#MyBPC: 14 Life Hacks for College Students

GET TO KNOW YOUR PROFESSORS.

Sitting in class is a huge part of college; however, getting to know your professors can be just as valuable. Each of them has office hours or contact information shared on the syllabus. They share this information because they want to help you. Most professors are happy to provide assistance in regards to things you may not fully understand from class and/or provide valuable networking opportunities.

 

EXPLORE YOUR CAMPUS

This campus is a mere fraction of the size of many others. Yet, even on those large campuses, students still manage to find ways around. If you have to ask your friend where the Financial Aid office is and you’ve been here more than two weeks, you’ve already failed.

 

GO TO CLASS.

Not going is a huge waste of money. Each class at Brewton-Parker costs approximately $1,500 per semester. Consider a fifteen week class. Each week of class costs $100, meaning each meeting costs $50. Is sleeping an extra hour and twenty minutes really worth wasting fifty bucks?

 

CREATE A RESUME.

Don’t just create one. In fact, have yours critiqued by someone who knows their stuff. The average employer will only glance at a resume, so make sure yours leaves a lasting impression. Starting one now will prepare you for future jobs and graduate school applications. It will also save you time in the long run.

 

TAKE ADVANTAGE OF FREE TUTORING.

The Academic Success Center offers free tutoring for each subject taught on campus. Going to tutoring doesn’t make you look dumb. Not going when it’s free and you need help does.

 

UTILIZE CALENDARS AND PLANNERS.

One of the highlights of each semester for me is picking out a pretty new planner. If you fail to keep up with everything, college can very quickly become a whirlwind of missing assignments. Written planners don’t work for some people, but that’s okay! If you’re a student here, you already have access to Google Calendar which allows you to set alarms and reminders to get things done!

 

PLACE YOUR ALARM CLOCK OUT OF REACH.

This forces you to get out of bed to turn it off and will in-turn make you less likely to go back to sleep. Additionally, turning the light on serves as an additional measure to prevent yourself from going back to sleep.

 

GET AN INTERNSHIP – OR TWO.

Internships allow you to develop valuable professional connections. Doing so early on will make obtaining a second internship easier. Graduating with two under your belt will give you a huge leg up on other students!

KEEP A JOURNAL.

Not only is this therapeutic, it allows you to look back and track personal growth. Making the choice to journal for a few minutes every night has taught me so much about myself over the previous months. Writing, at any capacity, allows you to explore the deepest parts of your mind and discover things you weren’t even aware you were thinking.

 

GET INVOLVED ON CAMPUS.

Not only does this boost your resume, it allows you to discover your personal passions and strengths while building community with other students. Your college degree is pointless if you graduate lacking experience and professional relationships.

 

DO NOT STUDY IN YOUR ROOM.

I am a huge advocate for active studying methods like creating flashcards or posting Quizlets to help yourself study. These methods are typically more effective than flipping through endless pages of notes or the slideshows your professor posts on Brightspace.

 

BACKUP YOUR FILES. 

Imagine finishing a five page essay thirty minutes prior to the submission deadline, forgetting to save it, and losing all of your work. Each Brewton-Parker student has a personal gmail account, meaning he or she also has access to Google Drive, which has an auto-save feature that saves your work as it progresses.

 

TAKE GOOD NOTES.

Yes, the slideshows your professor flips through for each dreadful hour of class are important; however, it’s also important to listen to what the professor is saying to explain the content of the slides. Find or create a system that works for you and for goodness sake, don’t just record the lecture.

 

BE CONFIDENT! 

Leave your comfort zone and try new things. You will never have a better opportunity for personal development.

 

Joanna Phillips-Mock

Student Enrichment Director

Joanna Phillips-Mock is a proud third generation Baron, both as a student and a staff member.

Beginning her teaching career in Middle Georgia in 1995, Mrs. Mock worked with a state funded program that served some of the most disadvantaged special needs students within the local school districts. She ultimately moved into leadership positions within the organization, serving and training others in multiple initiatives. She enjoys working with students of all ages to recognize and to achieve their greatest potential.

Mrs. Mock holds a Bachelor’s degree from Brewton-Parker College, a Master's degree in Education with a concentration in Behavior Disorders, and an Education Specialist degree in Educational Administration from Georgia College and State University. She resides in Ailey, Georgia, with her husband Don, their son Tye Lewis, her mother Carol Joyce, and multiple fur babies. She enjoys traveling, gardening, camping, and attending concerts.

