A New Life at Parkland

Accepting the Challenge

2009-08-15T15:32:00.000-07:00

Two weeks ago, I had the pleasure of meeting a young lady who was here at Parkland taking assessment tests. I was working on some poetry for the fall and she so politely interrupted, "Can you tell me where to find D-120?" So as I helped her down to the Center For Academic Success we exchanged names and she went on to tell me how nervous she was to be starting her college career. We've all been there: A strange place, big and you know that if you get lost you will fall off of the face of the earth. So I shared with her how I was just in her position a little less than one year ago and etcetera.

Just know I was doing my best to reassure her that she was going to be alright and this phase of being uncomfortable will pass. You can succeed, but you must except the challenge. The thing about challenges, they can make you feel nauseous, intimidated, and may even cause anxiety, but know that whatever you put your mind to do you can succeed. You first have to believe in yourself. Without a little faith in yourself, you can easily put yourself in the position of defeat.

You must remain as positive as you can, just like the Little Engine that Could. We all know the story. The little train didn't think that he could make it up the hill, but after he got his momentum he found himself picking up speed and succeeding! Just think, if the little engine decided to give up, he would have lost his confidence and would have never known what he could have made it.

So don't give up! Accept the Challenge. Step out there into the unknown. You never know what you can become. As a man thinks in his heart, so is he. So what I'm really trying to say to you is if you think it, you can achieve it.

I never thought that I would be having this much fun, plus I have learned so much about myself, how much I have grown as a mother, in knowledge, and in wisdom. Everything was not as it seemed, but that is another episode, so I'll leave that alone right now, lol! But seriously, I gained stronger confidence, integrity, and more organizational skills.

Remember knowledge is power. Embrace it. Love it and it will love you back. Welcome to Parkland and enjoy the semester and I encourage you to participate in an extra-curricular activity.

See you on campus!

It's Finally Here!

2009-08-03T12:07:00.000-07:00

Woo hoo! Is anyone as happy as me to know that finals week is finally here!? it has been a long eventful eight weeks and I am looking forward to getting some much needed rest and relaxation. Yes, it is true that we only have two weeks to get it together for the fall, but at least I won't have to use my brain. LOL!

So this week, I just want to encourage you to finish out strong. You are almost there. Things may get hectic, but if you just endure til the end you will get your crown, or should I say, your cap and gown.

So if you find yourself with a lot of work to do this week, just remember, you're just three days away from your two week vacation. I hope everyone has had a rewarding summer and that you are looking forward to the fall.

Finishing Out Stronger!

2009-07-17T22:02:00.000-07:00

As we approach the last three weeks of the summer semester it can be really tempting to slack up on our duties. I'm here to let you know that this is the time that the work load will increase and intensify, so it will be important to finish out strong.

I recently missed two days of class because of an appointment that was made about three months ago. During my trip my family and I ran into some problems. One of my daughters suffered some chemical burns to her face and eyes causing me to miss the second day of class. Now I am having to deal with late fees in the library, I forgot to pick up my paycheck in the business office and am now penniless, and of course I missed both of my classes on Thursday and am behind on my work.

Now this is major cause for concern to me. Not only do I have the responsibility of my education, but my family's needs as well. What am I to do about all of this work that is piling up on me? Not to mention my daughter needing eye drops at least 5 or 6 times a day on top of her other medication. It would be so tempting to say forget about it and to just throw in the towel to focus on my family, which truly is first, but I must continue to fight so that I can make it through the remainder of the semester. It is important to me that I finish what I have started.

I am hopeful that I will be able to recover from this minor setback as long as I remain focused on the task at hand. But if I choose to wallow in the struggles I will fail, but I chose to continue to fight and finish strong.

So today, if you have found yourself in the same situation, falling behind, don't fret because there is still a chance for you to succeed. All you have to do is to show up to class daily and complete your homework. It may be necessary speak to your instructor about your situation and see if there is something he/she can do to help you to make up any work that you have missed.

The choice is yours, so let's make the right one: Get yourself together and finish out stronger than when you began! You can do it. You're just a small step away.

Walking On A Tight Rope.

2009-07-10T18:43:00.000-07:00

As the summer semester continues to intensify I am forced to balance out all of my daily activities. What can wait and what must I take care of right away? Since I only have limited amount of time, the balancing of tasks is imperative to my success.

Balance. What exactly is this balance? According to the Merriam-Webster dictionary a balance is a weighing device. It also means to bring into harmony or proportion.

So do I have my classes, my work, my family, and my recreational fun all lined up and in order? Will I be prepared if something unexpected takes place in my life? Will I be able to recover without becoming to stressed or overwhelmed if the schedule gets a little off track?

I can say with assurance that if I answer "No" to any of these questions, I may not be fully prepared to be successful during this summer semester. I must be able to maintain a delicate balance and respect it for what it will accomplish in my life. I'm looking into the future. There is not much room for error in my life.

