Engage, Empower, Educate

At Mindnificent Reach, our work is built on a foundational core that employs the F.I.G.H.T. model, a model developed by our very own CEO and Co-founder, Ms. Dene Roseburr-Olotu. In fact, earlier this year in March Ms. Dene Roseburr-Olotu had the opportunity to present at the Oklahoma State University Retention to Graduation conference about the model she created.

So we’d like to take a moment to explain what the F.I.G.H.T. model is and why it’s so important to the work that we do.

At the core of the F.I.G.H.T. model is coaching and intrusive advising which are concepts that are not new. However the most important aspect of utilizing the F.I.G.H.T. model is establishing the student’s self-interest. So that means having the student answer concisely, ‘what do you want?’

F – Find out where they are. The first step in our model has everything to do with learning about the student. We have to get to know the student before we’re able to offer authentic help and assistance on their path to achievement. Nested in this step is in fact, meeting them where they are. Understanding that not all students start in the same place and that each student needs a plan of action specific to their needs is paramount to how we’re able to achieve success within our goals.

I – Integrate them into the planning process. One of the things we pride ourselves on is the fact that our students help us help them. We offer them a seat at the table and we talk through what they want to do. We talk about their issues and their struggles and we give them an opportunity to answer ‘what do you think you should do?’

G – Give them something to work towards. Set goals. That’s how we help our students really begin to buy-in to our plan of actions that we’ve created. We challenge them and help them step outside their comfort zone. Most importantly we set expectations. Because at Mindnificent Reach we truly believe that expectations provoke achievement.

H – Hold them accountable. What’s a goal if it isn’t SMART? So we ensure that we’re able to not only set goals but we ensure that the students know that they’ll be held accountable to reaching them. We are able to do these things a fun way be creating teams and triads among our students. We challenge each team to reach a certain goal, be it GPA or service hours, and we see who stands at the top once the semester is over. This is also a great time for us to remind each student of their ‘why’. Why are they here? Why do they want to succeed? It’s a way to continue to motivate them even when they feel discouraged.

T – Turn their achievements into celebration. One of the things that Mindnificent Reach does really well compared to others is taking the time to celebrate and acknowledge the work of our students. We have an end of year celebration in which we highlight all the positive things that our students have done, helping them find their sense of accomplishment.

We know that the work that we’re doing through Mindnificent Reach matters. We know that our students are more encouraged and capable was they plug into our program. Part of the success is attributed to this foundational model that we use. We wholeheartedly look forward to continuing to make a positive impact on our students as we grow and continue our work.