Issue 15

E-Magazine of Today’s Young Black Leaders

ISSUE

15 Be your Own Success Story

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Publisher’s Desk Remembering back to when I was young and the first day of classes came around, excitement filled the atmosphere. Not just because I had the latest outfit or the newest shoes, nor because I was starting a new grade.

The most excitement came from the fact that my BIRTHDAY was coming up! Yes, my birthday was the start of the school year for me-- September 11th. I knew that my new teacher and new classmates would mean new gifts!

@MR_HowardClay

On a serious note, outside of celebrating my birth, the most excitement came from me understanding at a young age that a new “opportunity” was arriving. A new opportunity to shine, show my skills, and prove I was the smartest in the class. I was always looking forward to the new challenges and learning new things!

None of my excitement changed when I arrived at college, it was actually magnified! Now I was certain that my decisions- or lack of decisionswould affect my immediate future. New professors, new classrooms, new projects and new classmates…those were the days.

“Back to school” can mean so many different things for so many different people. But whatever it means to you, understand this, you have to take it seriously from day one and B.O.S.S. 2 School. So, when I say B.O.S.S. 2 school, I simply mean, put your best foot forward on the first day and every day after that.

Some of the best advice I received in high school was when this speaker said that the next 4 years will determine the next 30 years of your life.

Boy, he couldn’t have been so right! Understand the importance and the relevance of where you are. Set goals, make rules, get focused, and move forward towards your future. You control what you learn and what you don’t learn, not the teacher or professors... they are just guides. It’s up to you to dig deeper and make the most out of this time. You will have more than enough time for recreation and rest, class is not the time. Take advantage of the knowledge that your instructors possess and focus on how much you can get out of them. Eventually, the first day of class will stop and the first day of your future will begin.

Howard J. Clay/ Publisher

Howard J. Clay

Howard J. Clay is available for speaking engagements, clinics/ seminars, as well as appearances for organizations, corporate and school events.

For Booking howardjclay@hotmail.com

BOARD OF DIRECTORS Linda Tatum Michael Harris Aisha Felder

Hollis Taylor Howard Clay

Staff of B.O.S.S. Left Row

Right Row

Editor in Cheif

Marketing Director

Asst. Marketing Director

Contributing Writer

Drea Elizabeth Desha Elliott

ContributingBlogger

LaTresa “Tree” Cunningham

Jeffrey Royce

Jazmyne Byrd

Senior Designer

Emmanuel Johnson

Magazine Designed by: Nebula Arts www.nebulaarts.com

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In Every Issue 01

INTERVIEWS 1ST FIRST HEALTH & FITNESS COLLEGE DESTINATION

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YOUNG B.O.S.S. ARTICLES B.O.S.S. SPOTLIGHT STUDENT OF THE MONTH

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ENTREPRENEUR COMMUNITY B.O.S.S. REPORTING (NEW!)

“Every man builds his world in his own image. He has the power to choose, but no power to escape the necessity of choice.” ~ Ann Rand

50th Anniversary March on

By ELIZABETH WILLIAMSON and PETER N —From the spot where the Rev. Martin Luther K Barack Obama on Wednesday called on Americ portunity.

The president was joined by a parade of dignitar anniversary of the March on Washington for Job

Former Presidents Jimmy Carter and Bill Clinto 50th anniversary event in Washington, D.C. on

The observance took place on a steamy, drizzly d 1.6-mile route from Capitol Hill and packed the others spoke.

Mr. Obama, recalling Dr. King’s “I Have a Dream the black civil-rights struggle to the goal of offer regardless of race.

He described economic inequality in stark term minished prospects” and the “fortunate few” ben

People from across the country recite excerpts f memorate the 50th Anniversary of his March on

Mr. Obama noted that the marchers five decade absence of oppression but the presence of econo King would ask, to sit at an integrated lunch cou

Celebrities from Forest Whitaker to Oprah W Farris, who said that “Martin’s dream is a visio much to do before we can celebrate the dream violence…has so painfully demonstrated.”

That unfinished business was the informal the bus driver, said during the march that he fears Americans, Mr. Miller said, have benefited fro get ahead and don’t fully understand or appre

At Wednesday’s observance Mr. Lewis, who w segregated South, drew wild applause and tea remaining work to be done.

“Sometime I hear people saying nothing has c the cotton fields of Alabama to now be servin walk in my shoes,” Mr. Lewis said to cheers.

Mr. Obama spoke of racial disparities, saying years, black unemployment “has remained alm in wealth between the races has not lessened;

But he also cast the nation’s economic challen working Americans, regardless of color, has e upward mobility.

Many who turned out for the day’s events said

Cassandra Martin, 42, a nurse from Washingt different than those of 1963. “What was then

Rodger Selby, a 17-year-old high-school stude eliminated, “with these sorts of events, it gets

n Washington

NICHOLAS (via Wall Street Journal) King Jr. relayed his vision of a color-blind nation, President cans to work toward greater racial equality and economic op-

ries, stars and civil-rights leaders in commemorating the 50th bs and Freedom that paved the way for civil-rights legislation.

BLACK HISTORY Facts.

on spoke at the Martin Luther King Jr. “I Have a Dream” speech Wednesday. Watch clips of their speeches.

day, but a celebratory mood took hold as marchers followed a e park surrounding the Lincoln Memorial, where Mr. Obama and

m” speech to the marchers in 1963, used his remarks to link ring “a fair shot’’ at reaching the middle class to all Americans,

ms, drawing a contrast between impoverished youth facing “dinefiting from exploding corporate profits.

from Martin Luther King Jr.’s “I Have a Dream” speech to comn Washington.

es ago “were there seeking jobs as well as justice; not just the omic opportunity.’’ He added: “For what does it profit a man, Dr. unter if he can’t afford the meal?”

Winfrey also spoke, as did Dr. King’s sister, Christine King on not yet to be realized, a dream yet unfilled, and we have m as reality, as the suppression of voting rights and horrific

eme of the day. Stanley Miller, 58, a retired Washington, D.C., rs younger people have “let the reins go.” Young Africanom 50 years of struggle, and are now caught up in the need to eciate the movement’s history of sacrifice.

was nearly killed several times while leading protests in the ars with his remarks on the history of the movement and the

changed, but for someone to grow up the way I grew up in ng in the U.S. Congress makes me want to tell them come and

that amid the many advances for African-Americans over 50 most twice as high as white unemployment’’ and that “the gap it’s grown.’’

nges as transcending race, saying that “the position of all eroded’’ amid wage stagnation and weakening prospects for

d they felt like they were part of history.

ton, D.C., said the issues facing the country today aren’t that is still relevant today,’’ she said.

ent from Philadelphia, said that while racism can’t be fully weaker and weaker.’’

9 B.O.S.S. E -

ured Feat Inter view Angel McCoughtry B.O.S.S.: How did your education help you as a professional athlete?

Angel: Education is so important. It helped me with basketball because if I didn’t have my grades up, I couldn’t play basketball. I knew it was important. I’m not going to lie, I wasn’t an “A” student… I was a strong “C”! (Laughs.) I was the type of student who took a while to grasp things.

