tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22941199903614175602024-03-14T01:00:44.145-04:00Community College Successisaadneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00842605565848131412noreply@blogger.comBlogger568125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2294119990361417560.post-70901622872269229092015-03-12T10:53:00.004-04:002015-03-12T10:53:37.222-04:00Update<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">I just wanted to check in really quick and let you all know that I love and miss you but will be taking an undetermined hiatus from writing this blog while I <a href="http://isaadney.com/dreambook/" target="_blank">work on my second book</a>. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">I'll explain more soon - just wanted to let you know why I was MIA. Please use the search box to the right freely to find any CC advice you're looking for. I wrote this blog for four years so hopefully most questions you have are already answered. I'm still active on social media so please stay in touch and feel free to ask me questions via Twitter <a href="https://twitter.com/isaadney" target="_blank">@IsaAdney</a>! </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">And as research for my next book I'd LOVE to know what your dream is. To let me know just type #MyDreamis2 and then fill in the rest and tag me <a href="https://twitter.com/isaadney" target="_blank">@IsaAdney</a> at the end if you have room. Thank you!! :)</span></span><br />
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<br />isaadneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00842605565848131412noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2294119990361417560.post-26166133739485449992015-02-19T09:47:00.002-05:002015-02-19T09:47:35.794-05:00How to win scholarships <span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Winning scholarships don't happen by accident. There are strategies those who win lots of money for college use, and in our latest episode of The SKiNNY we share some of those tips with you! There are no shortcuts, but winning scholarships really IS possible, even if you're already in college or looking for money for graduate school. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Enjoy and please share! :) </span></span><br />
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isaadneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00842605565848131412noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2294119990361417560.post-35838326048869569552015-02-10T10:53:00.000-05:002015-02-10T10:53:26.680-05:00A job you can get from a community college training program<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">I'm a big fan of the ways community colleges open doors to higher education to all people - especially when it allows people to transfer with their AA degree to go on to get their bachelor's degree, as well as continue on to graduate school. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Community colleges also serve another very important purpose - they help train people who are ready to get right into the workforce and do jobs that many of us benefit from every day. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">In the newest installment of <a href="https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLY55tlHEzhVnwmlxbqHCdX9cBBSyWFmes" target="_blank">The SKiNNY</a>, the college success show I host on TCC22, we're taking a look inside some of these community college training programs to help uncover some of the great things going on in community colleges, as well as help potential students see what kinds of job training is available at two-year institutions. Please share with anyone you know whom you think might be interested in a job like this! :)</span></span><br />
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isaadneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00842605565848131412noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2294119990361417560.post-54627377338346005352015-01-27T12:55:00.001-05:002015-01-27T13:24:25.629-05:00The #1 question you need to ask yourself in college<i><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">"Any time you feel overwhelmed, there's a good chance that the culprit is a lack of clear priorities." - Darren Hardy in Entrepreneur Roller Coaster</span></span></i><br />
<i><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></span></i><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Is college your priority?</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Before you answer yes, think about it for a moment.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Look at your calendar. Where are you spending most of your time outside of class? </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">College, especially community college, requires you to focus most of your time and energy on being successful in that environment, which requires so much more than just going to class and going home. My blog and <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Community-College-Success-Scholarships-Internships/dp/1935254626/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1410795876&sr=8-2&keywords=community+college" target="_blank">book</a> are overflowing with these "other" things to help you be successful in and after college, but none of it will do you much good if you haven't decided to give this college experience your all. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b><br />I have yet to meet a single successful community college graduate who <i>didn't </i>give the experience their all</b> - no matter what very real barriers or constraints they had in their way. They just decided this would be their priority and then they focused <i>all their energy </i>towards that goal.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">While it would be nice to just do college on the side, it often doesn't work that way. It requires a lot of you. But the good news is that the people who give their all to their community college experience also tend to be the people who are having the most fun. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Think about your schedule and your current priorities. Is there something you know you should be doing on campus that you haven't done yet (e.g. meeting a professor, going to the tutoring center, checking out a club, going to the career center)? Is there something you are doing too much of that's getting in the way of you really making college your priority right now?</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />College costs money and you are a good investment, but only if you actually invest yourself into this experience wholeheartedly. Is this your priority? <b>What dreams will getting this degree help you accomplish? </b>Write out your thoughts and think seriously about a change you can make to ensure college is really a priority. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Because if a college degree is something you want, then it must be. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">If you find you're having trouble with this, sit down with a career advisor, academic advisor, or trusted professor/mentor ASAP and talk about your current goals and priorities and ask for advice. Sometimes the best thing we can do to re-prioritize is just talk it out and ask for feedback. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">You can do this!</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"></span></span><i><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">"Lack of direction, not lack of time is the problem. We all have 24 hour days." - Zig Ziglar</span></span></i>isaadneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00842605565848131412noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2294119990361417560.post-7053337286526548102015-01-19T08:34:00.001-05:002015-01-19T08:36:55.009-05:00What is your dream? <table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Bw9Qthqyvv8/VL0HsqfdWdI/AAAAAAAAa8g/89KhSZi_B74/s1600/mlk.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Bw9Qthqyvv8/VL0HsqfdWdI/AAAAAAAAa8g/89KhSZi_B74/s1600/mlk.jpg" height="400" width="225" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Me in DC at the memorial last year</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Four years ago, the week before Martin Luther King Jr. day, I started this blog. The <a href="http://www.communitycollegesuccess.com/2011/01/if-mlk-jr-can-do-it-why-cant-you.html" target="_blank">second post I ever wrote was about Martin Luther King Jr.</a> and how we all have tremendous power and influence to affect things for good. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">With hindsight it seems I was somehow always on my way towards <a href="http://isaadney.com/dreambook/" target="_blank">writing my next book about making a dream come true</a>. But my journey has rarely, if ever, felt clear.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">What I've learned so far from working on <a href="http://isaadney.com/dreambook/" target="_blank">this book</a>, as well as in my own life, is that dreams are fraught with difficulty, confusion, feelings of loneliness and fear - even sometimes darkness.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Dreams may start with a light at the end of the tunnel, but it doesn't always mean that light is bright. Sometimes it's so dim and you wonder if you've stumbled into the wrong tunnel. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">College can feel like that too. </span></span><br />
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<b><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">What is your dream? </span></span></b><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">When I started this blog four years ago I could have never imagined that community colleges would be such a big part of the national conversation, as they have been and will be tomorrow when the President gives his State of the Union address, proposing <a href="http://www.whitehouse.gov/the-press-office/2015/01/09/fact-sheet-white-house-unveils-america-s-college-promise-proposal-tuitio" target="_blank">free community college</a>.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">I hope college is made financially feasible for you, whatever that means, wherever you go, and even if that means you have to invest in it yourself. I'm a fan of anything that can lessen your burdens, but I also think it doesn't change the fact that you are a good investment. Whether the government makes that investment or you do, I think it's a good one and I hope you make it.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Money can feel like the biggest part of the investment, and in many ways it is, but once that part is taken care of, there's a lot more to consider.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Like - What is your dream? A piece of paper or a far off promise of more income and stability is often not enough fuel to power you through the tough stuff that college promises to throw your way. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">We can and should begin with big dreams of a good economy and an employed, productive workforce. But we'll never get there until <b>we consider you</b>. Yes, you, reading this, in this very moment. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">You matter. Your dreams matter. Your dreams will get you to that graduation ceremony. Your dreams can help us all. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Dreams alone, of course, are not enough. MLK Jr. didn't just magically show up one day to give a speech. He and so many worked tirelessly before and after that speech - they took risks, enlisted help, and planned strategically about how to turn their dreams into reality.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Martin Luther King Jr. lost his life in pursuit of his dream. It was not an easy journey.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Now I'm not comparing college to civil rights, but I do think college can have a place in that larger picture, in helping people from all backgrounds reach their dreams of breaking cycles of poverty and getting an education.</span></span><br />
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<b><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Dreams can power people through some of the toughest circumstances. </span></span></b><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">What are your dreams? What is the dream that's going to power you through college, help you make it the the priority that it must be if you are going to have any chance of graduating? </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Write it down right now, in your phone, on a piece of paper, on your hand, whatever. Just write it. Write one, write many, just<i> write. </i></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Tomorrow, look at what you wrote again. Reflect, edit, and write a final list. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Then read it every morning, and decide on at least one thing you're going to do that day to get yourself closer to your dreams. It's the small, seemingly insignificant things done each day that can often build to make the biggest difference. </span></span>isaadneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00842605565848131412noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2294119990361417560.post-25962622872512491392015-01-12T16:01:00.001-05:002015-01-12T16:01:35.349-05:00How to Make Your Dream Come True <span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">If you haven't heard yet, I'm currently working <a href="http://www.isaadney.com/dreambook/" target="_blank">on my next book</a>! I'm interviewing 100 people who have achieved a dream in order to find out what really goes into making a dream you have a reality. Is it possible? What can we learn from those who actually achieve their dreams?</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /><a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/isa-adney/how-to-make-a-dream-come-_b_6437492.html?utm_hp_ref=tw" target="_blank">What I've been learning so far </a>has been more exciting than I can express. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">I recently shared a bit of what inspired this book (as well as what I've learned so far) on Huffington Post, and I wanted to share it <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/isa-adney/how-to-make-a-dream-come-_b_6437492.html?utm_hp_ref=tw" target="_blank">here with you</a> since the article shares some tips that I know can also help you as you work to achieve your dream of graduating from college. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />I hope you ROCK your spring semester! </span></span>isaadneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00842605565848131412noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2294119990361417560.post-62217795883295759402015-01-06T17:26:00.000-05:002015-01-06T17:36:13.285-05:00The Secret to Being an A-Student<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Spend most of your time doing A-student activities. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
Duh.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">But seriously, <b>what percentage of your time</b> are you spending on A-student activities, such as:</span></span><br />
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</span></span> <span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Writing an essay</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Editing an essay</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Reading a textbook</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Reviewing a textbook</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Reviewing notes</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Getting to class early </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Meeting with a professor</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Going to the tutoring center</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Studying with friends</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Putting together a study group</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Reading about college success on a blog or <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Community-College-Success-Scholarships-Internships/dp/1935254626/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1410795876&sr=8-2&keywords=community+college" target="_blank">book</a></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Asking advice from a good student</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Asking advice from someone who has a job or a life you'd like one day</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Asking advice from a professor </span></span><br />
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</span></span> <span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">I read lots of books over the winter break, and this year there was one concept that stood out above the rest (it kind of reminded me of <a href="https://www.google.com/search?q=magic+eye+book&biw=1173&bih=548&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ei=iVCsVPGwMYyqggTd9IKYBA&ved=0CAkQ_AUoAg" target="_blank">those weird grainy pictures in the 90s</a> that you held your eyes up to for 60 seconds and then, when you slowly backed away, you could see a 3D image of dolphins and such...this was a thing, I swear. I'm not crazy.) </span></span><br />
