Chapter 9 – Social Impediments to Success in College

Money Problems

• The solution is simple even though we often do everything we can do to make it much more complicated:
  • Don’t spend more than you have!
  • Increase your income
  • Decrease your spending
  • Or do both
  • The best way to manage debt is to avoid it.

Increase your income

• Focus on your education; creates income for the rest of your life.
• Consider Financial Aid
• Excel as an employee; make yourself indispensable

Spend less money

• Cut expenses
• Pay cash
• Notice when you spend on “Fun”
• By spending less, you will feel the power: the satisfaction of choosing exactly where your money goes and building a secure financial future.

Waking up to diversity

• Learning about diversity is an education itself.
• Diversity refers to differences of any type
• Our own culture is different from, not better than other cultures
• Diversity does not mean that we all become part of an anonymous “Melting Pot.” Instead, we can become more like a tossed salad – a piece of art in which each element both maintains its individuality and blends with others to form a harmonious whole.

Cultural Differences

• Culture touches every aspect of human behavior, ranging from the ways that people greet each other to the ways they resolve conflict.
• Expecting differences up – front helps you keep an open mind.
• Honor the differences among people while remembering what we have in common.

Individualist vs. Collectivist

• Individualist
  • Values personal fulfillment
  • Rewards when you stand out from the rest of the members
  • Emphasizes “I”
• Collectivist
  • Group progress is more important than personal success
  • Values cooperation over competition
  • High value on family and respect the elders

Dealing with conflicts

• Communicate assertively – not aggressively or passively.

Assertive Communication

• Asking directly and confidently for what you want
• Showing respect for others at the same time
• Committed to win-win solutions

Wake up to Health

• School success is directly ties to your health.
• Health is a choice you make every moment, with each behavior and decision.