It's like walking on a tight rope. I know that if I lose my balance, I will fall and possibly be severely injured. Some of these injuries could be life threatening. So I need to do everything I can in my power to protect myself from any type of fall. Walking on a tight rope involves skill. I should be able to walk this fine line with my eyes closed.

It's like faith. I walk by faith and not by sight. Things don't always look good for me, but if I just keep with the task at hand I will make it to the other end of that trial.

So today if you don't quite have your priorities in order, I invite you to line them up and begin to focus a little closer on what it is that you want to accomplish in these next few months. It's not too late to get your balance. Set your priorities in order and finish out strong.

You can do it! The choice is yours. The rope may be tight, but it is right.

Thinking Outside Of The Box!

2009-07-01T08:41:00.000-07:00

How many times have you based a decision on what you have heard or what you think? It happens so often that we base our decisions on biased opinions. My "mom" said this or my "husband/wife" thinks that. We quickly down play what could be an exceptional experience by thinking in the perspective of our closest peers.

I'm going to encourage you today to think outside of the box. If there is some new adventure or hobby you are interested in, go ahead, sign up. You may be surprised as to how much fun you will have. Hey, you may even meet the love of your life. (I'm a hopeless romantic). God please rescue me!

Some of you may be flirting with the idea of starting your own business but you don't feel that you will have the necessary means to get started. Others of you may even be thinking about changing your major. I'm here to tell you step out on faith and take a chance. I'm not talking about doing anything foolish, I talking about you operating at your full potential. Life is too short to walk around with regrets. We all have greatness locked inside of us and it just needs to be tapped into.

We all have been given gifts and until you explore who you are, you will never reach your maximum potential. Attending college here at Parkland is a great way for you to search yourself for those gifts.

You may ask, how do I think outside of the box? Well first you need to recognize that you have been limited in your thinking. Once you realize that you have not been exercising at your max you can begin to make changes. It's like pruning vines. You must prune the vines in order for them to produce more fruit. But if the vine does not produce fruit you must cut the whole vine down. You don't want to lose the knowledge that you already have, you just want it to increase the more.

Do yourself a favor and save yourself the could have, would have, and should haves in your life by thinking outside of the box by maximizing the moments and reaching your full potential.

What A Winner!

2009-06-19T07:52:00.000-07:00

Tick, tock! Tick, tock! Tick, tock! That's the sound of the ticking clock after the gun has been fired at the starting line of a race. This reminds me of the story of the tortoise and the hare. Everyone always expected the rabbit to win because he was so fast. He took advantage of the fact that the turtle could not move as fast, but he was unaware of one important fact, the turtle was smart and he had one goal in mind...To finish!

We all know the story. The hare was running all over the place doing whatever he wanted to do. Yes, he occasionally got back on the race track, but soon found something more appealing to himself to get into, ultimately costing him the crown.

Sometimes we let things get in our way of focusing on the real task at hand. Yes, I know that circumstances arise and we have to pay attention to the problems or storms that arise in our lives. But remember that as soon as you resolve that issue you must immediately get back into the race. Time waits for no man. And if you put things off and put the off and put them off, you will mess around and lose your race.

What is this race that I keep referring to? I'm talking about your life and your education. We have already finished the first week of summer school and the deadlines have been set. I'm amazed as to how much material is going to be covered in this eight-week period and if I don't stay on top of my business I will get behind in this race and I will not succeed.

I must use all of my time wisely, that includes my weekends, because we all know the routine, "Oh I'll wait until Sunday night to get that done.", and the next thing you know it is Monday morning again and the assignment is due! Oops! Let's not find ourselves sinking into that pattern. Let's keep the main thing, the main thing.

Time waits for no man. Tick, tock, tick, tock.

Do you hear the clock ticking? The race is well under way. Where do you plan on finishing? Are you a winner or are you a loser like the rabbit? Don't take this opportunity for granted because there is no guarantee that you will get another chance. This race is alot like life. It's what you make of it. We all want to win in life and if you didn't I don't believe that you would even be here at Parkland getting an education. So just take each day seriously because like I've already said, time waits for no man. But I will add this, True love waits! I'll have to explain later.

Be encouraged! Keep the finish line in front of you. Don't turn around because your best days are in front of you. Have fun, but please be mindful of your duties.

Under Construction: Preparing for Your Destiny!

2009-06-05T07:04:00.000-07:00

As I prepare for summer school, I am forced to look around and put into perspective what I'm truly trying to accomplish in my life. Even as I entered the doors of Parkland I ran right straight into my destiny. There he is Mr. Cappuccino: So handsome, so tan. Oh boy!

Wow, I'm back now. There is always a reminder that we must keep the main thing the main thing. What is the main thing, you ask. Well you might think from my last comment that it is love, but it is what ever the goal you have set out for yourself and your life. Don't get me wrong, love is on the menu but...

