44. Connections Are Everything: The Secret to Relationship-Rich Education

In a world increasingly dominated by phones and screens, the value of genuine human relationships in education cannot be overstated. We speak with Isis Artze-Vega, the provost and vice president for academic affairs at Valencia College, who is a leading advocate for relationship-rich education and co-author of "Connections are Everything: A College Student's Guide to Relationship-Rich Education."

Isis shares practical advice for students on building relationships with peers, faculty, and staff, emphasizing the importance of these connections for academic success, mental health, and a sense of belonging. She also addresses common challenges like imposter syndrome and connecting with professors, particularly for first-generation college students. And she doesn't forget about parents, offering actionable strategies to help college-age children cultivate meaningful connections.

Higher Ed Spotlight is sponsored by Chegg’s Center for Digital Learning and aims to explore the future of higher education. It is produced by Antica Productions.