Page 280 - Keys to College Success

student PROFILE

Alexis Zendejas

BRIGHAM YOUNG UNIVERSITY,
PROVO, UTAH

About me: 15 minutes or sometimes a bit longer, depending on the class and
I am a Native American woman my ability to understand the material. Then I spend the rest of my
from Omaha, Nebraska. I am the time studying my materials. I make and use a lot of flash cards (my
seventh of eight children. Grow- studying salvation!) for subjects where repetitive learning is required
ing up in a big family was a lot of fun as well as challenging; my to grasp the words and their meanings. I make sure to apply what
personal goal was to keep up with my older brothers and sisters I’ve learned after memorizing from flash cards. For example, I would
educationally and mentally. I plan to major in business marketing make flash cards for Spanish, then speak the vocabulary words in
with a minor in American history. After completing my under- my day-to-day speech. I work hard to focus and not let myself get
graduate degree I hope to earn a joint juris doctorate (law degree) distracted during my study time. I do take short 10-minute breaks to
and master’s of business administration (MBA). get a drink of water, listen to a song, or move around.

What I focus on: What will help me in the workplace:
When I started high school, I didn’t have to work that hard to do One of my sisters works in a law firm and I see that she has to do
well. That all changed junior year when I took three advanced a lot of research. It’s easy to imagine that all a lawyer does is work
placement classes and three honors classes. I had to apply myself in a courtroom pleading the case to a judge or showcase evidence
beyond just completing my assigned homework. to persuade a grand jury, but I see her spending more time gather-
Here is how I approach studying: I give myself a short break after ing information than anything else. I know that the study skills I
my day of classes, setting a time to return to my studies. When I go practice will come in handy during my intended career whenever
back, I start by reading my notes from my classes for about I need to learn and focus.

competition, and some may simply provide a chance for people with similar interests
to develop their talents.
Taking the risk to perform on stage can be a challenge. However, you may enjoy
the reward of bringing a new experience to an audience. Increased confidence is
another potential reward, one that can help you take productive risks in other areas of
your life.

Clubs of Every Type
Larger schools have hundreds of clubs and organizations, and even small colleges
will have a myriad of opportunities. Different clubs focus on areas such as:
■ Religious ideals or practice People, Resources, and Opportunities
■ Political parties or groups
■ Physical or learning disabilities
■ Sports and physical fitness
■ Creative interests

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