Flashback Friday

It is a great moment when a Tennessee State University alumnus is asked to be the the Keynote Speaker at the MLK Candlelight Vigil hosted by Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. on the campus of their rival Middle Tennessee State University in honor of their fellow brother, Martin Luther King Jr. The vigil serves as an opportunity to honor Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s commitment to social activism and the legacy that has inspired us to continue his movement.

Motivational Monday

Welcome and in this moment the African American Male Initiative program at Columbus State University brought in Derrick Hayes the “enTIEtainer” as the keynote speaker for their “Wings and Bow ties” Professional Development Seminar. In this video Derrick Hayes teaches the young men about the “VALUE of a Tie.”

Flashback Friday

In 2007 I was a presenter at the Student Leadership Conference at Jackson State University. This is a moment that I will always appreciate because I had the opportunity to give back to another HBCU.

DERRRICK Interview with International Student Affairs Professional Sayed Omar

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 Sayed Omar, student life adviser for 10 years at the American University in Cairo, Egypt. I have been the adviser for student government for five years and later on adviser of student conferences and graduate student association on Campus. I have been certified as trainer from Dale carnegie training  , student life adviser from Association for  Promotions of Campus Activities APCA , student coach and staff development from National Association for Campus Activities NACA. I have been awarded by APCA conference 2013/14 adviser of the year and outstanding adviser who makes a difference in student life.

D is for Dream. What is your dream, goals or what have you achieved?

I believe , as student affairs professional and student organizations senior specialist, that each student on campus is a unique individual who needs a secure, caring, and stimulating atmosphere in which to grow , develop. and mature emotionally, intellectually, physically, and socially- Alexander Astin. It is my desire as a educator / adviser for more than 20 student organizations on campus is to help students meet their fullest potential in these areas by providing an environment that is safe, supports risk-taking, and invites a sharing of ideas. I do believe that student should learn by planning, developing, learning by mistakes , and there are three elements that I believe are conducive to establishing such an environment, student should be trained, developed , maintained, alerted, and finally document and assessed student development.

When my role is to guide, providing access to information rather than acting as the primary source of information, the students’ search for knowledge is met as they learn to find answers to their questions. For all student conferences and graduate student associations should adjust , plan and take risk for organizing such events. Students have the free place for creativity and take risk either they continue in their event or not. More and above, students need the opportunity to discover for themselves and practice skills in authentic situations. Providing students access to hands-on activities and allowing adequate time and space to use materials that reinforce the lesson being studied creates an opportunity for individual discovery and construction of knowledge to occur.

Equally important to self-discovery is having the opportunity to study things that are meaningful and relevant to one’s life and interests. Therefore, most of students I have advised have changed their majors and careers when they participate in student activities and discover their purpose in their lives. One way to take learning in a direction relevant to student interest is to invite student dialogue about the lessons they have learned during their life on campus and student organizations. In addition to that when students have ownership in the curriculum, they are motivated to work hard and master the skills necessary to reach their goals.

One of the lessons that diversity  teaches our students is helping  students to develop a deep love and respect for themselves, others, and their environment occurs through an open sharing of ideas and a judicious approach to discipline. When the voice of each student is heard, and environment evolves where students feel free to express themselves. Class meetings are one way to encourage such dialogue. I believe college students have greater respect for their teachers, their peers, and the lessons presented when they feel safe and sure of what is expected of them. In setting fair and consistent rules initially and stating the importance of every activity, students are shown respect for their presence and time. In turn they learn to respect themselves, others, and their environment.

E is for Education. What is your educational background and how do you use it daily?

I graduated from faculty of law, have diploma in business administration, management, leadership education, and finally post graduate diploma in special education. My education backgrounds helped me at when I was the student government adviser to draft the student constitution and undergraduate and graduate student senate bylaws.  As an educator, my background helped me a lot in how to advise student leaders, planning and coaching student groups.

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

For myself, teaching provides an opportunity for continual learning and growth. One of my hopes as an educator is to instill a love of learning in my students, as I share my own passion for learning with them. I feel there is a need for compassionate, strong, and dedicated individuals who are excited about working with students . In our competitive society it is important for students to not only receive a solid education, but to work with someone who is aware of and sensitive to their individual needs. I am such a person and will always strive to be the best educator that I can be.

