| Presentation Proposal - NACADA Annual Conference |
| Presentation Info and Handouts |
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Code=315
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Conference Year:
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2026
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Session #:
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223(LEC)
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Title:
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Building Strength and Self-Sufficiency: Supporting Foster Care Youth and Adoptees in College |
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Lead Presenter:
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Heather Wilson |
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Date:
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October 06, 2026 Time: 4:00 pm - 4:55 pm |
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Room:
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Oklahoma Station 3 - Omni |
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Abstract:
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Adoptees and foster care youth are often overlooked in higher education despite facing unique challenges rooted in early adversity, identity development, and survival-based instincts. Utilizing personal narratives and the Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) framework, this interactive presentation examines how adverse lived experiences shape a student's relationship with authority, conflicting needs of dependence and independence, and help-seeking behaviors. This presentation will also examine how our identities inform our roles as advisors and how we can transform our lived experiences to inform our advising practice. Through personal reflection, storytelling, and case studies, we will explore strategies to foster interdependence, overcome vulnerability, and encourage self-sufficiency. We will work toward creating advising spaces that are simultaneously challenging and supportive to empower foster care youth and adoptees to develop self-belonging and self-mastery. |
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Handouts
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Note: Handouts (if offered for this session) are accessible via the conference app. |
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