Many kids think that some of their heroes were always the “greatest students” and then, all of a sudden, they just became successful. But, no-- I had to work extra hard and there is nothing wrong with admitting that. You have weaknesses that may be someone else’s strength and their strength may be someone else’s weakness.

You have to find a niche-- find something you love. I was always into science. That’s where I got my best grades, but I wasn’t that good at math.

I had to work extra hard in math because I knew Designed by NebulaArts

I wasn’t good at it. You just need that motivation to push you. I let basketball be that person to push me and keep me motivated in school. That’s why I think students should have something that they are involved with as well to help push them through their education. Because let’s be real, it’s hard. It’s hard to focus. But if they find that niche-something they really love to do-- it can help give them that extra motivation to get through school.

That’s why I used basketball. I knew that if I didn’t get the grades, I couldn’t play and I knew I wanted to play.

Basketball motivated me. So did my parents… they were great parents even when they were pressuring me to do what I needed to do for school. As a kid, you are stubborn and don’t want to listen. But I remember the first time my dad said, “If you don’t get your grades up, you are not going to play basketball.” I’ll never forget that first time. I was like “oh my gosh. What do I have if

w

@angel_35

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Interviews are the backbone of our magazine. The personal testimonies of the successful “Bosses” we speak with are priceless. Every issue will have featured interviews that you definitely do not want to miss! These interviews are enlightening, informative, and will, without a doubt, shape your life. What do you want to be when you grow up? Yeah, there’s an interview for that!

you take basketball away from me?!” That was my source of fun and motivation.

So I figured I had to do something with my grades in order to keep playing.

Even if the kids don’t choose basketball, there has to be something they can do. It’s statistically proven that girls who are involved in extra-curricular activities are less likely to get pregnant at an early age and more likely to be successful in life and get a free education (scholarships) as far as college goes.

So, whenever I speak to ladies I tell them, “please get involved in something.” If you take notice, most of the girls who are pregnant early are not involved in a lot of activities, so they find time to do other things. They wind up having kids at an early age and wishing later on that they would have done things differently.

That’s why I tell them that it doesn’t matter if it’s dancing, acting, sports, whatever… DO something. Find something you love and work hard at it.

B.O.S.S.: What was college like for you?

Angel: Science was big for me, then I discovered acting. I was a theatre major until it started to conflict with my basketball schedule. I switched majors a few times. I always tell students, don’t get discouraged if you don’t know what you want to be, everyone switches majors 2 to 3 times in their college career. Not knowing is ok. Stay focused.

They both (basketball and theatre) demand so much of your time, so I ended up switching my major to communication. The thing about college is that as a student athlete you need a strong support system

that is set up by the school. They have everyone there who can possibly help you with what you may need.

They give you tutors and academic assistants to help. But above that, you have your teammates… your sisterhood. It’s not just basketball.

Being on a team is like having 13 sisters that you know and love. You are always together, always on the road together, and you all have the same common goal. So to know that you have 13 other sisters with you pushing and lifting each other up that is so encouraging.

B.O.S.S.: How did the “sisterhood” help to motivate you?

Angel: [My teammates] definitely motivate me because you never want to let your teammates down. You never want to let your sister down. That’s something we always brought up.

Everyone played their role… some girls helped with studying one subject and others helped with another subject, and we just played off of each other’s’ weaknesses and strengths. So, it’s like you have sisters who will help you and tutors and coaches who are more than willing to push you to succeed.

B.O.S.S.: What would you say to those girls who are struggling and don’t have that strong support system?

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Each of us, famous or infamous, is a role model for somebody, and if we aren't, we should behave as though we are?cheerful, kind, loving, courteous. Because you can be sure someone is watching and taking deliberate and diligent notes.

-Maya Angelou

Angel: You have to find the motivation within yourself. If you don’t believe in yourself, no one else will. It’s just one of those things where you say, I have to do it. If you can find good role models to look up to and learn from, watch them. Watch how they speak in interviews and interact with press.

Read their story and see what they struggled with to get to where they are. People think the road to success is a straight line, but there are a lot of bumps and curves. So, read [your role model’s] story-- you will learn a lot and say, “wow, I’m going through that too.”

B.O.S.S.: When it comes to giving back,

what are some things you are involved with?

Angel: As far as volunteering, I know how important it is for someone to be educated and I take the time to give back to the youth and let them know to further their education. I try to teach them things I’ve learned through sports and real world stories.

I have my own organization called the Angel McCoughtry Dream Foundation. Just last month, we gave a group of students laptops for doing amazing book reports. Along with that, I also have a basketball camp coming up as well. When I go overseas to play in Turkey, I give back

to the families in need. There are still a lot of communities there that are impoverished. So we give food during thanksgiving and gifts during Christmas.

B.O.S.S.: What advice would you give to a student who was being bullied?

Angel: I was bullied. I was bullied because I was nice to everybody and people took advantage of that. I was kind of “geekish,” so a lot of people didn’t want to hang around me.

However, the thing about bullying is that you have to speak up. A lot of kids get bullied every day and they are holding it in and hurting. They decide

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“When I was struggling and I wanted to quit, I didn’t-- I just worked harder.” to not say anything to a guardian or adult because they think it might not sound good or because they’re scared.

You have to speak up with any type of bullying so that the next step can take place.

I would also encourage the parents to look for the signs. You know your child and their emotions and attitudes, and if it changes, you have to find out why. So if your kid says, “I had a bad day in school,” don’t just say, “ oh, it will get better tomorrow…”

Find out why! It starts with telling someone. Don’t be afraid to speak up.

B.O.S.S.: If you werent’ in basketball what would you be doing with your

life instead?

Angel: I would be a music writer for big name artists. Growing up I had no idea, I just recently figured that out…

(Laughs.)

B.O.S.S.: Who is the biggest inspiration in your life?

Angel: Oprah, Coretta Scott King, Betty Shabazz, Myrlie Evers… They went through so much and made it through.

Ladies like that really inspire me. To go through those things and still continue to fight and do things to help others, even into old age-- that inspires me.

B.O.S.S.: Any final words of encouragement for the readers?

Angel: Let me tell you a story… my freshman year in college I just kept messing up and I couldn’t get anything right. I kept being late for practice, I was late on the first day and I just couldn’t get it together. I overheard my head coach say, “buy her a plane ticket and send her home.” I’ll never forget that. It bothered me so much that he would give up on me like that. When I was struggling and I wanted to quit, I didn’t-- I just worked harder. And, now, look what happened, I became the all-time leader in points for girl’s and boy’s basketball and I took that

team further than they had ever been.

They are even considering making a statue for me outside the stadium.

(Laughs.) So never give up, never quit.

Just work harder.

In high school, I didn’t past the SAT. I actually failed it really bad. I signed to go to St. John’s University but I didn’t qualify. I couldn’t even get my diploma because I failed math class my senior year. It was one of my worst years and I was a basketball star. On graduation day, I was sitting at home and my parents were disappointed in me but wouldn’t say it. They had hurt in their eyes. From there, I decided to press on and go to junior college instead. That was another point

where I wanted to give up, not play basketball, and not care. Just screw life, get a job, do whatever… But I began to think and said, I should at least get my GED. So, I ended up going to a prep school in North Carolina. It made me focus and mature and I got my grades up and entered college.

Sometimes things may not go the path you want it to go, but sometimes you have to go a different route.

