There are no such things as big problems, only small people. If one doesn’t let their problems overwhelm them, they’ll make it through anything. I was always told that our problems are only as big as we make them, so when life knocks you on your butt, just get up. We all fall down but only the strongest have the courage to dust themselves off and try again. Just remember this when you want to cry, just smile, your cheesiest smile.

GET HELP!!! These are the first two words that come to mind when I think of the financial aid process. Completing the FAFSA form can be very difficult with out the proper guidance. It is very important to get assistance while completing this form.

My first suggestion is to sit down with your parent or guardians because there are many questions that you won’t be able to answer on your own. They’re many questions that can trap you up. If you’re not able to get assistance from your parents, your high school Guidance Counselor would be your next best option.

As a senior in high school I tried to complete the FAFSA form on my own, it took me a while to finish it. To be honest, it took me 4 months to complete it and I was forced to get assistance in order to complete it.

I often hear counselors advise students to fill out the form in January, I feel that this is great advice. Filling out the form as early as possible will increase your chances of getting sufficient aid. Please seek assistance and fill out the form as soon as possible, it is a long process.

Good luck!!!

As I’ve spoken with many of my peers, they’ve all said that the first semester was a definite challenge. Many of my new found friends will be returning to Dillard University while others won’t. One things for sure, we’ve all realized the Do’s and the Don’ts of college life. Making the decision to attend a university is a commitment, and one must be willing to go through the fire, one must be geared to weather the storm. As I enter my second semester at Dillard University, I do so with a cleansed mind and iron heart. My first semester was a tough one, but I’m definitely ready to turn the page. It is not healthy to live in the past, but we all should learn from our mistakes.

Being a first-generation college student, it is imperative that I seek guidance, branch out to grasp what I need to succeed in my environment. I’ve realized that it is true that everyone needs someone in their corner. So this semester one of my “Golden Rules” is to always seek assistance when I‘m unsure.

Another one of my golden rules is to learn to use time management. As students we have multiple things to balance in our lives, such as partying, employment, friends, romance, family, and most importantly education. Time management can make you or break you. Having good time management skills will definitely benefit you in the long run.

There are many things I know I must improve in order to be successful. I am on a mission this semester and there won’t be anything capable of detouring me.

“When life gives you lemons, make orange juice!”
A close friend of my mind said this to me freshman year of high school. Now we are freshmen at Dillard University and the phrase has stuck with me over time. It means that anything is possible, there are not many things in life that are truly written in stone. 

When life puts hurdles in your way, do you stand in front them and cry? No. Here’s what you should do,  lace up your Nike’s, make sure their real, real  tight, take a deep breath and leap over your struggles with all your courage and energy. 

I’ve received my grades for the first semester and they weren’t what I had hoped for. Sooo what! I have no one to blame but myself. Does this mean that I lay down and die? Does this mean that I quit, give up? No, this means that I press on, push harder and harder until I earn the grades that I want.

Right now,  I’m at a C average which is unacceptable. I won’t “cry over spilled milk” though, meaning I won’t wallow in self pity. I know what I did wrong last semester and I know what I have to do to improve my situation. It’s up to me to rectify my mistakes.

I made it to Dillard University using determination and intelligence and I will graduate from Dillard University using the same qualities. One should never forget their struggles so I’ll cross The Avenue of the Oaks to receive my diploma with a smile on my face and strength etched in my heart.