It's Never To Late

To pick yourself up

By: L'Asia Brown

Posted: 4/30/08

As the school year comes to a close, it is a great time to review your progress, assess your strengths and weaknesses, set goals, and construct action plans to ensure those goals are met. We all possess differing fortes, preferences, and habits, but it is possible to achieve greatness regardless of your chosen educational pathway. There is no logical excuse in the world to be on academic probation or suspension, especially for those who reside on campus and have no other worries in life but to focus on their academics. Parties, peers, and pretty weather are common springtime determents and many students find fun alternatives to going to class. Although college is supposed to be the greatest time of our lives, there can be serious consequences to neglecting what we actually worked so hard to get here for, and that is being able to graduate equipped with a degree and a professional discipline… not two kids, a DUI charge, and a $20,000 student loan bill. Fortunately when a student falls into less than honorable circumstances, there are options he or she can pursue that can enable that person to get back on track. Mistakes are human, repeated mistakes are…well…stupid.

Academics are perhaps the single most important aspect of our college career. Although social involvement, community service, and career experience make a resume wholesome, a decent GPA serves as a plush cushion to those who may not have had the chance or willpower to step outside their comfort zones and into the world of people. Whether you are graduating and entering the job market or returning to continue your education…it isn't over. You will always need to improve yourself, your habits, and your qualifications to stay afloat in a more and more competitive and technologically advanced market. At the end of each semester, complete a detailed assessment of your entire college career. What is your GPA? Has it risen, fallen, or stagnated? What can you do to improve it? In what courses did you do well? What courses could you have improve? By asking yourself these questions you can help to generate noticeable improvements in the following semester. Surprisingly, your exact class structure can contribute to your progress. If you are not a morning person, please don't take an 8:00am course. If you enjoy your evenings, why sit through a 5:15-7:15? If you are aware that you enjoy lots of shopping, partying, and BFF time, it isn't smart to load up with 21 credits. Avoid taking courses just because your friends or partners are taking them. You may not be genuinely interested, and this will deter your attention and focus.

Summer school is a great option to those who may not have performed well during the traditional academic year. It allows you to take as little as one class, which can relieve the pressure of multiple deadlines and expensive books. Receiving an "A" in a 4 credit Biology class can significantly aid your GPA. Although it can be expensive, financial aid may be able to accommodate you or at least help you cover some of the costs.

Social involvement is always a plus. Whether you are involved with SAC, SGA, a modeling troupe, or Greek life it is great to be able to network with others who enjoy similar interests. It shows diversity and variation in your personality, which is attractive to future employers, especially if the career involves working with others. College shouldn't be entirely about hardcore studying and perfect grades. It is about learning valuable real world skills, discipline, and professionalism. Credible memberships allow those outside your familiar circle to identify certain morals and values within you. community service is an important resume factor. In actuality, it represents a will to ensure that you are making an impact upon your community. Also, because community service isn't a paid venture, it makes a statement about your dedication to a specific cause. Many scholarships are geared towards those who serve extensive amounts of community service.

It is never too late to begin making internal improvements. Students are quick to spend that refund check on those new J's or that hot new handbag, so apply that same gusto attitude to upping your GPA by a couple tenths or joining an association. When the frat parties, homecomings, and football games die down, make sure you continue to stand.