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</span></span> <span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">The concept? <b>FOCUS.</b> Figure out what you want, and then focus the MAJORITY of your time and energy on that thing. </span></span><br />
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</span></span> <a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nq68XUVmCxw/VKxeImL553I/AAAAAAAAa7c/lMjrBH2YWvk/s1600/clock2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nq68XUVmCxw/VKxeImL553I/AAAAAAAAa7c/lMjrBH2YWvk/s1600/clock2.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">So simple and yet so difficult. Why? Because we have so much going on. I KNOW you have so much going on. I taught a College Success class last semester and my students had so much going on.</span></span><br />
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</span></span> <span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">But unfortunately <b>you don't get As for trying.</b></span></span><br />
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</span></span> <span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">You get As for dedicating the majority of your time to your goal.</span></span><br />
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</span></span> <span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Maybe your goal isn't As? Maybe it's just learning. Doing well? Graduating college? Getting a certain job. Getting OUT of a certain job. Excellent! Wonderful! Getting As doesn't actually have to be your goal. I don't decide your goals, you get to do that.</span></span><br />
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</span></span> <span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">But I imagine you <i>would</i> like to get better grades (and graduate college successfully) or you wouldn't be reading this, so keeping that in mind, here is what I want you to try (and you can do this with any other goal as well):</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></span> <span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>Download a stopwatch app </b>on your phone and set it every time you start one of the A-student activities above (or any activity that moves you closer to your goal, either directly (e.g. studying) or indirectly (e.g. reading a book about how to succeed in college)). </span></span><br />
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</span></span> <span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Just time yourself (don't judge yourself). It won't be fun, I hate tracking things like this, but I know it works so I force myself to do it any way.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">If you don't want to track in real time, just consider how much time you spent on the activities above, on average, during any given week last semester. </span></span> </span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Notice how much time you're spending on college outside of class. If getting good grades and graduating successfully is a priority for you (and it must be if you're going to make it) then<b> you should be spending more time doing this than almost anything else in your life. </b></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b><br />
</b>There's no magic percentage, but I'd say shoot for spending 51% or more of your waking hours doing activities that move you towards your top goal (do sleep; please, sleep).<b></b><br /><br />If you find you're not spending the majority of your waking hours on your top goal, find a way to change that. Easier said than done, I know. But<b> </b><i>vital. </i>Don't skip this. </span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">College isn't something that works well on the side. To do it well in this competitive world, it must be a full time job, a real priority. That might mean you have to have two proverbial full time jobs. If that's you, hats off to you. I've seen it done, but only by the most dedicated people I've ever seen. So keep that in mind. </span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Just because college must be a full time job doesn't literally mean you have to <i>go</i> full time, as I know many of you have work obligations and family obligations that make four to five classes plus study time unrealistic for you (but if you<i> can</i> make it happen I do recommend it). </span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Just do not make the mistake of ONLY making time in your calendar for the time listed on your official class schedule. College should never only show up in your calendar as "MWF 9am-9:50am." </span></span><br />
<br />
<b><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">You can't just make time for class. </span></span></b><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i>(You don't have a calendar or planner you say? Get one! Seriously. Please. Do it for me. Just kidding; do it for you. Your beautiful brain needs to be free to study - do not make it hold onto all your important dates and reminders and tasks. Google Calendar and Asana are my personal favorite productivity tools.)</i> </span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">If you can't <b>also schedule two hours of study time </b>each week (time where you can be alone and FULLY focused on school) for every hour you have in your official class schedule then chances are it will be very difficult for you to get the grades you are actually capable of. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
Consider how you've spent your time so far in college (or in high school if you are just about to start college for the first time). Don't judge yourself. Just think about it. Ponder. What percentage of time, would you guess, are you really spending on your goal? And then journal. Finish the following sentences:</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></span> <span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">I'm going to college because...</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
I want to get good grades in college because...</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></span> <span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">College is my priority because...</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></span> <span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">To improve my grades, I need to spend more time...</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></span> <span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">To free up more time, I need to stop...</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Before you make any changes, consider <b>WHY college is important to you at all</b>. Almost no one cares about the physical piece of paper you get when you graduate or a letter grade. But we DO care about things like providing for our family, learning, growing, achieving, helping people, etc. WHY are you doing this? Write that down somewhere and post it where you can read it every morning.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Then, focus the majority of your time and energy on that. Work at it every day, not for the grade itself, but for <b>your overall, personal reason for being in college, whatever that may be.</b> You must have such a reason, because no one wants to spend a majority of their time on something that doesn't connect to something that truly matters to them in their personal life. </span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">To succeed in college you must focus on building your skills, growing, and becoming better. For some of you that may be a goal in and of itself, and that's great! But if it's not, then figure out your real reason. Maybe it's for your 6-year-old son. Maybe it's to qualify for your dream job. Maybe it's so you never work in retail another day in your life. Maybe it's so you can have opportunities to pay it forward to those who sacrificed so much so that you could go to college.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></span> <span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Those are all real reasons I've heard before. I've heard many - all different, all beautiful. The only thing that's been the same is the passion and energy behind the reason. When they tell you, you can feel the fire in their eyes. You can see the time. The energy. The hard work. The dedication. The persistence. It's THEIR reason. <b>THEIR dream.</b> And they're not going to give up. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
What's your reason? The reason that will make spending more than half of your time on college worth it to you? Maybe even fun. The reason that will keep you getting up after every time you fall. The reason that will help you say, after each failure, "what other strategy can I try" instead of "I give up."</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></span> <span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Figure out your reason for getting good grades, your reason for going to college. YOUR reason. Write it. Swim in it. Read it every day. And then let it motivate you to spend the majority of your time <b>focusing on your goal. </b></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></span> <span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">I've seen tremendous community college success stories. I've also seen and read about the failures. I don't consider the people failures. But they weren't able to reach their goal. They had barriers, for sure, but so have those who have succeeded, sometimes many more. What's the difference?</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
Here is what I've learned: </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></span> <span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">The lower you start on the ladder of power and privilege, the more you have to really want a college degree in order for it to become a reality. You have to be hungry. <i>Really hungry.</i></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">It's not fair. But it's the reality as I see it today. And my ultimate goal with this blog is not to tell you how the system should be, but to help you thrive in whatever it happens to be today, however imperfect. </span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Community college only works if you <i>really</i> want it. </span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Community college is an incredible opportunity. But it won't "happen" to you just by walking on campus. Community college is a stage, ready for you to play, to imagine, to dream, and to work. You are the actor. The main event. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></span> <span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">You can also think of community college as a field. You are the player. And you don't become a great athlete by standing on a pitchers mound. You have to pitch. Often. You have to practice. You have to play the game. Over and over. And you can't do it alone. </span></span><br />
<br />
<b><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">You can't just sign up for community college classes and hope to be a college graduate.</span></span></b><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">It requires so much more. </span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">But here's the thing. I think you can do it. How do I know? You read this entire article. You've got what it takes. </span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Do you want this? Really want this? Awesome. Now just put your <i>time</i> where your mouth is. (Wait, that sounds weird. Don't eat a clock. Just, ugh, you know what I'm trying to say.) ;)</span></span>isaadneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00842605565848131412noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2294119990361417560.post-28289904645589127882014-12-15T09:37:00.000-05:002014-12-15T09:37:18.148-05:005 things to do during winter break <span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Exams are over!! Congratulations!! You did it!!!!</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></span> <span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Enjoy this feeling. Don't think about school for the next week or two. RELAX.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></span> <span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">I miss that feeling of being DONE. I feel it a little bit as a teacher this semester, actually. That feeling of submitting grades. Being done. It feels <i>good. </i></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
Take some time to enjoy it. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></span> <span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">And then, when you feel rested, start priming again for next semester. How you do this is up to you, but here are some things I used to (and still) do during my winter breaks:</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></span> <span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>1. Buy a new journal</b> for the year and start writing your thoughts about how the past year went and what you want to accomplish next year. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></span> <span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>2. Make a collage of pictures</b> and quotes that inspire you for next year and hang it up in your room or office. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></span> <span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>3. Write down some goals</b> or intentions for the next year. Keep them small, specific, little things you can control. Especially new habits you'd like to adopt - what is one thing you can do every day that would help you reach one of your biggest goals? </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></span> <span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>4. Choose a good book </b>and make it a goal to finish it before the next semester. The book should be something that can help you improve or get better at something you're trying to achieve. If you have a friend or a group of friends with the same interests or goals, start a mini book club or just read together and chat about it periodically. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></span> <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7JcA5AWe7Dc/VI7xbUxPJ0I/AAAAAAAAa40/kMD96UYMsn4/s1600/pencils.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7JcA5AWe7Dc/VI7xbUxPJ0I/AAAAAAAAa40/kMD96UYMsn4/s1600/pencils.jpg" height="190" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>5. Do something artistic. </b>Paint, draw, write, take pictures, dance, sing, build, play an instrument, act, etc. You don't need to be good at it. Just create something original. I don't have any science behind this for you, but it's something I do every year and it always rejuvenates me for the next year and makes me feel like I can do anything. For some reason, I don't get discouraged at my terrible water colors or colored-pencil drawings. They aren't good - trust me. I know that. But it doesn't bother me. I still find joy in creating something just from my own brain. It's empowering somehow. Try it. Trust me. </span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i>Due to winter break I won't be posting as frequently until January so if I don't see you until then, Happy Holidays and Happy New Year!! :) </i> </span></span>isaadneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00842605565848131412noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2294119990361417560.post-70751283604197552632014-12-11T12:02:00.002-05:002014-12-11T12:09:53.392-05:0015 things I do that keep procrastination away <span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">A student recently asked me the following: </span></span><br />
<br />
<i><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">I absolutely adore your blog, and your advice for college success is incredibly helpful. I get inspired in a new way every time I visit your blog. Since you're the master non-procrastinator, and I'm a huge procrastinator, I was wondering if you could explain your work habits involving school. Just general things like how much homework/studying you did a day, the way you scheduled/prioritized work, school work habits... </span></span></i><br />
<i><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></span></i> <i><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">You touch a lot on how to stop procrastinating, but I find myself most inspired when someone who never procrastinates explains their own habits and methods, so I was insanely curious to see how you stay on top of everything, and even get ahead sometimes!</span></span></i><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">I never thought of sharing some of my personal habits, but since a student has said she would find it helpful, I thought I'd go ahead and share. </span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Keep in mind these are
the habits that have worked for me over the years, both in school and
in work. It doesn't mean they are the only ways. I'm always reading
about ways to be more effective, and I've ready plenty of strategies
that work for some people but when I tried them they didn't work for me.
