At this point in your college search, you’ve probably visited many colleges and maybe even applied to a few. Even if you don’t attend CCBC, there are a couple of things that I would recommend that you do when you get into a college.
First and foremost, have you heard about the Baltimore County College Promise Program? This program will help hard-working students complete college debt-free at CCBC.
This scholarship offers a promise or guarantee that college tuition will be free for qualified residents. College-ready, recent high school graduates will be able to pursue and complete their degrees and certificates at CCBC — without the burden of debt!
According to the college’s website, “close to 1,000 students are expected to be eligible for the first year of the program”. Also to qualify for this scholarship, you must: be a Baltimore County resident and must provide a proof of residency information, you must be a recent graduate of a “public, parochial or private high school or home school (within past 2 years)”, Complete the Free Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) application, have a high school GPA of 2.5 or better, have an adjusted gross income of less than $69,000, enroll full-time as a new student to CCBC (“New” includes students who may have earned CCBC or other college credits while in high school).
However, some things you should keep in mind are as follows. First, set SMART goals. I understand that enrolling in a college after high school can be overwhelming. However, there are so many things you could do as a new student, and there are even more people to meet, for a better transition to college. It is important that you set goals so you don’t get lost in the chaos. I believe that there is a difference between setting goals and setting SMART goals. SMART goals are pneumonic to remind us to set specific, measurable, attainable, realistic and time-sensitive goals all the time. When I started attending CCBC, I set a goal to apply for 6 research internships by Fall 2017 and to join 2 clubs by the end of my second semester. Trust me it is easy to binge-watch a TV show in the first couple of weeks; however, it is more rewarding to achieve a goal with a purpose. I applied to 3 internships and got accepted to two. I later joined some clubs on campus like the Student’s Honors Council (CCBC Honors Program), where I’ve grown so much as a student and leader.
Second, embrace the change and new environment. I remember when we left Nigeria and my parents told me how people change a little bit every time they move away from home- even if it was just for a night. They told me the biggest change happens when you go to college as well. I was terrified and confused. But, I soon realized that people aren’t supposed to stay the same. In fact, I think my parents are the only ones still hoping that I’ll revert back to when I still believed in Santa Claus or as we call it in Nigeria, “Father Christmas”. The change will come to embrace it.
Third, be kind. As you begin college this fall, it is imperative that you make connections with people you see on campus – fellow students, an advisor, the professors, staff or the maybe, the college president. The best way to make connections is to be kind. Be the one who waves hello first, asks someone about their day, holds the door for others or participates in classes. It will always be more rewarding both logistically and emotionally.
Sincerely,
Cyril.
Thanks for reading. Have a wonderful day
The best advice ever!! #3: Be kind.
I know right. Thanks for reading!!