Center for Student Opportunity CSO Opportunity Scholars Blog » Angelica Robinson

New Orleans Heat, Summer Heat…

Angelica Robinson — Thu, 22 Jul 2010 12:28:46 +0000

Hi everyone, sorry I haven’t posted anything in a while. Working two jobs is not fun at all and I wouldn’t suggest it to anyone. But I am also blessed to have my job because many people in the country are fighting to get hired.

In addition to working two jobs this summer, I am also taking a summer course at Dillard University. So my days are steamy, hot and stuffed to capacity. Contrary to my prior beliefs, taking summer classes are awesome. Although the walk to class is exhausting and sticky, it’s worth it because it feels good to know that I am getting my Elementary Spanish II course out of the way.

My first semester at Dillard University (DU) I took my Elementary Spanish I course and it was treacherous. It was highly difficult to keep up with my other five classes, the piles of Spanish homework, and a part-time job. Unfortunately, I barely passed with a D+, but I learned from that experience and I decided to take Spanish II in the summer. Choosing to take a foreign language in the summer makes a ton sense. You get the opportunity to pour yourself into your assignments. My Spanish class begins at 8 a.m. and ends at 10 a.m. Now don’t get me wrong, I’m not advising anyone to take an 8 a.m. class, actually that was a bit silly on my part, but you should definitely consider taking your foreign languages during the summer.

Summer classes are very intense, so you’re not going to get bored and you won’t have time to slack or fall behind, I am quite sure of that. They are rigorous because you have to cram about three months of work into about a month, but it’s worth it because you’ll definitely learn and get your money’s worth. Learning a foreign language isn’t a simple task, but taking the course in the summer will allow you to quickly to pinpoint your strengths and weaknesses. Before you register for a foreign language during the fall or spring, you should definitely consider taking those classes during the summer.

Best wishes!!! Enjoy the remainder of the summer!!!

A Motivational Moment

Angelica Robinson — Mon, 08 Feb 2010 16:03:50 +0000

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.

The Financial Aid Process

Angelica Robinson — Sun, 07 Feb 2010 15:45:33 +0000

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 without 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. There are 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!!!

Second Semester Freshman: Through the Storm

Angelica Robinson — Sat, 09 Jan 2010 19:27:16 +0000

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.

Leaping Over Hurdles

Angelica Robinson — Sat, 09 Jan 2010 08:25:25 +0000

“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.