Read the following quote by Dr. Pamela Brown, Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs:
Learning is a source of hope for a better future. It requires hard work and sacrifice which can be even more difficult in challenging times. Your time in college is also your opportunity to connect with others, lift your spirit, enrich your life, and develop the skills and knowledge to make a difference in your community.
— Dr. Pamela Brown, Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs
Choose a question below and write a reflection in the comment box at the bottom of this page.
- What life experiences have prepared me for college?
- When I have been faced with a difficult situation, what strategies did I use to find a solution?
- How will I create positive academic habits for myself?
Read and comment on another student’s post. These are your classmates, encourage them to work towards their goals.

The life experiences I’ve had that prepared me for college were constantly studying in high school. The subjects were very demanding like English Honors. I can create a positive academic environment by pacing myself and studying each day.
Hi David! Yes, you are right! By pacing yourself and studying each day – you’ll make yourself an positive academic environment! I’m glad you’re prepared for college life! :))
I will create a positive academic habits for myself by pushing myself to excel in whatever I’m doing and not settle for “barely passing” along with giving myself opportunities to grow and not stay stagnant.
Hi Kim! I’m happy to hear that you have your college life planned out and that you’re willing to do anything to grow and succeed! Remember – we’re all growing and learning in the process of succeeding! :))
I will create positive academic habits for myself by having a growth mindset, not giving up, and finding the times, places and practices that work best for me to accomplish my learning.
Hi Dave! I’m so happy to hear that you’re willing to have a growth mindset – that already means you are on the right track! I hope you’ll find places and practices that work best for you! Remember – to stay optimistic about everything! :))
I will create positive academic habits for myself by dedicating my time and effort into my classes, making studying my top priority for this semester. I will try my hardest to understand the material and keep moving forward even if i make a few mistakes along the way.
Hi Joselyn! I like your mindset! Of course – creating positive habits is the first step to success. Keep that mindset – not only for this semester or until graduation, but throughout your life! And remember – making mistakes doesn’t mean you failed – it only indicates that you’re trying! Keep it up! :))
I will create positive academic habits by maintaining discipline in my studies and ensuring I’m always staying up to date and aligned with both the curriculums and my broader academic and career goals
Hi Bernie! I like your mindset! Discipline is very important in both college and outside of college. Like you said – always try to keep up with everything – that way, you’ll be one step closer to your goals! Keep it up! :))
When I am faced with a difficult situation. I will take a step back and calm myself before i dive back in to what im doing and if that dont work I will take a break do something else then get back to what im doing
Hi Haji! I like the way you think! Of course – dealing with a difficult situation can be hard sometimes, however – staying calm and taking a step back might be the solution for that problem sometimes. I’m glad you aware of that! I also want you to remember to relax and have fun during the process – that way you’re not going to burnout! :))
The life experience that has prepared me for college is the pressure to create change whether it’s coming from parents or social media. I’ve had to work hard, stay focused and push myself even when things got difficult. That’s what has motivated me to get my degree and open new opportunities not just for myself but for my family.
Hi Maram! I’m glad to hear that your past experiences has shaped you and has made you even stronger! I hope you achieve everything you desire! Remember – not everything is real and true on social media, – don’t live by comparing yourself to others. Everyone has their own pace in life and everyone’s pace will be different -> because they have different life goals! And that’s Okay! I hope you will have a great time here at City Tech! :))
High school taught me how to manage my time and balance schools with other responsibilities.When faced with a difficult task I like to ask for help and I want to understand where in my thinking I went wrong.I can create positive academic habits by staying up to date with my tasks and create a regular study schedule.
Hi Nadia! I’m glad to hear that you learned such valuable skills during high school. It’s really good that you ask for help when struggling. That’s a good habit – keep it up! And of course staying up to date and creating a regular study schedule is important. I’m glad you’re aware of that! :))
Having the opportunity to do college now during high school helped me prepare myself for college.I learned how important studying is to succeed and have good grades.it also taught me how to manage my time wisely and not fall back with missing assignments.
Hi Leslie! I’m glad to know that taking college now during high school helped you learn such important and valuable skills. And of course – managing our time wisely and not falling back with missing assignments is considered as a really good habit! Keep it up! :))
I’ll say my entire school years but mostly my high school year’s. Mostly when I encountered difficult situations I just keep trying to solve it until I find the bottom of it, never give up. Just stick to a certain habit and time management.
Hi Deve! I’m glad to hear that you keep trying to solve difficult situations without giving up! That’s a good habit! And – Yes – sticking to a certain good habit and managing your time wisely is considered as a great skill! Keep it up! :))
I believe the life experiences that shaped me for college were joining clubs and extracurriculars during high school. My high school offered many activities and gave many college now classes, which I took, so i believe that has helped me as well.