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Share your story.

Mr. Vernon Cheeks 

My name is Vernon Cheeks, a young man from the Southside of Chicago, Illinois. I am majoring in Sports Management and will be graduating from Indiana State University in the Spring of 2016. I grew up in a single-parent home trying to overcome obstacles in the streets of Englewood in Chicago. I was a student and graduate of Urban Prep  which was an academy that focused on helping prepare young men to succeed in their future endeavours. As of today, I am a leader, a son and now serve as an SGA President at Indiana State University. I am the first black Student Government Association President that Indiana State has had in seven years. I intend on going  to Graduate School for Sports Administration.

Contact Information: Email: Vernon.Cheeks@gmail.com

Mr. Yung Plewto Weezz

“Before I share, Mr. Weezz story, I would like to thank him for

The Album cover for the Tru Gang “All Foreign”

believing in PolishedBricks when it was just a thought in my head. He has been supporting the organization and me for the longest time and I greatly appreciate you.”- PolishedBricks President

I am JaQuan Mitchell and I was born in Gary, Indiana. I have been passionate about producing for eight years.

 Q: Where did your passion for music come from?

A: My younger sister’s dad introduced music to me and being that he was from California, he showed me the west coast sound.

Q: Who do respect as a producer?

A: Pharell, Lex Lugar, Metroboobin

Q: Where do you want your career?

 A: I see myself progressing mingle with the best of the best and being a distinct style.

Q: If PolishedBricks had a mix of artists, how would you be separated from the others?

A: I am expressing myself in the way, we all know how to. My actual jobs that I have held and have has helped establish my sound. Other Artists create stories they haven’t actually lived, and I actually do.

Contact Information: Email: yungplewtoweezz@gmail.com Facebook, Instagram, Soundcloud:YungPlewtoWeezz

Mr. Kyle Holmes 

The Album cover for the Tru Gang “All Foreign”

 I am Kyle Holmes and I was born and raised on the Southside of Chicago. Music has always been the inspiration of my life, from songwriting to producing. I love to entertain. I have been making music since the age of ten years old. Progression is a big step to me. Now, I am a member of T.R.U. Gang, which stands for The Realest Understood. We make good quality music from different genres like Hip-Hop, Rap, R&B, Electronic Dance Music, and etc. My role in the group is to perform and progress. Being the youngest in the group is a good thing because you can learn from other members on what to do, and what not to do.  I am a person who wants to progress and expand the creativity of the world.

Contact Information: Email: bigkdagreat@gmail.com SoundCloud : http://www.soundcloud.com/bigkdagreat

Ms. Makailya Rice 

 

I am from Indianapolis, Indiana and a soon to be graduating senior from Indiana State University in  December. I have many hats under my belt, but my most prized one I hold dear to my heart is being the President of Black Student Union. I am a part of Omicron Delta Kappa Leadership society,  Mentoring Assistance for Prospective Scholars program (MAPS), and a Blue Team Leader for Indiana State’s new student orientation. I assist with the MAPS planning division which is called the Vision Team. I am also a Campus Life program assistant and a Family programming assistant. Ms. Rice serves on the Student Government Association as a newly elected Senate. “I want to empower African Americans and all minorities  to become not only a leader but a servant leader to gain the most out of life.” It goes without saying that Ms. Rice is a phenomenal woman who influences others by living her life to the fullest and showing others the definition of an outstanding leader.