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

Student affairs is not a job it is a life long learning. My background in education and more than 9 international conferences in the States either with the students or alone, I have realized it is time to transfer all my education to my students and staff who deeply need student affairs experience. It is a great opportunity to transfer and integrate with international student affairs professional and share knowledge and experience which for 10 years Iam doing my best either in my school or international meetings with my colleagues in student affairs.

I is for Individual. Name at least one individual in your network that others should learn more about and why?

Eric Lambert , CEP Association for Promotions of Campus Activities APCA. He has tried his best and his wife , Jessica, to establish student conference for educators and campus promotors.

C is for Challenges. What challenges have you had to overcome?

University budget to attend international student conferences to integrate with student affairs professionals. Establish student leadership center to teach students soft skills and finally student affairs updated books and membership in international student affairs organizations such as NASPA, ACPA, APCA, etc. because the passion of the student affairs and student impact, I have invested most of my annual salary to travel and purchase books and membership.

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

I have drafted the student constitution , graduate association constitution, budget committee bylaws, student government elections rules and procedures, and finally student leadership university manual.

Visit Sayed Omar for more information.

Encourage Students and Staff to BUILD Relationships

Presentation at Tennessee State University

Encouragement Speaker Derrick Hayes became an entrepreneur during his First Year of college at Tennessee State University by starting a business with three packs of hotdogs in a dorm room with a friend.

As a business owner Hayes was able to network and build relationships with students and staff on campus that he is still in touch with today.

Hayes saw the need to teach the lessons he learned so that students and staff would understand the value in relationship building. Through the word BUILD Hayes shares 5 simple strategies that every student or staff can do to improve on a regular basis.

B – Become You

U – Understand Your Uniqueness to Reach Your Peak

I – Invest In Your Future Through Networking

L – Learn From Past Relationships

D – Develop Others

Hayes presents his timely workshops at meetings and events and has been featured as the keynote speaker at several conferences sponsored by such entities as the U.S. Department of Commerce, Subway, Clarion University, Columbus State University, Brown Sanders College, Georgia State University, Tennessee Childcare Facilities Corporation, Mississippi 4-H, American Camping Association, Bowie State University, Tennessee State University, Georgia Power, Jackson State University, and many others.

Derrick Hayes is never selfish with his success and uses his network to BUILD relationships with others by providing them with guest blogging opportunities, publicity with DERRICK Interviews, recognition on his blog Today’s Honoree and motivation with The DAILY Message and the Android and iPhones app Motivation To Your Mobile.

For more information contact:

Encouragement Speaker Derrick Hayes

WOE (Word Of Encouragement) Enterprises

P.O. Box 8702

Columbus, GA 31908

info@derrickhayes.com

http://www.DerrickHayes.com

(706) 615-1662

DERRICK Interview with Eugene “Nap” Napoleon

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 Eugene Napoleon who grew up in the Marion Garden Housing Projects located in Jersey City, New Jersey. He dreamed of accomplishing two major goals in life. He wanted to play professional football, and become President, and CEO of his company. A collegiate standout student-athlete at West Virginia University, Napoleon went on to achieve both goals. He played professional football in the Arena Football League (AFL) with the Tampa Bay Storm, and the Orlando Predators. Also signed a professional contract with the Saskatchewan Roughriders of the Canadian Football League (CFL).

After retiring, Napoleon went on to establish both his Nap Records label, and Nap Sports Marketing / Management Company. The Nap Records Label is an independent record company that has successfully been around for the past 20 years. Nap Records recording artist Ny’a has sold over 500,000 records worldwide, which gave Eugene Napoleon, and Nap Records their first Gold-selling recording artist, and album. Napoleon has successfully negotiated (8) worldwide “Pressing and Distribution” deals for his Nap Records, LLC. Company.

