MIND Academic Program Uplifts Nontraditional Students
The MIND Academic Program at Fullerton College has positively impacted students from diverse backgrounds in the classroom and beyond. Among those that have benefitted from the program’s courses are nontraditional students– students who are beyond the traditional college-going age, parents, working professionals or those re-entering the college system. Taught by Deidre Hughes, Valerie Tuttle, Tamara Trujillo and Jennifer Merchant, the program’s courses have helped students learn self-compassion and cultivate a sense of belonging.
Testimonials to Remember
Re-entry student, Christopher Peterson, shares how taking MIND 101 and 105 have helped him thrive at Fullerton College as a veteran. After completing his military service, Peterson did not feel he was ready for higher education. However, this changed when he found the motivation to do well in school while writing papers in MIND 101. Peterson says he loved the self-exploration topics that papers offered, giving him the opportunity to acknowledge his emotions, which provided new pathways for change.
“The Mindfulness classes helped me by giving me tools to manage my emotions better, which I have struggled with.” said Peterson. “The papers that I wrote in both classes helped me gain a great deal of insight into myself as a person. I feel more confident and less anxious.”
Having originally re-entered the college system in pursuit of welding certifications, Peterson is now working on an associate’s degree in science thanks to MIND 101’s student-centered curriculum and vital teachings.
Nedra McKie, a student-parent and full-time professional, also had a transformative experience after taking these courses. Interested in exploring the connection between the body and mind, McKie found excitement in the course’s content and certification attached to it. The class taught her to advocate for herself in a productive and professional way.
“MIND 101 and 105 have revealed that authentic awareness resonates deep within me. It is incredible how taking this course has allowed me to learn so much about myself and what makes me a uniquely designed person.” said McKie. “This course has given me the essence of cultivating an unconditioned mind, which has allowed me to be more creative, have interpersonal relationships and at the same time, have a more cognitive approach to dealing with stressors and coining a more collective and efficient way of problem-solving.”
Additionally, the Mindfulness courses have helped McKie connect with other helpful resources on campus, including Rising Scholars, Umoja Community Program, Extended Opportunity Programs & Services (EOPS) and more.
Erica Bogart, a MIND 101 and re-entry student, recently finished the course in the fall 2024 semester. She was drawn to attend Fullerton College for its affordable mindfulness program. The class encouraged her to connect with others, eliminate feelings of shame and thrive as a parent navigating major life events.
As a re-entry student, I have struggled with academic anxiety and a harsh inner critic. The MIND 101 course offers non-judgmental ways to cultivate self-kindness, counter shame and develop emotional resilience.” said Bogart. “This course is particularly valuable for those that want to integrate self-kindness into their own journey while also equipping themselves with tools to support others. We all deserve to be well as we strive towards our goals.”
Bogart is currently working on her GED at Fullerton College and will pursue an associate’s degree in psychology.
Fullerton College’s MIND Academic Program was designed to help students meet their academic and personal goals by exploring how Mindfulness and self-compassion can bolster self-acceptance and personal regulation, which contributes to academic success. The program now offers an evening section to accommodate the nontraditional student population on campus.
“What I love most about facilitating courses with nontraditional students is witnessing how they enhance the class community.” said Mindfulness Professor, Deidre Hughes. “The exchange of knowledge and perspectives between nontraditional and traditional students fosters a more dynamic, engaging and multifaceted learning experience for everyone involved—including me!”
To learn more about the mindfulness program, courses and benefits, visit the MIND Academic Program’s website.