Contact Information: Email: mrice7@sycamores.indstate.edu

 Ms. Terri Lomax

My name is Terri Lomax. I am a speaker, author and blogger. I help striving but overwhelmed women, make peace with their pasts and pursue their goals so they can lead fulfilling lives, all while becoming their best selves. My desire to empower women to achieve their goals and overcome low self-esteem, was birthed from a place of hurt and pain. I grew up in an abusive household where my mom was physically and verbally abusive. As a result, I developed a deep-seated self-hatred that negatively affected every area of my life. Often times I walked around with a smile plastered on my face, but on the inside, I was in turmoil. It took almost 20 years for me to learn the value of self-love and to realize my worth as a human being, let alone a black woman. The most discouraging part of my journey was that I thought I was alone. I thought I was the only girl who hated herself and her body. In a weird way I felt guilty for being skinny because people in the media praised thinness but I desperately wanted to gain weight. I didn’t see women on TV who looked like me, discussing depression, low self-esteem or how to overcome the enemy within. There weren’t many productive outlets for me to talk about my negative self-image, or my struggles for that matter. I didn’t believe in myself and my self-concept contributed to a lot of self-defeating habits. Despite what I’ve been through, I was able to overcome; but I can’t take all the credit. I attribute much of my success (if not all of it) to supportive family members, selfless mentors, my dynamic pastors and my “WHY” or my 7 siblings! By the time I was 23, I graduated with my Master’s degree and published my first book. I also started my own company, Terri Lomax Productions, which is devoted to equipping marginalized teens and black women with practical tools to actualize their potential. I don’t list these accomplishments to brag, instead, I want to show women who are on the verge of giving up, that anything is possible with persistence and a commitment to resilience! I created my blog, Mocha Girls Pit Stop to be a supportive online community where like-minded women can share their stories and inspire one another.

If you’re interested in joining a positive online community of women of color, subscribe to the Mocha Girls Pit Stop blog today, mochagirlspitstop.com/subscribe.

Contact Information: Email: terri@terrilomax.com Website: MochaGirlsPitStop.com

 

Ms. Whitney Tipton 

Growing up my life seemed to be very simple. I had a great family surrounding me and friends who were pursuing many of the same goals as I was. Early in life I had many dreams and desires for my life. So entering into college I definitely planned on achieving those dreams I had set. However, things changed for me very quickly in my freshmen year of college at Indiana State University. In my freshmen year, I made a friend who was passionately in love with Jesus. She always invited to bible studies and other Christian related events on campus. I was not a fan of participating in these things because that is not what I desired to do with my college career. However, she began sharing the Gospel of Jesus Christ with me, and it radically changed my life. As a freshman in college, the last thing I was expecting to do was be a committed follower of Jesus. I never imagined myself as a person to be sold out for Christ. Nonetheless, I had a life-changing experience with God and from there my life completely changed. It changed me so much that I decided to change my major from Athletic Training to Recreation Management and Youth Leadership to one day pursue a career in sports ministry. Over the course of my college career, I was able to lead several major campus-wide events that engaged students about topics related to religion to everyday struggles an individual might face. I also had the opportunity to spend a summer in the Middle East to do ministry and implement some of the skills I was learning in the classroom and on campus. Now as a recent college graduate, I plan to continue to make an impact in world. I desire to go to Seminary to grow in ministry and pursue a career as a full-time missionary in the Middle East. Although, I have had many amazing opportunities in my college career there have been many ups and downs. I have faced many challenges and have failed many times through my experience. However, I have always found grace to lift me up and help me stay focused on the goal. Many times it felt impossible to finish school and to finish strong, but I have reached the goal. This is truly the beginning of a new journey and I cannot wait to see what else is in store.

Whitney Tipton

Contact Inforomation:  Email:  wtipton22@gmail.com

Mr. Davonta Morrison

 

Hello World,

My name is Davonta Morrison; I’m a 23-year-old African-American Indiana State University college student, poet, and mentor. I’m currently majoring in Criminology & Criminal Justice and minoring in psychology. I will be graduating from ISU in 2017. Some of you may know me from the work I have done with multiple organizations such as M.A.P.S. – Mentoring Assistance Prospective Scholars/ Gentlemen Society, A.F.A. – Association for Future Attorneys, and last but not least B.O.S.S. – Brotherhood of Successful Scholars, or may have seen me on campus but before we get into all of that let me take you on a brief tour of my life.

I was born in Merrillville, Indiana but was raised majority of my life in Gary. As a kid, I grew up majority of life with most of my close relatives because their choices led to a life of crime including my father. Growing up around majority of teenagers and adults, I manage to witness and learn some things that average little kid shouldn’t have learned, but I learned early on that even though I’m a product of environment doesn’t mean I have to end up go down towards the life of crime.