In 1999, Eugene Napoleon established Nap Sports, LLC. In which, he is the President, and CEO. Nap Sports, LLC. Is a limited liability company involved with marketing, promotions, contract negotiations, special events, camps / clinics, speaking engagements, endorsement opportunities, and consultant work, for professional athletes, and other celebrity clients. In 2005 alone, Napoleon represented the MVP of the WNBA, and Co-represented the U.S. Open LPGA Golf Champion, and a member of the White Sox World Series Championship Team.

The Future is now, and because of the many years of success in the sports, and entertainment world, Eugene Napoleon decided to focus on another company. He is the CEO of Nap Vision Entertainment, LLC. Nap Vision Entertainment will continue to operate in the same fashion as Nap Sports did back in the late 90’s. Nap Vision Entertainment will be responsible for management, and representation, marketing, promotions, consulting, special events, and speaking engagements for professional athletes, professional recording artist, and other celebrity clients. Nap Vision Entertainment, LLC. Is home to Pamela Long, known around the world as “Pam,” the platinum selling recording artist, and lead singer of the R&B group, TOTAL. Eugene Napoleon also manages, and represents the R&B group, TOTAL. Nap Vision Entertainment also represents professional basketball player, Thazina Cook. Thazina plays for BC De Chenove in France.

Eugene Napoleon is also an educator. He has 20 years of teaching experience. He is a certified Special Education Teacher, dealing with Emotionally Disturbed, and Behavioral Disability students. Napoleon currently works for the Linden Board of Education.

Q. What is your dream, and what have you achieved?

A. When I was 7 years old, I told my mother that I wanted to play professional football, and become a CEO of my own company. My mother always inspired, and pushed me to make my dreams a reality. I thank God for her, because I did achieve those goals. I played professional football in the
Arena Football League (AFL) and I am the President, and CEO of Nap Records, LLC. And Nap Vision Entertainment, LLC. I am a successful, and well respected business man, Barnes & Noble “Bestselling” author, sports agent, and consultant, and manager of one of the most successful R&B groups in the history of the music business, TOTAL.

Q. What encourages you?

A. I have always been blessed with great faith. I grew up in the Marion Garden Projects in Jersey City, New Jersey. So, my mother was my HERO! My mother taught me the importance of character, morals, values, discipline, and having a great work ethic. So, with that came this burning desire to
want success in everything that I was involved in. My encouragement comes from always wanting to inspire positive change in the life of others. I am encouraged, and motivated by all of my sisters, and brothers that did not make it to see their dreams become a reality. My mother had 7 children, and she buried 5 of them. So, I have a totally different perspective on life.

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

A. I was blessed to have a mother that taught me so many different lessons regarding life. My background in sports, and entertainment, has provided me with many great opportunities to meet, and work with many other successful people. I am respected, because I bring honesty, integrity, with a high moral code to anything that I am a part of. In most cases, those qualities, and beliefs are hard to find in the kind of businesses that I am involved in.

Q. When did you realize you were ready for what you are doing now?

A. When I was 7 years old. I had a conversation with my mother telling her what I wanted to accomplish in my life. We mapped out something called, “The Blueprint.” I used “The Blueprint” to inspire my entire life. I told my mother was my dreams were at 7 years old. I was blessed to accomplish every goal, and objective that we discussed that day. So, I would say, I knew when I was 7 years of age.

Q. Name at least one person that you know you feel others should learn about, and why?

A. I my life, I’ve had a few special people that I would think people could learn a few things from. It starts with my mother. She was the strongest person I’ve ever met. As I stated before, because of my experiences in my life, my personal perspectives are different. I don’t view or measure success the way most people would. So, I’ve learned from those special individuals that understand the importance of the core of who we should be as people. It has nothing to do with how much money you have, or how many cars or homes you may have. It comes down to how we treat each other, and
are your actions reflective of your words, and the way you are living your life. So, I would say, my mother, Ivedell Mcclam, and my high school head coach, Frank Gargiulo.

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

A. I understand my purpose in life. When I was just 4 years old. My 9 year old sister saved my life. We were in the biggest house fire of that time period in the history of Jersey City. My sister died in that fire. She gave her life for me. So, I’ve always had a greater purpose, and an understanding that my walk in life would be different. My faith in God, and my personal belief in myself, has always allowed me to stay focused in the face of adversity.

