Spring Break
Firebird Strategies
Choosing to be Successful
By Trilogy News - 'Online Director'Issue date: 9/2/08 Section: Editorial
Decide what you want. This sounds basic but think for a moment about people who plant roses. Each of them consciously decided to plant the flowers. They did not plant lilies, lilacs or tulips. They planted roses. Viewed in another way, we can say they decided what they wanted and took the necessary actions to achieve the goal.
By enrolling in the University of the District of Columbia, you have consciously decided to initiate or continue your post-secondary education. You have made the "smart choice." Now you must focus on strategies for academic success.
Those of you coming directly to college from high school must make a successful transition from a secondary to a post-secondary environment. Students who work full-time must make the transition from employee to student at the end of each work-day. People who have been absent from the workforce and college environment must adjust to the rigors of a collegiate setting. Whoever you are, you must devise strategies for success.
Think for a moment about your favorite musical and how much you enjoyed the performance. Let's assume that the performers were magnificent. The success of the show depends on each person's well-defined role. The group consists of actors and actresses, a choreographer, singers, dancers, musicians, a producer, director, an orchestra conductor, and a stage crew.
Each person knows what to do and when to do it. The producer does not attempt to direct the show and the choreographer does not attempt to sing. People focus on completing their one task well.
Unlike the participants in the musical, you will have multiple tasks. Most likely you will be "starring" in one or more of the following roles while you are pursuing your studies: employer, employee, parent, spouse, head of household, Boy or Girl Scout Leader, officer in an organization, caretaker for elderly parent. Some of you will have to attend PTA meetings, choir rehearsals and workshops. Thus, there will be times when your home, work and personal responsibilities appear to be on a collision course. With collegiate activities added to the mix, you will have to find a way to complete additional projects. You must have a plan. These are three strategies to consider:
By enrolling in the University of the District of Columbia, you have consciously decided to initiate or continue your post-secondary education. You have made the "smart choice." Now you must focus on strategies for academic success.
Those of you coming directly to college from high school must make a successful transition from a secondary to a post-secondary environment. Students who work full-time must make the transition from employee to student at the end of each work-day. People who have been absent from the workforce and college environment must adjust to the rigors of a collegiate setting. Whoever you are, you must devise strategies for success.
Think for a moment about your favorite musical and how much you enjoyed the performance. Let's assume that the performers were magnificent. The success of the show depends on each person's well-defined role. The group consists of actors and actresses, a choreographer, singers, dancers, musicians, a producer, director, an orchestra conductor, and a stage crew.
Each person knows what to do and when to do it. The producer does not attempt to direct the show and the choreographer does not attempt to sing. People focus on completing their one task well.
Unlike the participants in the musical, you will have multiple tasks. Most likely you will be "starring" in one or more of the following roles while you are pursuing your studies: employer, employee, parent, spouse, head of household, Boy or Girl Scout Leader, officer in an organization, caretaker for elderly parent. Some of you will have to attend PTA meetings, choir rehearsals and workshops. Thus, there will be times when your home, work and personal responsibilities appear to be on a collision course. With collegiate activities added to the mix, you will have to find a way to complete additional projects. You must have a plan. These are three strategies to consider:
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