Endless Dreams Foundation, Inc.

The Road to Entrepreneurship

edf1211 — Tue, 05 Mar 2013 02:55:42 +0000

The Road to Entrepreneurship

By: Damita Miller-Shanklin

When I was young I was never told about the option of becoming a business owner. My option was college and then finding a good job. Not a bad option because college opens your life to many wonderful things. I didn’t become an entrepreneur until 2008. I graduated college in 1990. But if I knew owning a business was an option for me, I would have looked into it before then. I am glad I went to college because I have a back-up plan but I love having my own business.

Being a business owner is not easy but it is worth the sacrifice. I own Ujima Magazine. I have been in business for four years. I work harder now for my own business than I did for someone else. What I’m trying to say is look at all your options for your future. If you have the opportunity to be your own boss do it but know you will have to work to make it successful. I want to share with you what I have learned in the last four years.

1. Find your passion. You have to be passionate about what you do. The passion keeps you going when you want to give up.

2. Be flexible. You have a plan on how you want things to go but you may have to make adjustments.

3. You will make sacrifices. I put all my money into my business. I go without so my business can grow.

4. Surround yourself with like-minded or positive people. If you are told you can’t do it or you hear negative things constantly if will make you lose your confidence and opportunity to make your dream come true.

5. Give back. I always believe you should always help others.

6. Learn everything you can. Everything I have learned about owning a magazine I have learned through reading books, the Internet, asking questions of people who know the industry and attending trainings.

I learn everyday. I do love what I do and my passion for telling stories keeps the work I do very exciting. Keep your options open and do well in school. Learn from a business owner about owning your own business because it is an option.

Good Luck!

Damita Miller-Shanklin is the Founder and Publisher of Ujima Magazine in Austin Texas. Ujima Magazine is a resource that loves telling diverse stories that educate our readers. Visit our blog site at http://ujimamagazine.wordpress.com/ and like us on Facebook and Twitter.

Time+Giving Back=Volunteering

edf1211 — Sat, 16 Feb 2013 01:58:05 +0000

Time+Giving Back=Volunteering

By: Brenda Parson

We often wonder why a person or people volunteer their time to Non Profit Organizations, Corporate Events or Charity Events. The answer is simple. Thru volunteering I am Paying It Forward and Giving Back which allows me to change lives including my own.

The rewards for volunteering are as follow: Impacting and Making a Difference in the Community. Increase your Social/Relationship Skills while connecting with others. Earn College credits with Volunteer Internships. Diversify your job experience.

We all have a social responsibility to our community. Today I challenge you to stand in my SHOES and make a commitment to pursue interest that you’re passionate about which only requires your TIME.

I am a VOLUNTEER that Serves&Give and I am changing the world!

http://volunteer2servengive.weebly.com

How to Survive in College

edf1211 — Sat, 16 Feb 2013 01:52:51 +0000

How to Survive in College

By: Joanne Coley

All the rumors you heard about college are true, so believe them! At first I thought people were just kidding around about all the things that happen in college. You will have some bad days in college, but the good days will outweigh the bad, so do not worry. In order to survive in college and become successful follow these 6 simple guidelines:

Rule #1: Go to class everyday
People make the mistake of missing class thinking that they will not get behind. In college classes are not only bigger, but some are even longer than those that you took in high school. Most classes go over a chapter a day and since professors only have four months to teach you they do not have time to go back over any chapters that were already taught. Everything that is taught in class will be on your exams! Even if you have to roll out of bed without your teeth brushed do not miss class!

Rule #2: Take Notes
Because a lot a material is being taught at one time make sure you take plenty of notes. Take notes in ways that you will understand. Most professors do have PowerPoint’s where you can write word for word, but that may not be the best idea. It is a lot of information and you will not be able to write down and the professors move pretty quickly in class.

Rule #3: Get to know your peers and professors
Become friends with at least one or two people in each of your class. In case you have to miss class you will have a friend that you will be able to get the notes from. Like I stated earlier most teachers do not go over class material again and some do not post their notes online, so it is best to get to know someone in your class. Also, get to know your professors. Students are afraid to get to know the professor because they do not want to be known as the “teacher’s pet”. Professors are there to help you! Utilize them! Remember you are paying for your classes, so get your money’s worth. If you build a relationship with your professors they will remember you and when grades are due they can probably give you the extra push if you need it. For example, I know from my own experience there was a class that I was doing bad in, but because I built a relationship with my professor she nudged my grade from a “D” to a “C” because she saw that I was trying.

Rule #4: Use all your resources
There are a lot of resources on campus that you can use to ensure that you are successful in college. One place that you should fall in love with is the library. The library has everything that you need. The library has tutor sessions for the classes that you are having trouble with. The library also has a writing center for those who need help for writing papers. Campuses also have various computer labs and study centers for those who do need to find a quiet place to study. This brings me to my next rule.

