Chris Gray, Ph.D.
Founding President, Erie County Community College of Pennsylvania
Since the COVID-19 pandemic, we know that students at all levels have been struggling. Five years out, we still aren't back to where we were, and we see that in classrooms here at EC3 as well. We've been working since we launched to provide the kinds of extra support that students need in order to be successful and to thrive in their chosen academic careers. Today, I'm happy to share a new series of workshops designed to help our students do just that.
It's important to remember that thriving is more than just squeaking by. It's more than showing up. It's more than making it through the week. And it's more than scraping together just enough work in order to pass. Permit me a horticultural metaphor here; if you've ever tried to create a garden, this should sound familiar. There's a huge difference between surviving and thriving. When garden plants are left to their own devices without significant tending and watering, they struggle to survive; left to their own devices too long, they die outright. When these same plants are tended and nurtured, they thrive and produce a bountiful harvest. With a little extra help, magic occurs.
The metaphor works well for academia because student thriving is about flourishing–about finding joy and meaning in the academic work undertaken. Thriving is about feeling strong in the face of challenge and confident in the ability to keep moving forward, even (or especially) when the road twists unexpectedly. In an academic setting, thriving for students is more than just eking their way through their classes; it's about mastering the material while growing into the kind of learner and person they want to be on the other side of this educational journey.
I tried to avoid generalities, but I think this one is safe: none of our students come to EC3 hoping merely to survive it. They want to leave stronger and better and ready to tackle what comes next. Unfortunately, far too many students find themselves in that survival position, struggling to stay afloat rather than pushing forward with confidence, through no fault of their own. This is not a personal failing. Far from it. Rather, it is a signal that something is missing—whether it is the right study strategies, the tools to manage stress, financial confidence, or the ability to navigate high-pressure situations like tests and exams.
At EC3, we believe in and are committed to continuing to create the kind of culture in which students thrive, not just endure. To that end, we are offering a series of workshops designed to equip students with the skills and strategies they need to move from surviving to thriving. We know that struggles in life become struggles in the classroom, and we want to help. These workshops are part of a series on thriving, and they are launching during the next couple of months:
- "Thrive with Academic Confidence: Boost Your Study Skills" will provide practical strategies for mastering coursework and making the most of study time.
- "Thrive in the Face of Stress: Building Resilience and Peace" will introduce tools for managing anxiety and maintaining balance.
- "Thrive in Your Finances: Key Strategies for Money Management" will offer guidance on financial management, including budgeting and saving strategies, along with learning to make informed financial decisions.
- "Thrive Under Pressure: Managing Test Anxiety" will explore ways to stay calm and focused when it matters most.
We know that thriving does not mean that someone never struggles. Instead, it means having the support systems, the resilience, the tools, and the mindset to work through challenges rather than be defeated by them. It means knowing that success is not about innate ability or luck, but rather about persistence and strategy. These workshops are an invitation to our students to help build the habits and confidence that will carry them beyond the classroom so that they can do their best work inside it.
At EC3, the road to thriving is not one that our students have to walk alone. The resources are here. The support is here. It's part of our commitment to our students and our community. We hope to fill these workshops and continue to help them thrive.
Our community: your college.
