My younger cousin will be heading off to school in the fall. He is so excited – I am equally excited for him! It seems as though it was only yesterday that I was making that huge step to The Fort Valley State University. Through high school I always had a mentor to guide my success and insure that I stayed ahead of the crowd. Once you fall behind, it could be agony to get back where you need to be. I had a guidance counselor, Mrs. J, who was more like a mother-figure to me. She would pull me out of class to ask about my homework and to ensure that I was getting all I needed. She retired last year. The school system of Clayton County lost one of the greatest then. Mrs. J was a mature graduate from Oakwood University in Alabama. She was a strong advocate for promoting her students to attend HBCUs (historically black colleges and universities), but she did not discourage the advantages of attending a PWI (predominately white institution). There are pros and cons to both – Do your research!
What do I do now? Find a mentor: It is great in knowing someone that does the job or works in the career field in which you are aspiring. They can give advice, internships, scholarships, and more. Study: You are in school to obtain an education and a degree. Study as much as you can for as long as you can! In certain fields, additional training is necessary for advancement so get on it. Money Matters: So when it comes time for financial aid, APPLY EARLY! The earlier, the better and if you apply in sufficient time, if there are any errors, you’ll be able to have them corrected. What are errors, Zo? I am glad you asked. When you submit your FAFSA or Federal application for student aid, it is reviewed by your school’s financial aid department. Often times, as students are keying the information – they leave out or key items in error. When this is done it creates an error. The error is must then be corrected. Students are typically notified by mail, email or in rare occasions by telephone when these items occur.
I was involved with a non-profit organization called Next Step Saturday Academy. Next Step provided insightful guidance when it came to selecting an institution of higher learning and test preparation for the ACT and SAT. The academy met every Saturday and although it was filled with instruction and activities – our counselors always made time for fun. We would have parties, success galas (displaying our awards from schools), trips around Atlanta, and things of the like. Many of the students were from Clayton and Henry counties; there were a few students from South Fulton County.
During college, besides the tests, quizzes, and projects, you will be presented with several opportunities to get involved. Most campuses have a student government association or SGA. SGA is the governing body for the institution by the students. Many schools, such as The Fort Valley State University gives the task of planning homecoming to SGA. The students of SGA are directly linked to the campus. They are aware of what the campus wants – so there are able to deliver. Other organizations such as religious groups provide the spiritual support that one may miss by being away from their home churches or places of worship. These groups typically meet once per week and some even go on trips.
If joining those organizations are not enough: there is Greek-life. On several campuses around the United States, Greek letter organizations rule the yards with political, social, and educational activities. The history of Greek-life dates back to Phi Beta Kappa Society in December of 1776. On the collegiate realm, the first historically black fraternity is Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Incorporated founded on December 4th, 1906 at Cornell University in Ithaca, New York. After Alpha Phi Alpha, several other Black Greek letter organizations began to blossom with similar ideals and missions of brotherhood and sisterhood. One of the most important things about selecting a Greek Letter Organization to become a member of is that you RESEARCH. Know what you are joining. Be able to recite the founders, mission and motto – this is your organization, know about it!
Finally, take your time and make sure that you are majoring in something that you will be able to utilize in society. Be a positive contribution and know that you are on your way to becoming an ideal citizen. I don’t care if you graduate with a B.S or B.A in 3 years or 6 years – a degree is a degree. I will guarantee that you will make mistakes while on your road to success, the good thing about that is – “Life doesn’t need an eraser. If we spell it wrong the first time, you can always rewrite it.” – Zo Summer 2010
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