Try stuff out and keep what works for you.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">How
do you know if something is working for you? You kind of feel it in
your gut, but also, you know it's working when you're getting the
results you want without sacrificing your priorities (e.g. you could be a
productive workaholic with straight-A's but be stressed, unhealthy, and
not have good relationships).</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">The goal is to use your time strategically to reach your most important goals. </span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">So here we go - let me share with you the habits I've used over the years to get straight A's, get a graduate degree while working full time and writing my first book, and working from home, all while not procrastinating and never turning in an assignment late. </span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">But before I do, I'd like to make a list of things I'm terrible at so you don't hate me for being so good at productivity. I promise there are also a lot of things I'm terrible at and struggle with. Here is a short list:</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Things Isa is Terrible At (So You Don't Hate Her For Not Procrastinating)</span></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">1. I have a goldfish memory (sorry can repeat your sub order again? I heard you, but I already forgot)</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">2. I never could get pass level 3 of Donkey Kong</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">3. My best cooking skills involve a box of macaroni and cheese and cookie dough in little squares</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">4. Give me an instrument to play and you'll want to take it away immediately</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">5. I got a B in pottery</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">6. 4th graders draw better than me</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">7. I'm not funny in person and can never think of witty things to say or jokes or comebacks. I don't even think of them a day later. I just cant think of
them. Ever. FUNNY PEOPLE HOW ARE YOU SO FUNNY?!?! I don't understand. It's
awesome. Just be my friend please, that's all I ask. </span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Ok. So are we good
now? You won't hate me, right? I have flaws. I hope some of my productivity habits can help
you. And in return, if you'd like to tell me how you're so funny or how
to make a clay pot that isn't droopy/sideways I'm all ears. </span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">My Productivity Habits</span></b></span><br />
<br />
<b><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">1. Read books and blogs on effectiveness</span></span></b><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">I'm always reading. Like, always. And I've always weirdly loved books on effectiveness (I asked for <i>7 Habits of Highly Effective Teens</i> for Christmas...yeah...I was that kind of teenager). But honestly, that book made a huge difference in my life. Some of my other favorites over the years include: <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Habits-Highly-Effective-People-Powerful/dp/1451639619/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1418314681&sr=8-1&keywords=7+habits+highly+effective+people" target="_blank">7 Habits of Highly Effective People</a>, <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Compound-Effect-Darren-Hardy/dp/159315724X/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1418314701&sr=8-1&keywords=the+compound+effect" target="_blank">The Compound Effect</a>, and <a href="http://www.amazon.com/How-Win-College-Surprising-Countrys/dp/0767917871/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1418314727&sr=8-1&keywords=how+to+win+at+college" target="_blank">How to Win at College</a>. Cal Newport is also always writing about ways to get important stuff done - highly recommend <a href="http://calnewport.com/blog/" target="_blank">his blog</a>. </span></span><br />
<br />
<b><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">2. Do stuff that interests you</span></span></b><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">While I don't always feel motivated, most of my drive and energy comes from having goals and doing things that deeply interest me. I wanted to go to college because I loved learning. I loved class. I had a vague idea of what I wanted to do, but mostly, I loved the journey, the process. I also always picked classes that sounded really interesting. I do the same in my work life. There's some boring stuff along the way, but when the core is something that fascinates me, it makes the boring stuff so much easier to get through. The thought of procrastinating never even comes into question, because I'm actually excited to do the things I'm doing. I don't want to wait. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></span> <b><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">3. Technology is my friend</span></span></b><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">I had a palm pilot in college. Think, a to-do-list app on a smart phone that doesn't have wifi or make phone calls. In high school I just used a notebook and made little squares next to each thing that I would check off. I love checking stuff off. I loved my palm pilot because it allowed me to both check things off and more easily write and rearrange my list each day.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Now I use <a href="https://app.asana.com/" target="_blank">Asana</a> and LOVE it. <a href="https://www.google.com/calendar/render#g" target="_blank">Google Calendar</a> is also my best friend. <a href="https://calendly.com/" target="_blank">Calendly </a>is my personal assistant. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></span> <b><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">3. Write stuff down</span></span></b><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">As you now know, I have a bad memory. So I've always written everything down immediately: ideas, to-do's, due dates, etc. Now I just send myself emails on my phone or put a task I think of in my <a href="https://calendly.com/" target="_blank">Asana</a> app. In school, every due date and assignment would go directly from my professors mouth (or syllabus, or online course schedule) to my task list and Google calendar (with reminders). </span></span><br />
<br />
<b><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">4. Library time</span></span></b><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">When possible, I scheduled my classes with time in between to force myself to stay on campus and have time to join and contribute in a club. </span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Once this was a habit, I then scheduled my classes back to back in the middle of the day, and then drive the 30 minutes to campus to arrive by 8am and I would always stay until at least 4pm or 5pm Monday through Thursday. Any time I wasn't in class was spent in the library getting ahead. When everything was done (which happens a lot, the beauty of starting early, I'd use that time to hang out with friends on campus, visit a professor, or spend time doing work for a club). </span></span><br />
<br />
<b><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">5. ABC method</span></span></b><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">I learned this method in a College Success class my last semester of community college. It's a simple labeling method. "A" tasks are important and urgent. "B" task are important but not urgent. "C" tasks are not as important and not urgent. I have played around with how I decide to define ABC, but I do have an A, B, and C project bin in <a href="https://app.asana.com/" target="_blank">Asana</a>. I also have a "Today" bin where I pull from A, B, and C to plan my day. </span></span><br />
<br />
<b><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">6. Planning time</span></span></b><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">When I'd sit down at the library (and the same goes for getting to my office or sitting down in my home office) I never jump straight into work. Never. The first thing I do before anything else is read my goals, think about my priorities, and then plan my day. While I don't plan every minute of my day, I start every day with clear intention and purpose, all based on my top priorities and goals. </span></span><br />
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</span></span> <b><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">7. Make motivation a priority</span></span></b><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">I don't always feel motivated, but I have learned what motivates me during slumps in energy and focus. Reading is a big one, especially non fiction and memoirs. Also any kind of art - plays, comedy, museums. Or a walk. I make resting, refreshing, and getting inspired a priority. I know it will pay off in the long run when it comes to having creative ideas and having the energy to do the hard stuff. </span></span><br />
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</span></span> <b><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">8. Rest</span></span></b><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">I don't work on Sundays or go out. It's a day to rest and recover, and it's essential. On a rare occasion where I have a conference or something I can tell a HUGE difference in my energy and performance the rest of the week. The day of rest is vital. </span></span><br />
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</span></span> <b><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">9. Write goals and dreams</span></span></b><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">I have a list of long term goals I read every morning. I used to put timelines on "big dreams" (like, "This is what I want to accomplish in 2013") but then when some of those things didn't happen I'd feel discouraged.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">So I have this big running list of big dreams that makes me excited when I read it, but it's not attached to a timeline. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Then I focus on having short-term goals for each month that I can control (like a goal to read X number of books or write X number of blogs or reach out to X number of people - instead of "make X number of dollars," something, on some level, I can't directly control). </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Focusing goals on what I can control has really helped, but still having big dreams that don't have a timeline I find to be very motivational and help guide my direction as I make decisions. I write them every December, but also adjust along the way. I also have a space to write in cool things that happened that I didn't plan but felt like dreams come true. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">(On the top of the goal sheets I print and read every morning, I also tend to write mission statements or phrases that summarize what I want to contribute in my work - a guiding force. Lately it's been: "help people break cycles of poverty through education.") </span></span><br />
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</span></span> <b><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">10. Project priority list</span></span></b><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Whenever I'm considering a new project, I have a list to help me think about my priorities. Some things on that list include, doing something I believe in, working with cool people, having flexibility, etc. I use it anytime I'm thinking of taking a new project or going in a new direction and my gut feeling isn't very clear. </span></span><br />
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<b><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">11. Limit things</span></span></b><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">I've always focused on just a few things and guarded my time. I never joined every club. I preferred to just be president of one and then try to contribute something. I love feeling good about being successful in my school and work life, but I also highly value rest, relaxation, inspiration, and of course, quality time with people I love. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">So when it comes to getting involved, course load, and time spent on work and extracurriculars, I always make sure my priorities are straight. If one of those things is lacking too much, I make an adjustment, even if it means saying no to something. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">It's impossible to "manage" time when you don't have enough of it. Sometimes it's just about eliminating things, which may be obligations or involvements, but it can also mean time wasting things that are bringing much value to your life. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">If success in a certain goal, especially a big one, is really important to you, then you will have to sacrifice some things. There was a commercial in the most recent Olympics that showcased athletes practicing their skills, with voiceovers of different versions of statements like this: "you know that hit TV show, I never saw it." This is an extreme example, but do remember that greatness in anything means focus, and focus means saying no to some things so you can say yes to the most important things (most important to you, that is). </span></span><br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZJuj3VE4Oeg/VInN9l9QXeI/AAAAAAAAa4c/BcDh6ACB5ds/s1600/drseuss.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZJuj3VE4Oeg/VInN9l9QXeI/AAAAAAAAa4c/BcDh6ACB5ds/s1600/drseuss.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One of my inspirational pictures in my home office. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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</span></span> <b><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">12. An inspiring space</span></span></b><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">My walls are filled with collages (I make one every year, not a vision board, but just things that inspire me for the upcoming year), pictures of countries I hope to visit, handwritten and framed quotes, books I treasure, trinkets from trips (like my name tag from my Harvard interview), a wooden board I broke with my bare hands, a picture of my grandma, etc. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Both my offices are surrounded with very personal stuff that makes me feel alive, inspired to work. I keep things clean and orderly too, but not obsessively so, just so there's no distracting mess. </span></span><br />
