As the school year ends, there is something I must get off my mind. It is not a bad thing, it is a positive. If you still have not read my earlier articles, you would know my story on how I finally went to County College of Morris. I am writing this article as a stepping stone for not only myself to reflect on, but for others to consider the same. I will be using the 3 C’s: Choices, Challenge, Create. These three C’s will help you take steps towards the future to become successful.

Choices. I decided to start off with choices because you have limitless choices on where to go to school. Remember that you are no longer in high school. This choice is not about what others think of you; it is about you. In high school, you could choose to attend a private high school or a public high school without it having a real effect on the content you were being taught. I originally chose to go to Valencia College in Orlando, Florida until I found myself having to return home because of starting dates. It was my choice to come home and start at County College of Morris. Because I did not worry about what others think of me for returning home instead of staying there until January, I did really well this school year. Having complete confidence in yourself and your choices is crucial.

Challenge. Challenge yourself like Nicole Williams when she was in High School to take all honors classes and getting A’s, leading her to get into Princeton University with a full ride. If you can challenge yourself in high school, you can do the same for college. College life is about the challenges. For me, I was told it was required to take only one Criminal Justice class per semester, but I challenged myself into taking two! I did well in both of them and now I am getting more knowledge in my field study. Challenge yourself to do new things and step outside of your box because you never know how much success could be waiting for you at the finish line.

Create. I choose this one to be last on purpose. Creating is what you choose to do. Whether it is to create a club or to meet new friends. Create new ways to study for your exams. Be the creator that you always wanted to be. Remember in college it is your choice how you want to live your life, and part of your challenge is to create new opportunities for yourself. Be a creator!

Finally, I want to end this letter to not only the current college students but the future college students. I wrote this article because I had a dream I gave a speech regarding college to a large crowd, which lead me to turn my dream into an article. I love making other happy and encourage them to do better. As a college student, remember the three C’s and be like me and create your own three C’s.