Sometimes you have to go down to get up and it’s ok to take a different route.

But what you can’t do is give up. Even though I wanted to [give up] so bad… don’t give up.

For more information visit: angel35dreamfoundation.com

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INTERVIEWS 1ST FIRST HEALTH & FITNESS COLLEGE DESTINATION

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1st First

Stress free First Year in College

College can be great and overwhelming the first year. You meet a lot of people, try new things, and get to know the real you. You can never be completely prepared for college before you start. Attending college during the first year affects each student differently. Especially students who choose to leave home and live on their own. Some students are ready to get away from home and others get extremely homesick. Whatever your circumstance, you should try to get the most out of the new journey you are starting.

Most incoming freshmen have not been independent of their families in such ways that college allows. You will not know how you will be affected until you actually leave home. To avoid being to homesick or not adjusting well to the campus, you

should refrain from going home often during your first semester. Even if your home is close to campus, visiting home too often will most likely make you miss home more and love campus less. However, you should stay in contact with loved ones because they will help you along the way. You should also get involved in organizations and events on campus so you can feel at home away from home.

It is common for most first year students to stay in the dorms on campus. This can be a great or horrible experience depending on the situation. Living with a friend can be a tough decision. It works for some people and ends friendships for others. Even though you may get along with someone, living with them will make you see them in a different light.

If your roommate is random, try to contact them

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“Motivation is essential to staying in and graduating from college�

Annette Conley @netta4eva

before you meet them in person if possible. It will make things less awkward for you and help you avoid bringing duplicate items. Most of the time dorms do not have much space. Try to bring the minimum items that you need at first so you can have space in your area and fairly share space with your roommate.

It is essential that you are prepared for college from day one. When you are not, it can quickly result in you falling behind or lowering your grades. It is helpful to make sure you find where all of your classes are before the first day. You should also estimate how long it will take you to get to your classes from where you live. Accessing all of your syllabi as soon as possible and making notes of important dates for your courses help you feel in control of your grades.

Usually your books will be listed on your syllabi.

However, to avoid wasting money you should contact your professor or hold off buying books until classes start to confirm which books are required versus recommended.

Motivation is essential to staying in and graduating from college. Your true motivation will help you realize the importance of getting the most out of your experience. It is important to set reasonable goals for yourself to achieve. Eat healthy, exercise regularly, and use the resources provided for you. Keep academics first and manage your time wisely. Realize that in college there will be a lot of studying and hard work, but it is worth it in the end.

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Homeless to Howard “From homeless to Howard” might sound like the title of a movie, but for 19-year-old James Ward, this is his reality -- though it still feels like a dream. “It’s surreal.

I can’t believe after everything that’s happened I’m going to be leaving to attend Howard,” Ward said in an interview with The Huffington Post, reflecting on the generosity of strangers who put him on the path to Washington, D.C. Ward, a resident of Los Angeles, will be able to matriculate at the historically black college this fall thanks to an online campaign he launched just last week called “Homeless To Howard.” His site is collecting donations through Paypal and has picked up steam across social media. Teach For America sent out a tweet highlighting Ward’s story, and rapper Common shared the link to the site, supporting Ward’s dream to attend college. To date, the efforts have raised $12,000, enough to handle his first-year expenses not covered by loans or grants. The bigger goal is to raise the funds for all four years of college.

But for the moment, just having enough to cover the first year, Ward said, is beyond what he expected.

“I would’ve never thought that something we started just a couple of days ago would’ve turned out to Designed by NebulaArts

Written by: Rhonesha Byng, Via: The Huffington Post.

become this massive,” Ward said. “However, it makes me feel very happy because I know that although the world may seem like a harsh and cold place, there are some people out there that care and want to give to those in need.” Since the age of 14, Ward, along with his mom and two younger siblings, has been homeless in California. When times were really hard, they lived in his mom’s car, but otherwise they’ve moved between different shelters and relatives’ homes until they secured a spot at the Union Rescue Mission in Los Angeles’ Skid Row neighborhood in February 2012.

“In the past years, life has been very hectic,” he said.

“We had a lot of ups and downs, but through it all, I’ve always managed to keep my grades up and help my younger brother and sister do the same and keep them on the right track as well as myself.” Despite not having a stable home and attending three different high schools in four years, James graduated from San Pedro High School in June. Determined to attend college, he figured out a plan and made it happen -with a crucial helping hand from Jessica Sutherland.

Sutherland, the driving force behind the online campaign, is no stranger to the struggles Ward is

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facing because she also experienced homelessness as a teen, attended college and made a way for herself.

“I got my first period in a homeless shelter. I had Christmas in a homeless shelter,” said Sutherland, now a junior producer at Yahoo! Studios. “I know what it’s like to live in a homeless shelter at such a self-conscious age when you’re going through so much.” She met Ward when she spoke at the Union Rescue Mission. “I was terrified, but I did it,” she recalled. “I told all the kids that scars heal and you probably couldn’t tell that I lived in a shelter like this when I was your age, and just tried to give them a message of hope and teach them to ask people for help.”

Ward, she said, stood out as clearly mature beyond his years. “Two kids asked me for my email address, and James had emailed me before I was even home.

He really opened up with me.” When you ask him about the hard times and the years on the streets, Ward doesn’t focus on the negative. “One of the biggest things I’ve learned from my experiences is that, no matter who you are or how scared you are, as long as you ask for help there’s always someone out there who is willing to help you,” he said. “More kids should understand that because if they did, then you never know what could happen. They could find their own Jessica maybe. But I doubt it, not like mine.”

The average cost of the freshman year at Howard University -- for tuition, fees, and room and board -- is $32,165, according to a university official.

Ward obtained loans and grants to cover 70 percent of this amount. But add in books and supplies, transportation and other incidentals, and he needed to find another $12,000 to $14,000. Before launching the campaign, Ward also attempted to apply for a Parent PLUS loan, but since such a loan looked to his mother’s credit, he was denied. “My attitude is -- like myself, I also grew up homeless -- he didn’t ask to be born into this, and it’s not his credit, but he’s the one being punished for it,” said Sutherland, speaking of the frustrations of applying

for loans. The denial of the Parent PLUS loan pushed her to create the online campaign.

Ward is not the only one facing hurdles to higher education financing. Howard University stated via email that thousands of students at historically black colleges and universities were affected by “credit requirement changes in the Federal Direct PLUS Loan program.” Several media reports cite stricter enforcement of credit history requirements, which has hit HBCU students especially hard.

According to Department of Education numbers provided to the United Negro College Fund, 28,000 students attending HBCUs were denied a Parent PLUS loan in the 2012-2013 school year. Some universities and other organizations have warned that this could lower the number of students who are able to attend school this fall.

The Thurgood Marshall College Fund is seeking to hear from parents who were denied, while Morgan State University is trying to raise an emergency scholarship fund in the amount of $300,000.

According to Howard University, loan denials for undergraduates and their parents increased from

36% in the 2011-2012 academic year to nearly 47% in the 2012-2013 academic year. We are seeing similar trends with denial rates this year. With support from the University, more than 90 percent of appeals to the Department of Education were approved. Notwithstanding these efforts, several hundred students could not return or re-enroll elsewhere largely because of financial difficulty.