Rule #5: Study! Study! Study!
Juggling 4 or 5 or maybe even 6 classes are very challenging. That is a lot of information that you need to understand. Review your notes before and after your classes so that if you have any questions about the chapter you are able to bring up in class.

Rule #6: Have Fun!
In college it is all about time management. You may seem as though all you do is study, but make sure you set aside time for a social life. College is a lifetime experience that some do not have the chance to see. So enjoy it! Just as much as you work hard you can play hard too!

Following these guidelines will ensure that you will become successful in college.

Making My Dream A Reality

edf1211 — Sat, 16 Feb 2013 01:40:36 +0000

Making My Dream A Reality

By: Marva Welburn

For as long as I can remember, I have dreamed of attending law school and earning my Law degree. I dreamed of working hard and establishing a credible reputation so that someday my name will be amongst those considered for a position as a Supreme Court Justice. It is because of these dreams that I decided to attend Johnson. C. Smith University in Charlotte, NC. On May 19, 2013, I will walk across the stage and accept my Bachelor of Arts Degree in Communication Studies…the first step to making my dreams a reality.

If it was left up to society, accepting my degree would remain a dream for me, but thanks to my faith in a Higher Power and my desire to overcome societal labels, my dream is also my reality. Growing up in a single parent home was the first “limitation” I encountered. Having one parent in jail and the other constantly hard at work to provide for me caused me to desire a better life for myself. Like most kids, I made a few bad decisions. These bad decisions complicated my life, but most importantly, they caused me to grow up. At just 17, I gave birth to my daughter, Madison. I can honestly say that having her proved to be the biggest life lesson I could ever learn…every decision has a consequence, be it good or bad. Fortunately, for both of us, Madison’s birth further increased my desire to overcome labels placed upon me, especially the one I placed on myself.

Succeeding in life became a necessity, not just a dream. Eric Thomas once said, “When you want to succeed as much as you want to breathe, then you’ll be successful.” As you sit here and read this post, think about this question. How bad do you want to succeed?

Can you honestly say that you’re doing everything in your power to increase your chances of achieving your goals and realizing your dreams? Do you go above and beyond what is asked of you, or do you do just enough to get by?

If you want a better chance of competing in today’s GLOBAL market, then it is imperative that you set goals for yourself. You must create good study habits and follow through with them. Life was difficult for me, but at times I made it even harder for myself by my lack of preparation and my bad habits. As a graduating college senior, I want nothing more than for you to cross the finish line, but you have got to put in the work that’s necessary for you to meet me there! My advice for you is to do what you have to do, and never let the dreamer in you fade away!

I’m In A Relationship With My Schools Library

edf1211 — Tue, 12 Feb 2013 22:57:02 +0000

I’m In A Relationship With My Schools Library

By: Desiree Myers

No love affair has ever existed that can match my romance with the school’s library. I used to think the library was just a place to house literature. Little did I know, it is so much more. The library can help you in ways you never dreamed possible. The resources it provides, the knowledge it houses, and the overall atmosphere are a few of the wonderful benefits the library can help you with too.
When I started my freshman year like most students, I didn’t think twice about spending any time in the library. One of my professors had my class spend some time with a librarian. She introduced me to the amount of resources that can be utilized from the library. Firstly, (this came as a shock to me) the library is FULL of librarians. They have a librarian for every field of study, concentration, and interest you can imagine, each one ready to help. The library also has access to countless databases that grant you access to information you can’t get elsewhere such as scholarly papers and useful research.
The library also has a plethora of information. Those books aren’t just there to fill the shelves, you know. You can find any book you want or need. And if for some reason you can’t, most libraries do interlibrary loans so that you can get what you need when you need it. Many libraries also have great tools for you to use such as copiers, printers, computers, projectors, and machines to help you read just about any form of media.
Lastly, (and personally my favorite) the library offers the PERFECT atmosphere for studying. I have my favorite spot on my favorite floor to study. The best thing about spending time here is that everyone has the same goals. There are little to no distractions to take you off course. Many students become acquainted with the library only during finals week. Personally, I make it a goal to spend some time there to get caught up every week. If you allow yourself this time as well, you can get ahead on all of your work and studying instead of cramming during finals. Trust me; I have learned from experience, the best way to stay on the ball is to dedicate some time to that library. Although, I spend some time on my favorite floor, in my favorite spot every week, I have been known to pull a few overnighters in the library. If your library has a café in or near it, take advantage! That coffee can get those extra juices flowing and keep you motivated.
Overall, the library is a really great place to help you with your academic achievements. I hope that you can grow to appreciate and love the library as a resource, place of knowledge, and location for success as I have.

Tips for college students

edf1211 — Tue, 12 Feb 2013 22:50:41 +0000

Tips for college students. (Perhaps even from interns or other students.)

By: Desiree Myers

The most important tip for doing well in college is to do your work. I entered into university life thinking I could “coast” through like I did in high school. WRONG. I did absolutely terrible my first year in college because of this mentality and it still effects in my GPA. I’ve only been able to do well when I go to class and do the work. It has definitely been worth it.

