APRIL
2021
THE SCHOLAR Announcing DJF's
Class of 2021 Scholarship Recipients
! . E . L . I . S.M Your Presence Speaks Volumes
#MENTAL CHECK-IN Preparing for the Transition from High School to College
Introducing COLLEGE CENTRAL DJF's one-stop online college resource!
THEME: "Rise In Excellence" Volume II: High School Edition A DeBoles-Johnson Foundation (DJF), Inc. Biannual Publication
The Scholar Theme: Rise in Excellence
A DeBoles-Johnson Foundation, Inc. Biannual Publication
Theme: "Rise in Excellence" Volume II: High School Edition APRIL 2021
C DJF, Inc. Publications
02
CONTENTS e t o N CEO's Page 5
#MENTAL CHECK-IN Mentally Preparing for the Transition From High School to College
Page 7
College Central DJF's One-Stop College Resource
Page 9
S.M.I.L.E.! Your Presence Speaks Volumes Page 11
DJF's Class of 2021 Scholarship Awardees Page 14 THE SCHOLAR: RISE IN EXCELLENCE
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Contributors Kimberly A. Moore, Master of Business Administration
Angela G. Whitaker, Doctorate of Christian Psychology Zemoria A. Johnson, Doctorate of Pharmacy
l a i c e p S
s k n a Th
Guest Editors
LaQueen James, Bachelors of Science Erica Jones, Bachelors of Science Paula DeBoles-Johnson, Masters of Public Administration Secretary - DJF, Inc. 04
You were created to make an impactful difference... Rise and excel in YOUR excellence! Dr. Zemoria A. Johnson, CEO DJF, Inc.
Welcome to another edition of The Scholar! Despite the challenges 2020 has brought, I am so grateful that the DeBoles-Johnson Foundation, Inc. has been able to continue our mission of helping students, their parents-and anyone else who is excited about college--gain more knowledge about how to prepare for a successful matriculation from high school to beyond. Our theme, "Rise in Excellence," speaks volumes to the importance of striving for greatness. Now more than ever, it is important to remember that you, Scholar, have been equipped with all you need to be successful. I just need you to believe in yourself and not succumb to mediocrity. You were created to make an impactful difference in this world. You are challenged to not only continue reading this Volume focused on the transition from high school to assume higher education, but to do so with a S.M.I.L.E.! DJF is also excited to announce our newest online resource, "College Central," and the Class of 2021 scholarship recipients. I leave you with this piece of advice: enjoy the college admissions process--but do not procrastinate. Success is usually planned--with excellence following right behind it. Rise and excel in YOUR excellence!
THE SCHOLAR: RISE IN EXCELLENCE
05
s ' F J D
SCHOLARSHIP HUB
n o i t i d E y Ma
APPLY TODAY, CLASS OF 2021! THE SCHOLAR: RISE IN EXCELLENCE
06
Mentall y Preparin g
FOR THE TRANSITION FROM HIGH SCHOOL TO COLLEGE
By: Kimberly Moore If only there were an app that could
First, you’ll need to consider what course
guide you step by step from high school
schedule you anticipate following once you
to college, I wonder how many downloads
enroll. Note: you’ll need to be realistic in
it would have? Do you think it would be a
your self-assessment of when you are most
4-star app or barely used? Well, with so
productive (i.e. mornings, afternoons,
many distractions vying for your
evenings). If you plan on working while
attention, not to mention the impact that
going to school you’ll need to ensure that
Covid-19 has had on everyone, it’s no
you plan accordingly for both activities.
secret we have to use our time wisely.
Remember that you’re a student first and
That said, it’s important that high school
your goal is to earn your degree and then
seniors have a game plan in place to
land a job of your dreams.
ensure a smooth transition from high
Second, you’ll need to think about how you
school to college. Though there have
currently handle situations when you’re
been some concessions made due to
struggling in a class. Do you wait to ask
Covid-19; colleges and universities alike
questions when the semester is nearing
are still committed to attracting the best
the end? The one thing that you’ll figure
and brightest, so putting your best
out is that waiting too long may lead to a
forward is critical.
poor grade. The great thing about college
This whole process of going to college can
is that your professors have dedicated
be nerve wrecking, so it’s important to
office hours, so you’ll need to make that
seek out ways to start early in your
connection
preparation. So, let’s get started.
