Thursday, January 30, 2014

Still Bouncing Back

This week's radio broadcast on Tassel to Tassel Radio was all about bouncing back from bad grades.  There I made some suggestions for having a good Spring semester, regardless of your GPA.  The bottom line is . . . you can do well in college.  The key is to identify your talents and be committed to the level of work that is necessary for success.  That is potentially different for everyone so you may have to do things differently than your friends or classmates.

It may take time to get as good as you want to be.  Don't get discouraged; dig in.  I'm not naive; I know at times this is easier said than done.  You can do it if you stick it out.  Etch that class material into your brain by reading, working problems,  seeing your professor, and studying.

Do a little more each day.  Read 10 more minutes.  Do one extra problem.  Ask one question in class or office hours.  The more you do it, the easier it gets.  Soon enough it'll be second nature. I have faith in you.

Thursday, January 23, 2014

Starting Fresh

You're two to three weeks into the semester and you're facing a new set of courses and a new set of challenges.  Last semester was a learning experience in terms of both content and the college experience, and you got schooled.  So now what?

Every semester is an opportunity to be better than the semester before.  College can be hard, but it is definitely possible to succeed, with the right tools and attitude.  Look back at where you were in September of last year and what would you go back and tell yourself if you could talk to September you?  Tell yourself and take your own advice.  Did you study too little?  Too much?  Did you balance your academic life with social and personal activities?  Did you find a way to process stress?  Did you use the resources and student services offered by your department or program?

Whatever it is, identify what you did well and what needs improvement.  Be honest and real.  Then, actually improve it. Try it and let me know how you're doing.

Thursday, January 9, 2014

Welcome Back!

Today is a new day!  Maybe not today, specifically, but it is a new semester and you are starting fresh.  Whether you are braving the cold or in milder temperatures, the Spring semester has started. Look at this as an opportunity to (re)create your brand.  In a simple sense, your transcript is the foundation for your brand.  However, you have to supplement your grades with things that create a positive, productive image of you.  This includes your social media presence, your participation in student organizations and research, and your attitude.  Keep all of these things strong for the right reasons and you're off to a good start.  

If someone generated a word cloud about you, what would it look like?