Dr Therese Lask

Dr Therese Lask has worked in higher education for over 20 years, most recently as Director of Student Support Services Programs (TRIO) for a community college. As a first generation college student, Therese was amazed by how difficult the journey to higher education is for today's first generation college students. Inspired by the stories she heard in her work, Therese wrote her dissertation titled "First Generation College Students: Stories of Hope and Resilience." A chance meeting with Dr. Shane Lopez, Senior Scientist with the Clifton Strengths School, provided a new perspective to the stories collected for her dissertation. Using the Strengths Finder Assessment to identify their talents, it was evident from their stories how each student used their talents on their path to higher education. "Your Life as a River: Reflecting on the Past to Build a Strengths Based Future" provides a roadmap for how we all use our unique talents in our lives.