🎓 From Academic Abyss to Scholarly Soar: My Journey at Southern Illinois University 🚀
In 1966, as summer embraced the air, my band, The Messengers, dissolved, leaving me at a crossroads. With a little cash in hand, I enrolled in summer school with dreams of academic glory. But alas, the siren call of parties, pursuits, and the allure of libations led me astray, resulting in dismal grades that shook the foundation of my collegiate ambitions.
🔔 However, the wake-up call came swiftly as the Dean of Students summoned me, questioning my commitment to academia. Determined to redeem myself, I vowed to fly right, and fly right I did. With grit and determination, I ascended from academic abyss to the lofty heights of scholarly success, achieving Bs,
As, and ultimately, a coveted spot among the four-point elite.
📚 Southern Illinois University became my sanctuary, my haven of knowledge, and my playground of learning. Dr. Delyte Morris, the visionary president, took me under his wing, recognizing my fervor for leadership and thirst for knowledge.
As a student ambassador, I became intimately acquainted with every nook and cranny of our sprawling campus, regaling visitors with tales of our esteemed institution.
🌟 But my pursuit of excellence didn't stop there. I embraced the art of selective learning, auditing classes to discern the crème de la crème of educators. I sought out professors who didn't just teach but inspired, who didn't just impart knowledge but ignited passion.
🎙️ It was in the realm of speech that I found my calling, under the tutelage of Professor Paul Hibbs. His convocation series, a weekly pilgrimage for 5,000 freshmen, became my sanctuary of enlightenment. And as I delved into the world of current events, devouring every morsel of information, I realized that my journey wasn't just about academic accolades—it was about becoming wise.
🌐 Today, as I reflect on those formative years at Southern Illinois University, I am filled with gratitude for the opportunities, the mentors, and the lessons that shaped me. For it was there, in the hallowed halls of academia, that I discovered the true power of knowledge and the boundless potential of the human spirit.
#AcademicJourney#SIUPride#NeverStopLearning
It's 1966, it's summer, the band has just been vaporized. And I said, well, I got a little bit of money in the bank, I'm going to go to summer school and I'll start in summer school. But I didn't know that I would be partying Harding and chasing women and drinking just a little bit. And it made a mistake because I got atrocious grades. I've done really well at the end of high school. And Mr. Odorizzi, the principal, said you really got potential, kid, and I thought it was going to be a nice float. When I got to college was not at the end of the first quarter, my grades were so abysmal, so abominable that I got called in by the Dean of students. Dean of students, says Mr. Hanson. I don't think you really want to be here, do you? I said no, no, no, no. I do, I do, I do. I'll straighten up. I'll fly right. And then I started, you know, getting really good grades, bees and then A's and finally living pretty much at the time of the four point. But the point is, I'm there and I love this school. I'm wearing the T-shirt. Southern Illinois University. It is a big university. We've got an extraordinary president, this guy named Doctor Delight Morris, who befriended me overtime because I I took leadership role everywhere I went. First of all, I was so keen on being a student ambassador. I took people on tours of this giant school that had 64,000 people and a million book library, the third million book library in America. And, and I knew everything about the school and I was meeting everybody that was anybody in school because what Doctor Morris did is when. Everybody got fired today. We called ageism at 65 at Harvard, Stanford, Wharton, Yale, all the Big Eight schools. He would ask them to come down to SIU and continue their practice and publish their and write there and teach there. So I had the best students because what I did, I learned early in that freshman year, do not take the class. Here's all the classes that are mandated on this schedule. But because it was such a big school, there may be 8 to 18 people teaching that class. I ordered it every class. In between my classes, I went in and sat in and looked at this guy, That guy, this lady, that Lady. They were atrocious. Most of them didn't love the subject. They didn't live it at a soul level. I picked the people that were the best of the best. I didn't care that they were Harvard or Stanford or Yale. Now at SIU, I cared. Is this guy or lady a great and inspiring teacher? Can they implode me with such information? You can't believe it. And then I got the in the speech and this guy, Professor Paul Hibbs, I've got his book in my library here. He wrote a love note to me in his great book about what he expected from me. But Paul Hibbs ran a convocation center that 5000 freshmen had to take every week. And you had to punch your little card that you attended, whether it was Jane Fonda. Whether it was a general from a war, whether it was whomever you had to go. So every week it expanded. Now I'm the only guy that attended that communication series forever because delight. Morris wanted everyone to be a collectively wise. He was an L&S liberal arts and science. He made us read Newsweek and Time. Which one wins conservative ones liberal that's now switched, but then get tested on it every week and 1/2 hour class. Otherwise you didn't get to graduate. I always got A's in that because I loved. Current event. I loved learning all the stuff that my parents couldn't have taught me because they were not myopic. They just were doing everything they could just to put a roof over her head and feed my brothers and me. And they did a splendid job and loved us. But I said someday I'm going to grow up. I want to be intelligent, smart, and more importantly, wise.
