There are no imposters here: an academic advisors journey to higher education
When academic advisor for the College of Education and Human Development (CEHD) and first-generation college student, Amanda Lozier (’19 M.A., Sports Management), first came to Western Michigan University (WMU) in 2001, she suffered from major imposter syndrome and felt that asking for help was a sign of weakness. Coming from a single-parent home in Kalamazoo, Lozier was expected to work in a factory when she graduated high school, just like her parent did. Her college ambitions were not supported by her family.
“Thankfully, I met people through student organizations and on campus jobs who took me under their wings to ensure my success. The amount of assistance that I received from them is incredible as I look back. They were there to encourage me, answer questions I had, make sure I was progressing, believe in me when I couldn’t believe in myself, and tough love when needed. I would not be where I am now without them joining in my life journey, and I treasure them every day!” said Lozier.
Now that she advises CEHD students she wants everyone to know there are no imposters here at WMU: everyone is welcome despite their background and experience, even if they aren’t really sure what to do or what questions to ask. Sometimes first-generation college students aren’t aware of the different career options available to them and it can take some time and experience to figure it out.
When Lozier was coming through the Kalamazoo Public Schools she had multiple intern teachers and one in particular, Mr. Gold, stood out. She adored him and wanted to do everything he did. He happened to be attending WMU and she came home one day that year and claimed she would be attending WMU to become a teacher as well. Her class advisor and high school counselor encouraged her to see her greatness and made sure she knew about scholarships and gave her assistance to apply.
When she got to Western, she entered the teaching program. “I started as an elementary education major because it was a career that I knew about, and thought would be best. My knowledge around career options were doctor and nurse (from doctor appointments), lawyer (from an experience with one in my teens), teacher (through school), and factory work. I don't like blood and bodily fluids so that took out the first two. I was very quiet, so being a lawyer didn't make sense, and I knew I didn't want to work in a factory, so this left being a teacher,” Lozier explained. As she started to have more life experiences she realized that college-admissions interested her more than teaching did so she changed her major to Liberal Arts with an Emphasis in Math, Science, Social Studies, and Education and graduated with a Bachelor of Science in April 2007.
Lozier began working in the Office of Admissions at WMU the September of the same year and spent almost 10 years there. She switched to academic advising in 2017 to stay closer to her then two-year old daughter and started a Master’s program in Sports Management later that same year, choosing the major because of the event management that is involved in sports. Starting the master’s program was a big deal for her. “I had shown myself and my supporters that I had what it took to earn my bachelor's degree and get a job that I loved,” she shared. “I then wanted to show my daughter that fear of failure should not limit her and she can do what she put her mind to. I had always been too scared to start my master's and made a million excuses, but it all boiled down to I didn't know if I "deserved" to get one and if I had what it took to complete. I started my master's degree in April 2017 and completed in August 2019. During those two years I held my 40+ hour job, was there for my daughter aged 2-4 and husband, joined Junior Chamber International (JCI) Kalamazoo, started fostering a one-month-old baby, completed a study abroad to Ireland, taught First Year Experience (FYE)), and maintained a 4.0 GPA. To say that I was proud of myself is a major understatement.”
Her experience as a first-generation college student taught her a few things that continue to come in handy. She’s learned to ask questions to make sure she’s getting everything she needs to be successful. She has empathy for those that are facing the same struggles she faced. She’s able to talk about her experiences with the first-generation students she now advisers, telling them about the pitfalls she went through and the ways she found to be successful. She’s also able to recognize when a student needs a cool aunt or even a mom figure to wrap her arms around them the same way others wrapped their arms around her when she was coming through school.
Lozier believes the staff on the WMU campus truly care about students and their success; that it’s not just a matter of getting numbers and meeting graduation rates. “We want to make sure we are putting good humans into the world with applicable skills to be successful in their careers and emotional skills to make the world a better place,” she said.
Her advice for other first-generation college students: “The journey is worth it. Say “yes” to experiences; they will either be amazing or you will learn something. College can be tough, but you are tougher. Lean on your resources, ask for help, help others when you can, and know that you are meant to be here. WMU would not be the same without you!”