MEET CHRISTIAN
HOMETOWN : Virginia Beach , Virginia MAJOR : Economics GRADUATION : 2022
Christian Manty felt like he was in a maze . It was his first year at Old Dominion University , and his first time living outside his parent ’ s home . Fortunately for Christian , he was paired up with a student success coach from ODU ’ s Mane Connect program — using an evidence-based coaching methodology .
Bi-weekly meetings with his coach gave Christian a “ guiding light ” and provided some welcomed structure , along with the ability to address unexpected challenges as they came up . Whether iit was applying for an internship , tapping into the writing center for help , filing his FAFSA or planning for his future and the different ways he could use his major , Christian says that regardless of the topic , each meeting with his coach with
his coach focused on “ what to do and how to move forward .”
“ It feels awesome to be graduating !”
Coaching played a major role in Christian ’ s time in college . As he explained it , “ Having a success coach helped me spread my wings and learn how to take on more responsibility .” Now graduated , with his diploma in hand , Christian has a piece of wisdom to share about what it means to be a student in the ODU Mane Connect program . “ It ’ s a really strong effort by ODU to make sure there ’ s someone always on your team .” Team Christian is ready to go out and make his mark on the world !
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