But thanks to the kindness of strangers, Ward won’t be one of those students. He leaves on Friday morning to attend Howard with his mind focused on what he will do with the rest of his life. “I want to be an astrophysicist or a genetic engineer,” said Ward. “I’m not sure which route I’m going to go, but I know it’s one of those two. Science has always been one of the biggest parts of my life.”

He will be the first in his family to attend college. His sister, 14, enters high school this fall; his brother is 7.

Ward’s mother just completed a licensed vocational nurse course -- with help from Harbor Interfaith Designed by NebulaArts

Services, an outreach program -- and she plans to enroll this spring to pursue a bachelor’s degree in nursing. So if all goes according to plan, Ward, his mother and his sister may all be graduating in 2017.

“I’m following my dreams,” Ward said, “but it was never about me. It was always about my younger brother and sister learning that education is what they need, because as long as you have knowledge, no one can ever take it from you.”

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Written by: TomJoyner Foundation Summer Intern, Jeremy Eackles

Tips for Success in College

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Coming into college, as a a young person’s life; me course, the college partie thing you should realize why I’m here is to get my to forget about as soon a having fun in college is a mind that your main prio easy to get off track. Kee some adjustments you m on how you can achieve

STUDY STUDY STUDY STUDY STUDY STUDY When I say the word “study,” I don’t mean to start looking through

your notes for a test that is the next day; I mean to develop a daily study habit to where you are constantly studying your material every day. The word “cramming” should not be in your vocabulary in college. It may get you by in high school, but it is not the same for college . Set a schedule to where you’re studying your textbooks and notes every day at a certain time. By doing this, you’ll save yourself the stress of worrying about a test the day before. Trust me, I’ve “crammed” before; it never worked out for me.

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Get Classmates’ Phone Numbers It’s always good to get acquainted with the people you are having class with; you never know when you may need a classmate’s number for a question about something in class. It’s never bad to have someone to study with too.

a freshman, can be one of the more exciting times of eeting different people, the new environment, and of es are something to look forward to. But there’s one as soon as you step onto campus: The main reason y education. It’s what a lot of college freshman seem as they leave home to go to college. I’m not saying that a bad thing. Matter fact, I think you should. Just keep in ority in college is to get your education because it’s so ep in mind that college is not like high school; there are may have to make to be successful. Below are some tips that.

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Use a Planner At times, especially for freshmen, college can get a little overwhelming with all the work. Getting unorganized can be one of the biggest downfalls for a college student because you begin to lose track of everything that is going on, so it is always important to have a planner that will keep you organized with your classes.

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Develop a Healthy Diet I’m pretty sure we have all heard of the infamous “Freshmen 15”.

Well, make sure this is not you. You can do that by making sure you’re consuming a healthy diet daily. Also, make some time to do some form of exercise. This will not only keep you looking fit, but your body will feel better and energized, and that will result in a better performance in the classroom.

Continued

6 5

Get Involved

One of the greatest things about colleges are the man that are available to you on campus. Take advantage by getting involved. Not only are you making your tim worthwhile, but you are setting yourself apart from th students. This is always good because it will make yo look impressive when you began searching for intern your field of study.

Develop Relationships with Instructors You’d be surprise by how much of a difference it will make if you spend some time getting to know your professors. Here’s a secret I began to realize during my first couple years of college: Professors love to give students the benefit of the doubt if they see you giving effort; that’s why you should develop that camaraderie with them.

Do things such as sitting in the front of class, doing extra credit, and don’t be afraid to ask questions. Trust me, the relationship you have with your professor may make him/her want to bump that B+ up to an A.

Tips for Success in College

ny activities of them me more he rest of the our resume nships/jobs in

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Develop a Good Budget I’m pretty sure you’ve heard this statement before: “College is a time in your life when you are supposed to be broke.” Well, this necessarily doesn’t have to be you. Manage your money responsibly. You cannot be an impulsive shopper in college if you don’t have a lot of income coming in. Spend money on your needs, rather than your wants. You can spend on the “extra” things, but just be smart with your purchases.

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Have FUN Like I said earlier, you should definitely have fun in college. But just make sure you remember the reason why you’re there. After a long hard week of studying, treat yourself to something fun; you deserve it! Go out and be social with all the people you’ve met at your university.

Sucessful Future

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B.O.S.S. Spotlight

11 Year-Old College Freshman First-year student Carson Huey-You wants to become a quantum physicist. He scored a 1770 on the SAT, and he was co-valedictorian of his senior class. This semester he is taking 14 hours. His class load, which includes calculus and physics, has him moving between Beasley, Bass and Winton-Scott Halls. His mother, Claretta Hueyou, is never far away. That’s because Carson is 11 years old. He was admitted to Texas Christian Universit when he was 10.

Dean of Admission Ray Brown said he cannot recall ever having an applicant so young. Carson couldn’t even apply online because the software is not set to accept someone born in 2002, Brown said. During his admission interview, Carson’s many talents were impressive. Brown said Carson spoke Mandarin Chinese, and played piano in the Admissions Center. Prior to Carson, Brown said the youngest student to enroll at the university during his tenure was Sam Hong, who graduated in 2011 at age 17.

Written By: Evan Folan (via: Huffington Post)

“A strong ability to focus”

Carson’s mother said the first sign that Carson might be gifted came when he was three months old. She said she brought him with her to an eye appointment and the doctor was impressed with Carson’s ability to focus. In fact, Carson was reading chapter books at the age of two, before being potty-trained. He started a Kumon math and reading learning program before he was three. His mother said he could add, subtract, multiply and divide by age three. He was working at an eighth grade level by the age of five. It was at this time Carson’s mother and father began searching for a school for Carson.

His young age and advanced intellect made finding a school for Carson challenging, she said. He was rejected several times before enrolling at Accommodated Learning Academy in Grapevine, Texas. ALA principal and teacher Melissa McGowan said the school caters to all students no matter what learning style they prefer.

The school has 16 teachers and 55 students, and 30 to 40 percent of the students end up graduating early, McGowan said.

4.0 GPA. He said his cumulative SAT score was 1770 (critical reading: 580, math: 620, writing: 570). When asked about Carson in the classroom, McGowan said, “Carson was empathetic for others, and was the kind to help others in a humble way.” McGowan said the high school students adored him.

Carson and his parents were keen on selecting a college that was a perfect fit for him. He visited the university last fall and met with Dr. Magnus Rittby, the senior dean for the College of Science and Engineering. The purpose of the meeting was to see if he was prepared for college.

By the time Carson left, Rittby said he considered him to be “extremely gifted” and ready for college. Carson’s parents said they are supportive of his decision to attend the university.

When asked if they were concerned about their son attending the university at such a young age, there was little to be said. Carson’s father, Andre Huey-You, a former pilot, said he is “not pushing Carson, but trying to hold on to his son, so he doesn’t get too far beyond him.”

Carson’s parents expect him to graduate in four to five years, when he is 15 or 16. Brown said he is pleased to have Carson at the university. “Carson is at a place that will genuinely care His mother Claretta is a stay-at-home about him as a person,” Brown said. Carson graduated from ALA with a mother but plans to return to school Designed by NebulaArts

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and enroll in a nursing program.