I Automate Your Businesses | Brain Coach | Polymath | Relentless Creator of Love, Wealth, and Connections | Owner/Co-Owner of 21 websites and growing | Global Keynote Speaker | Multi-Bestselling Author | Cool Dad/Husband
From Living in Compton area to the CEO of a public company at 39 | Transformational CEO | Mentor | Board Member | Strategic Investor | International Speaker | Mentored by some of the best business minds in the world
#freesmoke Friday:
#recruiters and #talentacquisition are #students with stellar grades at the top of your #recruiting list?
Do you need to expand your recruitment efforts to find them?
Have no idea where to start?
Here's a barebones strategy:
💡Leverage the work the universities are already doing.
When President's and Dean's Lists are released, just read it.
Yes, you will have to do a little work and scan Handshake and LinkedIn to find the students.
But for your troubles, these are the students with stellar grades who I would follow for future #internships and early talent roles.
I'm following Selena Basden, KaPri Burden, and Brian Koringo - are you?
#hbcus | #whynothbcus
March 1, 2024
#JSUStudents: Jackson State University proudly announces over 1500 students have achieved President's or Dean's List honors for Fall 2023. Among these scholars are Selena Basden, KaPri Burden, and Brian Koringo, who have excelled academically and shown exceptional leadership and involvement in extracurricular activities. Their stories share that success is attainable through perseverance and dedication.
Higher Education and Digital Marketing and Digital Engagement Expert. I build community for dads to gain resources and skills to better themselves for their families.
Tune in to the University of Michigan-Flint Graduate Programs Victors in Grad School latest episode as we sit down with Dr. Jennifer Blackwood PT, PhD, GCS, CEEAA to uncover her remarkable journey through higher education, the value of strong educator-student relationships, and strategies for succeeding in graduate school. Whether you're considering grad school or seeking insight into the educational landscape, this conversation is a goldmine of wisdom and encouragement.
🔑 Key Takeaways:
- The *Quality of Educators Over Campus Aesthetics*: Dr. Blackwood advises prospective graduate students to delve into faculty excellence, emphasizing that the people, not the place, propel student success.
- *Resilience Through Challenges*: Learn how setbacks are not roadblocks but rather stepping stones in your professional journey, and hear how Dr. Blackwood navigated her own challenges with tenacity.
- *Mentorship and Community*: Discover the critical role of mentorship, socialization, and service experiences in academic programs to foster professional and personal growth.
🎓 Dr. Blackwood's experiences - from overcoming initial rejection from a PT program to completing her PhD while also working and raising a family - are testament to *what can be achieved with focus and support*.
🎧 Don't miss this insightful conversation on higher education and mentorship.
LISTEN HERE: https://lnkd.in/gesySqms#EducationPodcast#HigherEducation#GraduateSchool#Mentorship#PhysicalTherapy#UniversityOfMichigan#Resilience#FacultyExcellence#GraduateSuccess
Here's what they won't tell you about Universities and Colleges, but I will-
Recently, I completed my freshman year at the University of Minnesota Crookston and learned a few things. If you are also planning to attend a university soon, here are a few things to keep in mind:
1) 𝐁𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐢𝐧 𝐆𝐞𝐧𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐥 𝐂𝐫𝐞𝐝𝐢𝐭𝐬: I came to the US without any high school or AP credits. Looking back, it may not have been the smartest move, but it's not a deal breaker. As someone who loves to learn and adapt quickly, my first year academically didn't feel like much of a challenge. I did learn a few things, but most of my classes were either general or something I had already covered in high school, which makes sense since the first year is supposed to be a year of general learning. I haven't really delved deep into my core major yet. So, if you are in high school right now, make sure to finish those Public Speaking, composition, and College Level Algebra classes. They will help you save time and money when you attend your dream university.