Q. What keys to success can you leave for upcoming entrepreneurs, and leaders?

A. I would tell them to learn their own purpose. It’s important to know the purpose, and the reason, and how you will use your success to impact others around you. In order to be a successful or productive leader, you first have to understand all positions of structure. That would mean, if you were a follower at one point in your life, that would give you an opportunity to learn, and become an effective leader when given an opportunity. I have learned from others, and their mistakes on how to become a better husband, a better father, a better person, CEO, Sports Agent / business consultant, a better Special Education Teacher, and someone that walks in their own truth. I would hope to leave those lessons for anyone that would listen. For me it’s all about, inspiring positive change in the life of others.

Thank you for the opportunity to do this interview. Stay blessed.

Regards,
Eugene “Nap” Napoleon,

The DAILY Message for Tuesday March 17th, 2015

Each week day Derrick Hayes encourages you through a Derricknym, App and Idea to Lift You.

(Please read, Like, Share, Retweet or Reblog The DAILY Message)

• Derricknym: Get Your DUE (Dig Up Energy).
• App: Today’s word is Prayer. No matter what religion or race you are always find a way to wish others well. Daily I hope blessings come your way and find a way to permanently stay. Download the Motivation To Your Mobile app on Android or I Phones to receive Today’s word.
• Idea: Move your feet to a different beat.

Derrick Hayes is known as the “Encouragement Speaker” and is available for speaking engagements and Derricknym signings at meetings, conferences, and events. Please visit http://www.DerrickHayes.com email info@DerrickHayes.com  or call (706) 615-1662 to book Derrick Hayes now.

The Importance of Building Relationships In College and Out

By Aditya Singhal

College is a very opportune time in a person’s life. Not only are you gaining knowledge and experiences, but you are also meeting people. Lots of people. These individuals may continue to influence and change your life long after college graduation. There are many different reasons for cultivating professional and personal relationships with people such as professors, fellow students, and professionals. However, the following three are important to recognize now.

Learn Street Smarts:

Many people will tell you that a lot of the learning you experience in college actually happens outside of the classroom. While it’s great to be a 4.0 student, and keep tidy notes that you can use for the rest of your career, there’s also something to be said for the person who can gain insight and share ideas from outside of a text book. Having relationships with others during college gives you a sounding board for ideas and resources that can’t be found in a book. It can be instrumental in figuring out the direction you want to head in.

Increase Career Opportunities:

You may have heard of the old adage, ‘It’s not what you know, but who you know…” Well, it’s true in many cases. Hundreds of professionals can attribute their career to knowing someone else in the field. As a matter of fact, 63% of college graduates have a friend or acquaintance to thank for helping them land the job they have. Professors are also a great connection when job searching. They often have connections to people already working in the field, and can refer them to you or provide letters of recommendation. Even if you find a career and are happy with your current job, it’s never a bad idea to have contacts in related fields of study, in case you want to move in a different direction.

Build Confidence:

Lastly, most students entering college are fresh out of high school and still figuring out who they are, where their strengths lie and what they want to do. By reaching out to a new community of people, you will put yourself in new situations and relationships where you can learn more about yourself. Making new connections will allow you to push your limits, try new things and develop confidence along the way. People often look back in fondness at their college years. Many are thankful for the education and proud of the degree they earned through long hours of studies. But most people are truly happy to have met people, whether students, professors, mentors, their spouse or professionals in the field. These connections will be taken with them no matter what steps they take next. The quality of the connections made can greatly influence the college experience and opportunities available afterward. So take our words of advice and reach out to those around you, look for opportunities to get involved, get to know your professors and connect with people every chance you get. You will be thankful you did down the road.

About Aditya Singhal:

Aditya Singhal is the co-founder of Transtutors.com, a leading online tutoring help for college students. Having graduated from prestigious Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), he worked briefly with American Consulting firm, Kurt Salmon Associates before taking the entrepreneurial route. Outside the work ambit, Aditya has a personal interest in helping MBA students. He is also actively involved in giving back to the society by contributing a part of the revenue towards education of poor students in India.

