Redeem Your Academic Pursuits with Three Rs

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Two months ago I wrote about the importance of writing out your six-month, one-year and five-year plan for enrolling or graduating from college. If you read the post FINAL CALL: Hop On The Train to Success then you know how important it is to write and spiritully digest your goals. In case you've fallen off, there's redemption, as I've created a more in-depth outline for you to get back on track:

You didn't think I would let you off the hook that easy, did you? Aha!

Re-Group & Do Over
First things first—write a new list of goals, beginning with your 6-month plan with a deadline for each item. It may include items as simple as "mail off my college application by Dec 31st" or "email my advisor about the status of my application this week."

Next, complete your one-year plan of what you'd hope to accomplish in a year's time, such as "earn a 4.0 in my first year" or "have saved $4,000 toward my tuition." Whatever your goals may be, make them practical and attainable.

Finally, in your five-year plan write down your post-graduation and career goals. In this list, you may include such items as, "graduate with honors," "land an internship or permanent job with a Fortune 500 company" or "begin applying for graduate school." Remember, all things are possible for those who follow & trust Christ.

Re-Mix & Do Better

Place your list of goals in a prominent place. I've written mine in my devotional notebook, so whenever I flip through my church notes I'm prone to stop and take a look. Immediately, I'm reminded of my goals, my progress in accomplishing them and how I can do better. My PhD-pursuing sorority sister has hers on the refridgerator door, so every time she wants a late night snack, she's reminded that she should be studying, instead of pigging out. Your special place may be the bathroom mirror, your wallet or the back of your bedroom door.

Whatever space you decide upon, outline it with scriptures and motivational quotes that'll uplift you and propel you to your destiny. In Part II of Pigeons or Eagles: Which Are You? I offered several quotes that'll do just that.

Re-Connect & Due Time

In my own academic, financial and spiritual pursuits, I've realized that they are all linked. My academic dreams depend on my spiritual desires just as much as my financial goals do. I need a closeness with God in order to be patient and discipline to get out of debt. Likewise, I need God's favor and guidance while in college. You see? It's all connected.

I encourage you to also find the connection. Ask God for guidance, wisdom, knowledge and faith to accomplish everything on your lists in His time. I promise, the rewards will be great.

For more assistance, email me about joining my (free) Xclusive Mailing List for in-depth, one-on-one encouragement on pursuing your educational goals.

What are you struggling with in writing or pursuing your academic goals? How are your academic, career, physical (health), emotional and financial goals connected to your relationship with God?

When Waiting Gets Tough

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Waiting—there's nothing I detest more than waiting. Waiting for the bus. Waiting behind two miles of traffic. Waiting for the water to boil. Waiting on the hot water to come through the pipes. I'm ashamed to admit it now, but I've even gotten tired of waiting on the Lord. (gasp!) Oh, am I the only one?

Waiting to hear back from a scholarship selection committee or an acceptance letter can be a dreadful, worrisome segment of your college career. Waiting for a call of acceptance into grad school meant I stopped breathing each time an unfamiliar number appeared on the caller-ID, as I anticipated the 'yes' or 'no' that would change my life.

It's like waiting for the results of a tumor. C'mon doc!! Is it cancerous or benign or what?! Sitting in a waiting room for 10 minutes can seem like a decade. Anxiety has bitten your nails to stumps and hammered a cramp in your left thigh.

We can be anxious, too. Maybe you were like me, saying: I want all the stuff that the devil stole from me NOW!! What a spoiled brat I was. Before snapping out of that selfish, blasphemous mentality, I thought because I was ready to be blessed, God should simply bless me. Sooner than later, I learned that it's in the waiting room that God molds us. Waiting on the Lord offers more tips on this concept.

For many, the economy has slowed life down. It takes longer to get out of debt, purchase a home, refinance the car and earn a degree. Every day we grow older, move slower while working twice as hard to reach our academic dreams. Even while praising Him every day and reminding God that your greatest desire is to graduate from college and earn a degree, it can be disheartening. You pray: Lord, I need this 'A' on my final exams. I need a financial breakthrough to pay for my tuition next year. The Lord knows. He heard your prayer. He keeps His promises.

