Go to class. Go home. Go to class. Go home.
That is what I did in my first few weeks of community college. I didn't know any better.
But then a professor wrote two words on an essay that changed my life:
"See Me."
I was terrified. But I went to his office anyway to find out if I was failing miserably in college.
It turned out, however, that he wanted to tell me about the college's honors program and how I could join. He also told me how community college could be a launching point to wherever I wanted to go in my life.
He challenged me to be more, to do more, and to accomplish more.
That moment is what inspired the One Professor campaign that has today yielded over 500 videos from students across the country, sharing moments of how a professor has changed their life.
I've learned that I'm not the only one with moments like this. Students have shown us that professors are helping them reach their goals both inside and especially outside the classroom.
Most of the time it's those little moments of encouragement and advice that can make all the difference in a student's life.
The One Professor campaign continues, and it now offers the ability for you to honor your professor in just a few minutes without having to turn on your camera - simply go to PearsonStudents.com/OneProfessor and write a sentence or two about how a professor has made a difference in your life!
Your quote will be turned into a meme and be added to our Pinterest wall of quotes. Your professor will see the quote and be mailed a certificate of thanks.
So what are you waiting for? Take a few minutes and thank a professor for helping you get through this complicated journey called college, and become a part of this national movement. It would mean a lot to me as well.
I can't wait to read about you and your professor!
Fill out the form to thank your One Professor here.
It's mid-semester and chances are that means you have some essays due. Check out the video below from the Pearson Students blog for some tips to overcome writer's block and make your essay process yield less stress and better grades.
For most community college students, searching for scholarships is about taking action to do the right things in college in order to find and win the best transfer scholarships. The tips in this video can also help students who hope to win graduate school scholarships.
Choosing a major is one of the most important choices you'll make in college. Some say it doesn't matter, but I think it does.
But I don't think it's about choosing the major that has the potential to make you the most money. I think you should choose a major based on something else.
Check out the video below from the Pearson Students Blog to find out what you should think about when choosing the right major for you:
In my book and speeches I'm often encouraging students to get involved in order to avoid “drive-thru” education. Why? Because getting involved in your college experience outside the classroom via clubs leads to scholarships, vital friendships, and resume-building experience.
However, there are some students who get too involved. Over the years I’ve met a few overachievers who try to do too much at the expense of their grades.
Here is a quick test to know if you’re too involved:
If you are involved in clubs...
1) Are you getting straight A’s?
2) Day to day do you feel generally stress-free?
If you answered “no” to either of the questions above then you might be too involved.
Getting involved should never get in the way of your grades. In many ways I think getting involved can improve your grades by increasing your engagement and interest in your overall college experience.
However, the second you notice you’re not investing the necessary time towards your classes it’s time to step down from your involvement and get your grades back on top before you get involved again.
You are capable of getting straight-A’s. It’s all about investing the time necessary and choosing classes that interest you. Over-involvement is never a good excuse for not giving your classes your 100%.
The good news is you don't have to be involved in a lot of clubs for extra-curricular involvement to pay off. It’s actually much more lucrative to be the president of one club then be a member in a few.
For example, when I was in community college I was the president of our Phi Theta Kappa chapter.
And that’s it.
Being involved in that one organization led to my winning the $110,000 Jack Kent Cooke scholarship.
At my transfer university I became an orientation leader for transfer students.
And that’s it.
Being involved in that one organization and working hard in class led to my being the commencement speaker and wining the $3,000 top award given to one senior at graduation.
In short, focus on quality over quantity.
And I’m not telling you this so you think I’m awesome (though, hey, that would be a cool side effect), but to let you know that this is possible for you too.
You have the capacity to be a leader and get amazing grades.
But if ever the grades are sliding because of the involvement, it’s time to resign and focus on your coursework until you’re back on top of it.
If you’re feeling overwhelmed right now, find a mentor in your student life office or seek out a professor during office hours to ask for advice on how you can better manage your time.
And don't be afraid to limit your involvement for a time if needed in order to improve your grades. Grades come first.