I graduated from Roosevelt High School in 2011, ranked at #4 out of 200 seniors. Also I was very active from playing sports to doing JROTC. I started my college years in Ivy Tech just doing general studies. Then I transferred to Tennessee State University to study engineering, but couldn’t afford to stay due to of them doubling up tuition. When I came back home, I barely had a dollar to my name and ended up washing dishes at Indiana University Northwest campus until 2013. Around January 2013, I transferred to ISU and had started with criminology & criminal, minoring in psychology. In 2014, I had a lot of financial distractions happening and my grades took a beating, so I got place on academic probation. Then got academically dismissed around December, and ended up leaving ISU for a semester with a 1.96-grade point average.

Even the dismissal left me devastated; I didn’t let it stop me. So I continue to stay in school and went back to Ivy Tech for a semester and then got reinstated and will be returning to ISU this upcoming semester. Now even though I was away from ISU for a semester, people had looked down upon me, thought I wasn’t going come back and get off of academic probation, but I did. Now don’t let the dismissal fool you. I was still mentoring people, and helping others while I was away from ISU. Today, I’m still a mentor, student organization leader, poet, and a proud family man.  Honestly now that I’m back at ISU I did what I did best which is continue my journey of mastering my craft, and getting better. So I leave all of you whose reading this with these two messages:

“In life, God will throw you hard challenges at you to see just how well you can overcome. College is all about learning how to create a better you. So use your time in college to create a better you and help others. Remember patience plus positivity equals blessings, and faith, consistency plus hard work equal success. God Bless.”

If you want to make it in life then you got to have to be:

• Be Fearless
• Have a vision
• Believe in yourself
• Always hustle
• Stay focus and humble
• Get out there
• Get motivated
• Get inspired

 

 

Contact Information: Primary email contact: Dmorrison9@sycamores.indstate.edu Alternative email contact: Dmorrison824@gmail.com

Mr. Alexander “Kofi” Barko 

My name is Alexander “Kofi” Barko. I recently graduated with my Masters in Student Affairs and Higher Education. As an undergrad, I majored in Biology and minored in Chemistry. One of the main observations I made was that students who were coming from low income, first generation backgrounds, and minorities were dropping out at a higher rate than their peers. I became very interested in student success and the factors that contributed to the disparity I was witnessing. From there I decided to gain expertise in student success and gain the skills necessary to help students from all backgrounds succeed. I have instructed a University 101 Course for probation students, served as both a retention counselor and graduate coordinator for the ISUcceed program and interned in the University College, Career Center and Campus Life. Through all these experience I have gained the knowledge and skills needed to meet each student where they are and take steps to help them develop academically, socially, professionally and personally as they make strides to achieve their goals. In the future, I hope to get a Ph.D. in educational psychology to research the best way to use the college experience to develop underprepared students. I am interested in exploring self-regulated learning, collaborative learning, service learning and academic coaching as primary ways of bridging this gap. I hope to serve as a Director or Associate Vice President for Student Success in the future. I believe that environments matter and if we can provide a supportive, challenging and resourceful environment, any student can achieve their goals with determination and persistence.

 

Contact Information:  Email:  alexkofibarko@gmail.com

Mr.Gary Rashad Ellis

I am from Indianapolis, Indiana. I am an alumni from Indiana State University with a bachelor’s degree in Theater. I have been in 7 mainstage plays during my time at Indiana State. I was involved in the first all African American cast play the Color Purple which sold out in two days. In the Terre Haute community, with other actors from the play The Color Purple put a production called Black People Anonymous which displays poetry, singers, and mini skits. In the Indiana area, He is the founder of Ellis Island Productions. An has a recent short film called “Can’t Break The Lease. My ultimate goal is to perform and touch the world in a positive way. I hope to do this through the arts.

Contact Information:                                                       Email: G.Rellis14@gmail.com LinkedIn: Gary Rashad Ellis Youtube: Rashad Ellis Facebook: Rashad Ellis

Mr.John C. Smith 

I am from South Bend, Indiana, and my life’s dream is to become a sports agent for the NBA, MLB, and NFL. How I plan to do that is by continuing my education by obtaining my J. D. in Sports Law and receiving my masters in Sports Management.  I am currently a member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity Inc., Omicron Delta Kappa Leadership Society, and an Honor Society. I feel that staying on my path of success with facing so much adversity as an African American male gives life to those in similar situations. ” Motivation” I believe is key and staying positive and being a walking testimony to the youth and the community I believe is my service in life.