Carson is not the family’s only overachiever, too.

His brother, Cannan, 7, is studying at the eighth grade level. His parents expect him to graduate from high school by age 13.

B.O.S.S. 2 School

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would teach him to play the piano if he would teach her son Mandarin Chinese. He is learning “Für Elise” by Beethoven.

enjoys throwing the football, playing basketball and roughhousing with his brother. Rittby said Carson joked that he wanted to join the TCU basketball team. Carson said he is “still trying to find his groove” as he settles into colLike other children his age, Carson lege. hangs out with friends, plays video games and enjoys being active. He He said when he arrives home from and Cannan enjoy playing MineCraft, classes, he grabs a snack and then an online video game. They are also begins his homework. When he is Star Wars fans and have watched finished, he helps his brother with every movie. Carson said Star Wars his homework. In every class, Carson Three, Five and Six are his favorite. managed to find a seat in the front.

His favorite Jedi is Master Windu, and When asked how his first week went, his favorite Sith is Darth Maul. He said Carson said, “It was overwhelming his favorite television show is “Myth but exciting and fun.” If he graduates Busters.” He said he enjoys the phys- in four years, he will have a diploma ics aspect of the show and “when they in his hands before he even has a blow stuff up.” driver’s license.

Carson’s mother and father describe their childrens’ intelligence as a blessing.

Carson doesn’t want to limit his experiences at the university to the classroom. He is interested in science clubs or foreign language clubs since he is close to mastering Mandarin Chinese.

He said he taught himself to play the piano using online videos, books and any resources he could find. Now, he has a teacher to help him develop his musical skills. The teacher made a deal with Carson, saying that she Carson, who is still learning to swim,

31

Tree’s

Motivational Corner

ISSUE #15

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B.O.S.S. 2 School

Yes You

CAN! One of the greatest joys in my life is helping youth reach their goals in sports and in life. This is why I spend a lot of time coaching youth.

I get so excited when I show them how to do something and they work hard and get it right. The look they get on their faces are PRICELESS. It is a feeling that is indescribable, and it brings so much joy to my heart.

Anyone who has seen me coach knows that I am a tough coach who believes in discipline. I have a lot of love for the players I coach and that is why I coach the way I do. I joke with them off the court and believe in bonding, laughing and having fun. On the court I am all business and want them to give their all.

Sometimes I have to use tough love, but usually when teaching a lesson to youth the lesson only needs to be taught once. After that, most will get it.

One day while coaching a group of girl volleyball players I had them working on serving. After they were all warmed up and had served many balls, I told them all to try to jump serve. One young lady said that she could not jump serve. I looked at her and said, "Yes, you can. You may not be successful at it right now, but with practice you can do it." I explained two things to her. One was not to use the word can't. Our minds and tongues are powerful. What we think and say we can or can't do, we can or can't do. The second was that was the point of working on jump serves in practice. When you are not great at something you work on it so you can get better at it. She still kept saying that she could not do it. I told her to give me 30 push ups . 10 push ups for each time she said the word can't, and informed her that I do not allow my players to use the word

can't. After she completed her push ups I taught her the fundamentals on jump serving and worked with her on them. After a few tries she was able to jump serve. Her jump serve was not consistent, but she could do it. I looked at her, smiled and said, "See, I told you you could jump serve." She just kept smiling and serving because she was so excited that she could now jump serve.

In life, you are going to hit plenty of road bumps along the way of following your dreams and accomplishing your goals. That young lady will now think before she says the word can't because she does not want to do push ups. The good part about that is she will also think before saying it off the court as well. I want our youth to know that they can do whatever they want to do. You can get straight

“When negative people doubt you and try to put negative energy into your life by saying you can’t do something look them in the eye and say to them Yes, I Can.” A's in school. You can be the first doctor or lawyer in your family. You can write a book. You can go to the college of your choice. You can be a professional athlete. You can be the first female president of The United States of America. You can do anything you want to do. Just know that it is not going to be easy to reach your dreams/goals, but it will be worth it once you do.

We all have people in our ear telling us we can't do something. I have learned that it is just a part of life.

When those negative associates,

friends, family members or loved ones try to discourage you from following your dreams/goals or doing what is in your heart pay them no mind. Yes, it hurts when the people you believe in do not believe in you, but it will make you a stronger person after going through it. Just know in your heart that you can do anything you work hard for with God on your side. So when negative people doubt you and try to put negative energy into your life by saying you can't do something look them in the eye and say to them Yes, I Can. Designed by NebulaArts

LaTresa "Tree" Cunningham @purplediva13

What CAN I be when I grow up?

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35

Dear Freshman Class of 2017

Take a look back over the past 17 years and notice just how far you have come. Picture this: a small kindergarten student preparing to get on the school bus for the first time-- anticipation high with nervous hands as their parents send them off. Now, imagine your first day of junior high. You’re a big kid now, with a locker. High school came with an unexpected rush as you were placed in a large building with lots of people. You experienced every emotion that life can give; you fell in love, you got your heart broken and you were happy again all in the same week. You went to the games- maybe even played in a few. Then, on graduation day, you marched across that stage as people cheered for you in the stands. Now off to college you go. Kiss your mom and dad and say ‘see you soon.’

As you settle into your dorm room for Welcome Week, take a small moment to reflect on your journey up until this very moment. Be proud of the adult you now are as you seek to make something of yourself. College may take you completely by surprise, but whatever you do, DON’T BE AFRAID. We all have gone through it. Don’t be afraid to be yourself. At this stage of your life, it’s important to find out who you are. The journey of self-discovery begins right there on campus. As much as school can educate you and show you the ins and outs of your chosen major, it can also allow you to learn your limits in life on how far you can soar. Make the very best of this experience. It’s one of those once in a lifetime experiences that you only have the opportunity to go through once.

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ISSUE #15

Pointers

For

Success

Jazmyne Courtnii Byrd

Central State University C/O 2009

B.A Psychology/Spanish

@divah_J

B.O.S.S. 2 School

www.boss-emag.com

1. Make sure you know your advisor and follow their suggestions for classes. You don’t want to take classes that you don’t need. It will hold you up.

2. Make associates first. Don’t be so quick to label everyone as your friend. Really get to know people.

3. Get an alarm and use it. Get to class on time. You may encounter that professor who is a stickler for promptness and you don’t want to get kicked out of class for being late.

4. Don’t let financial aid get under your skin... too much. It’s almost like a rite of passage to get your refund check late or for Sallie Mae to stall on distribution of funds.

5. Go to events and have fun.

6. Keep Ramen Noodles nearby at all times. You may or may not like food from the ‘caf’. It’s not an insult to the cooks; they already know, so don’t let them fool you with that this- meal- is- so- tasty look. Don’t fall for it.

7. Stay protected. It doesn’t matter who you are, male or female, if you choose to lay down with someone the smartest thing you could ever do is choose to be protected.

8. Make sure you make choices that you can deal with once they happen. Being a young adult comes with lots of choices. And although you learned right from wrong as a toddler, trust me, you will learn it over and over again as an adult. So don’t be afraid to make a mistake.

It’s inevitable.

9. Don’t be so quick to throw up the “I’m Grown” card to your parents, because when your refunds get low and there is a party or event that requires you to pay; you will call their phone and you will want them to answer.

