Education

Go Where You Are Celebrated! The Power of Mentorship and Connection

Published

1 year ago

July 15, 2025

By Dr. Jessica Henlon, Education Contributor | Florida National News

In life, leadership, and learning, one quiet truth often determines our success: we grow where we are seen. “Go where you are celebrated” extends beyond a popular saying; it is a motivational framework that supports persistence, energy, and purpose across every stage of life. From students to seasoned professionals, the environments that affirm us are the ones where we thrive.

The Psychology of Being Valued

Motivation is shaped by how we interpret our environment and how that environment responds to us.

Self-Determination Theory (Deci & Ryan, 2000) describes three core needs that fuel motivation: autonomy, competence, and relatedness. When people feel free to act, are capable in their tasks, and emotionally connected to others, they exhibit greater engagement, persistence, and overall well-being.

Expectancy-Value Theory adds that we are more likely to pursue a goal if we believe we can succeed and if the outcome holds personal significance (Schnettler et al., 2020), “what’s in it for me”. If an environment consistently affirms our identity and values our contributions, our confidence grows. We take more risks, speak up more often, and stay longer.

Choose Mentors and Networks That Elevate You

One of the most strategic moves any professional or student can make is to curate their circle. Strong mentors and networks offer advice and advocate for you; they speak your name in spaces of opportunity, provide accountability with care, and help you grow in ways that feel aligned with your values. Find a mentor who invites you into new opportunities and challenges you to grow through learning, reflection, and action.

Mentorship and role modeling play a vital role in reinforcing confidence. Choi and Mai-Dalton (2021) found that professionals with engaged mentors reported greater self-efficacy and were more likely to pursue and achieve developmental goals.

Design Your Circle Intentionally

Every decision, from the rooms you enter to the people you align with, affects your ability to stay motivated.

If you feel depleted more often than energized, consider this:

Do your mentors reflect the person you aspire to become?
Do your colleagues respect your growth?
Does your environment acknowledge your worth?

When we are surrounded by people who believe in our vision, we begin to believe in it more deeply ourselves.

Belonging at Work

In professional settings, people remain committed to organizations where they feel recognized. Gallup data shows that employees who feel valued are more productive, loyal, and innovative. This aligns with findings from Gillen-O’Neel (2021), who studied college students and discovered that their sense of belonging was closely tied to motivation and engagement.

Whether you’re starting a new job, shifting careers, or launching a project, the energy to persist comes from feeling like you’re in the right place. Belonging supports well-being. Recognition fuels resilience.

Research in Action: What Students Taught Me

In my dissertation research on online first-generation college students (Henlon, 2025), I found that students who engaged in virtual extracurricular activities, such as alumni panels, peer mentorship groups, and online events, reported higher motivation and a stronger sense of purpose. Participants consistently said things like, “That panel made me feel like I belong here,” or “Seeing someone like me succeed made me believe I could finish.” They learned new skills and felt celebrated.

These same principles apply long after graduation. Adults choose workplaces, friendships, and partnerships where they feel safe, inspired, and empowered. Whether applying to graduate school, preparing for a promotion, or navigating life transitions, the question remains: Does this space celebrate who you are becoming?

Call to Action

The path to progress starts with one powerful choice: step into spaces that see your light and reflect it back.

Motivation grows through connection. Whether you’re building a career, navigating higher education, or embarking on a new chapter, choose spaces that reflect your values. Choose mentors who elevate your strengths. Choose conversations that energize, not deplete. Go where you are celebrated, and watch what grows.
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About the Author: Dr. Jessica Henlon holds a Ph.D. in Psychology with a specialization in Education. She is an Education Contributor for Florida National News. Dr. Henlon can be reached at Education@FloridaNationalNews.com or book.jessicahenlon@gmail.com.

Central Florida News

Festival of Trees Marks 40 Years With Holiday Displays, Santa Breakfasts and Parties

Published

11 hours ago

October 22, 2026

FNN NEWS

Orlando Festival of Trees Returns Nov. 14–22 for 40th Anniversary at Orlando Museum of Art

The nine-day celebration benefits the Orlando Museum of Art and its educational programs.

ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN) — Festival of Trees will return to the Orlando Museum of Art Nov. 14–22, celebrating its 40th anniversary with designer-decorated trees, visits with Santa, holiday workshops and evening parties.