Just like the children from Egypt, God waited generations (or 40 years) to deliver them from the wilderness, and even more from Pharaoh, before leading them to the Promise Land. He allowed Joseph to suffer at his brothers' hands, slavery and captivity before sitting him on the throne. Joseph was refined and polished in his spiritual relationship before receiving his divine destiny.

Surely, in the presence of your haters you will graduate from college. Surely, God will bless your career beyond your imagination... if you just wait. And while you wait, have hope, have faith and never take your heart off of God and what He promised you. Philippians 4:6-7 tells us to not be anxious for anything, but be prayerful and rest in the peace of God.

While we may be impatient about trivial things like 5 o'clock traffic and waiting for the water to boil, take comfort in knowing that God has your best interest at heart for the bigger things. His supernatural power and divine intervention exceeds deadlines and cut-offs points. Be anxious for nothing, but giving Him the glory in advance.

What are you waiting on the Lord for? Have you ever gotten impatient with God or the destiny that you see for yourself?

When the Door's Locked, Try a Window

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Faith without works is dead, work with no faith behind it is a waste of energy—you've seen this scripture paraphrased on this blog many times like this that it may seem like a broken record. To over analyze that logic, one might say that a missed opportunity is the product of workless faith. We all have good intentions. You had good intentions when you filled out your college application. You had every intention to get an A on that test last week, but when you decided to go out instead of study a failing grade was inevitable.

In every aspect of life, we have windows of opportunity and, regardless of our good intentions, we must prepare for them whether we know when they’re coming or not. Let’s look at two scenarios I made up on a whim:

Tom is about 20 years your senior. He the wisest man employed at Render, Stucky and Associates. As the senior partner of the firm, Tom entered the ranks as a Columbia graduate and through thousands of team projects and a rolodex-filled with clientele he proved himself over the years to be a prime gem in the company. But, like everyone else that reaches the top with nowhere else to go, Tom's time has expired. In fact, the rumor is that the CEO wants to replace him with a fresher, younger version of Tom very soon.

So, here’s a window of opportunity so wide open you can fit an elephant through it. And, then there’s you—a cubicle employee, who has proven himself loyal, eager and determined, but will never go beyond what he’s asks. He comes to work at 9 am sharp and leaves, with precision, at 5 pm into a maze of traffic everyday. Too bad, the job offer goes to Mark, the corporate buddy. Not only has Mark exceeded his job duties, but he goes to work early and leaves late. What could he possibly be doing in the cubicle next to you? At least once per week, Mark looks for new clients for the company, assists other partners in landing deals and has moved the company ahead without even receiving a bonus for his efforts. He’s done exactly what Tom did when he first got to Render, Stucky & Associates. He seized the opportunity and a corner office with a view of downtown. Yep! Life is grand for Mark, Tom has a great retirement package and… oh yeah, you still have a cubicle square.

Now, let’s apply this to your academic world. You’re walking past a bulletin board. On most days, you’d just skid on by, but something grabs your attention. It’s a poster advertising a $10,000 scholarship. Man, could you use that money to pay off your student loans, buy books for next semester and pay off an outstanding balance with the university. Just before you drift into a “what I could do with all that money” daydream, you scan the requirements. You’ll need a resume, a 200-word biographical essay and a 500-word essay on what you want to do with your major. Pretty easy, right? Not for someone that’s not prepared. With the deadline a week away, the Mark of this world will print out a saved copy of his resume, tweak a pre-existing scholarship essay and mail them off without a hitch, while you missed the deadline because you created the documents from scratch with no time to spare. Meanwhile, Mark awaits his $10,000 prize. $10,000—in some cases, that's the price of being prepared when opportunities come.

In order to seize the degree, career or academic opportunities God has for you, you must go the extra mile. Be like Mark in the first scenario. Be a go-getter. Make yourself stand out from the other college applicants, who, by the way, are talking the same gibberish as you. Rather than say what makes you special, show it, reveal it before you’re asked.

What are some opportunities you’ve missed that you wished you’d jump through? What did you learn and how are you preparing never to miss out again?

Degree or Debt? That is the Question

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Talking today with one of my Xclusive Mailing List subscribers made me realize what a bind this generation of students are in. This modern-day depression has stolen their dreams of funding their college careers worry-free. On top of all that, they've been fined with ridiculous and mounting student loan debt.

