The Man Who Thinks He Can

THE MAN WHO THINKS HE CAN

By Walter D. Wintle

If you think you are beaten, you are;

If you think you dare not, you don't.

If you'd like to win, but think you can't

It's almost a cinch you won't.

If you think you'll lose, you've lost,

For out in the world we find

Success begins with a fellow's will;

It's all in the state of mind.

If you think you're outclassed, you are:

You've got to think high to rise.

You've got to be sure of yourself before

You can ever win a prize.

Life's battles don't always go

To the stronger or faster man,

But soon or late the man who wins

Is the man who thinks he can.

It is Never Too Late

I wanted to send out a note to the "Current graduating class" and past classes or anyone that need to know that it is never too late to go for your goal(s) in life. Many times we have our eyes toward getting the students graduated, but not looking beyond at those who felt that they can't go to college or get a decent job, or those who didn't make the requirements to graduate, but just dropped out.

I am told that life doesn't end after high school graduation, but it is the beginning of you starting your future to adulthood. Question: If we are given 3 scores and 10 years, what happens to the other 52 years after high school graduation? High schools students only use up less than one third of the years at graduation, but we acted as if it is completely over for that student or child that didn't graduate or who didn't decide to go to college until after graduation.

We must wake up and stop making the students that didn't go to college feel hopeless. Many times we may fall down, but we can still get back up and go for our dreams in life. Just because a student may have been a slow performer in high school doesn't mean he can't make it in life. There are many variables that may have allowed the student not to perform his or her best, but having a less than 2.0 GPA doesn't mean he or she doesn't have the ability to do something meaningful with his or her life.

Guys, as you read my thoughts today, I was driven to write this particular note because God was continually bringing to my attention parents, students and friends that wanted to help save these particular child(ren)/students. Some of them were very afraid that they wouldn't be able to make it in life, but it seemed (but they didn't say) that they too were feeling that the child or student current circumstances dictated that their life choices would be very slim, limited or maybe none.

I say "hog wash" because you control your destiny and must believe in you even when "Man may say "NO!"; you must say "YES!"". Life doesn't end because you make a mistake, but rather when you learn and do better from it, it manifests.

When I hear the cries from parents and students throughout the country, I too say "Yes You Can" and "Keep Hope Alive". We must began embracing these students and letting them know that they too have a future, if they really want it. It is ironic when I think about it because, as we go through life that these students will become many of our "Traditional College Students" because no one told them it was alright to go ahead and try to attend college and if it meant that they should take remedial or pre-courses that is okay. Many of these students believe this is a sign of being dumb when you take pre-courses. But I say remedial courses makes them stronger students so that they can be successful in their career choices.

Some of these students will go to college or trade-school because the welfare system will have it as one of the requirements to attend college, but still they didn't know they still had a choice to go without being forced.

I ask that we gain true knowledge and let the students and parents know that it is not too late and that they should seek an answer and not assume that life is over at 18 years old.

If all of us took the time to learn the true meaning of Community Service, what an awesome world we would live in. Community Service doesn't have a face or color, but rather it goes out to help his fellowman and doesn't wonder if that person may succeed him or her in life, but rather will still help in making the world a better place.

Below is a link that I wrote on Community Service and an essay that my daughter, Molisa wrote on her vision of how she would like to contribute her life to helping others.

Why Community Service?

As I come to a close, I ask that you take the time to help those that are lost and in search of life happiness. They too can keep their heads up and know that "life challenges goes to the man who thinks he or she can." They must also have faith and trust in knowing that their dreams will manifest.

As always visit and share the blog, Planning and Preparing for Colleges (Scholarships, Internships, Etc) located at http://www.ctherd.blogspot.com/ with others. I did and it does work.

Gift to the Class of 2009 and Others

I wanted to make a special contribution to the "Class of 2009" and those that are currently preparing their child or children for college (9th-12th graders or younger) to give you a head start on the college preparation process. It is my goal that no child or parent is left behind in the college preparation process. It is important that parents/students learn the process properly and not wait years trying to catch up. The information I am providing is for any one wanting to prepare his or her child for college regardless of what age or race they might be. My concern is with the African American group because they need assistance with the process.

Many times students miss out on their gifts and talents because they (parents or children) didn't know that it was a gift or a talent. Many times the gifts is not going to be displayed in the normal words we are use to seeing (singing, artist, doctor, lawyer, professional athlete,etc). In many cases, "no one will tell you how to determine a gift or talent". Now is the time that we must wake-up and take all students/parents by the hand and teach them the proper way to get ready. It doesn't make a differences if you don't have any kids, but in the end, we are our brothers keepers. How we prepare our legacies will have a big impact on the future of our generation. In the end, "knowledge is power, if used properly".