Do your best to keep a social life. I know it’s hard balancing school and sometimes a job with having friends, but it is well worth it in the long run. Friends will keep you sane and give you extra motivation to press on in the rough times.

Extra-curricular activities are a must. Not only do extracurricular help you to meet new people and socialize, they also look GREAT on a transcript. These activities show you are motivated and can juggle many responsibilities at once. They will also separate you from the thousands of job applicants with the same degree.

Befriend the library. Designating time to study in the library on a regular basis will provide a great boost to your grades. I also recommend a study buddy to help keep you in line when Facebook starts to look tempting.

Get to know your professors. When they tell you to drop by during their office hours, they are offering you a very useful tool. Not only can this help you pass a class, but building these relationships can be very beneficial when it comes to your plans and goals after college.

Network. Whether it is though clubs, professors, or volunteering, make connections with people. These connections provide you with unique learning opportunities and chances for growth and future goal achievement.

OH NO! Freshman 15….

edf1211 — Tue, 12 Feb 2013 22:46:25 +0000

OH NO! Freshman 15….

By: Desiree Myers

The dreaded Freshman 15. Those inevitable 15 pounds first year college students (especially girls) gain. I had no clue what the freshman 15 was…until they hit me. Like a ton of bricks, there they were.

Fortunately, the Freshman 15 doesn’t have to add to your waistline. You can avoid some of the mistakes I made. One of the biggest reasons I picked up those 15 pounds was those oh so tempting restaurants on campus. I used my meal plan points like they were about to expire. Morning, noon, and night I dined at pizza hut, bojangles, salsarita’s and more. Who wants to eat in a cafeteria when you have tastier options? I know I sure didn’t. Not only did I up my weight, but I depleted my account balance with my meal plan. You can combat this by making a plan for your meals. Plan out your week by days, pick a certain day or two that you indulge so that you can keep your weight and money balanced.

Another really great way to avoid those extra pounds is to eat breakfast. I know we’ve all heard the advice countless times, but it turns out, it’s right. Eating breakfast every morning, even just some yogurt or eggs, will help you keep your metabolism up. When you don’t eat in the morning, your body slows down.

Learn from my mistakes, make a plan with your food and money, and try and have breakfast every morning and hopefully you can avoid the horror story that is the Freshman 15.

Gallery

edf1211 — Tue, 22 Jan 2013 04:04:21 +0000

Thanksgiving Food Drive 2012

How Halls Cough Drops Inspired Me

edf1211 — Sat, 19 Jan 2013 04:43:33 +0000

How Halls Cough Drops Inspired Me

By: Brittany Yates

Sometimes things will be inspire you when you least expect it. I had the worse cold ever so like any other person I purchased cough drops. The next morning when I arrived at work I realized the bag of cough drops that I purchased the night before were almost gone. I didn’t realize I had been eating them as if my life depended on it. My meal for three days consisted of soup, tea, and cough drops but my cold seemed to be getting worse and worse. I wasn’t sure if I would make it through my work day, and right at my breaking point I randomly read the wrappings from my Hall’s cough drops that I had been eating for hours. As I began to read I realized the old saying must be true, “there is a reason for everything”. No matter what it is in life never give up, whether it’s a small cold or a life changing experience you must press forth. Check out the quotes from a small cough drop wrapper that inspired me!

Seize the day

Impress yourself today

Buckle down and push forth!

Nothing you can’t handle

Take charge and make it

Do try harder, Do harder!

The show must go on or work

Tough is my middle name

Flex your “can do” muscles

Be Unstoppable

Power through

Don’t waste a precious minute

Discouraged spelled backwards is HOPE…

edf1211 — Sat, 19 Jan 2013 04:41:08 +0000

Discouraged spelled backwards is HOPE…
By: Shaunesi Melvin

Well not really, but I’ll explain.

We often times tell ourselves we want to do something, want to be something, think we can make it happen and then after a few attempts we get discouraged. We may share the idea with someone else and they think it’s crazy, so we back away from it, discouraged. Smh…

I looked up the definition of discouraged & it says to deprive of courage, confidence, or hope. So I guess you know I had to break it down some more and see exactly what deprive means, well it means to take something away…

So lets break this down, giving up or getting discouraged means being deprived of hope or confidence basically.

But if we stop depriving ourselves, stop letting others tell us we can’t , start reversing out thoughts. Building off that little bit of hope inside of us that told us we could to begin with, then while becoming discouraged may run across our mind, that LITTLE BIT of hope we had to began with will remind us being discouraged is not an option.

It’s expected for us to give up, it’s expected for us to fail, it’s expected for us to add that “‘t” to can…
But if you train your mind to do “the remix” of what’s expected then you will always win.
When no one else is there to push you, feed off the little hope you have inside yourself!