The main goal that I have right now is to graduate. And not just graduate. Graduate with honors. Ten years ago graduating with honors was just not an option, but now after years of preparation and years of being dissatisfied with myself and where my life was headed I went ahead and took control of my own life.

You can do the same thing too. All you have to do is be determined. Never settle for less. Know that you yourself are worthy of a high calling. You are called to prosper and excel in your area of expertise. But you must do the leg work. What do you have to accomplish to get the end result. What must you do to get that degree? That husband? That car? That house? Whatever the desire is, what are you doing to achieve this?

Me myself, I had to start by cleaning out my closets. I mean that I had to leave the old me behind and start brand new. That's how I get this new life here at Parkland. Now believe me it has not been easy, but every experience has been worth it.

With all the construction going on around the city, on our interstates, and even here on Parkland's campus we should really think about doing some construction in our own lives. How do I become a better me, a more prepared me, a more successful me, a happier me? Start today by looking inside of yourself and remember keep the main thing the main thing. It's time to grow in wisdom as we also grow in every other areas of our lives. What good is getting the degree if you do not apply the knowledge? That's like making a sandwich and then not eating it. Pointless.

It's time to get busy. And if you have already gotten serious about your future this is just a letter of encouragement to let you know that you are heading in the right direction. This is about forward movement. It is no time to start looking back, lest you get trampled by the crowd!

Make preparations for your future. You either choose to succeed or you choose to fail. Choose success! Life is so much sweeter when you have success with your coffee. The choice is ultimately up to you, I just made a suggestion. I had it put to me this way, I have set before you life and death. You know what, I decided to choose life.

What will you choose? Use wisely the time that you have. You can never get it back. Set your priorities in order, but have fun as well. Don't treat your education or anything else you do in life as if you're about to be put in front of the firing squad. Enjoy your life because you only get one.

Think about the end result. Write the vision and make it plain. The best way to write that vision is to first put it down on paper. Then when you accomplish your goals in life you can look back and show your family that you knew that you were going to end up where you did because you took control of your life and your destiny.

Have a wonderful summer. Summer school is just a head start to the promised land. So get a leg up and use this time to achieve your goal on time. Just don't forget to have fun too. You know the old saying, "All work and no play makes you a very dull boy/girl."

Be prepared!

In The Beginning.

2009-05-26T07:52:00.001-07:00

Hello! Welcome to my blog. I am so excited. First, let me introduce myself. My name is Tanta. I have been a student at Parkland since August 2008 and let me tell you: I love it! I have had a many amazing opportunities presented to me since becoming a student here. Let me just tell you, I am grateful for them all.

Please believe these opportunities have come with great responsibility and I have worked very hard for every single achievement. I have been told that to whom much is given, much is required. Thus far this has proven to be true. I'm no stranger to hard work, but when I started here at Parkland I had to give up alot of sleep to get my work done. That was definitely a new experience for me as far as my education was concerned.

I found myself wanting to do better than I ever have in my whole entire life and I was determined to excel. But that sacrifice brought on these few small successes that I currently have now. Just think if I keep pressing on I may actually achieve something worth writing home to my family about. Lol! I must make a confession though, when I began attending Parkland I thought that I was just going to come to school and sit in the seat of each of my classes and just absorb the information, but much to my surprise I quickly became a stand-out voice.

My instructors actually said that I was making a huge contribution to the classroom setting and I was shocked. It made me want to be small again, but it was too late. I was forced to use my voice and to speak up for all of the things that I believe in. I was reluctant at first, but now after completing two semesters it is like second nature.

By my instructors doing so I have taken a whole new outlook on my life outside of these school doors as well. I have learned to stand up for myself and not let others take advantage of me anymore. I am so grateful for all of my mentors. During my first year here at Parkland I joined the speech team where I learned the art of Parliamentary Debate and Poetry. At my first tournament, I was terrified! I knew for sure that I was going to fall flat on my face. It was my birthday too! I was sweating bullets in the middle of winter. But, soon after I got started it became somewhat natural to debate about the issues that effect us, our families, and our country everyday. Parkland's team drove away with a third place bronze certificate that day. Small success, but yet it was success.

Another interesting opportunity that I had here at Parkland was the Boy Scout seminar that I helped facilitate along with the other members of my Advanced Public Speaking class. I got to learn about the Scouts and help teach them skills such as tying a tie and making a Cat's Cradle. That was not even the most amazing thing about being apart of this seminar. It was the fact that some of these eleven, twelve, thirteen, and fourteen year old boys were so intelligent and they actually provoked me to think about my life and where I should be in the next fifteen years. This kind of interaction triggered my growth as a mother and a potential teacher of the Good News. This experience taught me not to just talk, but also to listen to what others are saying around me. The youth have a very strong voice and I am forced to stop and take notes. Their innocence causes me to listen.

I believe that our youths wisdom should be cherished and nurtured. This is just a small taste of the things that I have experienced here at Parkland. Stay tuned and I'll show you a little heavier side of my "New Life at Parkland".