Flip The Coin Over: Education Edition

Before the fall semester began, some students were already dealing with housing still under construction. Could this have been prevented? Take a listen!

The summer term differs from the fall and spring terms in several ways. It may require changes some students aren't eager to make. Attending college during the summer is voluntary for many first and second year students before declaring a major or working on major courses. Self-evaluate to determine if it is a good move for you mentally and emotionally.

For the folks that think some required high school courses don't apply to their livess today. But there are instances where we use algebra, geometry, etc. more than we know. Take a listen!

With the 2021 stimulus bill passing in Congress, the student loan forgiveness subject is included. While direct cancellation is not mentioned, forgiveness of student loan is now non-taxable! While this a great thing, there's another concern worth addressing.

College can be a rewarding experience, but it can be a costly one as well. Calling it a "good debt" only works if one understands that what they will pay is less than the starting salary of their career upon graduation. Thus, student loan debt is important to weigh, for that amount can quickly grow higher than one's pay. Research and evaluate the right school for the career you want.

Just as we customize and add accessories to our wardrobe, we can do that to college majors! You may have the same field of study as another person, but what is custom to you may only fit you!

"What do you want for...?" This question comes around whenever it's holiday, birthday, or even graduation season. So when asked by family members and friends, college students should consider their needs first and/or what they may need in their near future. Things like rent paid, gift cards for gas or food, new textbook or supplies, new appliance in new apartment, etc. should be considered before spending on random miscellaneous items.

We hold credentials in our working world--degrees, certifications, board affiliations, etc., and they are attached to our names. When communicating via email, letters, and just regular signature, is it possible we are using them incorrectly at times? Should it matter? After all, they are ours, right?

At times, you may have a busy schedule, and have many exams on the same day or within a day of each other. You can sometimes feel the need to sacrifice the time and energy for one class and put that into another. Listen to my story and the lesson I learned from it.

Just like eyesight, sometimes as a student, your path can be blurry. Having the right corrective lenses can get you on track and enhance your vision.

Careers based on the traditional college path (as well as the graduate and professional degrees obtained) are always compared to programs taught in technical colleges/trade schools. In this episode, listen to how a social media posts comparing the two sides can provide great information, but also be misleading.

Some people are successful without completing a degree. They go to college for a while, get what they need out of it, and move on from it. Some students obtain a degree and use it and their skills to propel them into other careers later.

If you are blessed with a scholarship or grant to help pay for school, you now have important jobs to do: don't waste it and work hard to maintain and obtain it again. Protect your money!

There are times where you must separate yourself from friends (even the good ones) because your priorities require that. Also, having friends that hold you to your priorities is a plus. It's about balancing time and energy together as well as apart.

Listen as I talk about $120 million donation from Netflix CEO to Morehouse and Spelman Colleges as well as the United Negro College Fund.

Hear my perspective on the latest student loan forgiveness bill veto by the current administration. Hear why students need to take heed to this and make sound financial decisions in college.

Whether in college or post-graduation, having a roommate can offer opportunity to build savings and pay off debt. But this can only happen if you have the right roommate.

In this episode, T. A. has a small assignment for students heading to college: find someone you know that is already dealing with student loan debt. How do they feel? How has student loan repayment/debt affected their lives? The goal is show students what a projected future looks like, so that they can either plan for it or avoid it altogether.

This episode is speaking to both the parents as well as the teen who is thinking about college. Are parents being transparent and honest enough when explaining their own financial struggle, financial outlook, current student loan debt (if applicable) to their soon-to-be college child(ren). The same perception (mistakes) could be made if parents give optimism without realistic advice based on experience and wisdom.

Due to recent coronavirus outbreak, academic institutions are switching to online instruction. Here, I break down transition tips to help students make it through their semesters.

Even when we know what we want to pursue (as a major, dream or goal), we may find ourselves at a point that questions whether we should continue on that path, or start planning in another direction. Sometimes we can merge the two. But for some, plan A is the only plan and that works for them. In either case, time, money, and one's capability has to be considered.

Should high schoolers try to begin college directly after high school ends? Should they take time off beforehand until they are "ready" to attend?

At times, being the first and/or the only one to accomplish something comes with unwanted pressure. If not careful, the pressure can prevent you from performing your best. No one can get the diploma, degree, etc but you, so don't let the pressure hinder you. It's not when you finish, but that you finish.

"A great GPA (grade point average) can get you into school and keep you there, but it may not get you the job." In this episode, I explain why I said this quote and how students should know when their GPA is/isn't the main focal point of their education.

Jackson State University is the latest public college/university in Mississippi that has drastically lowered the tuition fees for out-of-state students. Here I discuss potential pros and cons of that decision.

In the midst of rigorous academic life, finances, etc, how can a student create balance and protect their mental and emotional state? How can they tap into their personalities, hobbies, skills, etc to help them be successful in the classroom?

Degrees are like seasoning in recipes, and getting a Master's degree can add flavor to the careers of some, but not all. It's about blending and complementing the right seasoning/flavors together.

Many people feel that instead of (or in addition to) the English, Math, Science, etc., classes about money, careers, home economics, and others should be mandatory. In this episode, let's look at why and why not.

Many college students experience the dreadful early wake up to make it to an 8am class. Some former students warn others against starting that early, while others embrace the early-in/early-out mindset. What about you??

With student loan debt in the trillions of dollars, let's listen to the good and bad side to repaying or eliminating everyone's student loan debt.

In this episode, we look at how one person's "greatness" may not easily translate into those around him/her being great.

How much is too much? What is considered too expensive when considering undergraduate college education, even if you owe nothing upon graduation?

In this first episode, I talk about the University of Florida's graduation celebration controversy.