Carol Rubino is a drafting major at a community college. In order to pay her expenses, she needs to work several hours a week. She is very organized and responsible with her school and work obligations. Most of her peers would describe Carol as motivated because she attends every class, is punctual, and works hard in both school and work. Throughout high school, Carol participated in extracurricular activities but never really enjoyed herself. She likes college but questions the connection between school and real life. As a result, Carol sometimes feels as if she is just wasting time and postponing life until graduation.
· What strategies in this chapter can help Carol find a strong sense of purpose and motivation?
· What would you recommend to Carol for creating a more resourceful and positive attitude?
Laura Chen is a returning part-time student. She also works full-time and takes care of her family. Her husband is verbally supportive of her goal to become a dental hygienist but is not very helpful with taking care of the children or with housework. Their children are 12 and 14 and have always depended on Laura to help them with their homework and drive them to their activities. Laura prides herself on being efficient at home, as well as being a loving mother and wife.
· What can Laura do to get more control over her life?
· What strategies in the chapter would be most helpful to Laura?
Gloria Ramone is a single mom who works part-time and lives and attends school in the inner city. She is eager to complete her education, begin her career, and have the opportunity to receive a higher salary. She is an electronics student who wants her classes to be practical and relevant. She is required to take a class in critical thinking, a class she is resisting because she sees no practical application to her job. Her attitude is affecting her attendance and participation.
· Offer ideas to help Gloria see the importance of critical thinking in decision making.
· Help her connect decisions in school with job decisions.