Contact Information:                                                                          Email: Phatsmith40@gmail.com

Mr.Tevin Studdard

I write  theme songs for college sport teams across the country. I mention every athletes name on the roster and create a catchy chorus that both players and fans can rally around. I’ve performed for over 65 teams in over 7 sports. The sports include- Volleyball, Mens Basketball, Womens Basketball, Softball, Baseball, Soccer and Hockey. Schools include USC, Penn State, Nebraska, Florida, Minnesota, North Dakota State, South Dakota State, Memphis, Michigan, Ohio State, Iowa, Witchita State and many more.

 

Contact Information:  Email:  TeamThemes@yahoo.com                                                          Website: TevinStuddardTeamThemes.com

Miss Yazhmine Rodriguez 

Yahzmine Rodriguez is Marketing major who wants to go into Nonprofit Management. After recieving her degree in Marketing she intends on expanding her education to get her Masters in Marketing Research. In 2012, Ms. Rodriguez received the President’s Scholar Award from Indiana State University . In 2013, Rodriguez worked as an intern for the ISUcceed program focusing on sustainability on the business side. After 2013, Rodriguez became a La Plaza intern which she mentor the Latio children in the Indianapolis region as a continuation of her exploration of cultures; She study aboard in South Korea. Currently,Yahzmine is  a Mentor Assistance for Productive Scholars, MAPS  a program offered at the Charles E. Brown Cultural Canter.

Contact Information:Email:  Yahzrod@gmail.com

Ms. Tisha Langford

I am from New Albany,IN. I am a first generation college student attending Indiana State University majoring in Marketing and a minor in Public Relations. I have been on the Dean lists for Multiple semesters. I am the First Black President for Reeve’s Hall and I am a peer mentor for the Center of Student Success.

Contact Info: Email: Trtlangford01@aol.com

Mr. Micheal Schumpert 

I am from Indianapolis, Indiana. I grew up in the inner city and went to a public school. As a young boy, I had a passion for music and sports. One time I had the same passion for music but I chased a different route here at Indiana State University. I pursue my degree in Sports Management with a concentration in Youth & Leadership. I would like to be a Director of a Park or YMCA. I feel that someone needs to give back to the youth and I would like to do that. This generation needs guidance and I want people to know that I want to make a change in their life.

Contact Information:Email:  MikeSchump5@gmail.com

Mr. Jeremy Brown 

I grew up in Gary, Indiana . I cut hair at Indiana State University . I started cutting at the age of fifteen . One day I went to a barber shop on  49th and Broadway. The barber I went to pushed my hairline back about one inch on one side of my head.  They gave me a haircut so bad that it lead me to discover on of the greatest gifts I have. I have shared my gift with the males at Indiana State University. So if you need a haircut, Contact me !

Contact Information: Email: JeremyBrown@yahoo.com

Tiara McZeal 

I am Originally from Las Vegas, Nevada. I came to Indiana State to further my education. I am the Political events writer for Word on the Yard magazine which is published out of the African American Cultural Center. I am also a MAPS Scholar, and the Treasurer for the NAACP chapter at Indiana State University. I am a sophomore at Indiana State, soon to be junior with a major in Political Science . I want to one day become a political analyst on my own television show and later on  own a political network. I will one day start a nonprofit organization that makes foster homes for kids.

Contact Information: Email: TiaraMcZeal@yahoo.com Website: Tiashatell.com

Mr. Eric James 

I was born and raised in Indianapolis, Indiana. I am the youngest of five children. All of my family lives in the hood, so for the majority I have seen it all. Seeing this made me want to be different. I see them smoke and drink , I don’t , I see them cuss and swear , I don’t . They chose not to pursue a higher education but I did. I am an Honor student at Indiana State University and I have received a recognize from the African American Cultural Center for having a 3.5 GPA or above. They are my fuel to strive so I can show them that its possible to accomplish positive things.

