Sept.
'21
the scholar Volume III: "blueprint to success" College Edition
a deboles-johnson foundation, inc. biannual publication
DeBoles-Johnson Foundation, (DJF) Inc. ~ Est. 2019 ~ www.djfoundationinc.org
"BLUEPRINT TO SUCCESS"
THE SCHOLAR VOL. III: COLLEGE EDITION
©DJF, Inc. Publications
CONTENTS & CONTRIBUTORS CEO's Note
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Things I Wish I Knew Freshman Year (Part II)
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Self-Care & COVID
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Zemoria Johnson, PharmD. & CEO DeBoles-Johnson Foundation, Inc.
Conqualla Scott, Florida State University - Social Work Xavier Hammond, Florida A&M University - Mechanical Engineering Malia Brown, Florida A&M Univeristy - Pharmacy
Zemoria Johnson, PharmD. & CEO DeBoles-Johnson Foundation, Inc.
DJF's Class of 2021 Scholarship Recipients
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The Rooster Crows
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Angela Whitaker, PhD.
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CEO'S NOTE Welcome back to another College Edition of "The Scholar: Blueprint to Success (Vol. III)!" Each time another volume is published, I feel confident that readers will gain new insights into mastering and accomplishing both collegiate and professional endeavors. Topics covered include self-care during COVID, what to expect freshman year in college, and success preparation. The DJF Class of 2021 scholarship recipients are also featured. "Leaders prepare for success. Failure results from unplanned success." Let this third volume serve as your blueprint to become the aspiring, great leader you've been called to be! Sincerely, Zemoria Johnson, CEO DeBoles-Johnson Foundation, Inc. THE SCHOLAR, VOL. III
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! k c a b s It'
Things I Wish I Knew Freshman Year... Originally featured in The Scholar's, "The Value is Within (Vol. I - College Edition)" publication, this advice column features three new college sophomores' perspectives on what they have learned after completing their first year in college.
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“Every individual experiences college in a different way because it is a personal journey that is intended to help the individual grow and develop. As a first-year student, it is important that you learn the significance of grace and focusing on your mental health. Do not be afraid to step out of your comfort zone and take any of the opportunities presented to you. But remember, you do not have to be perfect because perfectionism is a myth. Try your best and do what you want to do because this journey is yours and no one else’s.” - Conqualla Scott, Class of 2020 DJF Scholarship Recipient
Year 1 in college is both an experience & a journey... THE SCHOLAR, VOL. III
"My #1 tip to incoming college students would be to never be afraid to ask for help. College is a new level of difficulty, so you do not want to let yourself fall behind. There are resources all over campus that can help you succeed. There will be times where you will feel discouraged and ready to give up, but stay persistent and use your resources. Freshman year will be a successful school year for you!" - Xavier Hammond, Class of 2020 DJF Scholarship Recipient "Do not be afraid to speak up if you do not understand the subject matter your professor reviews. Create a study guide and be as organized as possible to reduce the stress of classes. Another great stress reducer is the creation of a study schedule to plan day-to-day activities. Lastly, be confident in yourself. We are all able to succeed in anything we put our minds to!" - Malia Brown
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COLLEGE CENTRAL
"Your one-stop shop for all things college!"
This free resource is now available on DJF's website! To learn more, visit: https://djfoundationinc.org/resources
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THE SCHOLAR, VOL. III
Self-Care During COVID
COVID-19 is unfortunately not going anywhere any time soon. However, your mind, heart, and soul still need constant care. To mitigate feelings of sadness, loneliness, and depression during these unprecedented times, check out these tips on how to maintain your self-care wellness!
1. Exercise
Take a walk or jog around your local park. Head to the gym two or three times a week. Whenever you have the opportunity to escape the "COVID world," go for it! If you do not prefer the outdoors or the gym is not in the budget--there are tons of online, free exercise videos to check out!
3. Have fun
When was the last time you (safely) hung out with your friends? Technology has allowed us to navigate communicating with loved ones through virtual game nights. If you need a break from your computer, refer back to tip #1 and go outside--kickball, anyone?
5. Rest
Science has proven that sleeping has beneficial effects on your body as a whole. No matter how old you get, naps are essential, and so is getting at least seven to eight hours of sleep. Allnighters should never become a habit!
#SELF CARE VIBES
2. Eat well
Fruits and veggies keep you fuller longer and can positively affect your mood. Drink more water. Limit junk food and sugary drinks, and stay away from drivethrus. Your wallet will thank you!
4. Reflect
There are lots of reasons to be grateful despite what we see in the news. Every few days grab a piece of paper and pen and write down what you are thankful fo. Whenever your future self tries to complain--refer back to your "list of thanks."
Written by: Zemoria Johnson, CEO DJF, Inc.
You are not alone! National Suicide Prevention Lifeline Call 1-800-273-TALK (8255) Crisis Text Line Text “HELLO” to 741741
1st Place - $1,000
"I have worked so hard to get to this point and being chosen as a recipient is going to guarantee me the chance to continue to pursue my education goals and give back to my community."
