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Spotlight

Teyah Phillips

Major: Nursing

Ashton Stewart and her Mentor  (Juliette Shepherd).Tell us about yourself. I am twenty-three years old and I consider myself holistic. I like to meditate, do yoga, paint or draw mandalas. I love to collect crystals and I have learned how to stand on my own and overcome obstacles. I lost both of my Grandpas last summer and it took a toll on me. I told them I would make them proud, so I created a new chapter in an organization that I was a part of in middle school and high school called “Especially Me”. It is an organization that teaches young ladies to trust their “inner voice” and empowers them to be themselves without fear. In addition, I have been taking care of my Grandma for the past year and a half. She has dementia, but to be honest with you, she is my best friend. We are two peas in a pod, double trouble, and TikTok dancing queens. I love it even though there are challenges come along with her memory. I would not give these memories up for the world.

What inspired your interest in becoming a nurse? My mom inspired me because of her passion for nursing and how happy she was even though she works with people with behavioral and mental issues. No matter how crazy the story, she loved going back to work and helping everyone in need. When she was working at a behavioral center for girls – when the girls left, many of them would tell her thank you and give her a big hug. I remember when I would go volunteer, a lot of them would tell me how much they liked my mom and that she was an amazing lady. The fact that she was changing their lives and helping them get better – made me want to do it also. Then, I found my love for midwifery and I was sold into nursing. I cannot wait to apply to nursing school in January!

What advice would you give to a first time in college student based on your experience? The advice I would give a first-time college student is be okay with stepping out of your comfort zone. Trying new things is actually fun and you can surprise yourself with how many talents come about. Study, study, study, study, and did I mention STUDY! Some classes are cool, calm, and collected and others require writing every day. It is important that you make sure you stay on top of your work and do not procrastinate. When you engage in class it makes it more interesting and study groups are always the best!

Do you think having a mentor in college is important or helpful? Why/Why not? Mentors can be cool for those that need it. However, it depends on the person because not everyone needs a mentor. Mentors can help you with challenges and give you advice from a teacher perspective! When you are starting out the Student Success Institute is the best group to join on campus because of the mentors that they have! They help you formulate a path.


Ashton Stewart

Major: Associate of Arts in Teaching (AAT)

Ashton Stewart and her Mentor  (Juliette Shepherd).Tell me about yourself. I am a 34-year-old mother of twin girls who wants to further my education. They are my motivation to push hard so that is why I enrolled back in school. I love outdoor activities, traveling, DIY projects, and family time.

Describe your experience being a part of the Student Success Institute. I have enjoyed being a part of SSI because it has given me inspiration to keep succeeding. It is great to attend events and hear other students’ success stories. It is also a great group to help get you connected with resources you may need now and in the future.

Do you think having a mentor in college is important or helpful? Why/Why not? I am thankful to have a mentor that I have connected with for school help and information. She has also been a positive mentor spiritually. She has encouraged me personally throughout college. I honestly could not have asked for a better mentor. I think having an extra person who can help and guide you throughout learning experiences is important.

What inspired your interest and pursuit of a career in teaching? I have always wanted to work with children whether it was helping them learn and develop skills or in a pediatric office. Once I had children it was like bigger passion grew. The joy and excitement in their eyes while learning warms my heart. I want to have a positive impact on our future generations. Education is key for success and I want to be part of it.

What advice would you give to a first time in college student based on your experience? My advice for a first-time college student is to search for groups like SSI and networking opportunities to get involve with because it would help. Also, prepare to spend more time with school and create a schedule that works for them.

How are you coping/managing the various effects related to the global pandemic-COVID 19? How can Lone Star College best support students during this time? The pandemic has not affected me much because I love spending time at home doing projects. I can say it has put a stop to our huge family gatherings on Sundays. We are thankful for FaceTime and Zoom. However, I miss shopping every other day at Target and now I just do curbside pick-up. Unfortunately, I have lost a cousin due to COVID-19. Most people I know are staying home and only going out for essential use.


Ke'shai Price

Major: Psychology

Ke'shai PriceHow did you hear about the Student Success Institute (SSI) and what has been your experience in the program? I heard about SSI from the freshman orientation. My experience has been more helpful than I realized, and it allowed me to branch out and be part of a college experience that is more than just getting my homework done.

As a First Time in College (FTIC) student this past year, how would you describe your transition from high school to college? My transition from high school to college been smooth and I believe the only reason for that is because Lonestar provides so many resources and opportunities for things that you probably may not need at first but later on will.

Do you think having a mentor in college is important or helpful? Why/Why not? I think having a mentor is important because as you progress through college you have questions you did not have before and having a mentor helps to give you a sense of direction when it comes to getting those questions answered.

What would you say to someone considering applying to the Student Success Institute? Just do it! You are not going to be able to tell from a first glance if this program is a fit for you and what you would may need. SSI helps you focus on growing at your own pace and it is a great program and resource when you have unexpected questions and challenges that come up throughout the semester.

What would be your dream job or accomplishment? My dream accomplishment is to become a highly successful psychologist to eventually take care of my mom.

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