10. Your first impression is always your last. The way you dress, the words you speak, and the way you carry yourself is how people will remember you. So, do your every best to put out an image that you want people to know you by. It’s no fun going through college with an ill stigma.

11. Make it your goal to graduate and not be a 9 year undergrad. It’s not cute.

10. This last tip is the most important of all. ENJOY THIS EXPERIENCE. Enjoy yourself and have fun.

Cultivating Wisdom

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ISSUE #15

B.O.S.S. 2 School

People came from different family

government association or being an

diverse social economic statuses, which

connected with people like them- or not

backgrounds and had various life

experiences. I was around people from affected the neighborhoods students

lived in; there were the students who

drove cars or rode the bus; those dressed in the most expensive name brand

clothes or shopped at the nearest bargain store; individuals who attended field

trips and those who did not; and every

young lady who kept her hair styled and nails done to those of us who had no

manicured hands and wore a ponytail.

High school and college exposed me

to individuals who came from homes similar or dissimilar to mine. Being

accepting and nondiscriminatory allowed me to interact with others I could relate to, as well as make room for developing new interesting relationships with

people I found unique. I attended the

School for Creative and Performing Arts in Cincinnati, Ohio and my memories

are of people making a name for fame.

There were those well known for their

musical abilities in playing an instrument or singing. Others were noted for their acting prowess, dancing skills, art,

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academic scholar. High school was a large social network where people met and

so much like them- but the interactions were always pleasant.

High school, like college, is a time for

understanding who you are and finding your place in the world. As I neared

high school graduation, I entertained

questions such as, who am I, and where am I going and how will I get there? I

was intrigued about those things that made me, me. For others, high school may have been about being popular, partying, attending sporting events, going to concerts, joining a gang, or

being in an exclusive relationship. Since I am introspective and from a family

background unique to me, my focus was on being a leader and role model for

my younger family members. I did not really learn how to be who I am until

completing high school. I am thankful for this place because it is where I got my

start at discovering who I would one day become.

-Nneka A. Russell

writing, affiliation with the student

39

Written by: Marcia Robinson, http://www.thehbcucareercenter.com/

Twenty tips for College Freshmen

In a few weeks, summer will end and thousands of new college freshmen will file onto college campuses and populate college residence halls. Most college students will enter college with tons of advice from parents, teachers and college counselors. With all the advice out there, it is hard for college students to separate the advice that will lead to long term success. If you are a new college freshman, or know one, let me share with you my 20 favorite tips with real advice. These tips are not just based on my own college experience or that of my kids, but are the result of 13 years in higher education, working with college students. Not all of these tips will apply to every new college student. Usually I advise students to select 5 to 10 that will fit on a note card or 8 x 11 sheet of paper.

Keep these 5 to 10 accessible and work on them one at a time.

1. You don’t have as much free time as you think you do! If you find you have time to burn; something is wrong. There is something you should be doing and you probably need to get help figuring out how to manage your time.

2. Keep in mind that you write your resume every day, with every action and every choice you make. If you haven’t done it; it can’t end up in your resume when you get ready to apply for internships, jobs, scholarships or grad schools.

3. Begin good career habits early! Find your campus career center in the first semester and follow @HBCUCareerCntr on Twitter for tweet-sized, relevant career, major, job search and internship information.

4. Do some personal exploration to learn more about who you are. Don’t leave college without knowing your V.I.S.A. (Values, Interests, Skills and Abilities) 5. Plan to participate in at least one Internship, Study Abroad, Alternative Spring Break, Volunteer or Campus Leadership experience the summer after freshman year.

6. No matter how big the class will be; a professor can still know you by name, if you participate in class, ask questions or go to office hours.

7. Find them and use these study-resources on campus - Academic Advising office, First-Year Experience Program and/or Writing Center.

8. College freshman year is FULL of decision-making points. Take responsibility for your own actions and learn how to make decisions.

9. Find wise people to have conversations with and ask questions.

10. Keep connected with your off-campus support group. All those people who helped get you to college are still available for you. Don’t keep challenges to yourself.

11. Don’t be worried if you change your major. Most college students do. However, the smart thing to do is to get advice on how to do it.

12. Don’t jump into career decisions. Think more about what you want to DO when you graduate, instead of what you want to BE. The career direction you ultimately choose might not even exist now.

13. Watch your social media habits. Keep your reputation online positive. Like never before, YOU are responsible for your own brand. A good name is a good thing to have, easy thing to lose and the hardest thing to get back.

14. Do all you can to develop your teamwork skills, your communication skills and your ability to analyze situations.

15. Expect to feel overwhelmed sometimes. Whether you are living on campus or living at home; The college freshman year will bring a lot of changes.

16. Make good choices about how to spend your money.

17. Make good choices about the food you eat. Being sick at school is no joke.

18. Read your syllabus and know when things are due. Mid-terms will come before you know it.

19. Time management MUST become a priority. Use tools like day-planner, stop watch on your telephone or alarm to keep you focused on priorities.

20. “Show me your friends and I will tell you who you are.” Keep this as one of the mantras you try to live by as you discover your way through college.

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Chef Robert Stewart It’s Soulful Sunday and Baltimore bred Chef Robert Stewart is entertaining his guests and carousing his fans on the radio as he explains his method for creating a mouthwatering meal. Today’s menu: Meatloaf, Carrot Puree, Sautéed Fingerling Potatoes and Mushrooms. Fast forward and the Chef Stewarrt is catering his own party where other food maker extraordinaires are able to display their talents as well. We interview Chef Stewart to see how he has fed his passions while creating magnificent meals for others.

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B.O.S.S.: What inspired you to become a chef?

Chef Stewart: I actually learned to cook from my grandmother. She was the one who taught me years ago. I was so young, I couldn’t remember the age. My mom couldn’t cook. She would take us out to restaurants, order food all the time. She could cook a little bit of stuff but it was never Sunday dinner at my house. We would go to my grandmother’s house on the weekend. She would cook around the clock breakfast, lunch, dinner, the whole nine yards. So when I would go back home during the week it would be sad.

I would call my grandmother and really start asking her, how did she make the

B.O.S.S. 2 School

chicken, or whatever she made over the weekend. My mother work nights, from 3 to 11, and mind you I had a little brother. I’d come home from school and there’d be a note on the table ‘You’re the oldest. Make sure you guys eat.’ So I cooked.

B.O.S.S: What education did you need to become a chef? How important was that education?

Chef Stwart: I ended up going to Culinary School in Baltimore in 1992.

To a school called Eastern Vocational Technical High School. I graduated with a Culinary Arts/Restaurant Management degree in 1996. It was an accredited program before all the big, big culinary schools were really starting

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to hit. They had some culinary schools but it wasn’t a realy big thing for everybody. I had some secret training but the magic didn’t really happen until I ventured to the city of Atlanta in 2004/2005 to open a restaurant. Then the deal fell through. Then that’s when all those things began to take shape, so I went to work and that journey was where I really learned how to be a chef.

I worked at over 40 something places. I was working part time, sometimes two, three jobs for five, going on six years straight. That is what took me to the next level.

Both sides were needed (education and experience) actually.