Reading these Student Loan Horror Stories kept a constant flow of wow's and hmm's from my lips. Read it yourself. One guy fled the country to escape creditors' phone calls and his $1.5 million debt. You might ask: What's the point of proving how smart and talented you are in college that once you're out you spend your life warding off collection agencies? The Bible tells us that being broke (or in the deficit) is a sin. Yes, a sin! You were created to be a lender, not a borrower. Living a life that's not prosperous spiritually, physically and financially is a sin against Christ.

Personally, I can not relate to those who suffer with student loan debt. Yes, I have debt, but none of it's from college expenses. You see, I worked my butt off before applying for college and, although a shop-aholic at first, I saved nearly $30,000. Additionally, I applied for scholarships like my life depended on it and was awarded a $3,500 stipend each semester because of it. In four years, I earned my Bachelors and owed no one.

Today, its a different story as I chose to enroll in graduate school two months after graduating from undergrad and incurred a few pricey road blocks, which I'm rolling over this very moment.

Academic merits have awarded some of us scholarships, while others diligently work and save or discover other avenues (i.e. sponsorships, athletic scholarships, etc.) to fund college costs. Take for instance Ralph Jones Jr., as 16-year-old who turned down Ivy League schools and their partial scholarships for a full-ride at Florida A&M University, an HBCU (Historically Black College or University). Jones' decision has come with backlash. Some say he should simply pursue his dreams, incur the extra tuition costs and let his Harvard or Yale degree pay it off for him. Clearly, I'm on the other side that says, its better to be debt free than work off paying a mortgage-size debt in his 20's and 30's.

While I sympathized with young people that drop out of college because of lack of funds (heck! I'm one of them) or graduate into harassment from Sallie Mae & her friends, I truly believe that if we spent as much time applying for scholarships and grants as we did on Facebook and Twitter, they'd be less creditors calling. If we worked at summer internships rather than lay off on the couch watching reality shows, our reality would include a paid-off semester. Forgive me for ruffling feathers, but FAFSA and bank loans should always be your last resort, not your first option.

To continue this debate, read "What is a College Degree Really Worth?"

For those of you that are in debt, don't read those horror stories thinking that there's no way out. Your situation may not be as bad as theirs, but even it is, rest assured that God doesn't dwell on your mistakes. You shouldn't either. You wouldn't have a testimony if you didn't first have a test.

I like what Bishop T.D. Jakes says: "New levels brings new devils." He continues: "That's why you need God's grace and favor at work in your life—to do what you can't do and change what you can't change. God's promise to you is that His favor will always outweigh your adversity."

I encourage you to locate a financial coach or ask someone within your Top Five, who shows great money management skills, to mentor you toward no debt. Subscribe, as I do, to blogs like Mocha Money and the Washington Post's Color of Money weekly column written by Michelle Singletary for financial advice. As a New Year's resolution, I plan to take a 21-day financial fast as spelt out in Singletary's book "The Power to Prosper: 21 Days to Financial Freedom." Also read "First Generation White Collar," written by MoneyMonk.net's L. Marie Joseph on saving and investment tips for new graduates.

I promise, these tools will help you erase your student loan debt and emancipate you from financial bondage.

How are you overcoming your horror stories with student loan debt? What do you think about Ralph Jones' decision?

Whoopings Don't Last Always

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Like most children, I was scared of getting spankings. In fact, I was so scared that once confronted with a "Why did you do that?" or a "Didn't I tell you to...?" I would freeze in place, fretting the inevitable whooping that was seconds away from my behind. As my mother reached for a stray bedroom slipper or belt, one thought helped me to endure and somehow ignore the pain—it'll soon fade away.

Even as an adult, I use the same concept to deal with dissappointment or heartbreak. To ease the knot in my chest, I'd say to myself: this will soon past, and it did. After a while, I didn't even remember it. All the anguish vanished, leaving me with only a memory.

As we move closer and closer in the kingdom of God, it'll seem that we're dealing with more, and bigger, dissappoint-
ments in life. Not getting into the college of your choice, dropping out of school because of poor grades, a tuition that out-matches your bank accounts. (sigh) It's depressing just to think about it. Life's setbacks sting just like a whooping from your mom or dad, but whoopings can't sting forever. The pain wears off.

