I am Graduating Now What?

Three representatives from Comerica Bank visited the campus of Texas Southern University in a panel to give upcoming graduates a few tips and guidelines on how to transition into the adult life and how to handle all that comes along after graduation.

For lots of graduates it is time to step into another realm of life. Time to begin updating resumes, applying for a career and most dreadful paying back the student loans.

Now grads don't have to feel as if they are alone in this process. Comerica Bank knows how difficult this can be.

“Attending the seminar was very informative for me,” Shenai Limbrick said, “I know a lot of people who graduate and have their degrees but don’t know how to market them, this was very insightful.”

The seminar titled "I am graduating now what" was held in the student life center and touched on topics like how to efficiently update your resume, and financial guidelines for repaying student loans.

“I see a lot of recent graduates whose main focus is to get a job making a substantial amount of money, but don’t have a strategic plan to efficiently execute,” Brenda Johnson said, “So we at Comerica put together a plan to help graduates out.

There are five key points to getting to that dream job and having the life you have planned for after graduation.

1) Know what it is you really want. Although it is nice if you will tell an employer that you are willing to learn or do anything, most employers will interpret this as being desperate. Therefore, after your graduation, make sure you identify what you really want and focus on this.

(2) Your Experience. After graduation, experience such as one you have through internship, volunteering, co-ops or part time jobs is very important – this will prove that you have an experience in the field you have chosen.

(3) Be familiar with your special field. After graduation, you really need to study and know everything there is to know in that chosen field of yours as potential employers might ask you about it also study the company through visiting their websites, reading industry journals, attending their seminars and conferences, etc.

(4) Prepare a strong but factual resume. Market yourself by making an effective resume after graduation - style it according to the particular job or position you are pursuing; make certain that it looks just as good as when it is being read. There are plenty of websites that offer help, so check them out.

(5) Make certain you are able to support the claims made in your resume. Note that employers during interviews have already encountered all types of candidates including those who have lied or exaggerated their accomplishments and experiences. That is why employers are sometimes doubtful and that is why you need to support your claims effectively with detailed examples.

There are several other tips that are helpful to each individual situation. And if you have questions visit your local school advisor or someone close and remember each day is only one step away.

“I wish they would have seminars like this every year,” Danelle Jordan said, “It is good to see people who graduated from this university return back and give advice to start our careers.”

The Road to Success

Free lance writer, graphic artist, website developer, animator and editor of MovieHouston.com Eric Harrison shared his experiences of highs and lows of his quest for success with a group of student advanced reporters at Texas Southern University.

Harrison reflected over his career and the adjustments that it took to achieve the level of success he has today.

While Harrison has achieved many accolades and accomplished many things throughout his career, there was no story book beginning.

In high school Harrison considered himself to be an intelligent young man who had a lot of things going for him. Some may argue that he was a little overly confident.

“My teacher took me out of one of my advanced classes and placed me in a remedial course,” said Harrison as he recounts the story, “She said I was not applying myself and acted as if I was entitled and things should be given to me,” Harrison Said.

After high school Harrison attended the University of Texas in Austin. There, Harrison was one of the first interns to be selected for an internship at Austin American Statesman in a number of years.

Though he was dedicated to his field he did not get the job with Austin American Statesmen at the completion of his internship.

“Maybe I did not learn my lesson the first time in high school, because I did the exact same thing during college,” Harrison Said.

Looking back Harrison admits not getting the job after the internship may have been one of the best things that ever happen to him. “My attitude completely changed,” Harrison said.

It was at this point that Harrison realized the importance of making a lasting impression from your fist day on the job.

"You will be judged from day one, and how you perform in your first days on the job may determine your future," Harrison said.

Disappointed, but not defeated Harrison began his job search and was able to find a home in Fort Worth, Texas as a writer for the Star Telegram.

Upon arriving at the Star Telegram Harrison recognized one of their more distinguished writers, Lena Williams, and began to study her work.

"As a journalist I would identify the best writers at every newspaper where I worked and then learn from them at the same time that I competed with them," Harrison said. "You need to learn to recognize talent so that you can learn from it."

Harrison also emphasizes the importance of exceeding expectations and how going a step further can aid in enhancing your career.

