Every student brings invisible baggage to college—stories about what they’re good at, what they’re not, and who they’re expected to be. But what if those stories are wrong—or just incomplete?
In this episode, we talk with college educator Jeffrey Klausman, author of Composing a College Career, about how internal narratives shape student success—and what faculty can do to help students shift from self-doubt to self-authorship. From family expectations to cultural assumptions, we explore the hidden forces that shape the student experience—and how we can support learners in writing a story they actually want to carry with them.
Guest Bio
Jeffrey Klausman has taught English at Whatcom Community College since 1996, where he also served as Writing Program Administrator and WAC Coordinator. His work focuses on building inclusive, equity-centered writing programs that support the diverse needs of two-year college students. A widely published scholar, Jeffrey is the author of Composing a College Career, a strengths-based textbook designed to help first-year students navigate higher education with confidence and purpose. His research and teaching are rooted in social justice, accessibility, and humanizing the student experience.
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