Contact Information: Email: ericjamesjr@yahoo.com

Ms. Erma Udota 

I am from Illinois and the reason I came to Indiana State and Indiana in general was to meet new people. I am 100% Nigerian and I have lived in Chicago for some years then moved to the suburbs . I have one older sister that lives in Georgia, my parents are divorced and I live with my mother. I came to meet new people , build relationships and  growing as a successful black woman .

Contact Information: Email: eudota@gmail.com

Ms. Danyielle Spencer 

I am highly passionate about kids. I have been helping kids since I was thirteen years old. i have worked  for a few youth facilities and I have impacted by the experiences I have gain there. Every summer my kids there are looking forward to me returning from college. I struggle with dealing with variety of attitudes that I constantly face. I honestly feel that there are not enough books to prepare one for the different attitudes and problems of this generation. The last thing these kids need is abandonment, and more positive figures to look up to. And with that being said I want to be the one who doesn’t abandon children but give them a positive role model to look up to .

Contact Info: Email: dspencer8@sycamores.indstate.edu

Mr.Terrence Strader

I am a from Indianapolis, IN and I am an alumni of Indiana State University with a Bachelors’ degree in Computer Technology. I have been a member of Alpha Zeta Rho Fraternity Inc for about a year. I have a internship at Union Hospital in Terre Haute,IN as a Simulation Technologist Assistant. I am a MAPS Scholar which stands for Mentor Assistance for Productive Scholars .

Contact Info: Email: straderterrance@gmail.com

 Ms. Alivia Redmond 

Growing up I had a life changing event happen starting at the age of twelve to the time I was sixteen years old. Now I want to use that experience and turn into a blessing. Once I graduate from Indiana State University, I plan on becoming a counselor for young teens / women who have suffered from trauma by being assaulted. Later in life I would love to have my own shelter for women and children and help them turn their life around. I have also went to the Vietnam to help children over there with my social work program.

Contact Info: Email: Alivia.Redmond@gmail.com

Mr. David Lee Myers 

I am a Construction Management Major with a minor in Dance Performance at Indiana State University. I am from Chicago. I have been doing color guard, winter guard and Multi-cultural dance every since I was nine years old. I am very creative and I love to try new things. I am a fast learner and very intelligent African American male. I love to laugh and I am very much so a people’s person. I am also a member of Alpha Zeta Rho Fraternity Inc..

Contact Information: Email: davidmyersiii@yahoo.com

 Mr. Deion Powell 

I have been a successful African American student because I have made connections with other African American leaders on Indiana State University campus. I have expanded my level of thinking and have advice for the younger students. I advise them to get involved on campus early as possible as well as in the community. The reason I advise you to do those things is because the connections you make now will help you in your future endeavors. Don’t give up or give in, you can make it with God’s strength. You are a success!

Contact Information: Email: dpowell11@sycamores.indstate.edu

Ms. Shanice Harris 

I am from the Southside of Chicago and I attend Indiana State University. I am a Criminology major focused in Criminal Justice with a minor in Legal Studies minor . I am currently the Secretary of NAACP. I also work as student assistant at the African American Cultural Center on Indiana State campus. Eventually, I want to work with Juvenile delinquents and be the resource they need further in life.

Contact Information: Email: Sharris49@sycamores.indstate.edu

 Ms. Denise Smith 

In the radio world on campus, I work for Z90.7fm and have a Hip-Hop show  called ” I am just Say’n” I want to change the world by Radio . I’m a junior at Indiana State University and I was the executive producer at the Radio station on campus. I worked on a project called Nappy by nature  where I expressed the importance of how hair doesn’t define the women we are .

 Hopefully that you like it, Our website is http://www.musauesther01.wix.com/nappybynature

Contact Information:Email:denises233@gmail.com

N’kenge Humphries 

“I always knew that I wanted to change the world to

change the world and  I wanted the world to change me for the greater good. I have valued education since the womb, but I appreciate knowledge way more every since I came to college,and now I know there’s  a difference between the two. Therefore, with the use of knowledge, I can create no change no matter how big or how small the impact may be . “

Contact Information:Email:  KengeMichelle@yahoo.comEmail:  KengeMichelle@yahoo.com

Helen Cunningham

Hello, my name is Helen Annette Hayes Cunnigham, originally from Indianapolis, but currently now located in McCordsville, Indiana. I am Pre- Med majoring in Biology and I aspire to  become a pediatrician. I came about wanting to be a doctor by the fact that I love helping people and what better way to do it if, by helping people, who has health problems. Once I get  into my profession, I want to give back to my community.