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</span></span> <b><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">13. Morning routine</span></span></b><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">I've had a morning routine every since I was in 10th grade. It's evolved over the years, but it's always included some version of the following, as it does today: exercise, healthy breakfast, tea, reading something inspirational for at least 10 minutes, writing in a journal, reading my goals, planning my day. </span></span><br />
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</span></span> <b><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">14. Google reminders</span></span></b><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">I have to give <a href="https://www.google.com/calendar" target="_blank">Google Calendar</a> and its SMS reminders (e.g. it sends reminders to my phone) it's own space here. This is my EVERYTHING when it comes to not missing deadlines and keeping on top of everything, especially now that my life includes travel, meetings, speeches, etc. Anytime I need to do something I set it in my calendar and set many SMS reminders. Set it and forget it! I love this. </span></span><br />
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</span></span> <b><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">15. Due dates are always the day before</span></span></b><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">I never plan to do something on the day it's due. Even in Google Calendar, I always mark a due date on the day before it's actually due. I never let myself know the "real" due date. I always plan to turn things in early.</span></span><br />
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</span></span> <span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">I recently purposely procrastinated packing for a trip because of another priority - spending quality time with people I love. I had an opportunity to spend time with someone instead of packing the day before (something I usually do) and since I wasn't going to see that person for a while, I decided to spend time with them instead of packing early. It <i>was </i>worth it. </span></span><br />
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</span></span> <span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">However, the next day was very stressful. I had<i> just</i> enough time for packing. That's the problem with procrastination. You leave just enough time. But we're not always good at knowing exactly how much time we'll need for something. And also - we can't predict what else might happen on that day. Turns out, my car had an issue and I had to take it to the mechanic before driving to the airport. Ack! Packing was done very quickly, I made it, but just barely. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">The experience itself, though, was stressful. A stress I'm not used to, because I don't procrastinate especially so I can avoid this feeling. And here's what I realized:</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>When you procrastinate, your to-list <i>owns you.</i></b></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">When you make a conscious effort to plan and prioritize,<i> you </i>own your schedule and your life. It feels pretty great. If planning makes you feel stressed than perhaps you haven't figured out what you really want, what you're really working for, or you're over-scheduling and planning in a way that makes you feel trapped. It shouldn't feel like you are owned by some schedule or list. It should feel like freedom and excitement and energy and joy. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />That's when you know it's working for you. <b><i></i></b></span></span>isaadneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00842605565848131412noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2294119990361417560.post-47003746099079158422014-12-10T12:11:00.001-05:002014-12-10T12:13:03.648-05:00For Love or Money? Thoughts on Choosing a Major. <span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">I recently had a student email me about a dilemma she is having with her major. She is stuck between two choices: engineering or film? </span></span><br />
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</span></span> <span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">When she talked about engineering, she only mentioned money. It would make money. This would be good, right? </span></span><br />
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</span></span> <span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">When she talked about film, she went on, and on, and on about all the things she found interesting and what she'd want to pursue.</span></span><br />
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</span></span> <span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Others in her life have doubts about the reality of this path, though. She's wondering what she should choose.</span></span><br />
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</span></span> <span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">It's not a new question, but when it's facing you, it can feel brand new. Do you choose a career, or a major for that matter, based on something you love or something that will help you make money?</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">I lean towards love. But it<b> depends on what you love. </b></span></span><br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nXo_uD80bwY/VIh_AnlJy0I/AAAAAAAAa4I/xS11hNG_Rdk/s1600/1063582_62523622.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nXo_uD80bwY/VIh_AnlJy0I/AAAAAAAAa4I/xS11hNG_Rdk/s1600/1063582_62523622.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Do you love money? Do you love your family (whom you might need to support with money)? Do you love yourself? Do you love a subject, a type of work? What do you love the most? What can help you pursue at least a majority of the things you love? What are you willing to give up? What are you not willing to give up? What will inspire you to do your best work?</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">I can't answer that for you. I know you wouldn't want me to. Only you know you, your life, your interests, your goals, and what really matters to <i>you. </i></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">I do want to give you permission, though, to <b>not be ashamed or afraid of your interests.</b> I think you should pursue them, in whatever capacity you can. It may be a major. It may be a career path. Or it may be something outside of that (when it comes to your job, there are other forces at work - an economy, time, technology, need, etc; it doesn't mean it's not possible to make what you love your job, it just means it is smart to do your research ahead of time and think openly and creatively about how you can make that a part of your life). </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">I did happen to choose a major because I loved it. I had a vague idea of careers it would prepare me for, but I've always chosen <b>paths and classes</b> based on what I was interested in - and not for just dreamy reasons. I'm actually pretty practical too: I've always realized, at least for me, that I do better and succeed more when I'm doing something I'm interested in. I just work harder. </span></span><br />
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</span></span> <span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">It doesn't mean there aren't boring things along the way. But because I know they're on the way to something I <i>am</i> interested in, it makes it easier<b> </b>to get through. </span></span><br />
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</span></span> <span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">I'm also incredibly biased here because last night<b> I saw <i>Dead Poets Society</i> for the first time.</b> In the movie, a tragedy occurs after a student's father bans him from pursuing his interest in acting. The father is so intent on his son having opportunities he didn't have, but for him that meant his son needed to go to Harvard and be a doctor. When the son stated he wanted to pursue acting, the father took him out of his prep school and was going to send him to military school in order to ensure his son would stay on the path of wealth and prestige. </span></span><br />
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The son wasn't able to tell his father how he really felt about the path he wanted to take. Instead he channeled his emotions in tragic ways, and it was heart wrenching. </span></span><br />
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</span></span> <span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">I know this is fiction, and simplistic, but it felt heart breakingly real. And then I got this email this morning from a student caught between love and money. I had to write this blog immediately. </span></span><br />
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</span></span> <span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>Choose love.</b> </span></span><br />
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</span></span> <span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">And do it wisely. For example, be careful of schools that advertise dream careers and require a lot of tuition. Do your research. The best research involves finding and talking to alumni (<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/edu/alumni" target="_blank">LinkedIn has a great tool for this</a>). What jobs did they get? How do they like them? How did the school or major help them? Do they have any regrets? Did they think it was worth it? What advice do they have for you? </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">In <i>So Good They Can't Ignore You</i> one of my favorite authors and bloggers Cal Newport explains why "Follow Your Passion" is bad advice. I highly recommend this book, especially for my fellow dreamers out there. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">While his book is especially geared towards people who aren't sure of their interests (which is great - not everyone has to have 'a passion'), for someone <i>with </i>a passion or a dream or an interest that they can't ignore Cal's book serves as a great reminder of the <b>hard work involved in becoming really good </b>at something. Just "following" a passion without doing the work or research is the problem. Following is blind and inactive. </span></span><br />
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</span></span> <span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Instead, research your passion and its path. Work your passion. Learn your passion. Find internships. Find mentors. Get better. Seek advice from people successfully doing what you aspire to do. Practice, practice, practice. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Ask yourself if it does fit into a major or career. If it can - awesome! But also be open to it being something else. Can you do both? (I saw a job profile on LinkedIn yesterday that said "Engineer by day, media by night." I LOVE that!) Be open to possibilities. </span></span><br />
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</span></span> <span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">In her book, <i>Yes Please, </i>Amy Poehler also has some great advice on this subject: "I think we should stop asking people in their twenties what they 'want
to do' and start asking then what they <b>don't want to do</b>. Instead of
asking students to 'declare their major,' we should ask students to
'list what they will do anything to avoid.'" </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">I like this. I think advisors should ask this of every student before their first semester of college. A two-column list: What do you want? What do you want to avoid? How is college going to help? Why is studying for hours each week going to be <i>worth it</i> for <i>you</i>? </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">I've talked to countless successful community college graduates who got through it not by following a specific passion, love, or dream, but because they wanted to do <b>everything in their power to avoid another kind of life.</b> For one single mom it was the life of retail. For another it was a life of poverty. For me, it was a goal to avoid feeling miserable in a job. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Don't choose a major that is going to lead you right into something you're actually desperate to avoid. Choose one that helps you avoid those things, and moves you to want to learn, grow, and excel. Choose something in line, in some way, with something you love, whatever that may be for you. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Regardless of what you choose, hard work will be required. The journey will be long. No matter what, <b>there will be hard times.</b> You won't always love it. But if you choose something that feels worth it to you, something that will grow you instead of crush you, you may find you have the strength to contribute something you're proud of. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"></span>isaadneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00842605565848131412noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2294119990361417560.post-75922952363210910462014-12-09T09:19:00.000-05:002014-12-09T09:22:34.346-05:00Why planning to arrive to your first class on time is a bad idea<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">When I was a senior in high school I remember a couple older friends bragging about how "College is so easy. Professor's don't even take attendance - you don't even have to go to class!" </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Those friends went to colleges where they were in classes with 300 other students. Attendance might not have been taken. But those friends took 5+ years to actually graduate.</span></span><br />
