THE SCHOLAR - Volume II: "Rise in Excellence" (High School Edition)

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

03

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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