The funny part about it is a few of the

“learn every avenue..... so you chefs I worked with never stepped inside of a culinary school. One made close to $130,000 and another one $80,000 a year. The food industry is kind of one of those industries where you could get in with nothing and still make it to the top. They changed the rules a little bit now and they want you to have somewhat of an education so I think that it’s important because it does teach you some things.

A lot of chefs hate like culinary school simply because most of people that go to culinary school come out and already think they are chefs. You have somebody who went to Cordon Bleu and they are in debt $36,000 and they think they are ready to be a chef.

They have to go through a rigorous five year program like I did before they get hired (as a chef). You need both (education and experience). Some places want you to have an education, some people don’t care. From a financial standpoint, it’s kind of tricky because if you already know a lot of stuff and you have a willingness to learn you could just jump in and work your way up and not have to have that debt. Then you are not frustrated when you come out of culinary school and you still have to wait five years before you able to pay those and actually become a chef.

B.O.S.S.: What are some of your ventures that you are involved in today? How can others connect with you?

Chef Stewart: Definitely follow the movement. I’m on Facebook, Stewart’s Bistro, Twitter @CelebrityChef1, chef_stew on IG, and I can also be found on Linked in as Chef Stew. Google me, Youtube me and add my channel, Stewart’s Bistro. It shows my show

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Industry Soup with Chef Stew where we bring the biggest names in the game into the kitchen. You get to witness them helping me make something in the kitchen. That shows going to be a game changer because there are a lot of cooking shows out there. We will be taking questions for the guest all throughout the show. I want to interact with the celebrities a little differently; I want to bring them out their element.

Asking them questions like what kind of

ISSUE #15

B.O.S.S. 2 School

www.boss-emag.com

can wear more than one hat” music do they listen to?

I am also working with the Mayor of Baltimore and with other people for my organization called H.O.O.D. (Helping Others Obtain Dreams). When kids figure out what it is they want to do I want to get them around like minded people, help them get scholarships, help them past the test; help them with whatever it is they want to do. Those who want to be chefs I would personally take them under

my wing. If you know of anybody you want me to talk to, that would be a great fit for the organization, reach out to me.

B.O.S.S.: What advice would you give to those who wanted to become a chef?

Chef Stewart: Go and get a million part-time jobs! I would make sure the cooking thing was not the only thing I was focused on. When I tell you about my journey working at all

these places I can assure you they were not all cook positions. I managed McDonald’s before, I managed KFC before, I managed Taco Bell. I worked as a waiter, dishwasher, and bartender.

Just go and learn every avenue of it, so you can wear more than one hat.

When they had to get rid of people, I made it impossible for them to get rid of me. It was like, Robert can cook the food, I worked on my people skills. I can communicate effectively and that is something really important to have as well because you will be dealing with people. You have to enhance your communication and people skills. It almost is like being on a ship and when the Captain is throwing away cargo, you need to be one of those people they can’t throw off the boat.

I would just go and get sharp in as many areas as possible. If all you know is how to work the fry machine and you have someone come in who knows how to work the fry machine and who can do the numbers, who do you think they are going to get rid of first? Definitely get strong, because you will need your strength, be strong in as many areas as possible.

Written by: Dr Desha @DrDesha

D.E.R.R.I.C.K. Interview The #1 Encouragement Speaker Derrick Hayes gives a DERRICK Interview by asking 7 questions through each letter of his first name to give you an insightful perspective from other experts, entrepreneurs, celebrities, and up and coming super stars.

Today’s DERRICK Interview is with Roy Jones, Jr. who is a professional boxer from Pensacola, FL that was born on January 16, 1969. In the 1998 Olympics Roy Jones, Jr. won the Light Middleweight Silver Medal even though many believed he should have won Gold. Jones went on to win championship titles in three divisions, becoming the first Middleweight champ to win the Heavyweight title in more than a century. Success as an athlete has allowed Roy Jones, Jr. the opportunities to become a commentator and actor.

Before the DERRICK Interview began I presented a personalized Derricknym in a frame to Roy Jones, Jr. that read ROY means Raise Our Youth. I also had two backup Personalized Derricknyms for him just in case he wanted to change them out. ROY was for Recognize Opportunities Yourself and Realize the Opponent is You.

D

is for Dream. What is your dream and what have you achieved?

My dream now is to go on and try to change the sport of boxing and make boxing back to what it used to be, make it a higher upper echelon sport. Make it a sport that people respect and make people want to commit to become great at boxing again.

E

is for Encourage. What encourages you?

What encourages me is just the fact God blessed me with a gift and because I have that gift and I have had this gift for so long I’m always encouraged to keep going because the more you see people do things the more it encourages you to do better so the fact that he gave me a gift it encourages me.

R

is for Resource. What resources do you bring to the table that makes you unique or stand out?

The resource I have is mainly my connection with God and that is Designed by NebulaArts

my best resource and with having that it is pretty much impossible for anybody to stop me from doing anything that I wanted to do.

R

is for Ready? When did you realize you were ready for what you are doing now?

I knew I was ready at 15. Well actually at 14 I got disqualified from a tournament and when I came back on track between 14 and 15 I had a talk with myself one day and I said from this day forward I won’t depend on nobody else. I got it from here on because God has blessed me with the gift and depending on my Father and other people to get me places and do things that is not going to work for me because the

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Derrick Hayes, an alumnus of Tennessee State University is available for small and large meetings, church events, academic speaking engagements and workshops. Please visit Derrick's website at www.DerrickHayes.com and to book him for a speaking engagement or media event, send an email to info@DerrickHayes.com or call (706) 615-1662.

people that were let down when I didn’t make weight were not mad at my Father as mad as they were at me because they felt like it was my responsibility and that is what I learned that it was time to go and grow up to become a man and at that point I was ready.

I

is for Individual. Name at least one person that you know that you feel others should learn about and why?

One individual that people should learn more about is a friend of mine by the name of James Prince who is an entrepreneur who owned Rap A Lot Records and he was a guy that was just different and went out and made himself a millionaire. He has a superb life because he worked very hard at

it and he turned something around something that was nothing at first and made it into something.

C

is for Continue. When you fail, things look bleak or are not optimistic what makes you want to continue?

A lot of times I use one of my resources for that is to look at people that can’t do it, there are people who were born with ailments that can’t do things that wish that just for one day that they could get up and go out and give it their all so when you feel like you can’t go no more you should look at them and be encouraged to go because they can’t and that should encourage you to do better.

K

is for Key. What keys to success can you leave for upcoming entrepreneurs and leaders?

The main key to success is to always keep God first and you must always believe in yourself when nobody else does.

At the end I reminded the world that my goal is to DERRICK Interview the biggest names of the games and if you didn’t know, Yall Must Of Forgot (Roy Jones, Jr. signature rap song). Roy’s response was “or something like that.”

Derrick Hayes @encouragement4u

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B.O.S.S. Econtinues to grow and expand and segment of our revol (we got tired of sittin

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-Magazine we are proud to present our newest lutionary magazine... ng behind the desk...)

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I Hear

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Music What happens when you bring together some of the biggest names in gospel music, people interested in the business of the music industry, and a high powered concert experience? You get the “I Hear Music in the Air Music Conference” that took place May 17- 19th in Cincinnati, Ohio.

