Did you know that only 35% of high school students ever go on to attend a college or university? Again, that number is only 35%. Think about that a minute… and on top of that statistic, unfortunately, not all of those students who attend will see graduation day.
College is an amazing opportunity. Through this incredible program, Take Stock in Children and your hard work and determination you have been given this amazing gift, set out in front of you, a chance to go to college.
Now, I have been working in higher education for a very long time, and I think that there are a few secrets I have learned along the way. The secrets that make the difference between those who do and those who don’t.
SECRET #1 – Ask for Help. If you find yourself in a situation or facing an issue that you are struggling with, if you need academic help or any other help, look for someone at the school who can help you!! There are so many people at the colleges I have worked for and my colleagues at every college and university that live for you asking them to help. They have built their lives around making students successful. It is what they wake every morning hoping to do. All you have to do is ask.
SECRET #2 – Get involved!! Research shows time and time again that those students who are involved in their education, those students who take advantage of ALL they can offer and what is offered to them are many more times likely to graduate. Many more times more successful at completing their degrees than those students who do not make the effort or take advantage of what is offered to them.
Being involved means being involved at all levels both academically and socially. Spending time on your studies, getting connected with study groups, spending time on campus connecting with other students, faculty and staff… these pieces are all connected to success.
When I worked at a large university in Louisiana, I had a colleague, Miss Jackie Dale Thomas, who used to say: “You can go to class, go home, study and get a degree… or, you can go to school (still study), and get involved in campus life and GET AN EDUCATION!! The choice is yours? Which would you rather do?
Good Luck, Jill Landesberg-Boyle!