Ms. Jaicee Gavin Crawfordville, fl High School: Wakulla High School College: Tallahassee Community College Major: Legal Studies
"Being recognized as a recipient is truly an honor. It shows the tremendous value that hard work, dedication, and believing in yourself can hold."
2nd Place - $500
SCHOLAR HIGHLIGHTS
The DeBoles-Johnson Foundation, Inc., is pleased to highlight the Class of 2021 Scholarship Award Recipients:
Ms. Luisana Ortiz Doral, FL. High School: Ronald W. Regan Doral Senior High School College: Syracuse University Major: Information Management & technology
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Eliza Jane Perry Book Award - $250
"Being selected for this award allows me to pay for expensive college books! Also, it brings me one step closer to graduating from college debt-free."
Mr. Stacy Tinner Tallahassee, fl High School: James S. Rickards College: florida agricultural & mechanical university Major: Mechanical engineering
SCHOLAR HIGHLIGHTS
The DeBoles-Johnson Foundation, Inc., is pleased to highlight the Class of 2021 Scholarship Award Recipients:
Visit www.djfoundationinc.org, to learn more about the Foundation and its scholarship eligibility requirements. THE SCHOLAR, VOL. III
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The Rooster Crows Written By: Angela Whitaker
Are you destined for greatness? Perhaps you are experiencing a level of satisfaction with your past accomplishments and conquests and are eager to see what’s next. That’s awesome! Maybe you struggled with a few setbacks and are trying to get out of the rut and over the hump. Life is bound to encounter a few hurdles and oppositions out of our control, yet we can develop a mindset to help rise above the fray and forge forward with momentum that transcends apathy, stagnancy, and complacency. Consider the following concepts to advance the realization of your aspirations. Embrace your purpose. Use self-talk that empowers potential. Increase your productivity. #1 – Embrace Your Purpose The rooster crows because the crow is in him. What’s in you? Are you trying to discover your purpose, niche, calling? Start with what comes natural for or that is of interest to you. Some traits you may have innately, others you may need to be taught. Consider your current roles...spouse, business professional, parent, teacher, community leader...learn how to be the best you can be and do it with honor, integrity, fidelity, and excellence. A person without purpose or who doesn’t see value in what they do is like a... Fish out of water. Dog without a bark. Radio without sound. Lion without a roar. Child without training. If you’re in doubt about your purpose, you can pray for revelation for it to be unveiled to you, defined, and refined within you. Consider taking a personality profile or confer with a life coach to explore options. Remember, there are no menial tasks just menial attitudes. Just think... 12
What is a bathroom without a cleaner? What is a restaurant without a cook? What is a hospital without doctors? What is UPS without drivers? What is a church without a pastor? You don’t have to walk on the moon to be a superstar or find the cure for cancer to be a legend. Whatever skillset or talent you have, do it heartily. Give it your best effort. Tell yourself that half-stepping is not acceptable when you can do better. Be faithful in the “little” roles so you can be trusted with the “big” roles. #2 – Use Self-Talk that Empowers Potential What is your self-talk? What are you prophesying to yourself? Do you empower or belittle your potential? Do you speak damnation to your efforts by proclaiming, “I will never get it right?” Do you curse your mental sobriety and stability with self-condemnations, “I am so crazy?” Do you give entrance to the spirit of illness or death when you declare, “I am so sick of him/her?” Empowering affirmations help to transform your mindset and builds your faith to press beyond the challenge. Try some of the following or create your own. I am resourceful. I am resilient. I am aware of my surroundings. I am powerful beyond measure. I am wise. I am effective. I am healthy. Exercise your faith to combat the battle of your mind that yells, “You’re not worthy! You don’t have the funds. Nobody wants what you’re offering. You’ll never be anything.” Let your faith speak louder than your fears. Let your faith, not your fears, forecast your future. 13
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#3 – Increase Your Productivity Undergird your purpose and your potential with a strategy to develop your productivity. Develop means to expand, grow, build on, work on, improve, acquire. How do you do that? Develop your Plan - What is the vision? – what will the product look like, lay out a process on how to get there (i.e., training, human and capital resources, etc.). - Set goals – what to accomplish, what’s acceptable, ideal outcomes. - Write goals – challenging, attainable, measurable, timeline. Develop Passion – Think about it. Read about it. Talk about it. Observe it. Do it. Develop Perspective – Focus on the vision, get a coach or a mentor. Develop Performance – A journey of 1,000 miles starts with one step. Everyday do a little bit towards your goals/vision. Develop Partnerships – Collaborate with others, barter for services; let them fulfill an element of your goals that you lack skills or are not available to perform. Offer them your service (something they need) in exchange for their service (something you need). The rooster crows because the crow is in him. What’s in you? Embrace your purpose, empower your potential, and increase your productivity. Now as Nike says, “Just do it!”
EMBRACE! EMPOWER! INCREASE!
Sept.
'21
the scholar Volume III: "blueprint to success" College Edition
a deboles-johnson foundation, inc. biannual publication