The weekend was filled with an awesome opening concert that featured Fred Hammond, Anita Wilson,

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William Murphy, and many more of gospel music’s finest, along with professional workshops giving aspiring artists and others looking to break in, an insider’s look into the industry, a youth workshop, and the Legend’s Ball that recognized many individuals in the business.

We can’t wait until next year’s event! But until then, check out some of the awesome moments B.O.S.S. captured on camera in this amazing pictorial!

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Dr. Steve Perry

ED V I H C S AR W E I V R E T N I

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Melinda Emerson Tell’em You saw it in B.O.S.S.! @boss_emag

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Warrick Dunn

Wendy Raquel Robinson

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Hello My name is

FAFSA >

It's that time of year always

When high school seniors and college students begin the FAFSA process. FAFSA? What do these abstract letters mean? Free Application for Federal Student Aid. This application is oh-so-important if you want/need to be considered for financial aid.

As a high school senior or college student you will need the following information to complete your FAFSA.

1) YOUR PERSONAL INFORMATION.

Make sure you have your social security or tax ID number available. Also, you will need your ID/ driver's licence number as well.

2) FINANCIAL INFORMATION FOR YOURSELF.

Did you work in 2011? If so, you will soon receive a W-2 form from your job and if you filed an income tax return you will need those documents as well. Lastly, if you have any bank accounts in your name, you will need your current bank statements. Use this income info as needed.

3) YOUR PARENTS’ PERSONAL, EDUCATIONAL AND FINANCIAL INFORMATION.

Have your parent(s) or their info available while completing the application. You’ll need their ID numbers, income information for 2011, and their education level. Did they complete high school, college, have a vocational certification? All that goes on your application.

4) YOUR (PROSPECTIVE) COLLEGE INFORMATION. For seniors, you most likely have a list of colleges you have already applied to and those you are planning to complete admissions applications for. To file a FAFSA you will need all the school codes for all of the schools you have and will apply to. In this section, you will need to state whether you will be living on or off campus.

You do not NEED information for both parents if one parent's income will not be considered as a way to pay for your education. In simple terms, if you have lived in a single parent household all of your life, you will only need the information from the parent you have lived with. Only stipulation: You must NOT be able to get parental info in order to not use it. A deceased parent, a parent who you have no contact info for apply here. For those students who have lived in foster care, or otherwise a "ward of the court" you will not need to provide any parental information.

Lastly, if your grandparents or any other family outside of your biological or adoptive parents are your legal guardians, you can NOT use their information to file your FAFSA.

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Let’s Get Started 1

Head over to the official FAFSA website at www.fafsa.ed.gov. This is the official site of the FAFSA application. Any other website you come across claiming to be a FAFSA site but does not include .ed or .gov in the URL, please be cautious about entering any personal information.

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Click the “Start Here” button. You will be directed to the first “Student Information” page. Enter your name, social security number, and birthday when prompted.

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You will be prompted for a Personal Identification Number (PIN) for either the student or a parent. If this is your first FAFSA application, you will need to apply for a PIN. Follow the prompts and enter the necessary information. You will be sent a PIN via email. Both you and your parent(s) need to apply for a PIN. Your PIN is considered your official signature for the FAFSA. This is how you will sign your application at the end of the process and how you will log in the the website when you need to make changes and renew your FAFSA for the next year.

Subsidized loans

Grants

free money you do not have to repay; comes with stipulations- a certain amount of credit hours per semester, certain GPA, or Financial need. The money is paid directly to your college.

Work-study

Federal program where you apply/attain a job on-campus and use your pay to cover any needs you may have. The money is paid directly to you.

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money you borrow that must be repaid after graduation or if you drop below halftime student status (usually less than 6 credit hours a term). With this type of loan, the gvovernment pays interest while you are in school.

Unsubsidized loans

money you borrow that must be repaid after you leave school. With this type of loan, interest accumulates while you are in school.

Enter in the necessary information.

Once you officially log on to the FAFSA application, the website will take you step by step through each section.

Before any financial sections, you will be prompted to complete a “worksheet”.

These worksheets help you visualize the information and then transfers the appropriate numbers to the actual application. All in all, it is a calculator used to help you simplify the process.

Pay attention to your SAR , EFC, and DRN. You will get this information once you submit the application.The SAR is the Student Aid Report. This is what gets sent to the list of universities you claimed you wanted to be considered for financial aid. It summarizes all of your information, so look it over and make sure everything is correct. If you find anything wrong with it, you can make corrections right away. Your EFC is your Expected Family Contribution. Based on the correct info you provided on your FAFSA, the EFC is the amount the system assumes your family will be able to pay out of pocket. This is in no way a number you and your family should use to determine whether or not you will be able to pay for college. The computer/ FAFSA system generates it, based on this application. If you think your EFC is incorrect, re-check your SAR and make the appropiate corrections. Lastly, you will see a DNR. Along with your PIN, you will need this number to make corrections after a FAFSA is filed.

AFTER FAFSA 1

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Check with each of your listed colleges.

After your FAFSA has been submited and reviewed by the financial aid offices at the schools you have applied to, contact them to ask if you need to submit any other documents to complete your file.

These documents can range from court documents stating that you are a ward of the court, to institutional financial aid applications, to scholarship applications.

The financial aid award.

After you have applied, been accepted, and submitted your FAFSA, a college will now send you a financial aid award, either as a part of the admissions welcome package or electronically. Once you recieve all of your aid awards from each school you have been accepted to, review them carefully. Compare the cost of attendence (tuition, room and board, expenses) against the amount of aid a school is offering you to determine your unmet need. The FAFSA website has great information about comparing financial aid awards. Check it out at https://studentaid2.ed.gov/GetMoney/pay_ for_college/award_compare.html.

REMEMBER!

The application for FAFSA opens January 1st.

It is advised to complete your application as soon as possible after that to ensure you receive your maximum amout of aid. By filing a FAFSA in January of your senior year in high school, you are applying for financial aid for the following school year. For example, the senior class of 2013 will begin their financial aid applications January 2013 to receive aid for the 2013-2014 school year.

Consolidation

A loan program that allows a borrower to combine various educational loans into one new loan.

By extending the repayment period (up to 30 years depending on the loan amount) and allowing a single monthly payment, consolidation can make loan repayment easier for some borrowers.

Principal

The amount borrowed. Interest is charged on this amount, and guaranty and origination fees will be deducted prior to disbursement.

Deferment

An authorized period of time during which a borrower may postpone principal and interest payments.

Deferments are available while borrowers are in school at least half time, enrolled in a graduate fellowship program or rehabilitation training program, and during periods of unemployment or economic hardship.

Award Letter

The official document, issued by the financial aid office, which lists all the financial aid awarded to the student.

While award letters vary among institutions, the letter generally lists the expected family contribution, cost of attendance and all the terms of the aid awarded.

Next year.

You will have to renew your FAFSA application every year you will be in school in order to be considered for financial aid.

The process is essentially the same, except most of the information will be prefilled with last year’s info. Make sure you update changes in your ID/driver’s licence number if you have changed your residency and school info if you plan on transferring.

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To get all your financial aid related questions answered quickly, follow our friends on TWITTER! www.twitter.com/fafsa

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