How I did it: God blessed me with amazing parents. My mother, who never had the opportunity to finish college, due to supporting a husband going through college and raising three kids, beat into my head from a young age the importance of education. How sad it is that sometimes I would find my mind drifting in class, procrastinating doing my homework, and even loathing the fact that our class ran over ten minutes...all the while having a mother heartbroken deep down for her lack of education. I am sure there are many similar stories out there. Sadly, we in the United States place a high emphasis on a good GPA. It did help me tremendously to be where I am now in grad school, but at the same time, looking back, learning is the most important part of an education. Often a GPA does not accurately define the content of learning. Fortunately now, my grad school is based on a pass/fail grading system; therefore, I learn out of sincere desire and appreciation for the material. To answer the question, I achieved this goal by being devoted to the task, relying on the support of family and friends, and most importantly, trusting in God to help me through it all.       

Lessons & tips: A good grade is valuable to an extent, but truly the most lasting value is whether or not you learned the subject at hand. Please never be afraid to stand out among peers and professors for what you believe, and never be afraid to be honest when you do not understand. You are not alone, even though it might appear so. And remember, a diploma is just a piece of paper. What is on the inside of you is what matters.

Resources: Communicate with peers around you. Communicate concepts and challenges with professors. Communicate with family and friends. Those are your most valuable resources.

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Oct 28, 2008, 04:51PM PDT | 0 comments | 1 cheer