By Jasmine Badamo, MA
Executive Function Coach; Educational Counselor
This year I’ve started working with a new batch of freshmen who are embarking on their college journeys. The first semester is always a whirlwind of emotions: nervousness, excitement, anticipation, but most of all, overwhelm. Even at colleges that prioritize supporting students in their transition to campus life, it can be hard for students to navigate the sea of information they’re given. However, the first several weeks of the semester are the perfect time to explore the various campus resources available to students, many of which are included in the cost of tuition.
Even if students don’t use resources right away, it’s essential for them to be aware of the available services as they progress through their college journey. Understanding what’s offered can help them navigate challenges and take advantage of opportunities when the need arises.
Take a look at the wide range of potential campus resources available:
*click here for a downloadable version of this table
Given that each college (and student!) is different, I work with my clients to create a personalized spreadsheet where they not only compile information on each campus resource, but also make note of how, when, and why they would use each resource.
Students may also want to create step-by-step plans for various college situations:
Organizing all this information can be daunting and time-consuming, so it’s often helpful to work through it with someone else. Consider reaching out to your college’s Disability/Accessibility Services to get a clearer understanding of the campus resources available to you. Ask if you can collaborate with someone in that office to create your own personalized spreadsheet tailored to your needs. Don’t hesitate or feel rushed–remember, these resources are included in your tuition because navigating college life takes a village. This is your college experience, so take full advantage of it!
If you are a struggling student, or parent/caregiver/professional working with a struggling student who might benefit from executive function or life skills coaching with an experienced professional, I am proud to be one of NESCA’s team of expert executive function tutors. Feel free to complete an intake at https://www.nesca-newton.com/intake to learn more about our services!
About the Author
Jasmine Badamo, MA, is an educational counselor and executive function coach who works full-time at NESCA supporting students ranging
from elementary school through young adulthood. In addition to direct client work, Ms. Badamo provides consultation and support to parents and families in order to help change dynamics within the household and/or support the special education processes for students struggling with executive dysfunction. She also provides expert consultation to educators, special educators and related professionals.
Ms. Badamo is a New York State Certified ENL and Special Education teacher. She has more than 10 years of teaching experience across three countries and has worked with students and clients ranging in age from 7 to adulthood. She earned her bachelor’s degree in Biological Sciences from Cornell University and her master’s degree in TESOL from CUNY Hunter College. She has also participated in graduate coursework focusing on academic strategies and executive function supports for students with LD, ADHD, and autism as part of the Learning Differences and Neurodiversity (LDN) certification at Landmark College’s Institute for Research and Training. In addition to being a native English speaker, Ms. Badamo is also conversationally fluent in verbal and written Spanish.
Having worked in three different New York City public schools, Ms. Badamo has seen firsthand the importance of executive function skills in facilitating student confidence and success. Her coaching and consultation work focuses on creating individualized supports based on the specific needs and strengths of each client and supporting the development of metacognition (thinking about one’s own thought processes and patterns), executive function skills, and independence. She will guide clients to generate their own goals, identify the barriers to their goals, brainstorm potential strategies, advocate for support when needed, and reflect on the effectiveness of their applied strategies.
Ms. Badamo is a highly relational coach. Building an authentic connection with each client is a top priority and allows her to provide the best support possible. Additionally, as a teacher and coach, Ms. Badamo believes in fostering strong collaborations with anyone who supports her clients including service providers, classroom teachers, parents, administrators, and community providers.
To book executive function coaching with Jasmine Badamo or another EF or Real-life Skills Coach at NESCA, complete NESCA’s online intake form.
NESCA is a pediatric neuropsychology practice and integrative treatment center with offices in Newton, Plainville, and Hingham, Massachusetts; Londonderry, New Hampshire; the greater Burlington, Vermont region; and Brooklyn, New York (coaching services only) serving clients from infancy through young adulthood and their families. For more information, please email info@nesca-newton.com or call 617-658-9800.