Contact Information:Email:Email:  Hcunningham721@sycamores.indstate.edu

MaLika Asha Johnson

Hello PolishedBricks Organization,

I am MaLika Johnson, better known as MaLika Asha’. I am a new member of the YouTube vlogging community.  On my channel, I review your favorite shows and try to add a perspective that no one is thinking of, ask the questions most people keep to themselves, and I say what most people wouldn’t. Jst MaLika Asha’ “talk” is honest, no sugarcoating, but never malicious; which is how I am in real life. No profanity. I also sing on Mondays, which is a segment I call Music Monday. I am constantly looking for video concept ideas, because I want to offer something for everybody.

I recently started vlogging with the help of friend after many years of people in my life asking me to.  After watching a show, I would call my friends and discuss the show saying what I liked, what I didn’t. I would give character insight after doing outside research on the reality stars, if their behavior on the show made me question who they were in “real life” or was this just another show personality.

The vision for Jst MaLika Asha’ is to evolve into a website and radio show that showcases not only entertainment topics, but love and relationships, real life current events, and interviews.

Contact Information:Email:  Malikaashaj@gmail.comTwitter: JstMaLikaAshaEmail:  Malikaashaj@gmail.comTwitter: JstMaLikaAsha

Mr. Timdrick Stewart 

  

Over the past two years I have become socially involved with seven different student organizations. My willingness to learn about a variety of topics has influenced me in this direction of campus involvement.  The variation of organizations focus on topics such as business oriented, leadership based, and career preparation.   Many of the organization I am affiliated with and many other organizations on campus are struggling obtaining more membership, and actual attendance in regards to organized campus events.  In order to address both of these issues, I thoroughly planned out my idea/vision to host a ‘Game Night Event.’  This event was held on February 2, 2015 in the African American Culture Center.   The purpose of this event was primarily focused on the opportunity to invite a large portion of the Indiana State University campus to participate in a fun filled event.  I purposely organized this event so it would be free for all Indiana State students, due to the common lack of funds for active students.  Another important characteristic of the event focused on the potential social aspect during the event.  The event was designed to produce a comfortable and sociable environment, which would encourage conversation and networking opportunities amongst the variety of students in attendance.  Due to my previous experience of attending other campus events, I started to recognize the trend of social events attracting the attention of students and dramatically increasing attendance at social event compared to professional focused events.  Along this process, I learned the importance of introducing topics and conversations relevant to professionalism.

I implemented this knowledge by inviting several different students from a variety of developed student organizations. This additional type of representation was important because this inclusion implemented a professional aspect to the event.  Promptly before serving each student with a free meal, a representative from each organization proudly announced the following information pertaining to each organization: organization name, weekly meeting day/time, meeting location, and mission statement.  I decided to include this segment into the program to grant every student in attendance the opportunity to gain helpful information on becoming more involved in student organizations.  I strongly encourage students to enjoy and take advantage of the many different opportunities and experiences Indiana State’s student organizations have to offer.   After having everyone in attendance sign-in, a total of eight-five people were present.   The total number of people in attendance implied this event to be considered successful, efficient, and relevant to student interest.   Overall, I received extremely positive feedback in regards to positive impact, comfortable atmosphere, delicious food, and appreciated memories.   Picture taking was also insured in the creation of this event because it is important to capture numerous fun and enjoyable moments.    I first received recognition for becoming a member of the Scott’s College of Business Dean’s List concluding the Spring 2014 semester.