2) 𝐂𝐡𝐨𝐨𝐬𝐞 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐚𝐝𝐯𝐢𝐬𝐨𝐫: After you choose your college, you will be assigned an advisor who will mentor you throughout your 4 years at college. They will assist you with almost everything and do everything in their power to ensure you graduate with all the necessary requirements within your desired timeframe. It's important to choose your advisor wisely, and if you are not satisfied, you can usually request a different one. Fortunately, my advisor has always been a great help and a huge asset to my journey here at the university.
3) 8 𝐀𝐌 𝐜𝐥𝐚𝐬𝐬𝐞𝐬: Yeah, don't sign up for 8 am classes, you will not go after a few weeks.
𝐅𝐨𝐥𝐥𝐨𝐰 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐑𝐞𝐩𝐨𝐬𝐭 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐚 𝐬𝐮𝐫𝐩𝐫𝐢𝐬𝐞 𝐢𝐧 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐃𝐌 🤫 Comment your thoughts!
𝘊𝘩𝘦𝘤𝘬 𝘰𝘶𝘵, 𝘩𝘦𝘳𝘦: 𝘩𝘵𝘵𝘱𝘴://𝘵𝘰𝘱𝘮𝘢𝘵𝘦.𝘪𝘰/𝘢𝘺𝘶𝘴𝘩𝘬𝘦𝘦
#UniversityLife#HigherEducation#AcademicSuccess#StudentLife#CollegeExperience#CareerDevelopment#dreamuniversity#Harvard#Stanford#UniversityofMinnesota
College Applications: Eye on Ivy!
Ever pictured yourself walking the prestigious grounds of your ideal university? Climbing the ladder of academia can feel intimidating, but don’t fret! This session is your ultimate guide to navigating the ever-evolving world of higher education and turning those college dreams into reality.
Consider this your roadmap to landing that acceptance letter. We'll explore the important steps, from igniting your intellectual fire – that burning curiosity that fuels your academic journey – to crafting a college list that's both strategically smart and perfectly tailored to you.
As we get on this journey together, remember, every step is a triumph. With dedication, perseverance, and a well-honed strategy, you'll get to your dream university. This is more than just an acceptance letter; it's the beginning of an educational journey that will transform you. So, grab your metaphorical backpack, fellow dreamers – the journey starts now!
Date: Saturday, May 4th, 2024
Time: 9:15 am to 10:00 am
Location: University of Maryland Campus - please meet me at the Adele H. Stamp building highlighted below.
My first semester of Ph.D. classes is in the books! This semester I took Diversity in American Higher Education with Laura Harrison and History and Philosophy of American Higher Education with Peter Mather. Both classes were really interesting. While it is challenging to balance working full-time with taking 2 doctorate-level classes, I love being in the program so far! I also taught two learning community classes in the evenings this semester on top of my day job, so this semester was busy, busy, busy!
There are 9 of us in my cohort and everyone has several years of higher education experience, which makes the classroom discussions interesting and lively. There is a wealth of accumulated knowledge and lived experiences in the classroom and it's unlike anything I've experienced before. Tony Gregory, Aaron Sturgill, Elizabeth Guarino, M.Ed., Timothy Goheen, Debbie Arnold, M.Ed., Almar Walter, Maureen Wagner and Wade Harrison are a great group and I look forward to taking more classes with them over the next few years.
Next semester I'm taking Organization and Governance of Higher Education with Nicholas Stroup and International and Comparative Higher Education with Lijing Yang.
I still have some time before I need to decide on a dissertation topic. Going into the program, I was thinking of doing something with mindset management and student success. While I'm still very interested in this subject, I'm now leaning toward the topic of my theoretical framework paper from Laura's class this semester: Understanding the Student Success Factors of Low-Income, First-Generation Appalachian College Students Utilizing Yasso's Community Cultural Wealth Model. I was really into all the research I conducted for that paper and could see where gaps exist in the current literature. And maybe I'll change my mind later on. I don't have this thing all mapped out; I'm just taking it day by day. The same with my career path going forward - Other than knowing I want to work in higher education, I don't have a set job title I'm looking for after I have my Ph.D. I figure when the right job opens up at the right time, I will know. And it's going to be several years before I finish. For now, I love my current job in the BAACS office in the College of Business at Ohio University!
I am happy to share that I have completed my first year in the Doctorate in Education program at Saint Mary's College of California! As a Latino in education who turned doubt into belief, this milestone is more than just a year of hard work—it's a testament to my long journey to self-discovery and perseverance.
