Young man tries to move a boulder. Boulder does not budge. Mom asks, "Are you using all of your strength?" Young man lowers his shoulder, braces his foot against the ground and presses... No movement... Mother asks again, "Are you using all of your strength?" Son, takes a deep breath, hunkers down in what might be reminiscent of a football or rugby position and leaning against the rock pushes with all his might bearly budging the big rock. Mother asks, "Are you using all of your strength?" A bit irritated the young man says, "YES MOM, I am using all of my strength!" Mother replies, "No you haven't. You did not ask for help."
Sometimes we act as if we are independent islands, solely and wholly responsible, or, not at all responsible ("not my problem"). The truth is, we are all connected and it serves us to use all of the resources available or at least some of the resources available. Do you use your Academic Center? Can you use the internet differently?
Aside from your favorite music video, Youtube has many study resources, tips and tricks available. You may be surprised at what comes up when you go to youtube or google and do a search for "Study tips" or "Math tips." Want a chuckle down as you buckle down to learn, do a search on "Math Rap." Resources abound, just verify with your professor or advisor the accuracy or what you view and plow ahead.
Skype and ooVoo make it possible for study groups to gather together virtually from all over the country, perhaps the world over, surely you can connect with a classmate. You can have fun while getting your work done. Add it to what you already do. Most students just don't put enough time in to begin with to be maximally successful. Next time you surf the net, remember your classes.
Go to your or another college website and cruise the resources. Again, do an internet search. It is amazing how many free lectures you can find when you look. "itunes" seems to be a favorite medium for professors. I am not saying you can get free credit but it is great to be able to capitalize on lectures from colleges and universities including Ivy league institutions. Incidentally, I am not saying you can't find "free" or low cost credits either. Ever heard of the CLEP Test? You might want to look into it.
Clifton McKnight is an educator, counselor, personal coach, author and keynote speaker. Follow him on Facebook, Twitter and other social media. Visit his site at
www.motivision.net
Whether you are in college, in high school or transferring to another institution, there just may be resources for you if you are welling to find them.
To get you started, here are a few resources made known to me by a good friend and retired professional in a recent communication (Thank you Keno). The Network Journal list Scholarships for all students and some specifically for African American students. (Click here). See list.
Many institutions offer resource lists. Montgomery College, Maryland, offers a variety of possibilities.
The Society for Hispanic Engineers Foundation compiled a list as well (Click Here). Also be sure to note the scholar internships on their site.
To do a general search try scholarsite.com . Many resources are FREE. All you need invest is your time and effort. So, "How bad do you want it?"
- Clifton McKnight is an author, educator, counselor, personal coach and keynote speaker. Follow him on Facebook, Twitter and other (social)media. Visit his site at motivision.net.