This accomplishment was quite significant to me because I recently set a personal goal of earning a 3.6 or higher GPA.  Thanks to my initiative, consistency, and perseverance, I was able to surpass this particular S.M.A.R.T goal by obtaining a 4.0 GPA.   My potential to reach this goal was motivated by a combination of wanting to receive the ‘Presidential Award’ during my induction into The National Society of Leadership and Success and attending the Annual African American Culture Center Academic Achievement Award Ceremony and Luncheon for the second consecutive year.  I think earning such high honors will also serve as an extra credentials and experiences to include within resumes, networking events, leadership opportunities, mentoring efforts, serving as a role model and future career success. Due to my 4.0 GPA I was acknowledge as the 1st African American Male from the Mentoring Assistance for Prospective Scholars (M.A.P.S), which has actively been in existence for the past ten years.  Thanks to the morals and intent of both programs, several students have evolved personally, academically, financially, and culturally.  It is important to understand this accomplishment as a whole.  My success does not only benefit me but also influences my peers to put forth similar efforts.  Since receiving my 4.0 GPA, I am often questioned about the overall process and study strategies I used to reach this level of success.  Personally, I enjoy having this conversation with other students on Indiana State’s campus because I truly believe many other students can perform at a similar level once they recognize their actual potential.   Every time I explain the process and hardships I had to overcome, I hope other students will embrace the concept, ‘great preparation prevents poor performance.’  This concept encourages me to complete every assignment, attend class regularly, and positively impact my peers on campus.  At this point, I have truly enjoyed performing my mentoring duties for many first-year students.  I take my mentoring job serious because I experienced five friends not return back to Indiana State after our freshman year, which left me being the only one returning Indiana State University for sophomore year.

This transition was difficult for me to cope with because I was forced to make new friends, which influenced me to become heavily involved with student organizations.  The absence of friendship can be impactful because many students depend on such relationships for entertainment, conversation, and career building.   The efforts I put into mentoring is motivated by my willingness to help others.  The benefits of this job is way beyond the earned wages because I constantly get to witnesses students progress and improve as overall students.   I measure student progress by increase in GPA, campus involvement, positive attitude, dependability, ability to accept responsibility and effort towards becoming a role-model.   This job is also awarding because many student learn from my leadership qualities, study strategies, and time management skills.  I also enjoy the connections I make with all my students, which I generally get assigned fifteen students per semester.  A strong connection with the students encourages students to trust me as their mentor to direct them in the appropriate direction, which if I perform accordingly students will dramatically improve and continues their successful college journey here at Indiana State University.

Personally, I am satisfied with any progress or improvement displayed by any of my students, which I often celebrate with my students during our scheduled weekly appointments. Personally, I think I am beyond deserving of this award, which several faculty/staff members that would also attest to that.  While at Indiana State, I have developed a passion for being a leader, which I am constantly looking for ways to improve and help others.  I applaud my own efforts because I have not ignored my responsibilities of becoming an excellent student, which is implied by my cumulative 3.5 GPA.   Due to my humbleness, a lot of my significant accomplishments often go unnoticed by outside sources because I am not the bragging type.  I this award will help speak on my behalf of my recent success.  I intend on using this award to promote student success.   I think action speaks louder than words, which this award is a tangible item compared to me describing my success.

 

Contact Information:Email:  Timdrickstewart3@gmail.com

Jacoby Sherrell

 Jacoby Sherrell is currently a junior at Indiana State University. I major in Human Development and Family Studies with a minor in psychology. “My time at Indiana State University has been both a challenging but exciting experience” said Mr. Sherrell.  He partakes in a lot of programs and helping them develop and experience growth. He is very active on Indiana State’s campus and presents polished work that also why he won one of the spot on the Senate for Student Government Association . If you are looking for a innovator, developer of new idea’s you must cement it up with Mr. Sherrell .

Contact Information:Email:  Jsherell@sycamores.indstate.eduEmail:  Jsherell@sycamores.indstate.edu

 

Makyla Thompson

Are you a true writer?           Click the Links below to checkout some of her writings:

Food pantry offers a wider variety – Indiana State University: Campus.

ISU to offer genetic counseling master’s program – Indiana State University: Campus

Summer classes help students stay on track – Indiana State University: Campus

Lower gas prices help students save money – Indiana State University: City.

Contact Information: My Blogs: https://wordpress.com/stats/thompsonmakyla.wordpress.com My Linked-In username  : Makyla Thompson Twitter: Makyla2016 Thompson_Makyla@yahoo.com

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