Your heavenly Father knew what battles you would endure. In fact, He knew how much it would hurt you and thus develop a better you. James 1:2-4 reads, "Be joyful when you find yourself in seemingly impossible situations, which tests your faith in the seen versus the unseen—what men says is impossible versus what God has already made possible for you—and mature you."

God has set you up to win and win you will. "Troubles don't last always" is not just a cute saying. It's real. Don't you want to know what happens in the next chapter? How does your story end? If Oprah can overcome incest and promiscuity, if Tyler Perry could hold onto a dream while living in a car, why should you be exempt from your success story.

Next time life gives you a spanking, reach back, grab God's promise to you and hit back. When there's no more punch in you, kick! When there's no more kick, shout and when you shout, shout out the biggest praise that you can. Even the smallest faith can create divine favor with college administrators who'll give your application a second look. With God giving you brand new mercies every morning, a financial blessing is heading your way.

I am a walking, living and talking witness that we go through challenges to do just that—challenge us to trust Him more, love Him more, give up more and do more in His name. Like the songs says, let God prove that He keeps His word.

What are some of your academic setbacks? How are you coping with the sting?

Stay In The Climb!

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After a week like I had, I found myself reading a familiar story as if for the first time. Fresh from shooting For Colored Girls, film maker Tyler Perry nurses his drained mind and spirit with a trip to Hawaii. His take on life's struggles seem to nurse mine, as well. Earlier this week, I struggled to focus solely on God's promises while ignoring life's earthquakes. How do you stand when your academic future seems so shaky? What do you hold on to when everyone around you is falling through the crevices? When fear, lonliness and doubt seems to seep in and the earthquakes of this world threatens my faith in God, I read this:

Yesterday, I was hiking a mountain in Hawaii with a friend. I was laboring up this beautiful green pastured mountain, looking down at my feet trying to be sure of my footing, while at the same time trying to catch my breath from the altitude. At times, I would make big steps, sometimes all I could do was take small ones. The terrain was uneven and rough at times. It took a lot of effort and a lot of thought so, needless to say, I was getting really tired and at times wanted to stop or just turn back.

 I got to one peak and thought "I'm here! Great, we can rest now" only to realize that just because I was at the top of one peak, that didn't mean I had arrived. There were more…more valleys to go through and more heights to reach. It was interesting to me, that in order to go higher, we usually had to go down through a valley, and it went on and on and up and up. I was tired and wanted to sit down but my friend said, "Come on, let's go a little higher." So, not to be outdone by a girl (lol), I dug my hiking boots in and went a little higher. We finally got to one of the highest points and she said to me, "This is the best part, now turn around." I turned around and behind me was the most amazing view that I had seen in my 40 years on this earth. As far as my eyes could see, beauty reigned. The Hawaiian Islands seemed to be leaping up out of the silver blue sea, stretching up to catch the dust of the sky. The clouds seemed close enough to catch in my hand and make a wish; rays of sunlight danced through them trying to find a path to show off their own glow and power. Not even Picasso could have out-painted the canvas that was before me. The heavens were declaring the glory of God. I saw Him in motion.

I said to my friend, "When did we get this high?” and she said, "It was in the climb." I couldn't help but think about life--mine and maybe even yours. I thought about how hard it had been for me chasing down my dream. I thought about how hard it can be to believe sometimes. I thought about the entire struggle, all of the pain, all of the hope, all of the doubt. I thought about the times I was working a dead end job, trying to believe; moving through day-to-day with my head down just taking one step at a time, some small, some big ones, wanting to give up; wanting to stop and sit for a while; wanting to lay in my sorrow; nobody believing in me; nobody thinking it would come to pass and never realizing that every step was taking me closer to higher. That hike was painful, it hurt, but through it all I was getting higher and had no idea how high I was. That's what it's like to chase down a dream.

