From One Scholar to the Next

Asha Parker 

The idea of in just a few short months, heading back, and for some of you first entering, your A  Better Chance Member school is certainly a daunting one. The months leading up to my own arrival on my high school campus, were full of intense preparation for all that I would encounter for those four years of my life. I was warned about culture shock, and the dangerous effects of procrastination and peer pressure. I too often heard about the struggles and hardships that I would face, but failed to recognize that there would be ways to cope and manage.   Words of advice from one scholar to the next:

Freshman Year: It is most important to remember that you must keep an open mind. Do NOT close yourself to the knowledge you will gain simply by listening to and learning from the experiences of others. You will encounter culture shock, and individuals who seemingly come from worlds completely opposite to your own. Still, it will only prove to help you become a well-rounded person. Don’t be afraid to speak to someone you could never imagine yourself as friends with. Join different clubs, and attend meetings.  Get involved!

Sophomore Year: Once you’ve survived your freshman year, and gotten acclimated to the new environment, you must remember that you should still work just as hard, and not get too laid-back. Stay focused.

Junior Year: College crack down time… junior year just may be the most important of your entire high school career. Grades matter now more than ever. Colleges are looking for individuals that have made the most of their time at their high schools, and have joined clubs, played sports and been the leaders of various teams and groups. Balancing usual school work and commitments, with studying for the SAT and completing college apps may sound nearly impossible. But remember- being able to manage your time wisely will be your greatest tool. Beware of Mr. Procrastination. 

Senior Year: Sure, by senior year, you will have come a long way, and the realization that it is all almost over, will be a relieving one. Yet, it is too easy to become caught up, and forget that though you are very near the end, you’ve still got some ways to go. Continue to work hard, and finish strong.

So, this is it. In a few short months, you will be stepping onto the grounds of your A Better Chance member school. If you now have any doubts at all, get rid of them. If you are suddenly regretting the decision you’ve made, shake the feeling. If you are completely overwhelmed by the possibility of so many things that can go wrong, stop now and take a deep breath.

Trust me when I say, it won’t always be easy, but you WILL get through it, and it will be worthwhile!

Best Wishes,

Asha Parker, Class of 2011

Dear Reader,

Briana Chang

It has been quite some time since I last posted for you all.  During my time away I have learned valuable things about the roles I play in school, with friends, and as a scholar.  Nobody is perfect but every challenge of everyday is a lesson that I’m hoping to share with as many people as possible to prevent the idea of failure. 

P.S. Do not be scared by the word FAILURE, unless you fail to learn from its experience.  


Sincerly yours, 
Briana Chang

Who am I

Briana Chang

Freshman year was filled with giggles and tears, laughter and silence; a journey of a lifetime summed up in nine months.  It was the first time that I could depend only on myself.   But who was that? Going up the steep hill of a successful year I forgot, or maybe just never met, Briana Chang.  To reach the distant peek of the hill I took detours and a few wrong turns expecting to find Briana. Funny thing is that even before I decided to take my first step she was created.
    We often question who we are and fail to realize that life “isn’t about finding yourself it’s about creating yourself”(George Bernard Shaw).  Don’t make the mistake of looking for something that is not -- set out your journey to improving what  is.

R.I.P.-Learning

Briana Chang

I was in Barnes & Nobles reading The Lost Art of Reading, where David L. Ulin explained that to our generation “Literature is dead…reading is over.”  I think the same thing goes for learning; I don’t know many kids who go to school or pick up a book because they want to, they only do it because they think: “this will make me look better on my college application.” In attempts to get all As on my science tests last year, I crammed information into my brain each week.  As easy as I wrote down notes in class the information was poured out onto the test, and now I can’t remember much of anything.  I once had a joy for learning new things and coming up with ways to use them in my daily life. In my junior year of high school the only joy I can imagine is having college over and done for.  I hope I can return to that sate of mind where learning is a craft that I take pride in and do actively; the least I can do is inspire you to begin/continue the love of learning. In fact that is my new years resolution!

ABC Holiday Party

Briana Chang

Sunday, December 19th, The A Better Chance family went bowling at Lucky Strike Lanes.  The place was filled with scholars, parents, and even some friends who joined in for a good time. 

We laughed,

We definitely bowled

 

 And played a friendly game of pool.

It was all around fun, as it always is at ABC events. Definitely the perfect way to start the new year. Hopefully next time I will see you there and we can make memorable moments together.