Remembering a great CC staff member

Last month I had the privilege to give a speech at Finger Lakes Community College as part of a huge statewide completion day event led by FLCC. In being part of that event, I got another grand privilege - I got to meet Bob Matson. 

I just got an e-mail informing me that Bob passed away from a sudden heart attack yesterday. And my heart is breaking right now. 

I worked with Bob closely the weeks leading up to the event via phone, and then spent the day of the event with him at FLCC. And while I only spent one day in person with Bob, it was a day I'll truly never forget. 

I had a lot of time in between my early afternoon speech and end-of-the-day meeting with the Board of Trustees, and Bob asked me if I wanted to do my own thing or have a tour of the college with him.

Usually I'm pretty exhausted after a speech, but Bob was so dynamic, that I knew I couldn't miss the opportunity. 

On our walk we watched the lumberjack team do some impressive chops, toured the beautiful new cafeteria area where he spoke highly of his colleagues, and we toured the CMAC Performing Arts Center, a beautiful outdoor arena he absolutely loved. 

View from the CMAC stage with Bob

We stood on the stage and looked out at the breathtaking scene beyond the bleachers, as he talked about having me back to speak at graduation, dreaming out loud of what it would be like when FLCC students graduated that Spring, excited about the results of completion day. 

Bob's vigor for his work poured out of him, and as we walked, we brainstormed. He was so intelligent and positive, and we came up with so many ideas for how we could raise more money for community college students and rally community members to make a difference in the lives of students who struggle.* 

We spent hours and hours talking about our ideas and passion for community colleges, and making plans for future projects. I knew I had met someone very special. 

Bob was 53, but he talked with the energy of a 23-year-old, excited to move and shake things, to try something new, to innovate, to change lives. But unlike a 23-year-old, he had wisdom beyond his years and knew how to execute his ideas in a way that created real change.

I am so thankful I got to play a small part in one of Bob's many contributions to the community college world and the Canandaigua community. I feel devastated that I won't get to talk with him again, that I won't get to hear more of his ideas or experience again his pure energy for life, change, growth, and helping other people. 

I came home from that day at FLCC and told my husband all about Bob, how I had never met anyone who was so full of life and so dedicated to innovating in his community college work. In that short time Bob inspired me so much, so I cannot even begin to imagine how much he inspired those who knew him well, and how much they are hurting right now. My heart goes out to all of you, especially his family. 

When I left Bob at the end of the day, he told me that before I leave I should check out the grocery store Wegmans. One of his colleagues laughed and rolled her eyes endearingly, as I soon learned Wegman's was Bob's "thing." 

I was exhausted, but I knew that if Bob had told me it was great, then I should go. I drove up to this wonderfully fun store, and I could see why Bob liked it. I got a delicious vanilla cupcake, and ate it in the cozy dining area, thinking about how much I felt a part of the community in that moment. That is what Bob did, I think. He made people feel like they were a part of something special. And it turns out, the something special, was him. 

*Bob was very passionate about mobilizing the community to donate more to community colleges as their budgets dwindle. So in honor of Bob, I encourage you to donate something to your local community college. Any student will tell you, every little bit helps. I also encourage you to take a quick second to send a note to a community college staff member who has made a difference in your life. 

Questions answered from New York State Completion Day

I recently spoke for New York State's Completion Day and afterwards students were able to text in questions since many were watching the simulcast across the state. I wasn't able to get to all of them so I told them I'd still answer their questions on my blog. Thanks so much for asking questions you guys - it says a lot about you! Successful students ask questions :)

What was your most trying time in community college? - Michael from Broome CC 

The hardest time I had in community college was at the beginning. I felt so alone when I started, just going to class and going home, not sure what this whole "college" thing was all about. What changed that for me was the friends I met in the classroom. That is why the first section of my book was about connecting with your peers. Professors helped me academically and professional mentors helped me get jobs, but my friends were the ones who got me through the hard times. 

What can I do to prepare myself for my Bachelors? - Arriana from Erie CC

Join the honors program if your college has one, join Phi Theta Kappa, and find a professor whom you really connect with to be your mentor. Honors programs are great at preparing you to transfer and Phi Theta Kappa is a way to qualify for many transfer scholarships. And professors know academia better than anyone else and can help guide you towards the best colleges to apply to and how to go about that process. Seek help every day, because it can be a lot. But you can do it!!

What advice would you give a student without hope? - Anonymous

This is such a great question. I think hope is the most important factor for college success. But it's hard to measure, and it's hard to "teach." I lost all hope when I first started community college. I felt so alone. But it was the people I met in community college who gave me hope - the friends in the classroom, going to my professors' office hours, meeting with my academic advisor often, and joining clubs. Take action even when you feel hopeless by asking others for help. Eventually, you'll find hope will come back to you again when those people start to see in you what you can't see in yourself - potential.

What is a good way to get motivated to go to morning classes? - Daniel from SUNY Orange

First of all, think about when you are most energized. If it's not the morning, try to pick classes at times where you are most alert. However, if you have to take morning classes, then choose classes that you're most excited about to start the day with. I also recommend getting up earlier to give yourself some time to actually wake up and eat breakfast so that you're ready for the day by the time you get to class. I also recommend dressing nice, and listening to your favorite music on the way. Also, try reading your goals and  reading a few pages of a good motivational/college success book each morning. Starting your day with your goals fresh in your head will help motivate you to remember how  your classes will help you get to where you want to go in your life. 

When you're feeling overwhelmed, how do you overcome the most difficult obstacles surrounding you with all the work you do? - Danny from SUNY Orange Newburgh Campus

The hardest year of my life was when I was working full time, writing my book, and getting my Masters. I'd wake up at 5am to write my book, go to work by 8:30am, and then I'd get home at 5:30pm and I'd work on my Masters. It was exhausting and there were so many times where I just felt like I couldn't do this. I'd cry alone and wonder to myself, why am I trying so hard? Is this really worth it? Is any of this going to actually work out? Is this really going to help me reach my dreams? 

And there were many times I thought no, maybe this isn't worth it, maybe I'm trying too hard, maybe no one will read my book, maybe this won't make a difference, maybe I'm not capable of this. 

But what kept me going was hope. I'd crash and burn but then I'd journal about it and read my goals again (which I write down every year) and remember students like you. I'd remember the people who believe in me. And I'd remember that dreams require hard work, and that even though I wasn't seeing results now and probably wouldn't see them for years, that this is what it would take. And in the past few months, I have finally been seeing the results. It was a long journey, but every tear and every early morning was worth it.

You'll feel that same way once you receive your diploma. I promise. 

At the book signing after the New York State Completion Day event