College Experiences That Helped A Professor At San Jacinto College Succeed

Did I do my college work to set myself up for success in my career? Financially is one thing. As a student, finances are so important.

I did take out loans; I had to. My wife and I were dirt poor when we started out, and then we gradually built up. I had to work full-time. I was in retail management for a while, and I didn't want to do that long-term, but you kind of have to do things that are a means to an end.

You have to work through those rough areas and challenges because I was trying to take care of a family at the time. My wife and I kind of traded off. I worked full-time, and she went to law school at night.

Finances are one really important thing. Also, make sure you have time to spend on your studies. I've seen some students who can't get through the class or get bad grades because they have other things going on in their lives. You have to set aside a good amount of time for your education.

It's like a full-time job. You have to say, "Okay, my job is to get a good education," and plan for it wisely. You'll need to spend two, three, or four hours, however many hours you need, for studying each day.

You have to do that as a student, especially my online students. They mean well at first, but then things get in the way. Before you know it, you're on a slippery slope, trying to catch up, and your grades aren't improving.

So, I think you've really got to stay organized. You've got to schedule time wisely and manage your money. You've got to develop those skills. If you don't have good study habits or need better writing skills, go out and seek help. There are tutors and people who can help you.

If you can get into honors programs or things like that, I highly recommend it because it will only help you get into a four-year program or get a good job. People notice that.

I also highly recommend doing extra things. I've hired a lot of part-time faculty over the years. I tell them it's great to be a great teacher, but what I want to see is what you've done above and beyond that. Have you gotten involved in committees or other college events? What additional things have you done beyond teaching?

If you want to become a professor, I highly recommend getting involved in additional things that the college or society offers.