrimination
  • Family support (financially or emotionally or other)
  • Finances
  • Food insecurity
  • Goals, vision, priorities (career or personal)
  • Housing insecurity
  • Immigration
  • Internet access
  • Learning disabilities
  • Low self-esteem, having self-doubts
  • Mental health
    • Anxiety
    • Depression
  • Motivation or enthusiasm for learning
  • Non-traditional age student
  • Not knowing how to self-help or ask questions
  • Online learning
  • Physical health
  • Role models
  • SmarterMeasure results
  • Support from social circle, peer group
  • Time management
    • Caregiving
    • Making unrealistic time estimates
    • Managing a household
    • Not asking for help
    • Not being able to prioritize
    • Not being able to say “no”
    • Not delegating when necessary
    • Not using a calendar
    • Parenting
    • Planning too many activities
    • Procrastinating
    • Spending too much time with friends
    • Trying to do everything at the last minute
    • Working 20 hours a week or more
    • Work schedule
  • Transportation
  • Understanding of how to learn or how to study