Presented by the Council of 101, with AdventHealth as platinum presenting sponsor, this year’s festival carries the theme “Forty Seasons of Joy.” Its design inspiration comes from the ruby, a traditional symbol of a 40th anniversary.

The museum will feature more than 50 designer-decorated trees, along with wreaths, tablescapes, holiday vignettes, a Gingerbread Village and a Holiday Boutique, according to organizers.

“Whether you’re bringing the children to meet Santa, gathering friends for a festive night out or finding inspiration for your own holiday decorating, there’s a way to make the season your own at Festival of Trees,” said Elizabeth Benoist, president of the Council of 101.

Hours, Tickets and Museum Support

The festival will be open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. The Nutcracker Café will operate from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

General admission costs $23 for adults and $15 for children ages 3–12. Seniors, active-duty and retired military personnel, first responders and educators qualify for $15 admission with valid identification.

Guests can purchase designer trees, wreaths and gingerbread creations, enter drawings for tabletop displays and participate in a silent auction. Proceeds support the museum and its educational and lifelong-learning programs.

“We’re excited to welcome guests back for another memorable celebration that supports the Orlando Museum of Art and the important role it plays in enriching our community through art and education,” Benoist said.

Santa Breakfasts and Family Celebrations

Breakfast with Santa returns Nov. 14, 15 and 21 from 8:30 to 10 a.m. Families can reserve tables for four, six, eight or 10 guests, with prices ranging from $185 to $460.

The breakfasts include a hot meal, crafts, face painting, photos with Santa, balloon artists and early access to the festival.

The Reindeer Romp Children’s Holiday Party takes place Nov. 20 from 6:30 to 9 p.m., with VIP admission beginning at 5:30 p.m. Activities include photos with Santa, story time with Mrs. Claus, face painting, holiday sing-alongs and reindeer stilt walkers.

Tickets cost $35 per adult or child of any age, or $40 for VIP admission. Dinner will be available for purchase at the café.

Holiday Parties and Evening Events

The celebration begins before the public opening with the Opening Night “TreeView” Party on Nov. 13 from 7 to 10 p.m. The evening includes entertainment, food offerings and a ceremonial tree lighting. Guests receive a welcome glass of sparkling wine and two drink tickets; a cash bar will also be available.

Other evening events include:

Event	Date and time	Admission
Ugly Sweater Holiday Party — Live music, a holiday sweater contest and cash bar	Nov. 14, 7:30–9:30 p.m.	$40
Festival After 5 — After-hours displays and Holiday Cookie Stops; food and beverages sold separately	Nov. 19, 5:30–9:30 p.m.	$15 adults; $10 children
Sip & Sleigh Cocktail Party — Adults-only evening with jazzy holiday music; food and drinks sold separately	Nov. 21, 7–9 p.m.	$35

Decorating, Beauty and Entertaining Workshops

The festival’s workshops offer ideas guests can bring into their own holiday celebrations.

Workshop	Date and time	Ticket price
From the White House to Your House — Winter Park interior designer Lindsay Matteoni shares stories, photographs and tips from volunteering to decorate the White House for Christmas	Nov. 14, 3:30–5 p.m.	$65
Shimmer & Spice — Film and television makeup artist Leslie Christin demonstrates holiday makeup techniques	Nov. 15, 1:30–3:30 p.m.	$65
The Festive Platter — Chef-led appetizer demonstration, tastings and take-home recipes	Nov. 15, 3:30–5:30 p.m.	$70
Baubles & Branches — Bow-making techniques and seasonal decorating tips	Nov. 21, 3–5 p.m.	$65

The makeup workshop is limited to 25 guests, who should bring a hand or stand mirror. Participants in Baubles & Branches may bring their own ribbon or use materials provided.

Special-event tickets are priced separately from general admission and include festival admission, according to organizers.

Special Days Honor Seniors and Community Heroes

Salute to Seniors takes place Nov. 18 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., offering guests ages 60 and older $15 admission and special entertainment.

Heroes Day, scheduled for Nov. 22 during the same hours, offers $15 admission with valid identification to active-duty and retired military personnel, first responders and educators.

New Café Operator Supports Hunger Relief

Plate Above Catering, a catering company of Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida, will operate The Nutcracker Café this year.