Candace Lilford

Profeessional Tutor

Candace Lilford graduated with her bachelor’s degree in Theatre Generalism in 2021 from Anderson University and with her master’s degree in English Literature in 2023 from the University of Alabama. She presently serves as Professional Tutor for the Student Enrichment Center while also teaching sections of ENG 101 and 102. 

As part of her two-year master's program, Ms. Lilford taught sections of ENG 101 and 102, while also serving as teaching assistant for British Literature Survey courses and volunteering in the university’s Writing Center. Ms Lilford has also presented papers at the Hudson Strode Conference and the South Eastern Christian and Literature Conference as well as working on various theatrical productions.

Born in North Carolina of South African descent, Ms. Lilford has lived in Uganda, Botswana, South Africa, and Trinidad before settling in Mount Vernon with her family in 2016, where she attended Brewton-Parker College as a dual enrollment student. She presently resides in Mount Vernon with her family and spends her free time watching old TV shows.

Linda Armstrong

Academic Advising and Career Specialist

Linda Armstrong earned an Associate Degree in Criminal Justice Technology from Southeastern Technical College and a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology from Walden University. Throughout her career, Linda has worked with diverse populations, including at-risk youth and families and youth in crisis because of mental health and other issues. Her empathetic nature has made her an effective advocate for those in need. In addition to her professional work, Linda is also is committed to volunteerism. She has dedicated countless hours as a youth mentor, and to teaching about her faith at various Christian organizations. She believes in the power of positivity and its ability to transform not only her life but also the lives of others.

"If you must look back, do so forgivingly. If you will look forward, do so prayerfully. But the wisest course would be to be present in the present gratefully." ~ Maya Angelou

Willie Ford

Academic Advising and Career Specialist

Greetings, Baron Nation!

It's truly a joy to be back in a place that has shaped me so profoundly. I'm Willie Ford, a proud 2022 graduate of historic Brewton-Parker College, holding a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology with a Minor in Education. Following my graduation, I embarked on a journey in education, teaching Special Education within the Vidalia City School District. In addition to my role as an educator, I had the privilege of serving as the Unit Director at the J.D. Rabun Boys and Girls Club. All the while, I was honored to pastor at the esteemed New Hope Baptist Church of Rhine, Georgia. With God's grace, I managed these responsibilities, and now, I'm thrilled and ready to contribute to the welfare of our students, aiming to inspire through service.

Dusty Arnold

Mental Health Counselor

Dusty Arnold  is a Licensed Professional Counselor and a Board Certified Behavior Analyst as well as a BPC alumnus. He has years of experience working with a variety of mental health issues including anxiety, grief, and challenges related to Autism. He specializes in behavior-related interventions that can help college students build on their strengths to set achievable goals while also learning how to deal with the thoughts and feelings that sometimes get in the way. He incorporates Biblical values and evidence-based treatments to meet students wherever they happen to be on their journey to spiritual and psychological health. 

Carl Anthony "Tony" Wardlaw

Assistant Student Enrichment Director & Student Success Coach

Carl Anthony “Tony” Wardlaw – For over 25 years, Dr. Wardlaw has worked in leadership, counseling, and pastoring. Beginning with working in middle management for a manufacturing company in Douglas, GA, Dr. Wardlaw has also worked in the academic, nonprofit, public, and private sectors. Additionally, he served over 7 years in the United States Military as a Military Intelligence Officer before resigning his commission as a Captain in the Army.

Currently serving as the Assistant Director of the Student Enrichment Center, Student Success Coach, and Adjunct Faculty at Brewton-Parker College in Mount Vernon, GA, he also serves as the Pastor of The Green Grove Missionary Baptist Church in Dublin, GA.

As a member of the renowned International Gospel Singing Group, The Wardlaw Brothers, Dr. Wardlaw has traveled all over the nation and abroad ministering and singing the Gospel of Christ Jesus. Dr. Wardlaw has served as a consultant for various agencies and has worked as a Fatherhood Coordinator and G.E.D. instructor within the Technical College System of Georgia and participates in local and national civic and philanthropic work.

Dr. Wardlaw holds a Bachelor of Business Administration degree in International Business from the University of Georgia, two master's degrees from Troy University (Master of Science in Clinical Counseling and Psychology and Master of Education in Counseling), and a Doctorate in Education from Argosy University in Organizational Leadership. Dr. Wardlaw is a Lifetime Silver Member of The NAACP and a member of The Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. He is happily married to the former Mrs. Stephanie Scott. They have 3 Children; Chambria, Marc, and Carleigh.

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