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Dr. Nancy J. Hamilton, an associate professor from the University of Arkansas at Little Rock, delivers a lecture titled “From Learning to Career: Building Skills for Long-term Success” in the Calvin Hall Center Auditorium at The University of New Mexico-Gallup on Wednesday, March 25, 2026. Photo by Taylor Benny/������Ƶ.

The advice every student needs but rarely hears

Categories: Students   Faculty   Staff   Community  

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Arkansas professor delivers lecture on motivation, failure and personal growth at ������Ƶ

By Taylor Benny, Friday, April 9, 2026

GALLUP, N.M. — Dr. Nancy J. Hamilton, an associate professor from the University of Arkansas at Little Rock, delivers a lecture titled “From Learning to Career: Building Skills for Long-term Success” in the Calvin Hall Center Auditorium at The University of New Mexico-Gallup on Wednesday, March 25, 2026. Photo by Taylor Benny/������Ƶ.

In a public lecture titled “From Learning to Career: Building Skills for Long-term Success” on March 25, 2026, Nancy J. Hamilton, Ph.D., helped students better understand what drives them and how their mindset can affect their success, both in school and in life.

Zou invited Hamilton to campus as part of an effort to connect classroom learning with real-world psychological concepts and give students direct insight from an experienced professional.

Zou emphasized how important it is for students to understand their own motivation and stay self-aware, especially when working toward long-term goals.

“I hope students can gain some psychological concepts from this lecture like motivation, self-care, and resilience,” she said.

A Lobo’s personal perspective

Hello, my name is Taylor Benny, and I’m a senior at Gallup High School interning as a public relations assistant in ������Ƶ's Public Relations department. As part of one of my assignments, I attended Hamilton’s lecture with my supervisor, Richard Reyes, expecting a standard career-focused talk. Instead, I found myself connecting with the lecture more than I expected. Rather than the usual advice about careers, Hamilton's message felt real and personal, focusing on self-awareness, resilience, and growth.

One of the first things Hamilton had us do was write down our goals and figure out whether our motivation was internal or external. That part stood out because it made me think about why we want certain things, not just what we want. It wasn’t just an activity; it made me reflect on my own priorities.

She also talked a lot about taking care of yourself, especially while you’re still young. It’s easy to get caught up in school, stress, and expectations, but she reminded us not to take that time for granted and to make space for things that help us grow.

“Get into something that feeds your mind,” Hamilton said.

Progress over perfection

Another thing Hamilton focused on was kindness. She said there’s nothing wrong with small acts of kindness, especially when they cost nothing but can mean a lot. I liked that idea because it made me think about how success isn’t just about achievements. It’s also about how you treat people along the way.

She also kept it real about goals. A lot of people think once you set a goal, you can’t change it, but she explained that it’s OK to adjust or even give up on a goal if it’s not working out the way you planned.

Some of the most memorable things she said were, “Fake it until you make it,” and, “Wherever you are, there you are.” At first, those might sound simple, but they mean a lot. Sometimes you have to act confident before you feel confident, and being present matters more than constantly stressing about the future.

Hamilton also connected our childhood to our future, saying that things we enjoyed as kids — like pretending to be a doctor, nurse, or cop — can relate to what we might enjoy later in life. That idea made me look at my own interests differently. She ended it with something simple but powerful: Choose a job you love, and you’ll never work a day in your life.

Lecture connects classroom and life

Approximately 120 people, primarily ������Ƶ students, attended Hamilton’s lecture.

Darlene Silversmith, a student working toward an associate degree in human services with a concentration in substance abuse, said the lecture felt relatable and realistic because it focused on real struggles students face, not just ideal situations.

“I wish I knew about this when I was younger, and I finally have the time to do it now,” she said.

“It’s not just a class to me; it’s something I love,” she said.

Becenti said she was familiar with the concepts that Hamilton discussed, but it was a nice refresher so that she can help her friends and peers. She’s studying to become a child psychologist someday.

Building success on small choices

Going into the lecture, I expected the usual advice about success and careers, but what I got was something way more real. It felt like Hamilton was talking to us, not just at us.

Hamilton’s message about self-care also stuck with me. It made me realize how important it is to slow down sometimes instead of always feeling stressed.

Overall, this wasn’t just another school event. It made me think about my goals, my mindset, and how I handle challenges. I walked away, realizing that success isn’t just about big moments. It’s about small decisions, staying motivated, and not being afraid to grow and change.

Editor’s note: Taylor Benny is a senior at Gallup High School, interning as a public relation assistant in The University of New Mexico-Gallup Public Relations Department during the 2026 spring semester. ������Ƶ Sr. Public Relations Specialist Richard Reyes contributed to this report.

Dr. Nancy J. Hamilton, an associate professor from the University of Arkansas at Little Rock, delivers a lecture in the Calvin Hall Center Auditorium at The University of New Mexico-Gallup on Wednesday, March 25, 2026. Photo by Richard Reyes/������Ƶ.