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<b><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">This is not a good strategy.</span></span></b><br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EqHcrtRo8Dg/VIcFkGj2gEI/AAAAAAAAa3E/RTxASVKYmVI/s1600/clock2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EqHcrtRo8Dg/VIcFkGj2gEI/AAAAAAAAa3E/RTxASVKYmVI/s1600/clock2.jpg" height="256" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">But what I really want to talk about is not only ATTENDING every class, but arriving EARLY.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I'm writing this now because I want you to keep this in mind as you register for your spring semester. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Schedule your first class for a time that allows you to arrive on campus at least thirty minutes before that class starts (I also recommend <b>not scheduling classes back to back</b>; instead leave time in between where you'll be forced to spend time in the library studying, or have time to meet a professor, join a club, etc.)</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Always, always, always plan to arrive to your first class at least 30 minutes early. Worst case scenario, you're there early and you can get some studying in. Best case scenario, when you hit those inevitable snags (e.g. traffic) you won't be late!</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Strolling into class late not only means you'll miss important content (and possibly lose points depending on how your professors monitors attendance - it does count for many!), but it also <b>sends a message</b>. The truth may be that things out of your control happened, but regardless, it sends a message to the professor that the class just isn't that important to you.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Because in some ways, that might be true. If it's really important to you, plan ahead to always arrive early so you can ensure those things that <i>are</i> out of your control don't affect your college success or timeliness. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Sure, everyone might have one crazy thing happen each semester that makes them late or miss a class. Life happens. But if that's happening to you more than once a semester, it might be time to change something. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Choose your classes carefully, and don't just make time for class in your schedule. <b>Good time management starts when you register for classes</b> and decide on how much time you'll dedicate to your classroom. Schedule at least 2 hours in the library for every hour you have in class, and perhaps consider making one of those hours occur before your first class of each day so you're never late. :)</span></span>isaadneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00842605565848131412noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2294119990361417560.post-83246686604337077572014-12-05T15:41:00.002-05:002014-12-05T15:41:51.775-05:00How does a $200,000 scholarship for graduate school sound? It's now possible. <span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">If you haven't already, you'll definitely want to check out my latest article for Huffington Post below!</span></span><br />
<a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/isa-adney/community-college-student_b_6270586.html" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></a>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/isa-adney/community-college-student_b_6270586.html" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Community College Students Now Have Access to $200,000 Scholarship for Graduate School</span></span></a></div>
<br />
<br />isaadneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00842605565848131412noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2294119990361417560.post-82812059842323003582014-12-04T16:35:00.001-05:002014-12-04T16:35:31.576-05:00How to tackle BIG reading assignments in college<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">You know that feeling you get when you realize you have over 100 pages to read in a week for school? Instead of letting that feeling take over (i.e. making you avoid reading at all costs) do this instead:</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/5a6TPTBu78s" width="460"></iframe></div>
isaadneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00842605565848131412noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2294119990361417560.post-73447727558316102032014-12-03T08:00:00.000-05:002014-12-03T08:00:09.675-05:00Best Christmas gift EVER for a community college student<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Community-College-Success-Scholarships-Internships/dp/1935254626/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1410795876&sr=8-2&keywords=community+college" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="_blank"><img alt="http://www.amazon.com/Community-College-Success-Scholarships-Internships/dp/1935254626/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1410795876&sr=8-2&keywords=community+college" border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UqWCU1mm3iM/VHzAvExBreI/AAAAAAAAatg/wh41FhYoXgw/s1600/CCSuccessCover.jpg" height="400" width="256" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">click on the book to see reviews at Amazon.com!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">It's an <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Community-College-Success-Scholarships-Internships/dp/1935254626/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1410795876&sr=8-2&keywords=community+college" target="_blank">awesome book</a>. Maybe the best ever written in the history of all written things ever in the universe. And I am in no way exaggerating or promoting my own book on my blog. Oh wait...that's exactly what I'm doing. ;) </span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">But seriously, it helps students, so if you know one, please do them a favor and <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Community-College-Success-Scholarships-Internships/dp/1935254626/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1410795876&sr=8-2&keywords=community+college" target="_blank">gift this to them</a>. They will thank you. I will thank you. It's basically a win for all involved. :)</span></span>isaadneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00842605565848131412noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2294119990361417560.post-58161941931493879932014-12-02T14:09:00.002-05:002014-12-02T14:09:28.798-05:00School supplies that will bring brightness to community college (& schools in need around the country) <span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">One of the most popular questions I get is what to bring to college, and while I've done quite a few posts with lists of supplies, I wanted to tell you about some particular school supplies that I think <b>you'll LOVE</b>.</span></span><br />
<br />
<i><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">In the interest of full disclosure, I am not getting paid to write this post. I was sent some free school supplies, but was under no obligation to write about them. I'm writing about them because I think they're AMAZING and I wanted to tell you about it.</span></span></i><br />
<br />
<i><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">I'm also writing about them because I have met and really admire many people who work for this company, including its founder.</span></span></i><br />
<br />
<i><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">They're basically awesome, so are their school supplies. So my opinions, all my own. And yeah...I'm totally biased due to awesomeness. </span></span></i><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">I'm talking about <a href="http://yoobi.com/" target="_blank">Yoobi</a>, a very new and dynamic school supply company that also gives back! For every item purchased Yoobi donates school supplies to schools in need in the U.S. </span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">They also partner with the <a href="http://yoobi.com/starlight/" target="_blank">Starlight Children's Foundation</a> to donate supplies to students attending school in a hospital. I've heard stories about how these kids light up when they receive these free supplies, and how grateful the teachers are to be able to do activities they couldn't have done without the right stuff. </span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">The Yoobi cause and passion alone are enough to make me want to get my own office supplies from them, but to top it all off, their stuff is SO MUCH FUN!</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">I could tell you about it...or...I could show you:</span></span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RfQ1KpArlQ8/VH4J64awL9I/AAAAAAAAavI/hXQvUGADQio/s1600/eyes.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RfQ1KpArlQ8/VH4J64awL9I/AAAAAAAAavI/hXQvUGADQio/s1600/eyes.jpg" height="400" width="225" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hello blue!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4kE_TtJXJF8/VH4EuJNVMcI/AAAAAAAAauA/So0D_jex4PA/s1600/box.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4kE_TtJXJF8/VH4EuJNVMcI/AAAAAAAAauA/So0D_jex4PA/s1600/box.jpg" height="400" width="225" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The box that arrived - made me smile instantly. </td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DF0F4PrzJcM/VH4J9iShKsI/AAAAAAAAavU/NXgjppDFYBI/s1600/hearts.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DF0F4PrzJcM/VH4J9iShKsI/AAAAAAAAavU/NXgjppDFYBI/s1600/hearts.jpg" height="225" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">love these.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Ms1ErnLhwlM/VH4J9IRnLBI/AAAAAAAAavQ/GMtaDVStAOw/s1600/hug.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Ms1ErnLhwlM/VH4J9IRnLBI/AAAAAAAAavQ/GMtaDVStAOw/s1600/hug.jpg" height="400" width="225" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is literally how I feel about pronged folders in college. They are "A" machines. ;)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rXWJtcerUJc/VH4J_tm8d-I/AAAAAAAAavg/uYieLiAN024/s1600/prongs.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rXWJtcerUJc/VH4J_tm8d-I/AAAAAAAAavg/uYieLiAN024/s1600/prongs.jpg" height="400" width="225" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">PRONGS!!!!! :D</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Ut99sDfxmfs/VH4KB3jlV0I/AAAAAAAAavo/MWNJwhya07M/s1600/s.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Ut99sDfxmfs/VH4KB3jlV0I/AAAAAAAAavo/MWNJwhya07M/s1600/s.jpg" height="225" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Everything laid out on my desk!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_gDRwN6BbjY/VH4EsditjHI/AAAAAAAAat4/5tgDor9SXnU/s1600/green%2Bfuzzy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_gDRwN6BbjY/VH4EsditjHI/AAAAAAAAat4/5tgDor9SXnU/s1600/green%2Bfuzzy.jpg" height="400" width="225" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I immediately rubbed my face on this pencil case. It's so soft. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SV8O8zyJaoQ/VH4Ewpo64pI/AAAAAAAAauI/src5CgEA8Gw/s1600/full%2Bbody.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SV8O8zyJaoQ/VH4Ewpo64pI/AAAAAAAAauI/src5CgEA8Gw/s1600/full%2Bbody.jpg" height="400" width="225" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Colorful school supplies are totally a fashion statement, duh. ;)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qS5T4Udy90Q/VH4Eyaa3FeI/AAAAAAAAauQ/VrB0de6gokk/s1600/highlightersandhearts.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qS5T4Udy90Q/VH4Eyaa3FeI/AAAAAAAAauQ/VrB0de6gokk/s1600/highlightersandhearts.jpg" height="225" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The <3 pushpins & highlighters stole my <3 immediately.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Rz_1tyVmvRk/VH4E1m7yrRI/AAAAAAAAaug/2H_77tgblfs/s1600/isa.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Rz_1tyVmvRk/VH4E1m7yrRI/AAAAAAAAaug/2H_77tgblfs/s1600/isa.jpg" height="225" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">These supplies literally make you want to be creative and fun. I'm serious. </td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TZOtKOMr5XY/VH4E6Cy_AfI/AAAAAAAAauw/piXlsS8Tqao/s1600/thinking%2Bno%2Bsmile.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TZOtKOMr5XY/VH4E6Cy_AfI/AAAAAAAAauw/piXlsS8Tqao/s1600/thinking%2Bno%2Bsmile.jpg" height="400" width="225" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I call this, The Writer's Pose. ;) </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CEtih_efmPE/VH4Ey4mv-gI/AAAAAAAAauU/Qn4fpvFQMDQ/s1600/idea.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CEtih_efmPE/VH4Ey4mv-gI/AAAAAAAAauU/Qn4fpvFQMDQ/s1600/idea.jpg" height="400" width="225" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Oh look, Yoobi gave me an idea!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"> As you can see, I had alot of fun with this. And honestly, the supplies have this playfulness that's impossible to ignore. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />And the <a href="http://instagram.com/yoobi" target="_blank">people I've met who work at Yoobi really care</a>. The first words out of their mouths are about the problems they want to solve with Yoobi, and the joy they get from seeing the joy on the kids' faces when they do their big donation events. It's just plain inspiring. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">So, in case it isn't obvious, here are some reasons why you should <a href="http://shop.yoobi.com/" target="_blank">get some Yoobi school supplies</a> for your next semester:</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">*You'll be sharing the love and the fun and the supplies with kids in need</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">*You'll feel bright and creative when using these supplies in class and while you're studying</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">*Someone might just be all like "hey I like that purple folder" and you can be all like, "thanks, let me tell you about it - also, let's be friends." ;)</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">*They're SUPER affordable (e.g. <a href="http://shop.yoobi.com/search?type=product&q=folder" target="_blank">my fav pronged folder</a> is .89!) </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">And just in case you might find this helpful, here is what my shopping list looked like before any new semester:</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span>