Remember, there is no shame in asking for
in
a
timely
manner.
help.
THE SCHOLAR: RISE IN EXCELLENCE
07
MENTALLING PREPARING FOR THE TRANSITION FROM HIGH SCHOOL TO COLLEGE (CONTINUED)
The third area that you should consider is “being present”.
What exactly does being
present mean? Well, it means unlike high school there’s great flexibility in your class schedule.
As a matter of fact, you’ll get to
create it. However, you’ll need to be conscious of possible procrastination setting in. You can’t wait to the last minute and expect for your grades not to suffer. The fourth area for you to consider is
"College professors will not offer the level of handholding that some of you may have experienced in high school."
resources. I’d encourage you to make sure that one of the first questions that you ask as you’re selecting your college is the availability
The sixth area is making sure that you carve
of
include
out time for yourself. It is imperative to
tutoring, mental health and wellness, special
recognize that stress is real and to practice
accommodations,
career
self-care because the impact of stress can be
counseling. Since you can never predict when
detrimental to your success! Ways in which to
you might need something it’s better to have
help
the list available on your smart phone or on a
participating
printed list.
connecting with your friends, whatever takes
The fifth area is understanding how you’ll be
you to a place of calmness and rest.
graded by your professor. College professors
should also remember that self-care also
will not offer the level of handholding that
involves eating right and getting enough sleep.
some of you may have experienced in high
In summary, attending college is one of the
school. They’ll likely have an expectation that
biggest milestones that you’ll ever experience
you’re
and
in life. It reminds you of the things that you’ve
they’re
accomplished and it positions you for the
scheduled. At the end of the day, you’re
things that you hope to accomplish in the
responsible for your success or failure as it
future. However, preparation is critical and
pertains to reading the class information and
you have to start early. So, grab your
reaching out prior to an exam or an
smartphone and let’s start planning for
assignment if clarification is needed.
college now. Good luck, I know that you can do
key
resources;
the
could
advising
following
completing
these
your
and
syllabus
assignments
as
in
alleviating in
stress
sports,
include:
networking,
it!
08
You
College Central Written By: Dr. Zemoria A. Johnson, CEO DJF, Inc.
DJF's Online One-Stop Resource for all things COLLEGE! So, you want to attend college? Great! What school do you plan on applying to? Awesome! How about your major? Nice. I'm sure you've been asked these questions plenty of times since starting middle school--and haven't quite figured out the answers yet! Choosing a college, major and career are all big decisions. Completing volunteer opportunities, the FASFA(R), and adequately preparing for the SAT and ACT can be hard to juggle, too! Did I mention budgeting to pay college tuition, books and dorm fees? Wow, there is so much to think out and plan... Thankfully, you don't have to go through this exciting (and crazy) college journey on your own. I am proud to annouce DJF's newest resource: COLLEGE CENTRAL. This online tool is intended to help all users achieve future academic goals to one day work in the career profession of their dreams! You've already gotten a head start but to learn more, check out the next few pages, Scholar! THE SCHOLAR: RISE IN EXCELLENCE
09
College CENTRAL 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. CONT'D.
APPLY: The DJF Scholarship
Are you a current Florida high school senior with a 2.0 unweighted GPA and 100 hours (or more) of community service? Visit the DJF scholarship portal to learn more about our Foundation's scholarship.
STUDY: SAT & ACT Prep Resources
It's no secret that colleges determine the potential success of an applicant by reviewing GPA and SAT/ACT scores. Start your studying NOW. Your future self will thank you!
COMPLETE: FASFA
GIVE BACK: Volunteer
LEARN: Financial Literacy
To receive university and government-funded scholarships and grants, the FASFA must be completed annually before and during college matriculation. Complete your FASFA by visiting : www.studentaid.gov.
Volunteering throughout your high school years will certainly help with becoming a more well-rounded individual. To colleges, it proves that you care about your community. Google(R) search 'Volunteer Opportunities near me' to start your volunteer journey!
Do you know how to create a budget for school? Will you need a credit card to purchase supplies for classes? Check out The Financial Diet's(R) (TFD) YouTube playlist, "The College Student's Guide to Money," and obtain smart money habits.