Organizers said the partnership connects the festival’s support for arts education with local hunger relief efforts.

Tickets, special-event details and updates are available at councilof101.org. Follow @FestivalofTreesOrlando on Facebook and @councilof101oma on Instagram.

Central Florida News

Bethune-Cookman Secures Nearly $5.2 Million in Federal Health Funding

Published

12 hours ago

October 22, 2026

FNN NEWS

Bethune-Cookman Secures Nearly $5.2 Million in Federal Health Funding

Separate $250,000 state appropriation will help launch a dual enrollment nursing program.

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (FNN) — Bethune-Cookman University’s College of Nursing and Health Sciences has secured nearly $5.2 million in federal funding from the Health Resources and Services Administration, marking the university’s first funding award from the agency, according to B-CU.

Separately, a $250,000 appropriation from the state of Florida will help launch the university’s new dual enrollment nursing program.

Bethune-Cookman Secures Nearly $5.2 Million in Federal Health Funding

First HRSA Funding for B-CU

The university described the federal award as a first for the institution. The information provided identifies the College of Nursing and Health Sciences as the recipient but does not specify the award’s programs, spending timeline or anticipated number of participants.

Bethune-Cookman Secures Nearly $5.2 Million in Federal Health Funding

State Funding Supports Nursing Program

The state appropriation will support the launch of B-CU’s dual enrollment nursing program. It is separate from the nearly $5.2 million in federal funding.

Central Florida News

UCP Charter Schools, UCF Launch Community Schools Initiative to Expand Student and Family Support

Published

4 months ago

July 6, 2026

FNN NEWS

ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN NEWS) — UCP Charter Schools and the University of Central Florida have launched a new partnership to expand academic, health and family support services through the U.S. Department of Education’s Full-Service Community Schools initiative.

The federally funded Unlimited Potential Initiative (UPI) will establish Community Schools at UCP Bailes Community Academy, UCP Downtown and UCP Pine Hills Charter School beginning with the 2026-27 school year. Two additional UCP campuses are scheduled to join the initiative in January 2027.

University-Assisted Community Schools Model

The initiative is a collaboration between UCP Charter Schools, the Toni Jennings Exceptional Education Institute (TJEEI) and the UCF Center for Community Schools (UCF CCS).

Together, the partners will implement the University-Assisted Community Schools model, which brings together schools, families, higher education institutions, community organizations and local stakeholders to address barriers to student success while improving educational and family outcomes.

Expanded Student and Family Services

Through the partnership, UCP Charter Schools and UCF will enhance and expand services that include:

After-school enrichment programs
Academic support services
Health and wellness resources
Family engagement opportunities
Connections to community-based services

Community Input Will Guide the Initiative

As implementation begins, UCP Charter Schools and UCF’s Toni Jennings Exceptional Education Institute will conduct comprehensive needs assessments at each participating campus.

Families, students, school staff and community partners will be invited to participate through surveys, focus groups and stakeholder meetings. Feedback gathered during the process will help shape each school’s Community School plan and future programming.

“Community schools are most successful when they build upon the strengths and priorities of the communities they serve,” said Dr. Matthew Marino of UCF’s Toni Jennings Exceptional Education Institute. “We are excited to partner with UCP Charter Schools to develop sustainable systems of support that connect students and families with the resources, opportunities and relationships that contribute to long-term success.”

Serving More Than 2,100 Central Florida Students

UCP Charter Schools serves more than 2,100 students across Central Florida through an inclusive educational model designed to provide individualized learning opportunities and support for every student.

School leaders said the organization’s longstanding commitment to customized education, family engagement and community partnerships positions it well to implement the Community Schools model.

“At UCP, we have always believed that schools can serve as the hub of their communities,” said Anna Morin, associate superintendent of UCP Charter Schools and project liaison for the initiative. “This partnership will allow us to deepen our work with families, expand access to critical resources and create new opportunities for students to thrive. Most importantly, the needs and voices of our families, students and staff will guide the development of each school’s Community School plan.”

Shared Commitment to Student Success

The Community Schools initiative reflects a shared commitment between UCP Charter Schools and UCF to strengthen educational achievement, increase family engagement and develop sustainable partnerships that support the whole child and the entire family.