<a href="http://shop.yoobi.com/collections/writing/Pens" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Pens</span></span></a><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://shop.yoobi.com/collections/writing/Pencils" target="_blank">Pencils</a></span></span><br />
<a href="http://shop.yoobi.com/collections/writing/Highlighters" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Highlighters</span></span></a><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://shop.yoobi.com/collections/notebook-journals/Journals" target="_blank">Journal</a> (I highly recommend journaling in college!)</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://shop.yoobi.com/collections/notebook-journals/spiral-notebooks" target="_blank">Spiral notebook</a> for each class (for notes)</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://shop.yoobi.com/collections/organization/Folders" target="_blank">A pronged folder</a> for each class</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />Happy #GivingTuesday!</span></span>isaadneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00842605565848131412noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2294119990361417560.post-11660405654326612382014-12-01T10:46:00.002-05:002014-12-01T10:46:38.497-05:00Community college pep talk (short & sweet)<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">You're almost finished with your fall semester! </span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Schedule <i>hours </i>each day for the rest of the term to spend on your campus library and finish STRONG! </span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">:) </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span>
<i><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">You can do this. </span></span></i>isaadneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00842605565848131412noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2294119990361417560.post-49562287302141850042014-11-18T13:20:00.003-05:002014-11-18T13:20:42.978-05:00Why you should travel in community college<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">So the reason I've been MIA this week is I was traveling around in California speaking at a community college and doing research for my next book. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hA7HjZKV96s/VGuMAnfUBNI/AAAAAAAAasY/AojO-NEWuAk/s1600/goldengate2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hA7HjZKV96s/VGuMAnfUBNI/AAAAAAAAasY/AojO-NEWuAk/s1600/goldengate2.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">And as I walked around the bay, looking at the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco, I remember thinking about my very first flight. It was when I was a <b>sophomore in community college</b>, traveling to Nashville, TN for the international <a href="http://www.ptk.org/" target="_blank">Phi Theta Kappa</a> convention. </span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">I was attending college in Florida, so while this wasn't that "far," it was still a turning point for me. Being on an airplane was something, in my mind at that point, was reserved for "rich" people. It wasn't something I'd ever done. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Being physically up in the air, moving from one place to another in a matter of hours, was nothing short of empowering for me. It made me feel like maybe <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wKNS02-y9O8" target="_blank">that professor was right</a>, maybe community college really could be this launching point that could take me farther than I could even dream. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">That feeling of being in the clouds that first time has never left me. I still feel this incredible sense of <b>gratitude every time I'm up in the air</b>, going from one place to another. It's nothing short of magical to me, and I still can't believe I'm actually someone who gets to travel around like this. </span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">I want to encourage you to do whatever it takes to <b>travel while you're in community college.</b> Look into study abroad trips both at your college (many community colleges have these!) and through outside organizations, like <a href="https://twitter.com/diversityabroad" target="_blank">Diversity Abroad</a>. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Also look into clubs and organizations that provide even local travel opportunities. Usually officers are the ones who get to travel, so it's another great reason to <b>get a leadership position</b>! This is one of the greatest benefits of community college - because you don't have to compete with juniors/seniors for the highest leadership positions. You can be a president now, and I encourage you to do just that. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">My first travel opportunity is still one open to many community college students every year! <a href="http://www.ptk.org/" target="_blank">Phi Theta Kappa</a> has an international convention in a different state each year that is just <i>out of this world.</i> They often have amazing celebrity speakers! If you've gotten your invite letter, don't just join the chapter on your campus - become an officer!</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Traveling in college, especially for anything that can add to your professional development, is WORTH THE INVESTMENT! Don't let the money scare you. Be creative and look for ways to travel for free. But don't be afraid to put a little skin in the game either. </span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Because travel, to me, is about so much more than just the experience itself. It's what that experience does to your brain, your sub-conscious. I think it sends this little, very quiet, yet oh so powerful message: <b><i>you can do big things. </i></b></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">So go. Go somewhere. See another part of this country or this world. Let it remind you that no matter how small you feel at times, you really can do more than you ever thought possible. <i></i></span></span>isaadneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00842605565848131412noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2294119990361417560.post-80199813399878645672014-11-10T15:45:00.003-05:002014-11-10T15:45:42.092-05:00The shortest secret formula to getting good grades <span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">1. Go to every class. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">2. Sit in the front row. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">3. Spend at least two hours of study time in the library for every hour you have in class, every week. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">4. Ask for help when you need it.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">5. Repeat. </span></span>isaadneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00842605565848131412noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2294119990361417560.post-61504536637599506142014-11-05T08:00:00.000-05:002014-11-05T08:00:07.969-05:00Dear White People, Taylor Swift, & Me<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Click below to see my latest Huffington Post article! :)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/isa-adney/dear-white-people-movie_b_6102320.html?utm_hp_ref=college&ir=College" target="_blank">Dear White People, Taylor Swift, & Me</a></span></span></div>
isaadneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00842605565848131412noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2294119990361417560.post-45219395000442337392014-11-04T08:48:00.003-05:002014-11-04T08:52:08.146-05:00Why you should create your future business card now<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FYhTn7nZx6g/VFjYp8b8V-I/AAAAAAAAarw/8uRIDFdmfEY/s1600/2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FYhTn7nZx6g/VFjYp8b8V-I/AAAAAAAAarw/8uRIDFdmfEY/s1600/2.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Last week I was at my friend Erin's house (aka writer of <a href="http://www.happyprofessor.com/" target="_blank">HappyProfessor.com</a>) and she showed me something I thought was just so awesome.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">It was a business card she'd created and printed on card stock a while back - a business card that listed things she wanted to "be" before she actually was those things. She created a business card as if it had already happened.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">And it turned out, she eventually <b><i>did</i> make those things happen. </b></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">As I held her business card that was once a dream and now had basically become reality, I imagined what business card I would want to create for the future; even thinking about printing it out and holding it in my hand made me feel something.<span style="font-size: small;"> </span><span style="font-size: small;">Something like excitement. Something like hope. </span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">The <a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2014/02/23/sports/olympics/olympians-use-imagery-as-mental-training.html?_r=0" target="_blank">effectiveness of visualization for Olympians</a> and other professional athletes has been well documented. </span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">If it applies to sports why not other things in life? And why stop at the visualization? Take it a step further and <b>create something tangible</b> and see how it makes you feel.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />Create a future business card on an online creator (<a href="http://us.moo.com/products/business-cards.html" target="_blank">Moo.com</a> is my personal favorite) or on a word processor (just print it out on card stock, not regular paper). </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>Keep it in your wallet</b> and look at it often, especially when you're feeling down. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">If you like that, you might also want to try writing your future "dream" bio, or even creating a mock up of your future diploma with the highest degree you're hoping to get!</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Visualization is really helpful, and turning it into something tangible can also be very exciting, as it can remove some of those barriers you have in your mind and get you one step closer to actually <b>believing you can</b> do the things you most hope to do. </span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">There's something special about having a tangible reminder of your most precious goals. Don't let today end without creating something like this for yourself. </span></span>isaadneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00842605565848131412noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2294119990361417560.post-3770688192406481862014-10-29T14:54:00.004-04:002014-10-29T14:58:37.709-04:00The Student Success Triangle - Why Creating Value is Key<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Yesterday I was interviewed by the awesome <a href="https://twitter.com/TomFrankly" target="_blank">Thomas Frank</a>, founder of <a href="http://collegeinfogeek.com/" target="_blank">CollegeInfoGeek.com </a>(check it out!) for <a href="http://collegeinfogeek.com/cast/" target="_blank">his podcast</a> for college students. </span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Thomas started his blog while in college, and helps students regarding topics like study tactics, personal branding, and paying off college debt. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br />So you can imagine, we had a pretty awesome time talking.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">As we were excitedly <b>"geeking out" about college success ideas</b> - both the ones in <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Community-College-Success-Scholarships-Internships/dp/1935254626/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1410795876&sr=8-2&keywords=community+college" target="_blank">my book</a> and the ones Thomas talks about - he came up with this triangle in his head, and turned it into this:</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Hc2Jw7g2ASQ/VFEYBIsuTLI/AAAAAAAAamg/5RDliUD1wwo/s1600/student-success-triangle.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Hc2Jw7g2ASQ/VFEYBIsuTLI/AAAAAAAAamg/5RDliUD1wwo/s1600/student-success-triangle.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">(See, I told you he was awesome).</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">My book focuses on the "Relationship Building" part of the triangle, but today I wanted to elaborate on how "Value Creation" can help you be successful in college and beyond. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">There are many ways you can create value on campus, and it's essential to both winning scholarships and generating career success after college. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">I've been thinking about this a lot lately, and my interactions with the following have really been confirming to me the importance of creating<i> today</i>, not tomorrow:</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><b>The Dot by Peter H. Reynolds</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">When <a href="http://www.thedotclub.org/dotday/" target="_blank">International Dot Day</a> was trending on Twitter I had to find out what was going on. Turns out it was inspired by <a href="http://www.amazon.com/The-Dot-Peter-H-Reynolds/dp/0763619612/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1414605286&sr=8-1&keywords=the+dot" target="_blank">this incredible children's book</a> written in 2003. I bought it immediately and it made me cry. You'll have to read it to find out why, but essentially it shows how a teacher inspires a girl who thinks she can't draw.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">The teacher has the young girl just make a dot, and then tells her to sign it. The teacher then frames the picture/dot on her wall. The girl is inspired, empowered. And she starts creating more dots, more art. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">To me this story perfectly elucidates the importance of creating something now - with whatever you've got, whatever you're interested in. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><b> </b></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"> </span><br />
