Thriving in Higher Education

“Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.” 

― Nelson Mandela

I have been exceedingly fortunate to have an opportunity to teach on a collegiate level.  In my short professional career, I have noticed that some students have fallen through the “cracks” and not reached their goal of graduation.  I offer five helpful tips to assist those in college and/or those considering higher education as a viable option.

Communication 
Most students DON’T communicate with their instructors/professors, advisers and etc. No one can help you, if you don’t ask for it.  Education is about information. When students choose not to communicate, they ultimately will miss information that will help them later in their career. If a class is difficult, communicate with the instructor/professor before the class starts. Inform them you will need additional support in that particular class. Get into the habit of clear and open communication.  You will soon realize the instructor/professor has your best interest in mind.

Stay Career Focus
Each class, each semester, ask yourself one question: “What did I do this semester to get the job I want”? Most students try to float through classes, hustling for the best possible grade – with the least amount of work. You need to keep your career in the forefront of your mind. If you don’t have to read the book for a particular class, then read the book anyway. Gain the knowledge you need to master that subject area. Education goes beyond the classroom. Please understand, it is not the school’s responsibility to get you a job, it’s YOUR responsibility to get you a job! Start researching your profession while you are in school.

Be More Proactive
Too many students have a “hand-out” mentality. They wait until someone gives them an assignment to start the process of learning. This mentality is not effective. Instead, have a  “ hand-up” mentality. Start raising your “hand-up” to participate in different clubs and school events. Consider volunteering within your local community to gain practical experience that will help advance your career.  You are paying for college; now take FULL advantage of your opportunity.  Stop studying just for the test, but instead, study to gain knowledge to master your field of choice. Again, education is about one word: information. If you have the correct information, then you will be paid very well to share that information.  Don’t just sit around waiting for opportunities; start creating your own opportunities. This will help you create your own luck!

Why? 
Please have a clear understanding of WHY you are attending school. Some students are attending college to get a job that pays well.  Some students attend college because of tradition established by friends and family.  On the other hand, some attend college to discover themselves. Whatever your reason is, please ensure your reason is strong enough to help you triumph over the obstacles you may experience along the way. Please choose friends that will help you fuel your WHY and as a result, you can help them do the same. Too often, I have seen good students dragged down by negative, non-motivated students. If your WHY is always in the front of your mind, then students, teachers, advisers or financial aid officers will NOT be able to stop your success.  Understanding the WHY of your college education will help you reach and surpass your goals.

Stop Complaining!
Every year, the month of May is “Hunting Season”.  That’s right…… “Hunting Season”!  In the month of May, thousands of college graduates throughout the country are “Hunting” for jobs.  The job market is tough for many college graduates in the United States. One way to ensure you decrease your chances of getting the job you want is constantly complaining.  Here is my observation: The students that complain the most do the least and are always unprepared.  Teachers don’t fail students, students fail students. Please…don’t leave your education and career in the hands of a school.  You have total control of what you learn every semester.  If you don’t understand a particular subject, don’t complain-instead move toward action. Ask your instructor, your department chair, adviser, other instructors in the program, your dean, your peers, get a tutor, or go online for help. Please realize when it is all said and done- this is your education.

“Get information - use knowledge - be educated”!

       
    Regards,

        ~ Ron S. Lewis, PhD. Candidate (2015)