Getting into college is one thing, succeeding is another. Juggling demanding courses, often part-time or full-time work, and all the social distractions can make academic achievement a challenge. It takes commitment, determination and a strong support network to maintain good grades. THE BLACK COLLEGIAN has highlighted a few students who shared their secrets to academic success.
"Success is to be measured not so much by the position that one has reached in life as by the obstacles which he has overcome while trying to succeed."
- Booker T. Washington (1856-1915)
We salute our Academic All-Stars:
Joshua Latson
Age: 20
College: Bentley University
Major: Economics-Finance
GPA in Major: 4.0
"I lost my mother to cancer during my freshmen year. She was always instrumental in my academic success. I was the first of her children to go to college and her face lit up when I got into a good school and got a good scholarship. When I'm having a hard time with school, I hear her telling me she is proud of me," says Latson. His secret for good grades? "I read assignments before class so that I have a solid grasp of core concepts, so that class sessions simply serve as review and ensure the material stays engrained in my memory." He makes sure he's clear about the professor's expectations. "Once you know, it's not difficult to meet them." Latson studies 20-40 hours during weeks when there are multiple exams. He prefers studying alone.
Economics couples his passion for psychology and business. He plans to pursue a consulting career and get an MBA. He works 15 hours a week as a financial analyst. This summer he studied at the London School of Economics and Political Science and traveled to Italy. He enjoys volunteering with Big Brother. He and his long time best friend who attends Harvard keep each other pumped up. He manages to find time to play pick up games of basketball and football. But time management is critical. "It's about keeping your eyes on the prize."
Breana Jones
Age: 20
College: Agnes Scott College
Major: Religious Studies
GPA in Major: 4.0
Breana Jones spends 10-15 hours each week just reading assigned texts. She takes detailed notes and reviews them frequently. "It is a job in itself to be able to have the knowledge base to engage in intellectual discussions in class," says Jones. What lead her to religious studies and a double minor in sociology/anthology and human rights? "To improve the social climate of the world, people must be more knowledgeable about the core of their fellow man."
She sees herself working as an environmental or human rights lawyer later. For now, she works 16-20 hours in customer service. Jones has volunteered for Hagar's House and Project Take Care, which focus on homeless issues. She has a simple rule that's kept her sane. She never does homework on Friday or Saturday. That's her time for friends and family. She's grateful for her parents. "They don't pressure me. They encourage me to do my best, rather than striving for perfection."
Robert Johnson
Age: 22
College: Eastern Illinois University
Major: Mathematics with Teacher Certification
GPA in Major: 4.0
The love affair with numbers started when Robert Johnson's father taught him how to add and subtract in kindergarten using bottle caps. "I have always excelled in math and known it was my calling," says Johnson. He's not afraid to spend several hours daily studying. "Math is not something you can squeak your way through barely understanding concepts. It's like a bank account. You can only withdraw if you put in."
He spends 25 hours a week working three jobs, as a tutor in the university's math department, a night assistant at school and a private tutor. Johnson, who is president of Kappa Mu Epsilon (Math Honor Society), coaches a high school junior varsity softball team. He works out a few times a week, is a fan of the "Rocky" movie series and gets in time with friends. His ultimate goal is to get his doctorate in math. Johnson balances fun and school. "I know that the decisions I make now will affect me for the rest of my life, so I do my best to stay out of situations that could adversely affect my future." Brothers Renault and Reginald, both college graduates, set the example and keep him focused. And then there's his mother, "We talk every morning. She's been my inspiration. She ends every conversation with, ‘I'm proud of you, keep working at it.'"
Ashley Brantley
Age: 21
College: California State University, Long Beach
Major: Nursing
GPA in major: 4.0
Ashley Brantley is on a mission. "I don't want to disappoint my family and friends. They keep me motivated to continue to excel in school," she says. Early in life her mother instilled in her the importance of education. Nursing appeals to her, she says, because it is a diverse profession and will offer the opportunity to work in hospitals, schools, teach, or consult.
She doesn't mind working hard and spends 12-20 hours a week studying and 12 hours working. Brantley volunteers as a peer advisor for the President's Scholar program at school, helping students transition from high school to college. She makes time for fun. You'll catch her watching basketball and college football, working out in the gym or fishing. How has she mastered the college game? "I prioritize by setting short-term goals." She also holds fast to Malcolm X's words, "Education is the passport to the future, for tomorrow belongs to those who prepare for it today."
Steven Lloyd Sanders
Age: 21
College: VanderCook College of Music
Major: Music Education
GPA in Major: 4.02
"I never thought I would go to college," says Sanders. "My piano teacher mentioned this school to me, I auditioned and got in," says the percussionist. To what does he attribute academic success? Hard work. "I was not born a genius. In fact, I have to dig deeper than the normal person to get the right answer. I'm persistent. If there is an answer, I'll find it." Organization counts. "If you understand what the most important thing is at any given moment, you will never waste time."
Sanders has none to waste. He practices 30-40 hours a week. He gigs around Chicago, teaches one day a week and helps out marching band directors. He dreams of teaching elementary students in Chicago's public schools. Though he volunteers a lot of time for religious activities, he roller skates three times a week and is part of Chicago's Rich Boys skaters. Sanders is motivated by his family. "My parents sacrificed a lot for me to go to school. I have to hit the books so their efforts are not in vain." Every semester he has a binder with a see-through pouch on the front where he puts sayings, proverbs and quotes to keep him going. This semester it's Usain Bolt with the quote, "The future belongs to me because I believe in the beauty of my dreams."
Rebecca Hicks
Age: 20
College: California State University, Long Beach
Major: Computer Engineering and Computer Science
GPA in both majors: 4.0
During the summer when Rebecca Hicks was 13, her parents enrolled her in a programming introduction class at a community college. "I have been hooked ever since," says Hicks. With a double major she has her hands full. She's come up with a strategy that works. She rarely misses class and does all homework, whether suggested or assigned. "I do my best to stay aware of how much I understand concepts and information discussed in class and seek help from the teacher if necessary," says Hicks. She studies at last one subject area every weeknight until she feels comfortable with the material.
Hicks made a conscious decision not to work. She is on an eight semester scholarship and wants to finish on time. She wants to become a software engineer. Though serious, Hicks is also a member of an intramural volleyball team. For all that she's achieved, she gives big thanks for her parents and sister. "Without them, school would be much more difficult."
Geneva Tucker
Age: 40
College: University of Phoenix, Greater Boston campus
Major: MBA with Healthcare Management
GPA in Major: 4.0
Geneva Tucker is married, the mother of a 4 and 15 year-old, works full time as a project coordinator and is quite the juggler. "I have to pace myself over the week dividing my time between home, work, and school. I study whenever and wherever I can. I utilize every minute of the day," says Tucker. She returned to school to get her MBA because she found even after completing her bachelor's she was still lacking what she needed to move up. "I'm hoping that when I get my MBA I'll be in a better position for a promotion."
She has time to play no games. "Be honest and up front with your instructors. If you think you need extra time to complete an assignment, tell them what's going on. Often they'll grant you what you need." Having a good rapport works in your favor. Without question, she would not be where she is without the support of her family and her employer. "My husband is at the top of the list of supporters. It can be tough on him to pick up the slack, but he does so because he knows how important it is for me to finish my degree."