<b><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">The Future Project</span></b><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.thefutureproject.org/videos/" target="_blank">This incredible non-profit </a>encourages high school students to create projects, "dreams with a deadline," </span><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">and it's amazing. I was watching a bunch of their videos the other day and was in awe of some of the projects the students were creating, </span><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">like a student who created a website and event to help students coping with loss. </span><b><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"></span></b><br />
<b><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br /></span></b>
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">The Future Project has done research that shows why projects like these can have such a huge impact on students' lives. Not only do these kinds of projects stand out in a resume or college application, but something special happens when you complete an ambitious project...</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<b><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Happy Professor</span></b><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">My good friend Erin writes the blog <a href="http://happyprofessor.com/">HappyProfessor.com</a>, and wrote a book of the same title.</span><b><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"> </span></b><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Earlier this week we were both talking about the incredible feeling we got from creating a website and writing a book - how it's scary at first but that once you do it it makes you feel like you could do anything. Suddenly writing your next book or starting your next website doesn't seem so scary. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">In short, you feel empowered.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">You feel like maybe you really have something to offer the world. That maybe, just maybe, your actions actually matter. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><b>P.S. Doing a project you care about makes you INTERESTING.</b> This in turn makes it much easier for you to make real connections in your community and online via social media (i.e. Building Relationships). People love hearing about new projects, and it shows that you are a person of action. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">And as you engage in projects and create value you'll start to get closer to what you really like to learn about and what skills you really want to develop, thus making you much more excited about learning. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">So are you ready to start to add value creation to your college success triangle? </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>10 Ways to Create Value in College</b></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br />1. Start a club</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">2. Create and execute a campus event</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">3. Write for your college newspaper; host a campus TV or radio show</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">4. Start a small business; see if your college has an incubator</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">5. Start a YouTube channel</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">6. Start a blog or website</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">7. Find an internship that gives you the opportunity to create something new</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">8. Do a photo project</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">9. Create art and share it</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">10. Do an original research project* (check to see if your college offers funding/help)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">The key is to think about what you're most interested in and then just contribute to that area. DO something. MAKE something. Create something. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Seek out help and don't do it on your own. And don't worry if it doesn't work the way you wanted it to. It doesn't have to be perfect. It just has to get done. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Make your mark. You'll be amazed at <span style="font-size: small;">what a little <a href="http://www.amazon.com/The-Dot-Peter-H-Reynolds/dp/0763619612/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1414608286&sr=8-1&keywords=the+dot" target="_blank">dot</a> on a piece of paper can turn into. </span></span><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"></span></span>---<br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><i>*At Stetson University I was required to embark on a year-long research project in order to complete my bachelor's degree. It was daunting, but accomplishing that 75-page research paper and presenting it out-of-state at a conference gave me the confidence and skills to write <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Community-College-Success-Scholarships-Internships/dp/1935254626/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1410795876&sr=8-2&keywords=community+college" target="_blank">my book</a>. It taught me how to break a giant writing project into smaller parts, and made me feel just so dang good that I actually COULD do something I previously thought terrifying. </i></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><i>If starting a blog, a YouTube channel, a website, writing a book, or giving speeches appeals to you, you'll like <a href="http://www.isaadney.com/howtogetajobwithoutaresume" target="_blank">the free ebook I wrote here about creating a personal brand through value creation. </a> </i></span>isaadneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00842605565848131412noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2294119990361417560.post-13002281850019663682014-10-28T16:02:00.000-04:002014-10-28T16:37:14.690-04:00An overachiever's guide to failure and uncertainty<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Overachiever: someone who's good at following the rules, going the extra mile, getting the A; also adept at avoiding failure.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">That's not Webster's definition, it's just the first thing that came to my mind.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></span> <span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Hi, my name is Isa and<b> I'm an overachiever. </b></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></span> <span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">My overachiever's nature has led me to deeply explore the world of success, who gets it, what makes it, how hard you have to work to get it, what it requires, etc.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></span> <span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">And the kind of success I tend to admire most is the kind had by the rule breakers, the artists, the creators, the entrepreneurs, the inventors, the leaders. </span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>By nature I'm not a rule breaker.</b> I'm a rule follower. I'm not comfortable with risk, adventure, uncertainty, and, the big one, failure. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></span> <span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">For the most of my life, this served me well.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></span> <span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">School was made for overachievers. We're lucky in that. Privileged in fact. Overachievers can continue to follow the rules and do very well in life.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></span> <span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">But what about the brand of overachievers who aren't interested in careers where rule-following matters. What if you want to overachieve at something that's scary, risky, and requires lots of failure along the way?</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></span> <span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">If that describes you, then this is just for you; it's something I wish I'd had before I set out on my journey of trying to overachieve in the world of risk and uncertainty.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br />
</span></span> <span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">An Overachiever's Guide to Failure and Uncertainty</span></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></span> <b><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">1 - Drown out the noise</span></span></b><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">There are a lot of rules around you, a lot of paths, a lot of people telling you what success is. Sometimes as overachievers we get so wrapped up in the definitions being put upon us (we're good at that, remember? There isn't a class we can't ace, a syllabus we can't follow) but we rarely stop and think about our real values and priorities, and how we really want to define what success means in our lives. </span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Find a quiet place, grab a notebook or a great journal, and start by writing out what success really means to you - if judgement, money, and rules weren't a factor, what would success really look like in your life? Forget about every other expectation or expected path, and just write like no one's judging (or grading ;)).</span></span><br />
<br />
<b><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">2 - Read books about people you admire</span></span></b><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Once you've really thought about what success looks like to you, find some books about people who have achieved that kind of success. Pay close attention to their failures and the uncertainty in their path. What risks did they have to take? What happened when they failed? What kept them going? Why did their pursuit matter? When did they have to evolve their dreams? Who helped them along the way? </span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Write down the insights you gain and find someone to talk with about the ideas you gleam. </span></span><br />
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<b><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">3 - Admit failure and uncertainty</span></span></b><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">There's often a pressure to seem like you have it all together. "You don't know your major yet!? You don't have a five year plan?! You must be the worst person ever." Okay, so it might not always be that dramatic, but it can feel that way sometimes. </span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Don't be afraid to answer these questions honestly, especially when talking to friends. Admit that you are still trying to figure it out. Some of the most successful people I've met aren't afraid to say "I still don't know what I want to be when I grow up." </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></span> <span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">I've noticed that most of the successful people I admire, talk to, and read about, seem to embrace uncertainty and failure like friends. It's not that the processes are fun (they're not!) but they understand that they are a mandatory part of the journey.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">There's nothing like being given permission to admit you're unsure and afraid. Be honest and give others permission to talk about the failure and uncertainty in their lives. When you admit your failures/uncertainties, you can almost see people relax, their shoulders drop, their breathing slows, and they think, "ahh, finally, I don't have to pretend. We can be real here for a moment." </span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Create those conversations and bask in the honesty. </span></span><br />
<br />
<b><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">4 - Know that it's the worst</span></span></b><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Okay, so, as an overachiever I've got to be honest: I hate failure and uncertainty! If you're one of those people who are all zen about failure and uncertainty then good for you, please share your tips in the comments below. But here's the honest truth, as an overachiever, I've found that it's not about having to <i>love</i> failure and uncertainty - it's about learning how to <i>survive </i>it and then let the act of surviving<i> </i>it <i>build </i>your confidence instead of tearing it down permanently (even if it does shake it for a while). </span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Failure curls me into a little ball on the stairs, in wracking sobs. Uncertainty makes me feel like I'm having a panic attack on the inside while moving in slow motion on the outside. </span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Knowing that coming up against setbacks (and sometimes feeling terrible about it) is normal (and a required part of success) is what keeps me from giving up. </span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Steps 1-3 are what keep me going forward. </span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">When you do hit a wall, a setback, a failure, or a moment when you're almost paralyzed by the uncertainty of your future, know that it's okay if it makes you feel terrible. Talk to someone. Don't go through it alone. It's okay to cry. It's also okay to adjust your direction. <a href="http://www.amazon.com/The-Dip-Little-Teaches-Stick/dp/1591841666/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1414524904&sr=8-1&keywords=the+dip" target="_blank">Sometimes it's good to quit</a>. The key is just not to give up on <i>you. </i></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">And be careful not to "avoid failure" so much so that you also avoid the kind of success that might mean the most to you, the kind of overachieving that you really dream of, the kind that is impossible without risk and uncertainty, the kind that might involve breaking a few rules (or being okay with a B...;)). <i> </i></span></span><br />
<i><br /></i>