 

DERRICK Interview with Student Organizer Johnny “ Slin-K” Brownlee

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 Johnny “ Slin-K” Brownlee who is speaker and author of Getting In Our Own Way: The Degradation of Student Organizations. He was two time Director of Florida Atlantic University’s former agency, Black Student Union & Multicultural Programming. An organization that at the time,had 600+ members and six-figure budgets.

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

I want to empower generations of people to think for themselves, be who they are, celebrate who they are and that are willing to be engaged and involved in their own liberation. I don’t want to see another generation of people feel helpless or dictated to. I want people to be able to be Pro whatever, without feeling to be Anti anything. I want a world where we can celebrate our differences and at the same time recognize the connections that we have in common.

E is for Encourage. What encourages you?

My grandmother’s wisdom, my grandfather’s silent strength and the strength and wisdom of elders in general. I really love the generation of people that overcame against all odds, and did what had to be done, rather than talking about what needed to be done.  Lastly the unknown encourages me, you never who is watching and being inspired by what you say and what you do, and you never know how close you are to changing history.

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

I have a “can do” attitude. I don’t believe in impossible, I believe we just haven’t figured out how or what we need to do it (that IT can be anything) yet. If it can be dreamed it has to be possible.

Also I bring a set of experiences no one else has. I’m not afraid to be called crazy or to think outside the box. You don’t fix problems with the same thinking that created them.

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

People have been telling me I would affect and encourage people since I was a child. People continually told me I should speak, the first ten conferences I applied for I got accepted to all of them to my surprise, and one of those was at Yale. And at a few conferences other speakers have come to my workshop and people were telling me to write a book, and encouraging me of the importance of doing so.  So I have continued speaking and I finally wrote the book.  People see things in me I try to suppress sometimes

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

Lucson Joseph. He is the leader and founder of the National Haitian Student Alliance.  He is encouraging a generation of students and molding leaders to learn and appreciate their culture, country and history, and to make changes on their campus, community and homeland. It’s Empowering to watch him in action and see his passion.

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

Faith and the Unknown. I have faith that change is closer than we expect, the breakthrough that changes everything is right around the corner, a few steps away, one speech away, one workshop away. Also I don’t want to quit, because I don’t know who my quitting affects. You never know who is following you. I don’t want them to quit or feel let down.

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

You are your own savior and super hero. Everything you need already exists in you, to save your self. Stop waiting for the next great …and be the first, or let’s all just be great together and achieve by committee. Strength is in Unity. Let’s put the needs of WE over the convenience of ME a little bit more and watch the things we can achieve.

Is there anything that we did not touch on that you would like to inspire others with?

Yes, I want students to know that they’re in the perfect position in their lives to change the world. Don’t use or allow anyone to use your economic status, your age, culture, race, or lack of experience to discredit or discourage you from making changes on any level. Have Strong determination and don’t be afraid of change. A few people really can change the world; they’re he only ones that ever have.

Visit Johnny “ Slin-K” Brownlee for more information.

20 Keys to Success for College Students

In my DERRICK Interviews the last question I ask experts is “What Keys to Success can you leave for others?” Dr. Will Moreland took it one step further and suggested that I start sharing these Keys to Success in the form of articles, reports and books. With that thought in mind I looked back at my career and realized how much it would have helped me if I had a team of success stories in my corner.

Networking with and interviewing celebrities and experts has given me a front row seat into the lives of people at the top and I’m here to share their insight with you through #20 Keys to Success for College Students.

1. Set Goals. Goal setting is used by top-level athletes, successful business-people and achievers in all fields. Setting goals gives you long-term vision and short-term motivation. By setting sharp, clearly defined goals, you can measure and take pride in the achievement of those goals, and you’ll see forward progress in what might previously have seemed a long pointless grind. To have a goal in mind is a thought. To write out your goal is to have an action plan. There are many Goal Setting tips online. Do your homework – that starts with writing out your goals. Create your plan and review your goals daily. Are the actions you are taking propelling you in the direction of your goals? If they are not, readjust and get back on track!

