Work to Your Strengths
Research has shown that people who use their natural talents and
gifts are happier and more successful than people who are trying to overcome a
weakness. For example, if you are a math wizard, but hate writing essays, a
career in journalism might be a stretch for your skill set. It sounds like a no-brainier,
but you’d be surprised how often students let other people in their life
(parents, spouses, friends, family members) unduly influence their career
choice. Remember, it’s your life and you’ll be the one living with the positive
and negative consequences of your decision. Haven’t identified your strengths
yet? Visit the career center at your college for a variety of services at no
charge. In addition, visit DCCCD’s Student Success Tools page at www.dcccd.edu/SuccessTools.
Develop a Strong Work Ethic
Pursuing a degree is work that will pay off for years to come,
but, make no mistake, it is work. There will be times when you want to put off
an assignment, intentionally turn in less than your best work or maybe even
drop out. Make a commitment to yourself to work hard, do your best work and
finish what you’ve started.
Successful students persevere – especially when they feel like
quitting. Everyone has those feelings at one time or another. But successful
students find the help they need to get through tough times. You may need to
get extra help from your professor or a tutor, or you may need to ask a friend
or colleague to be your cheerleader throughout your journey to success. Do what
it takes to get the job done.
Plan Ahead
Don’t wait until the last minute to do things (for example, apply
for admissions and/or financial aid, register for classes, complete your
assignments or head out to class). By starting tasks early, you will ensure
that you have time to take care of any unforeseen obstacles that might cause
delays. If you know that it takes 15 minutes to get to class in good traffic,
give yourself an extra 15 minutes in case there is a traffic jam. If you have a
major project that counts for two test grades, don’t wait until the night
before it is due to start. You might have problems finding the information you
need; your computer might break or your printer might run out of ink.
Make Connections
According to the 2009 Community College Survey of Student
Engagement, students who have personal relationships with other students,
college faculty and employees are more likely to succeed and accomplish their
educational goals. Why? As mentioned above, there will be times in your college
career (and your life) when you feel like giving up. When you do, it helps
tremendously to have others around you who care enough to encourage you to
persevere and who can offer strategies and alternatives that you may not have
known or considered before.
Visit the following sections on http://www.dcccd.edu to help you
make connections with others in DCCCD:
•Clubs and
Organizations
•Learning
Communities
•Study Groups
•Service
Learning
Take Care of Your Body, Mind and Spirit
Successful students know that their body, mind and spirit are
interconnected. You won’t do your best work in college if you have physical,
mental or emotional challenges. How do you take care of yourself?
•Eat healthy
foods
•Get at least
eight hours of sleep each night
•Avoid self-medicating
with alcohol and/or illegal drugs
•Maintain
healthy relationships and personal support systems
•Be as kind
to yourself as you are to your friends
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