10
S.M.I.L.E.! Your Presence Speaks Volumes Written By: Dr. Angela Whitaker On the fly or by appointment your presence speaks volumes. What are you
saying
–
unconsciously,
consciously by
and
appearance,
words, and behaviors? How are you presenting
or
rather
marketing
yourself from day-to-day and/or in the formal setting? Are you waiting for
that
interview,
“official”
moment
presentation,
(i.e.,
meeting,
social date) to make an indelible mark on your world? Your presence speaks volumes whether you are onstage, off-stage, on-camera or offcamera... every day. You are being interviewed daily and sometimes you are the interviewer. Someone may have pegged you as their role model and is watching you from afar.
A happenstance encounter could evolve into a new job
opportunity, a new friend, a new romance, a new adventure, a new investment, or perhaps just a renewed hope. When opportunity knocks will you be prepared to open the door? Your presence, the essence of yourself that emanates from your inner being, is broadcast through character, appearance, communication, and action. Your presence gives voice to your thoughts, moral code, and modus operandi. THE SCHOLAR: RISE IN EXCELLENCE
11
12
Your Presence Speaks Volumes (Continued) The volume speaks to the degree
Polished and professional style
of
can be enhanced by garment
your
outreach
your
It can be received
S.
influence.
and
selection, grooming and practice.
negatively or positively stemming
Set
from the recipient’s preconceived
purchases.
stereotypes,
products at bargain prices.
biases,
M
perceptions,
culture,
past
experiences
and
more.
rejection.
to
acceptance
for
Search for quality
brand
item
may
A add
make it” motif, yet, search your
.I
tones, verbal or silent feedback hints
name
parameters
credence to the “fake it until you
Body language, word choices or
give
budget
or
Open your visual lens
to
ensure
you
are
genuinely trying to be the best
that you can be and not a ruse.
.L
and listening filters to gain a
motives
deeper understanding of whatever message the receiver is sending. Is
brush off to the wind?
A buried
compliment may be concealed by criticism.
Can you excavate the
How can you adapt? Should you Use those questions for
self-reflection and self-evaluation with a mindset of seeking to make yourself better not bitter.
yourselfer for self-awareness and self-improvement. Wade through the flood of information and focus on tips that grab your curiosity.
Consistency
builds
.!
hidden treasure? Can you adapt?
adapt?
videos offer guidance to the do-it-
.E
it noteworthy or something to
Internet resources and YouTube
your stamina and authenticity.
Cloning the image of someone else may hide the real you.
S.M.I.L.E.! (Continued) Experiment
with
techniques
and
different
strategies
to
or put others as well as yourself at ease.
enhance your qualities of being
You
comfortable, confident, and if
impression without even opening
you dare, ask someone who has a
your mouth.
record
mouth
of
providing
frank,
can
to
make
an
impactful
Yet, opening your
greet
others
and
to
unbiased, true, and empathetic
express courtesies of “please” and
opinions whether your selections
“thank you” add immense value to
depict your character as “I’ve got
your
it together” or “I’m on a slow
people to want to connect with you.
train wreck.”
Being kind, respectful and attentive
Are your conversation topics,
while listening to others tends to
gestures,
yield a reciprocal or multiplied
or
manners
effectiveness
in
inspiring
inappropriate for the occasion?
return on your investment. Add a
Are there detractors that make
smile here and there. A S.M.I.L.E. is
you come across as a snub,
Sharing My Internal Life Energy. A
condescending,
arrogant,
sincere smile declares loudly, “I am
repulsive
alive. I am alert. I see you. I am
belligerent
or
any
annoyance? A minor adjustment
approachable.
to
Your smile adorns your presence as
your
posture
eliminating
body
or
attitude, odor
or
an
invitation
I am engaging.”
to
memorable
reducing body aroma (perfume,
experience
cologne),
desire for another interaction.
unbuttoning
your
that
a
magnetizes
the
collar or covering your cleavage, adding a spark of vibrant color to a dark suit may be all that’s needed
to
buttress
your
unspoken professional message
THE SCHOLAR: RISE IN EXCELLENCE
"You c a n mak impac e t f a u n l i mpres withou sion t even openin g your m outh." 13
THE SCHOLAR: RISE IN EXCELLENCE
14
The Scholar Theme: Rise in Excellence
Volume II: High School Edition
Theme: "Rise in Excellence" DeBoles-Johnson Foundation, Inc. Est. 2019
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