Submitted to The Argo by Alanna Stoloff

Imagine trying to keep up with five classes, a group project, and an important paper. It’s a lot for any student, but it becomes overwhelming when your mind scatters like leaves in the breeze. Every assignment feels like climbing a mountain through the mud with the wind blowing in your face. Organizing your schedule, prioritizing tasks, and remembering deadlines don’t come naturally, even when working hard, because your brain is wired differently. This is everyday life for students with ADHD and other executive functioning challenges. I know because I am one of them.

As a senior graduating from Stockton University this year, I did not want to leave without advocating for future students. In my first two years at Stockton, I was fortunate to have access to the GOALs program, which offered critical support for students like me. GOALs helped me and other students with time management, organization, and executive functioning skills. These aren’t just academic tools but life skills we will carry long after graduation: the program created a unique synergy between occupational therapy and neurodiverse students, where occupational therapy (OT) students gained valuable experience while we received guidance from caring, dedicated instructors.

During my first year, GOALs was nothing short of a lifeline. The transition from high school to college was challenging, and without GOALs, I don’t know how I would have navigated it. Sadly, by my junior year Stockton discontinued this vital program. Despite opposition from students and teachers, they removed this beneficial class anyway. My mother tried desperately to advocate for the program’s return, at least for my senior year, but to no avail, as she was only told, “We’ll look into it.”

In fairness, I was fortunate to still receive some support through the Learning Access Center, and my assigned advisor has been excellent. However, it hasn’t been the same as GOALs. This program didn’t just offer academic coaching, but it also provided social interaction and a sense of community amongst like-minded students who understood each other’s experiences. Stockton has many activities and events, but few are geared toward neurodiverse students.

While academic lessons are valuable, many of us will find that life skills are what truly prepare us for success after college. These skills are crucial for everyone, not just neurodiverse students. Executive functioning abilities help all students thrive, and programs like GOALs are not luxuries but necessities.

Stockton University has a unique opportunity to create a genuinely inclusive environment by reinstating the GOALs program and launching similar initiatives to support neurodiverse students. This could become a hallmark of the university, offering a welcoming space for students with ADHD, learning challenges, and those on the spectrum to help them navigate their academic journey.

Beyond this, Stockton could take further action by creating a life skills program for everyone, focusing on essential skills like organization, money management, social interaction, time management, goal setting, self-advocacy, and emotional regulation. This would be particularly helpful for first years who are transitioning into college. These aren’t just academic tools, but life skills that will stay with students long after graduation.

Stockton University often speaks of inclusion and diversity. True inclusion means creating spaces where all students, including neurodiverse students, can thrive. I urge Stockton to consider bringing back support systems like GOALs so that future students are not left to navigate these challenges alone.

As I say goodbye to Stockton, I sincerely hope the President and faculty will take my concerns to heart. Stockton University has an opportunity to make a meaningful difference. Now is the time to take action and demonstrate a true commitment to supporting all students in academics and life.

Editor’s Note: Stoloff mentioned in her email submission to The Argo that she sent a letter regarding GOALs to President Bertolino and plans to forward that letter to the Stockton Board of Directors.