Throughout my academic career, I struggled to create a successful student identity. All I knew was failure and doubt. From being told to repeat fourth grade, having to transfer high schools due to poor academic grades then later being advised to consider a continuation school in high school, the message was clear: school wasn't for me. While these challenges broke me down numerous times, I was fortunate enough to have found strong supporters and advocates later in my academic journey who championed me, ensuring my success and well-being. Because deep down, I knew that school was meant for me and that I had the potential to thrive in an academic setting.
From hating school to now being enrolled in a doctorate program, I’ve learned to celebrate each milestone, no matter how small. For me, redefining success means recognizing and valuing all the wins and even losses. Victories such as completing my first year in a doctorate program are significant milestones in my journey toward success, each one a step forward in a journey that once seemed impossible.
Today, I celebrate this milestone with a reflection of my progress. Every setback, every moment of doubt, was a step towards building the resilience and determination that contributed to my success today. It’s important to recognize and celebrate each milestone, no matter how small, as they form the foundation of our accomplishments. Although the road may not be perfectly paved, each experience, each struggle, has played a pivotal role in shaping the individual I am today.
#DownloadingDrSanchez
the Record 10 TIME @SantaRosaJC AA Degree & @SonomaStateUniversity alumni, Retired @USArmy 1SG, current @UNCCharlotte #GradSchool student & #ActuallyAutistic.
Alright, let's talk about the academic rollercoaster I am riding on as a student at a Russell Group University (A group of top-ranked universities in the UK).
I landed in the UK all excited and happy and then the Research-based assessments hit me! Let me tell you, this was a first for me, I had never done this before.
Back home, assignments were like a rehearsed routine with textbooks and the Internet. However, in universities here, it's a completely new experience, more like creating a unique masterpiece.
Initially, I was confused and didn't know where to start but as I got into it I learned more, and I still am. Research and journal articles become this mountain to climb, and sometimes it feels like I'm carrying it on my back. But when you reach the summit, you feel accomplished - it’s the same. It is something that I do on my own and it is something that I can call mine.
Sure, it's not always rainbows and unicorns. There are moments when I'm drowning in paragraphs, and deadlines are on the way. Yet, there's a thrill in owning that piece of work. And so far my school has made sure that every module is planned well so that we students can prepare in advance.
The cool part?
These top institutions don't just throw you in the deep end; they hand you a shovel and say, "Dig in". And don't worry if you score less than your expectations, for once my professor Natasha Clennell wrote "Keep some perspective. Remember, you are studying at a Russell Group university and the standards are pretty high".
So, here's to the late-night research sessions, the 'aha' moments, and the satisfaction of creating something more than just words on paper. 📚✨
University of Liverpool Management School#Assignments#RussellGroupUniversities#UniversityofLiverpool#UniversityofLiverpoolManagementSchool#Grades#UKMasters#MastersDegree#Research#UKJobs#InternationalStudents#UnitedKingdom
Why choosing a small liberal arts college over a T30 was the best decision ever! 🎓
Let me take you behind the scenes of my journey and why my decision of studying at Beloit College was a game-changer:
✅ The small class sizes make sure that you're receiving individualized attention. There hasn't been any single instance so far, where I didn't have to speak up in class.
✅ The professors actually give a damn about you. They know your name, your goals, and your quirks. I’ve had more one-on-one time with my professors here than I could’ve ever imagined at a larger school.
✅ You get to be a part of an extremely tight-knit community—everyone knows everyone. Thus, it makes it easier to forge meaningful relationships.
✅ The curriculum is holistically structured. I’ve taken classes outside my major that have broadened my horizons.
✅ I’ve connected with alumni who genuinely want to help. They enjoy giving back to the community and are bullish on enriching the college's legacy.
✅ There's no need to just stick to people from your own country because the international exposure and cultural exchange are beyond anything I expected.
Curious about the benefits of a liberal arts education? Let’s chat! Comment or DM me.
[Photo Description: me, along with my friends and our professor, celebrating Holi on Spring Day.]
[In Frame: Shobhita Bharadwaj, Nerlyn Velásquez, Helmi Kawsar, Priyanshu Bhunia, Anna J Autumn King, Mehmet Dik]
Tags: #liberalarts#internationalstudents#studyabroad#collegeabroad#beloitcollege
What an inspiring journey!