Throughout Putnam County, students from the first year through doctoral programs are heading back to school during the month of August. I remember the excitement of those days.
What did I learn during my long academic experience that might be worth passing on to other students? Pass it along if you think it will help.
Here are some suggestions I wish someone had shared with me and that I would have had the good sense to accept them.
1. Be a reader, an avid reader. If you do not read well, enroll in a remedial class and learn to read with greater speed, increased comprehension and improved retention. If you improve your reading skills, you may be able to learn most anything you need to know.
2. Do not sign up for all the "creampuff" classes. Become an achiever in basics like mathematics, English, science, history, communications and a second language.
3. Learn to study smart. Ask your teachers how you can improve your study habits. You may not have to study so hard if you learn to study smart.
4. At all costs, avoid being a cheater. Be graded for your own work and never on what you have stolen from another student.
5. Be computer proficient. Learn how to use the computer and the latest technology to develop maximum learning skills. You may get into big-time trouble if you make wrong decisions with their use. They can deliver to your mind all the filth and vulgarities every reprobate wants to dump on you. They will destroy you if you grant them permission to fill your mind with their trash.
6. Give serious thought and prayer to what you think you may want to become. What is it you really want to do with your life? I recommend a strong God-centered college liberal arts education as your basic preparation.
A young man with unusual musical ability wanted to be a Gospel singer. I suggested he ask Bill Gaither, the Hall of Fame musician and songwriter, about the necessary preparation for such a career and then let me know what the world famous music educator had to say. He reported a few weeks later with these words, "Bill Gaither said, I should get a solid liberal arts education and include some classes in business." Terrific advice!
7. Prepare yourself well enough that you will never be denied a job you may want because you are not academically qualified. Graduate from college with a marketable education. What kind of job can you get with your degree?
Think about these seven things. Discuss them with others.
My best word of counsel is this: "Study to show yourself approved by God . . ." (2 Timothy 2:15) and remember to "Love God . . . with all your mind" (Mark 12:30). Learn as much as you can about as many things as you can. Be a life-long learner.
If you take my first suggestion seriously and learn to read well, you may get close to what you want to be. Turn the TV, cell phone and computer off long enough to read several hours each day. That will be an investment worth a fortune in years to come.
Bill Ellis is a syndicated columnist who can be reached at P.O. Box 345, Scott Depot, WV 25560; phone 304- 757-6089.
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