2. Know your Priorities. Priorities are the handful of things in your life, career or business that are important to you. Priorities are broad elements of life, and they often become misplaced somewhere amongst life’s daily routine. It is wise to have only a few priorities. If you have too many, you’re not likely to respect each of them adequately. Goals support priorities. A single priority may have one or more goals associated with it.

A goal is a statement that is specific to what you intend to accomplish, and when you intend on accomplishing it. All the goal setting and attainment you ever fantasized about or hoped for, however, won’t be fulfilling if your goals don’t support your carefully chosen priorities. Of course, your goals can change as previous ones are accomplished and if some of your life priorities change. Each goal has to support a priority, and each priority is supported by at least one goal.

3. Get Experience. There are many ways to get relevant experience – volunteering is a great start! The vast majority of grads wish they had more than one type of experience during college. Employers comparing graduating seniors as job candidates want and expect you to have experience outside the classroom. Freshman year is not too early to start! Look for volunteer work, a part-time or summer job that will be a stepping stone to something more competitive later.

Networking is extremely important in a competitive job environment. By networking throughout your degree, you are creating meaningful business relationships with peers in your field. Having a solid network and great connections upon graduation within your field will prove to be an invaluable resource.

4. Own your Calendar. Get and use a calendar. Write things down! Time management for students is a crucial component to your success. There are many things to juggle and effectively planning for them will help you deal with the stressors of college life like having papers due, studying time, social events, exam prep, part time job and seeing your family. These all put strain on the multi-tasking student. Throw in a little procrastination into the mix of a project and it could spell disaster. Being an effective planner and even planning for the unexpected can assist in juggling multiple priorities. Planning ahead will assist in not feeling overwhelmed.

5. Manage your Money. It is very easy for college students to get caught up in spending. Those people behind the table giving you a free t shirt when you sign up for a credit card are hazardous to your personal wealth! The thought of getting a credit card now that you’re an adult and having access to cash instantly is very tempting, but it also puts a lot of students in big debt when they can’t make payments on time and their credit history gets impacted.

Buy used textbooks. Walk instead of having a car. Use your student discounts. Pay your bills on time. Save then Splurge. Track your spending and save your receipts! There is a lot of non-academic spending that takes place on a daily basis. If you aren’t on top of the little spending here and there it can really add up and effect your monthly budget. Money management is a big component to your overall success. Decisions made on campus can have a ripple effect for years to follow. Enjoy your time on campus but spend wisely, you’ll be miles ahead when you are ready to move on to a full time job!

From Brenda Bourns of  http://www.brendasfitarmy.com

6. Use your Resources. Using one’s resources is fundamental in assisting you in achieving your goal, but what does that really mean. Resources are avenues to your arrival. For example, if you have a passion for speaking, a resource for you could be a pastor of a church or a teacher at your school. Why? In order to be a good speaker, you must know how to research, write, organize thought and deliver the thoughts via teaching/instructing. How many salespersons do you know? What about community leaders, business owners who have to use presentations to obtain customers. How resourceful can YOU be?

7. Ignore the Naysayers. These are the people who are discouraging to your dreams, visions and goals. They are what I call “toxic people”. They shoot poison and every target that screams success. These people are dream-snatchers and vision-killers. Stay away and keep looking up!

8. Evaluate your Purpose. It is not enough to say that you want to be something. There must be thought, research and analysis in order for your mind to see it as real. Ask yourself pertinent questions like, what are my true talents, what are my interests, can I see myself doing this 5, 10 15 years and more…? Short term and a long term plans will keep you focused, especially doing times when you feel like giving up

9. Execute your Plan. Once you have thoroughly researched, found and evaluated your purpose, you must put the plan in motion. Begin to set daily, weekly, monthly and yearly goals and acknowledge your accomplishments along the way. Realize that success comes before work in the dictionary or if you are insane! Struggles are part of life’s way of granting you a character endorsement. Do not be afraid to fail..be more afraid of not trying! You must have thought, research and analysis.

From Doc Worley of http://barnabascommunications.webs.com/

10. Think Healthy. College students are on their own for the first time in college. In order for them to continue the success that got them there it’s important to eat well, work out and get rest in order to be the best they can be in class and as they study. Keep the body strong and the mind will follow.