"Exceed expectations," Harrison said, "do more than the minimum, just meeting expectations means you’re adequate and being merely adequate won’t help you get ahead in the job."

Harrison did just that. His first story at the Star Telegram was a piece about Valentine’s Day.

determined to do well, Harrison began to do in depth research on the history of Valentine's Day. In his story he mention facts that are usually left out about the origin of Valentine's Day.

The story was a success and allowed Harrison to gain popularity within the department.

“When I walked in that morning Lena Williams said there he is,” Harrison said, “and she and the editor applauded me for my fist story about Valentine’s Day.

Harrison had finally began to feel like he belonged, and his gift and skill were being put to good use. Harrison continued to work diligently in hopes of continuing on this road to success.

After three years as a metro reporter for the Star Telegram Harrison joined the staff of the Philadelphia Inquirer.

All the hard work paid off for Harrison. His second story was featured on the front page of the Philadelphia Inquirer. Eric Harrison had begun to make his mark and let readers know who he was.

Harrison was able to fulfill his lifelong dream of being a movie critic when the L.A. Times offered him a position. In executing his duties as a critic Harrison was allowed the opportunity to visit film sets, sit in on editing sessions and interview a multitude of editors, producers, and artist.

"It does not matter how brilliant you think you are, nobody will recognize it unless you demonstrate it," Harrison said, "you demonstrate it through the quality of your work, you can’t be complacent."

All of these accomplishments would not have been achievable had it not been for the tenacity, and passion Harrison had for his field. Through hard work and dedication it is possible to achieve a level of professionalism that will carried throughout your career.

Captured Moments

What started as an iconic antiwar chant for demonstrators at a Democratic convention in 1968 now serves as the title of a collection of photographs reflecting the conditions during a movement in the civil rights era.

“The Whole World was Watching” is a collection of photos that capture each intricate moment of the protesters lives as they faced adversities in an attempt to advocate change.

Curator for the Menil Collection, Michelle White, explained just what the chant meant and the significance it holds.

“It was not just African Americans, it was the Feminist movement, it was everything happening at one time," White said, "and the chant the whole world was watching gave testament that the idea of change could no longer be ignored.”

Six Photographers Dan Budnik, Bruce Davidson, Leonard Freed, Danny Lyon, Bob Adelman and Elliot Erwitt all made a courageous decision to travel to the heart of the protest and expose to the rest of the world, through photos, what had been kept undisclosed for so long.

“These photographers were all putting themselves in extremely vulnerable situations,” White said.

Photographer Danny Lyon was a 20 year old student from Chicago at the time of the civil rights-era, but felt he was an agent for change. He was down for the cause and understood the impact his photos would have.

In a photo captured by Lyon is fellow photographer Clifford Voss. The black and white photo captivates the revulsion of the protesters as four Guardsmen hall Voss away from holding him by his hands and feet after he was accused of initiating a riot.

“The images were so critical, they were being distributed in newspapers and magazines in the north such as Times, so the people in the north could really see that the south was severally racially segregated,” White said.

In another photo by Bob Adelman protesters are being knocked off their feet as they are sprayed by police with water hose. A water hose at full capacity can remove the bark from a tree; one can only imagine what that much power could do to a human’s skin.

“Behind these photos are complicated and amazing stories,” White said, “we wanted to bring them out because we wanted people to know, we wanted people like classes, and schools, and scholars to come and look at the work and be inspired.”

It is White’s belief that museums play a vital role in the development of society as they present a perspective that insights a change of consciousness and allows people to see and view images in a different light.

The Menil Collection is home of approximately 36 photos for the Whole World was Watching exhibition and has joined with The Gregory School, an African-American archive, to host more photographs making it one exhibition in two locations.

“The Whole World was watching will be on exhibit through September 1, 2011.

Libya: Escaping The Fear

Dr. Jaballa Hasan kids wonder why he spends many nights glued to the television watching CNN or the Internet news, for they were to young to remember the the agony of living under such an unjust and unethical ruler such as Muammar Gadhafi. Dr. Hasan spoke to a group of students about the passion he has for has for his country, what it took to escape, and his hopes for his country's future.

Gadhafi has reigned over Libya for more than 40 years. For many Libyans the past 40 years have been filled with fear and oppression.

