The Issue of Culture on Campus: Cut it or Keep it?

This question is asked by every single foreign student and those who grew up in not-so- “typical” households by American standards. Outside of the African continent, there is no such thing as a “Historically African College,” therefore, almost every born-and-raised African on campus will encounter some issues pertaining to cultural integration. “How should I dress?” “Will people question the music I listen to?” “Will my friends criticize the movies I watch?” Even worse, there have been times when African students are ridiculed for these very things, reminding us that it is never easy for a woman or foreigner to represent her nation in another culture.

Most African student will face this issue, and different reactions will present themselves to us. Many will hide their culture, often forgetting it, in order to “fit in” with everyone else and become as popular as possible at the cost of their identity. Others will hold on to their culture, not being ashamed of who they are and where they have come from. They will challenge potential friends to accept them for who they are, causing only the most genuine acquaintances to grow close to them. 

According to the American Heritage Dictionary of New Cultural Literacy, culture is defined as “The sum of attitudes, customs, and beliefs that distinguishes one group of people from another.”

Your culture plays a large role in who you are, and if you fall into the temptation of abandoning it, you create an identity crisis. 

Be true to yourself, and everyone will naturally be true to you. The real people will stay for years, and the fakes will quickly leave.

Tags: african culture, african culture on campus, culture on campus, issue of culture

Proper Time Management

One of the key elements to success in college is proper time management. Better yet, time management is key if you want to be successful in life. I can safely say that the difference between an ‘A’ student and a ‘C’ student is proper time management. That is not to say that even with a good management of time, you will not encounter setbacks. Set personal goals you would want to attain in the course of the school year. When preparing those personal goals do not limit yourself to anything less than the best. No matter how challenging your goals may be, just remember that according to Philippians 4:13, you can do all things through Christ who strengthens you.

There are a few helpful tips to aid in the success of a college student. First of all you must know the goals you wish to achieve. Secondly, write the goals down on paper. Afterwards create a schedule that will include such things as: classes, sleep, studies, time for friends, exercise and personal time. With this schedule, the likelihood of accomplishing your purpose is high and it creates a sense of balance and responsibility.

Two important things to remember: do not be too rigid with your schedule; leave room for change and take each day one step at a time. With the above tips, you are guaranteed to do well in college.

Last, but certainly not the least, set time aside to build and strengthen your relationship with God. As far as your academics are concerned, you will have some tough times but do not despair. Do your very best and try not to stress yourself out. Personally, I can testify that praying before studying is very important. Continue to strive for the best because you are worth it. Just a reminder, take each day one step at a time; you will be very proud of yourself.

Tags: proper time management, time management

The Old You vs. the New You

We have heard it or said it time and time again, that it is time for a “new beginning” or “now’s the time for the new you”. This is often repeated each semester or with each new year. The freshness of a clean slate is a theme that is very pleasing and attractive, but the journey itself is often less glamorous than the dream. All of us can relate to the struggle of falling short of our ideal selves. I can remember many times that I have broken promises to myself. These failures often cause us to feel as if we are a disappointment to God, to others, and to ourselves. This disappointment sometimes makes it tempting for us to give up. However, what I continue to learn is that God has not given up on us; therefore, we should not give up on ourselves.

The “new you” is unique to every person, because we are all trying to change different aspects of our lives. For some of us, we want to get better grades or be  better students. For others, the goal is to become a more sociable person. Also, we often want to change aspects of our lifestyles, such as having a healthier diet or getting in the habit of exercising. No matter what the goal is, we might find it very difficult to accomplish, and may become discouraged occasionally. However, there are many words of wisdom we can reflect on as we struggle against our old selves. There is always the classic saying which goes: “If at first you don’t succeed, try and try again.” Professor Joe Martin, the award-winning educator, once said success is a numbers game. If we increase our failure rate, we will eventually increase our success rate. There are more chances to succeed within 100 attempts than with five. Keep trying and you will eventually succeed. 

The most important thing to remember in the midst of this is that you are not alone. As we seek to improve our lives, let us remember that “He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 1:6 TNIV) We are all works in progress, and as we remain under construction, let us keep in mind that “A setback is only a setup for a comeback” (Willie Jolley). Never give up, and the “new you” will be standing tall in no time.

Tags: ideal self, professor joe martin, willie jolley