I believe in providing an infrastructure of information on how to show my audience. That is why I created my blog, Planning and Preparing for College (Scholarships, Internships, Etc) located at http://www.ctherd.blogspot.com/ (click this link: Notes on How to Use the Blog ) It is very hard when a person doesn't know and they don't have a visual of what you are trying to explain. I know that words are powerful and encouraging if we use them for the good or betterment of our legacies. I am reminded of my meeting with Dr. John Hope Franklin through one of my son's adventures. It made me realize that you have to take your own destiny into your hands and not look for validation of your peers to say that your vision will work or not. In the end, it is your belief in "You" that determines how far you will go in to making your vision a reality. My son end up writing a story about the incident with Dr. Franklin and it is entitled: "Keep Hope Alive". Please click the link below to view the story in its entirety:

http://weallbe.blogspot.com/2006/11/keep-hope-alive.html

Many times African American students overlook the value of Community Services in preparing for college. Some students feel that it is about the hours, but in reality it is the essence one gets from actually providing the service of helping others. I wrote an essay on "Why Community Service?" ( http://collegepreparation.blogspot.com/2006/08/african-american-students-preparing.html ) and God led me to also create a college preparation program over 5 years ago entitled: "African American Students Preparing for College: Why Community Service?" (next program is scheduled on October 4, 2008 in Memphis, TN) The purpose of both the essay and program is to allow African American students to understand the true meaning of Community Service and to aid them in preparing for college. It is also my hope that individuals will see community service as not just preparing for College but rather bringing together all people of all races for a common cause of eliminating the negativity of the world along with flourishing the good. Community Service is also a good tool to bring together the young and the old or the adults with the students.

I also hope that individuals will share the information that I provide to them with as many people that they can. Because we grow when our children grow and everyone is part of this process. Don't just hold this valuable information with your clicks or personal email buddies but with all. Push the blog to people, churches and youth organizations rather than giving them partial information on an opportunities through an email. The internet is the present and future and we must start utilizing it as way to communicate.

You might say to yourself who is this Callie Herd person that is trying to tell me how to prepare my child or children for college. Below are several links that provide information on me and thoughts that I have provided over the years:

Volunteering by Callie Herd
Survival of the Parent
Article by Stanley Crouch of the New York Daily News
Season of Hope
Pulse With Stormy on v101.1 fm
Mothers of Courage on WeAllBe Radio

As I wrap up, please encourage the "Class of 2009" to take the next ACT exam scheduled in October. If they missed the regular and late registration, they can register as a walk-in on the day of the exam. Below are details on how to register:

Preparing for College (info on ACT, click link)

Below are additional information:

Many of the major colleges/universities are reducing their cost to meet the financial needs of students that have a certain income level to allow them to attend. Last month Washington unveiled a Financial Aid Initiative for students whom family's income is under $60,000 and they have a remaining balance or loan contribution. The program will be open to the "Class of 2008". Below is the link that discuss the incentive in full details:

WUSTL Financial Aid Inititative

If you might be interested in attending Washington University and becoming a John B. Ervin Scholar, click the link below:

John B. Ervin Scholar Program (WUSTL)

Below are some college preparation information to view as well:

College Preparation Document:

http://ctherd.blogspot.com/2008/01/class-of-2008-college-preparataion.html

College Timelines:

College Prep Timeline

Below are some ACT/SAT Practice Test Link and Info: (go to the Practice Test Link section on the blog for additional links)

ACT/SAT
Online SAT Practice Test
Kaplan ACT/SAT
Number 2

Financial Info

FAFSA
EFC Calculator

Common Application Process:

Common Application for Undergraduates

EDU, Inc. Common Black College Application

Community Service:

What is Community Service
Save the World: Volunteer
Volunteer Services

TN Lottery Changes:

Lottery Changes for Tennessee Students

Many of the major colleges/universities are reducing their cost to meet the financial needs of students that have a certain income level to allow them to attend. Last month Washington unveiled a Financial Aid Initiative for students whom family's income is under $60,000 and they have a remaining balance or loan contribution. The program will be open to the "Class of 2008". Below is the link that discuss the incentive in full details:

WUSTL Financial Aid Inititative

If you might be interested in attending Washington University and becoming a John B. Ervin Scholar, click the link below:

John B. Ervin Scholar Program (WUSTL)

Alabama A&M University's scholarship page:

Financial Aid/Scholarships

VISIT http://www.ctherd.blogspot.com%20/ NOW for valuable scholarships, internships, fellowships and scholarships information. Deadlines are approaching soon. Also visit the links below for Pre-Law Students. The programs is to register/attend. The Pre-Law posting, you will need to provide your own transportation and board (they will provide breakfast/lunch).

2008 National Black Pre-Law Admissions & Preparation

National Black Pre-Law Admissons

Our Deepest Fear

Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness, that most frightens us.

We ask ourselves, who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, and fabulous?

Actually, who are you not to be? You are a child of God. Your playing small doesn't serve the world. There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won't feel insecure around you.

We are born to manifest the Glory of God that is within us. It's not just in some of us, it's in everyone, and as we let our light shine, we consciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others.

(The quote was written by: Marianne Williamson)