Frederick's College Journey

Frederick, a 19-year-old college student, offers a unique perspective on the college experience, balancing internships, freelance writing, and a full course load. Despite not being a traditional "school person," he recognizes the value of a college degree and its role in achieving his goals.

Ambitions Beyond the Classroom

While Frederick acknowledges the traditional college system's limitations, he emphasizes the importance of networking and building connections outside the classroom. His journey has led him to pursue a career in both journalism and teaching, revealing his passion for both educating and inspiring others.

• He aims to become a well-versed artist and educator.
• Frederick also seeks to maintain freelance writing opportunities as a journalist.
• He plans to pursue a master's degree after graduation.

The Value of a College Degree

Frederick initially planned to major in music but discovered his passion for journalism. He emphasizes that his degree provides him with crucial knowledge and skills that he might not have acquired otherwise.

• He believes his degree will equip him with essential knowledge and skills in journalism.
• He acknowledges the importance of networking and building connections within the field.

Navigating the HBCU Experience

Frederick highlights the unique challenges and rewards of attending an HBCU (Historically Black College and University). He emphasizes the importance of finding a community and building connections within the institution.

• He initially envisioned a traditional college experience with social events and extracurricular activities.
• The COVID-19 pandemic shifted his perspective, prompting him to focus on his studies and career.
• Despite challenges, he appreciates the value of the HBCU experience and recognizes its relevance to his goals.

Funding College: Scholarships, Grants, and Loans

Frederick's college journey is funded through a combination of scholarships, grants, and loans. He highlights the importance of financial assistance for college students and emphasizes the need for greater support, particularly for junior and senior students.

• Frederick relies heavily on scholarships and grants to finance his education.
• He acknowledges taking out loans, but emphasizes that his debt burden is relatively low.
• He expresses gratitude for the financial support provided by Prairie View A&M University.

Family Influence and Educational Background

Frederick's family background heavily influenced his educational aspirations. His family, comprised of educators, instilled the importance of education and the value of higher learning. He acknowledges the strong emphasis placed on education within his household, setting a clear path for his future.

• Frederick's family, including his parents, grandparents, and sister, are all educators.
• He emphasizes the importance of education as a means of achieving success.
• His family instilled in him a strong work ethic and a dedication to learning.

The Importance of Networking and Practical Experience

While Frederick acknowledges the value of college networking, he emphasizes the importance of real-world experiences and connections. His internships and freelance writing opportunities have proven invaluable in his career development. He advises aspiring journalists and teachers to focus on practical experience and building relationships within their fields.

• He emphasizes the value of building connections outside the college setting.
• He encourages aspiring journalists to embrace the challenges and persevere in their pursuit of a career in the field.
• Frederick stresses the importance of working hard and earning respect in the journalism and teaching professions.

A Broader Perspective on the College System

Frederick encourages a more humanistic approach to education, emphasizing the importance of understanding and supporting students. He advocates for a shift away from a purely legalistic approach to teaching and embraces the transformative power of empathy and connection.

• He encourages educators to focus on building relationships with their students and creating a supportive learning environment.
• Frederick highlights the importance of connecting with students on a personal level and understanding their unique needs.
• He envisions a system that fosters empathy, compassion, and genuine connection between educators and students.