A College Life Coach (CLC) is someone who serves as an added layer of support to ensure students are successful on their journey to achieving their overall goal. Communication is key in making sure students have access to tools, support, and staff members so that every student’s college life experience is a success.
Common topics to discuss with a CLC:
- Getting started with classes online or in-person
- Tips for connecting on campus and making good grades
- Finding resources on campus (financial aid, tutoring, Wrangler Food Pantry, etc.)
- Questions about anything pertaining to college life
Click HERE to connect to a College Life Coach:
*Update your contact information HERE for your College Life Coach
Meet your College Life Coaches!
Brianna Urias, Director of College Life Coaching
School of Liberal Arts & Education
P: 432-335-6312| E: burias@istanbulbuklet.com |
Schedule a meeting with Brianna
Education: Master's Degree in Educational Leadership from University of Texas of the Permian Basin & Bachelor of General Studies – Education from West Texas A&M University
Location: Odessa, TX
Favorite Part of Odessa College: I love the positivity & culture that surrounds OC. Everyone here is supportive of each other, our students, & the community.
Favorite Aspect of Coaching: Being able to motivate & guide my students through their educational journey as they reach their goals. I love watching the growth & celebrating each achievement as it happens. Their success makes this job so worth it!
Advice to Students: “Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.” - Nelson Mandela
Every day is an opportunity to learn & grow. That is the key to reaching your true potential. Embrace learning as a lifelong journey & see how it empowers you to make a lasting impact on your goals, your life, & the world around you.
School of Health Sciences
P: 432-335-6550 | E: bgardner@istanbulbuklet.com |
Schedule a meeting with Becky
Education: B.A. in Communication from UT Permian Basin
Location: Odessa, Texas
Favorite Part of Odessa College: The community! Everyone has a support system here, whether you have been an employee for 10 years or a student for less than 24 hours.
Favorite Aspect of Coaching: I love welcoming students into the OC Community, sharing with them all of the resources that we have to offer, and helping them to find their own way!
Advice to Students: Never compare your journey to those around you, you are right where you are meant to be.
Briauna Roberson
School of Health Science
P: 432-335-6712| E: broberson@istanbulbuklet.com |
Schedule a meeting with Briauna
Education: Bachelor of Arts in Marketing from The University of Texas of the Permian Basin; currently pursuing a Master of Business Administration from The University of Texas of the Permian Basin
Location: Odessa, TX
Favorite Part of Odessa College: I love how OC supports the students and how welcoming everyone on campus is!
Favorite Aspect of Coaching: Being able to make a connection with students and try to relate with them and give sound advice on how to navigate through college.
Advice to Students: Learn from your mistakes and move forward. Set small goals and work towards them in order to achieve your long term goal!
School of Business & Industry
P: 432-307-3690 | E: bstarkey@istanbulbuklet.com|
Schedule a meeting with Brittany
Education: Master of Science in Psychology from Capella University
Location: Florida
Favorite Part of Odessa College: The dedication of faculty and staff to the success of all students.
Favorite Aspect of Coaching: Being able to assist my students in locating resources to help them thrive both at OC and beyond.
Advice to Students: Communication is key to any successful relationship!
School of Health Sciences
P: 609-752-6995 | E: cmolineaux@istanbulbuklet.com
Schedule a meeting with Chelsey
Education: MSEd, School and Mental Health Counseling
Location: New Jersey
Favorite Part of Odessa College: The family-like feel and OC gives back to students, staff and the community
Favorite Aspect of Coaching: Talking with students and hearing about their career goals, and then being able to hear their success stories for both the small and big wins in their education/life that is helping them meet the smaller goals that are occurring to meet that overall goal.
Advice to Students: Positive thoughts promote positive things; When you're feeling stressed or possibly feel like giving up, remember your reason WHY and that positive mindset can change your entire outlook and allow for great things to happen!
School of Liberal Arts & Education
P: 806-759-3109 | E: targuelles@istanbulbuklet.com |
Schedule a meeting with Tessa
Education: Master’s degree in Applied Psychology from Angelo State University
Location: Lamesa, Tx
Favorite Part of Odessa College: The way everyone is treated and greeted as a family.
Favorite Aspect of Coaching: I love making a difference in student’s lives.
Advice to Students: Always reach out for help even if you feel like it is a silly question, it isn’t!
Abigail (Abby) Zuniga
School of Business & Industry / OC Athletes
P: 432-335-6805 | E: azuniga@istanbulbuklet.com |
Schedule a meeting with Abby
Education: Bachelor of Arts in Multidisciplinary Studies from Texas A&M International University.
Location: Pecos, TX RM: # 110
Favorite Part of Odessa College: My favorite part of OC is how welcoming the staff and faculty are here on campus. I love that there are many resources for students to become successful!
Favorite Aspect of Coaching: My favorite aspect would be being able to guide students from entry to completion.
Advice to Students: Take advantage of school resources. Plan and spread out your study time. Form friendships and don’t be afraid to ask questions! Be strong and courageous. Joshua 1:9
Zachary Cavazos
School of Health & Sciences
P: 432-335-2512 | E: zcavazos@istanbulbuklet.com
Schedule a meeting with Zachary
Education: B.S. in Kinesiology from University of Texas Permian Basin
Location: Odessa, Texas
Favorite Part of Odessa College: OC has always been a welcoming and inviting environment. We are a community whose mission is to offer affordable education and services to ensure student success.
Favorite Aspect of Coaching: Making a positive impact on a student’s life. I enjoy having the opportunity to provide guidance and support to students as they navigate down their road to toward reaching their academic goals.
Advice to Students: Stay organized and establish short-term and long-term goals. Continue to learn and find ways to improve. There are many services to do just that! Make sure to utilize them!
Kristen Sonnier-Ridge
School of Business & Industry
P: 432-335-2513 | E: ksonnierridge@istanbulbuklet.com
Schedule a meeting with Kristen
Education: B.A. Mass Communications from Prairie View A&M University, Master of Business Administration from Texas Woman’s University
Location: Odessa, Texas
Favorite Part of Odessa College: My favorite part of OC is the vision of the school, the values and passion everyone exudes is infectious. Odessa College truly is passionate about building skills, motivating the community, and producing productive individuals.
Favorite Aspect of Coaching: I am excited about helping students achieve their academic and personal goals!
Advice to Students: Be open to new experiences! Just try new things. Don’t be afraid. Step out of your comfort zones and soar, all right? - Michelle Obama
Need to find something on campus? Your CLCs can help:
- Campus Map
- Academic Calendar
- Wrangler Portal
- OC Select
- Testing Center
- Learning Resources Center (LRC)
- Advising Center
- Wrangler Express
- Financial Aid
- COVID Dashboard
- COVID Resources