“In 1976 I witnessed 25 students being hung in public at University of Libya just because they wanted to speak their mind,” Hasan said.

For some, it is a shocking and gruesome story, for the people of Libya it is just one of the many ways Gadhafi has conditioned Libyans to live in fear under his ruling.

“ In 1990 I worked as a professor at the University of Ben Gazi where I taught speech and mass media, but I was asked to teach the Gaddafi Green Book”, Hasan said. “ I could not teach this book because it was beyond belief and no one could associate with it.”

In 1975 Gadhafi wrote and published the Green Book, which summarized his political and philosophical views on democracy. Gadhafi wanted the people of Libya to memorize the book and follow its teachings.

Hasan’s family advised him to remain quite about his belief of the way Gadhafi’s ruled if he were to remain in Libya.

Hasan went on to explain after his defiance to teach the infamous Green Book, he soon found his self under surveillance.

Six years later in 1996 officials arrested Hasan and placed him in solitary confinement for five days.

While in confinement Hasan endured psychological torture daily and was forced to live in total darkness.

"Being in solitary confinement I feared for my life, it was very scary,” Said Hasan.

Hasan soon realized the value of life of Libya was limited. On April 7, 1996 Hasan his wife and two young children escaped through a car out of Libya and into Egypt.

While years have passed since Hasan escaped Libya, he continues to try and put the troubling times behind him, still remaining aware of the conditions that have yet to change.

“Sometimes I can not sleep at night, So I stay up late to watch the news translated in English and Arabic," Hasan Said.

Hasan is also active in Houston. Two weeks ago, Hasan along with over 200 other Libyans, took to the streets of the Galleria area protesting for the right of freedom in their homeland.

As it stands, communication in Libya is limited. Many days Hasan can not get in contact with his family.

He continuous to rely on other sources to ensure their safety while remaining in Libya.Hasan remains optimistic about the future of Libya and where their government is headed.

He has high hopes that the other Arabian countries will ban together and bring pressure to Gadhafi that will lead to him resigning.

He believes that one day the people of Libya will be able to experience the democratic freedom they desire.

TSU Student Organizations & Events

College includes having the opportunity to indulge in the total experience. From academics to the co-curricular environment - student activities are very important for skill development of a well rounded Texas Southern University student leader. TSU offers a variety of organizations and clubs that enhance the academic experience foster leadership and promote social interaction.

Some of the clubs and organizations at TSU include

Student Government Association

Student Life Center
3100 Cleburne Street
Houston, Texas 77004
(713) 313-0000

National Pan-Hellenic Council chapter

(Fraternity/Sorority)

Daniel Harris, Sr. Program Advisor

(713) 313-1975

University Program Council

UNIVERSITY PROGRAM COUNCIL OFFICE

(713) 313-1968

National Association of Black Journalist

Serbino Sandifer Walker

713-313-7749

Radio Television Film Association

Kemo Williams President

713-733-8802

And a host of many others. For a full listing of TSU student organizations and clubs please visit http://www.tsu.edu/life/

A Growing Epidemic

Stories of violence by and against youth explode from the news like gunshots from a passing car. It would seem that America is under attack by armed teenagers.

During the early 1980s, about a thousand murders were committed by teens each year in the United States. By the middle of the 1990s, that had grown to over three thousand per year, or almost 10 percent of all murders.

Numbers like that make it sound like teen violence is a growing epidemic, an impression that is given further validity by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in Atlanta, Georgia, which now identify teen violence as a major public health problem.

Talking about teen violence in terms of murder is the obvious thing to do because of the dramatic finality and loss that death brings, but the epidemic—if that is actually what it is—encompasses much more than murder. The statistics for armed robbery, assault, rape, and carjackings by juveniles in the United States are higher than in any other country in the world. The teenage perpetrators and victims come from every walk of life and every ethnic background. People of all ages are shocked, saddened, and frightened by this news, but no one is more immediately affected by the epidemic of teen violence than teenagers themselves.

So as a young adult I beg people to get more involved in the lives of our youth. There is no for sure way to end teen violence but there are certainly ways that any individual can make a positive influence on a young adult. Please visit your local boys and girls club, YMCA, or any outreach program. It only takes one to teach one.