Page 111 - Keys To Community College Success

student PROFILE

Sade Gantt

MONTCLAIR STATE UNIVERSITY, MONTCLAIR, NJ

About me: have all the questions for that segment of reading to be discussed.
I entered college right out of high Then during class I make sure to answer those questions. This helps
school, but soon became preg- me prepare for the next section of reading as well as upcoming
nant. Shocked by the news and tests.
challenged by the experience of pregnancy and motherhood, I Being in the military also brought out the organizer in me,
struggled with college for a year and a half, withdrawing fre- helping me to become more focused and disciplined in setting
quently from classes or just not going. When my daughter was goals. I have a different folder for each subject and attached to the
seven months old I decided that something needed to change. At folder is the class syllabus – trust me, it really helps me make sure
a job fair I discovered the U.S. Army, and signed my contract soon the work gets done when and how it is supposed to.
after I met with recruiters. After a year’s tour of duty I came home
What will help me in the workplace:
and returned to school, receiving my A.S. in Education and then
pursuing my B.A. at MSU. Both school and the military have given me the discipline of being
on time, staying alert, and paying attention. My experience has
What I focus on: also taught me the importance of working toward a goal, which
I am a strong verbal-linguistic learner, and since I majored in Eng- allows me to plan ahead of time so that I can still have time to play
lish, I have plenty of books to read. While reading, I highlight and enjoy life. The Army saying “Be all you can be” instilled in me
words I don’t understand as well as important quotes and sections. a drive to succeed that will help me be there for my daughter,
I use a different color highlighter for each subject so that I can achieve my degree, and make a difference in the world we live in
manage my loose papers. The night before a class, I make sure I as an American soldier.

use your strengths to compensate. For example, even though Joyce could not under-
stand much of what she heard, she typed her notes and drew diagrams, making use
of her visual-spatial, logical-mathematical, and bodily-kinetic abilities.
Finally, build a positive attitude. Focus on what you have achieved and on how far
you have come. Rely on support from others, knowing it will give you the best possible
chance to succeed.

Learning How You Learn

73