From Dr. Shakeer Abdullah of http://www.docshak.com

11. Don’t Conform. I believe if success is a room, we are all born with a unique key to a unique room of that success. College is like a maze where we start to see the purpose, but the end result, or the key within us, is a long way off.

12. Expect Newness. Let new events, new, unexpected people and opportunities shape your character and let those events and instances, further illuminate who you’re supposed to be.

From Shannon Scott of http://www.shannonscott.com

13. Find Mentorship. You will either learn by someone else’s mistakes or make the same mistakes yourself. Regardless of how smart or lucky you think you are, the school of hard knocks is waiting to teach you some lessons. Find someone who has accomplished what you want to accomplish and listen to their advice.

From Richard London of http://www.ahandbookforlife.com/

14. Accept Responsibility. Nobody is going to push you! In college, you’re responsible for your own success. Mom and Dad aren’t there to tell you to do your homework- or remind you to do your laundry. Your professors will help, but only if you ask. They’re not mind-readers. Before you set foot on campus- accept full personal responsibility for your success.

From Jim Bouchard of http://thinklikeablackbelt.org/

15. Stay Positive. We all start our professional journey as a novice and throughout our journey, we will face many challenges and adversities and make mistakes along the way. My advice is to remain positive and be grateful for mistakes as they are the learning tools that we need to make us more efficient and wiser.  All you need to do is learn from your mistakes and remain positive.  You might be a beginner today but can change the world tomorrow.

“Hold close to your dreams…Whatever you dream for tomorrow, whatever you hope to achieve, remember that nothing is out of your reach if you only first believe.”

From MJ Pedone of http://indrapr.com/

16. Activate Connections. Find people who possess the same opinions and goals that are aligned with yours. When seeking the Win/Win relationship you raise the stakes to assure a Triple Win for ALL!

From Mechelle Tucker of http://www.1stclassconsultant.com/

17. Keep Learning. Take extra classes and never stop studying how money works. Having the knowledge of bookkeeping and accounting best practices will help keep much more money in your possession and less money leaving you throughout your life.

18. Be Humble. At different points in our lives we can’t fathom that we don’t already “know the truth/facts/everything.” However, knowing that you don’t know everything is one of the greatest frames of mind to have, because you’ll be open enough to be constantly looking for better and more efficient solutions. Be confident that you are talented and know a great deal already, but don’t be too cocky where you miss out on growing because of arrogance. Stay open-minded.

19. Never Quit from your ultimate goal. Sometimes, you may have to pivot from your original plan on how to achieve your goals, but never quit on your ultimate goal of what would mean success for you. Sometimes, you might be on the wrong path, but just change direction, alternate the plan, and keep moving towards that goal…and don’t stop until you get there!

From Louis Tanguay of http://www.circlemarketing.com

20. Be Flexible. I know being flexible may not sound like a profound key to success but truly I tell you from experience that the most perfect plan for success will, at some point, be disrupted and possibly be turned completely upside down and inside out. The wise person knows that its not what happens to us or what we achieve that determines our success but it is how we respond to the unexpected emergency, the unforeseen chaos, and the life altering tragedies that occur while we are on our journey to becoming successful. This is what determines who will be able to stand the test of time, and the trials and tribulations while on their way to unveiling their Greatness.

Flexibility is your secret weapon. Flexibility in the sense of being able to be spiritually connected to God no matter what we face in life for He is our rock, flexibility in the sense that we know to maintain a couple of degrees of separation from anything and everything we are affiliated with so that nothing can emotionally break us, and flexibility in the sense that we understand we live in a dynamically changing time of technology advancement yet we stay true to our calling and flexible enough to adapt in order to stay relevant to the needs of our customers yet not change so much that when we look in the mirror we are surprised at who is looking back.

From Empowerment Speaker Capri Cruz of http://www.capricruz.com

Please share these Keys to Success with others. Have a great school year and feel free to reach out and network with the experts in this article. Remember this thought. Whether you Facebook or Twitter you have to be Linked In.

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 http://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.