Overcoming Barriers to Degree Completion
UPDATE: As of July 1, 2021, Michael Cadore has taken on the new role of Associate Dean of Enrollment Initiatives and Engagement.
One of my favorite things about working at Eastern Florida is being inspired by our students. I’m certain that everyone who works in higher ed will agree that at some point, a student has taught them a valuable lesson or inspired them in a way that has stayed with them long after the student has graduated. For me, that student is Xavier Edwards, who wanted to prove to himself that he could finish his degree, even though it meant walking a long, challenging road.
A graduate of Rockledge High School’s class of 2013, Xavier went directly to FAMU as a freshman. After one year there, he returned to Rockledge to be with his mother and three younger brothers, and to save up some money. He tried several times to continue his education at other Florida colleges, earning credits as best he could while also working. After completing general education classes at other institutions and adding 15 credits to his transcript here at EFSC in 2018, he once again had to hit the pause button to focus on work.
My first encounter with Edwards was in the summer of 2020, right in the middle of the coronavirus pandemic. I called him with an invitation to participate in Dare to Finish, a program that encourages former students who are just a few classes short of graduation to return and finish their final credits. Like many others, Xavier struggled to balance school and work; having to work the overnight shift made his first semester back especially difficult. Edwards also mentioned that he hadn’t had clear direction for where he wanted to go with his future, and as a result, he had withdrawn from school to work full time. On our call, he shared with me that he had since discovered a passion for videography and video production, and he planned to continue to pursue that passion after earning his A.A. degree.
The Dare to Finish invitation came with an opportunity for Edwards to apply for a special EFSC Foundation scholarship designed to lessen financial barriers for returning students. We discovered he only needed two more classes to finish his Associate in Arts degree. With hard work, persistence, and a strong support system, he knew he was ready to try again. Xavier accepted the invitation, completed a re-admit application, and registered for classes.
“I wanted to prove to myself that I could do it, after all this time,” said Edwards. “I always want to continue getting better and continue to grow.”
While taking advantage of EFSC’s many academic support services, Xavier also connected with the Minority Male Initiative (MMI), the core principals of which include effective communication, growing leadership skills, and providing mentorship. Students in the MMI encourage one another to actively participate in networking opportunities, tutoring, peer support, and mentoring. They build relationships and skills that will benefit them both professionally and personally beyond their time in college. Through MMI, Edwards found himself surrounded by students, faculty, and staff dedicated to encouraging and mentoring him toward success.
“It’s not so much of a group; it’s more of a family,” said Edwards. “Fellow members help to shape where we are moving, check up on each other.”
One of Edwards’ MMI mentors was Cocoa Campus Associate Provost Michael Cadore.
“It is an absolute honor to mentor Xavier,” said Cadore. “He thinks I’m mentoring him, but he is actually mentoring and inspiring me. The great thing about Xavier is not just his professionalism, humility, dedication, and desire to succeed, but his actions to genuinely give back to others as he is being helped.”
Ultimately, Edwards received a scholarship, finished his two remaining courses, and graduated in the fall of 2020 with his Associate in Arts degree. He will soon be transferring to Kennesaw State University in Georgia, where he intends to continue his studies.
What advice does Xavier have for other students struggling with the decision of whether to finish a degree?
“Don’t hesitate. Don’t wait any longer. Get on it now. It’s never too late to jump back in and finish. Just take the leap of faith to where it takes you next.”
- Faces on Campus: Winter Break Edition - December 15, 2021
- It’s Never Too Late - August 25, 2021
- Overcoming Barriers to Degree Completion - April 28, 2021