<i><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">"Success and failure are not two separate roads...success and failure are on the same road, just picture success farther down that road." -</span></span><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"> <a href="http://www.marieforleo.com/2014/08/overcome-setbacks/" target="_blank">Dr. Cathy Collautt</a></span></span></i>isaadneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00842605565848131412noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2294119990361417560.post-71426467619199717202014-10-24T09:44:00.000-04:002014-10-24T09:44:42.378-04:00Are you studying in the right place?<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Where do you study for college? </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">When you're in that environment, do you feel really productive? When you finish do you think "ahh...I got even more accomplished than I thought I would"?</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Do you feel like you're at your best? </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Are you getting the grades you know you can get?</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">If <b>you answered "no" </b>to any of those questions, then it might be time to change where you're studying for college. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">For me, the best study place, the place where I could easily answer "yes" to all the questions above, was the college library. </span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">I almost<i> never</i> did college work or studied from home. I scheduled time before and in-between my classes to spend in <b>the library</b> each week, without fail. From the cozy corner cubicles surrounded my books to the quiet buzz of the computer lab, that is where I felt at my most productive - and I really was.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">But here's the thing - I didn't realize until recently how powerful this actually was. Let me explain:</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">I've been working from home for almost three years now, and recently I found myself feeling restless. I wasn't feeling like I could answer "yes" to the questions above anymore. Even though I was still working hard, at the end of the day <b>I still felt antsy</b>, like I wasn't accomplishing what I needed. And at the beginning of the day I felt sluggish. What was up?</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">When an opportunity arose for me to rent an office, something inside me clicked - <i>THIS is just what I need!</i> I realized all this time I had been fighting against what I had known so instinctively in college - <i>I work best outside of my home. </i></span></span><br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GID0G3CSBWA/VEpV00LUAfI/AAAAAAAAals/oEUQA6or4MM/s1600/4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GID0G3CSBWA/VEpV00LUAfI/AAAAAAAAals/oEUQA6or4MM/s1600/4.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">My new office!</span></i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><b>Environment matters.</b> Just walk on the beach, into a dance studio, or onto a sports field, and see how those environments make you feel. What do they make you want to do?</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">For me, home has always been the place where I like to read, sleep, eat, eat, eat, watch TV, and relax. It's never been the best "work" environment for me.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">I can't tell you what the "best" environment is, because I think it can be different for every person - and you might even find you need different environments at different times. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">I just want to encourage you to take the time figure out <b>what really works best for you.</b> Notice how you feel when you're working and preparing to do well in your college classes. If you aren't feeling that sense of flow, try changing your environment.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Because trust me, when you find that place that inspires you to do your best work, work doesn't feel like work anymore. It feels more like art.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Lq3Gpmu8moo/VEpWBQQQSCI/AAAAAAAAal8/z5VUFXNW7Rc/s1600/2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Lq3Gpmu8moo/VEpWBQQQSCI/AAAAAAAAal8/z5VUFXNW7Rc/s1600/2.jpg" height="400" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">My new favorite inspiration spot near my office. :)</span></i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</span></span>isaadneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00842605565848131412noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2294119990361417560.post-61143417394601808442014-10-20T10:38:00.000-04:002014-10-20T10:38:15.501-04:00The easiest thing you can do to make a difference on your college campus<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Have you ever smiled at a baby who smiled back? </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></span> <span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">It's a pretty wonderful feeling. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></span> <span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">And it's something I do every chance I get (so far no parents have thought I was crazy...at least...I don't think... ;))</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></span> <span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">I travel a lot and there are a lot of little kids flying in and out of my hometown airport (also the hometown of a famous mouse). </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></span> <span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">And I love to smile at them. Because they always smile back. And it makes me happy, which is especially helpful during what can sometimes be the stressful hustle and bustle of travel. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></span> <span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">One of the reasons babies smile back, so I've read, are because of <b>mirror neurons.</b> It's the same thing that makes you model the expressions and emotions of people in movies (stop and notice your expression during a sad part of a movie...mirror neurons are for real!)</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">But I think it's also something else. Now I don't know exactly what babies are thinking, but I do think there'ssomething to the power of human attention. A smile with eye contact says, <i>"<b>I see you; you matter</b>." </i>I think, from cradle-to-grave, that is something we all crave every day. <i><br />
</i></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">And while I spend a lot of time speaking to faculty and staff about the importance of these kinds of habits when working with students, I also think it's something you can practice on campus.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
I'm not saying to walk through campus with some big fake smile plastered on your face (that would be creepy...) but I am saying, smile even when you don't feel like it. Notice people around you. </span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Instead of <b>burying your face in your phone </b>while walking to class and waiting around for the professor, try looking up and giving someone a small, authentic smile. Something that says <i>"Hi, I'm not crazy, I swear, just nice, just trying something this crazy blogger lady put into my head...also, I see you; you matter." </i>;)</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i><br />
</i></span></span> <span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Seriously, though. Try this. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i><br />
</i></span></span> <span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">When I was in high school I once read in a magazine that the best way to be popular was to smile. It wasn't talking about <b>the kind of "popular" </b>that requires money or rebellion. It was the kind where a lot of people, from all different walks of life and cliques, genuinely like you because you show that you care about them. You make<i> them</i> feel important. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></span> <span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">You have more power on your campus than you realize to affect things. The first section of <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Community-College-Success-Scholarships-Internships/dp/1935254626/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1410795876&sr=8-2&keywords=community+college" target="_blank">my book</a> is about "Peers" for a reason. You matter on your campus, and the way you show up and the attitude you bring affects others around you.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></span> <span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">You never know who might be on the brink of dropping out. Who might be going through a family tragedy. Or who might have just gotten a soul-crushing test grade. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Smile at people. <b>Make them feel important</b>. There are more students on your campus than you know who are just<i> dying </i>for someone to "say:"</span></span><br />
<br />
<i><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">I see you; you matter. </span></span></i>isaadneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00842605565848131412noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2294119990361417560.post-1037838701562140882014-10-14T11:21:00.000-04:002014-10-14T11:22:46.715-04:00What to say when someone invites you to something in college<b><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">YES!</span></span></b><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Let me explain. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Last week I woke up in such a good mood. It was just one of those days where you actually feel motivated and energized. I <i>work</i> like I feel that way every day, but I don't always <i>feel</i> that way. Today I did, and on days like that I don't like to be alone. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">So I texted a friend whom I know has some flexibility in her day (she's a college professor) and asked her if she wanted to meet me for tea that afternoon. I didn't have a car that day so I needed her to drive pretty far to come pick me up. I didn't think she'd be able to, but I had to ask because I really needed someone to bounce all the energy and ideas I was having off of. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">To my surprise, she said she'd head over soon to pick me up!</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">When I got in the car, I told her how excited I was that she just said yes, and she told me this:</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">"I made a rule for myself in college that <b>anytime someone invites me to something</b> I should just say 'yes,' and I still use that rule today."</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">I love this!</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">And okay, so of course there are exceptions. I'm not talking about dating or parties or doing anything dangerous or any other kind of other college shenanigans. ;) </span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Nor am I saying you need to say "Yes" to everything. You don't need to <i>do </i>everything in college. But when someone first invites you to something, you should make it a rule to say yes. The "rule" part helps re-train your brain that's probably conditioned to say 'no.' Your brain says, 'new is scary,' and 'routine is safe.'</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">And once you there it doesn't mean you have to keep saying yes - yes to the friendship, yes to joining a club, etc. But if you don't say yes initially, you'll never know what you might be missing. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">This is especially for all the commuters out there:</span></span><br />
<b><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></b>
<b><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Stop going to class and going home!</span></span></b><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">When someone invites you to a club meeting or event, <b>say yes and go.</b></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">When someone invites you to lunch or coffee, <b>say yes and go. </b></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">And if no one is inviting you, <b>start inviting other people</b> until someone says yes.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Don't take the no's personally, but don't be the one who's saying 'no' either.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Nine times out of ten you may not have a life-changing wonderful time. But you create opportunities for that one time that changes everything. That new best friend. That club you become an officer in that wins you a scholarship or gets you into your dream transfer university. That really fun time in college that you'll talk about for decades to come. That idea you get from a great conversation. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />When I started community college I just went to class and went home too. I didn't know there was more.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Then a girl invited me to a <a href="http://www.ptk.org/" target="_blank">Phi Theta Kappa</a> meeting. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">I said yes. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">I became an officer. Then President. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">At one of our Phi Theta Kappa meetings I learned about the <a href="http://www.jkcf.org/scholarship-programs/undergraduate-transfer/" target="_blank">Jack Kent Cooke Scholarship</a>.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">And then I won it - $110,000 that paid for my bachelor's degree and master's degree. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>That would have never happened if I'd said 'no.'</b></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Don't wait until you're not scared or it seems easy - because you might be waiting for ever.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b> </b></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Just say yes. </span></span>isaadneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00842605565848131412noreply@blogger.com0