Sometimes in life dreams are hard to follow, like that climb. You don't know how high you're going or even if you're moving, but every step, even when you can't see what's behind you, will take you closer to your goals. It's in the climb. I know you may be struggling right now, but you're in the climb; things may be hard right now, but you're in the climb; people may not believe in you, but it's part of the climb. They may take shots at you, but stay in the climb; you may have to stand alone, but you're in the climb. Even if you're not where you want to be right now, I want to say to you what she said to me, "This is the best part. Now, turn around." Look how far you've come. God has not brought you this far to leave you. Stay in the climb.
 ~Tyler Perry

I've lost my footing in pursuit of my Masters degree this year. Financial woes and self-blaming was eating away at my faith in myself and God, but He never stopped believing in me. Sometimes, we just want to sit, quit climbing and call the climb impossible. I've wanted to retreat, but something in me—a nagging feeling wants to know what's on the other side. I want to see the view that Tyler talked about. The Bible says that Jesus came that you and I may have an abundant life. Let's get our mountain top view, our abundant life. Stay In The Climb!!

Tell me, what's keeping you from pushing forward in your educational pursuits? What roadblocks have you encountered along the way and how will you (or have you) overcome?

Suit Up! Get Back In There!!

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Are You Ready for some FOOTBALL! Yes, it's pig's skin season again. For many of us, that means we're elbow-deep in a bag of chips and our eyes are glued to the TV for two days straight (or longer, if you count Sports Center replays).

While covering football for about two years, I was fascinated by how overly enthusiastic players were. Spitting profanities, slapping each other on the chest, back, neck and upside their helmets—all that for a first down. Sitting on the bench was their only depressor. No one wants to sit on the bench; every player wants to be in the game, not watching from the sidelines. Staring aimlessly at the field like a dazed puppy, these hefty barbarians ignite as soon as their coach turns and calls their name. "Get back out there!" That's how we should feel about returning to college.

God did not create you sit on the sidelines, watching as others dive for touch downs and fly into a sea of adoring fans. With God as your head coach, he has set up the quarterback to deliver a perfect pass to you.

Too Old To Score

You might think: "I'm too old to go back to college" and the devil would have to believe that silly lie, but as this article explains there is nothing to fear and, in fact there are benefits to returning to college as an older adult. When I began my graduate studies, I thought 26 was too old, but I found my classmates were even older. Gray-haired professionals, corporate executives and baby mamas were getting their degrees, too. These fathers, mothers and mothers-to-be rolled out of bed and drove past their homes in traffic to claim what was theirs. So can you! Excuses are for losers and fear that you've lost your mojo has you pinned to the bench.

My brother was valedictorian of his high school class, but having been out of the classroom for 15 years had hurt his confidence. He thought he would never catch up to his younger, seemingly smarter counterparts, but he was dead wrong! In fact, he quickly earned higher grades than everyone else and reclaimed his throne as an over-achiever. My brother researched extensively before enrolling in college, so that by the time classes started he had the mindset of an 'A' student once again.

So, you're only as old as you think. As the mind thinketh, so is he, remember?

Insecurities Lead to Fumbles

Have you ever seen a kicker freeze up? The pressure of a game-winning kick is so unsurmountable that a kick 45 yards away seems tougher at 20 yards, as the team's fate sails far wide of the goal posts. God opens windows of opportunity for us all the time, but we allow insecurities to freeze us. Rather than reap our academic blessings, we think: What if I don't get accepted? What if I'm just wasting my time? What if college's too hard for me? Those 'what if's' will make you drop the ball if you don't believe that God will cover you. Crosswalk.com's Whitney Hopler explores how Christians can Overcome Insecurity.

Galations 6: 4-5, which reads: "...then they can take pride in himself, without camparing himself to somebody else, for each one should carry his own load," reminds me of my two sorority sisters' journey toward their Masters degrees. Although they enrolled and attended the same university, they had different struggles. One attended college full-time while juggling other commitments, including a stressful full-time job. The other was forced to lessen her course load with online classes due to an unplanned pregnancy, but they both graduated. Everyone has struggles (and God knew you'd have them), but you must get in the inzone. As my sister said, she may not have been able to handle college and a baby, just as the other may not have juggled a full-time job with a full-time class schedule. Who cares how you finish once you do.

Good thing our team is fully equipped and stocked with everything you need to claim your college degree—a coach the works overtime, a play book and defenders, like me, who'll help block satan's plans.

How are you suiting up for the game of life? What insecurities are holding you back from a college degree?