"We can do anything we want if we stick to it long enough." ~ Helen Keller


               Helen Adams Keller
          (June 27, 1880 - June 1, 1968)
 
As you embark upon a new academic year, obstacles and road blocks are sure to get in your way. Do you just give up? Or do you face those obstacles with determination, ready to fight and overcome them?

Helen Keller did just that! Considered an inspirational icon by many, Keller was an author, political activist, and lecturer. Having lost her sight and her hearing at a very young age, Keller went on to become the first deaf-blind person to earn a Bachelor of Arts degree.

What will you be the first to accomplish?

Don't let anything stand in your way as you go for your goals!

More words of inspiration from Helen Keller:

"Optimism is the faith that leads to achievement. Nothing can be done without hope and confidence."

"I am only one; but still I am one. I cannot do everything, but still I can do something. I will not refuse to do something I can do."


Learn more about Helen Keller

6 Principals for Leading a Successful and Fulfilling Life
Moses Goldmon
 
Countless students speak about wanting to have a successful life, but how do they get there? What are the principles that should guide their actions along the way? Glad you asked. According to former NC-HCAP Associate Director, Moses Goldmon, here are six principles that you can start applying today to help increase your chances of a successful tomorrow.
 
Principle 1: Discover your purpose and that which makes you unique
Who are you anyway? Think about it. Are you the person others think you are? If you are troubled by who you are, develop an appreciation for your uniqueness. Make the most of your time and place in history by discovering your purpose for living. Each of us has unique gifts, talents, and abilities. Begin identifying yours today!
 
Principle 2: Establish career goals that connect to your passion
Start thinking and exploring deeply possible options that relate to what you might want to do as a career. "Access your career choice inside and out." Does your career choice connect to your passion in life and the thing that you're naturally good or skilled at? "For example, if you don't enjoy working with people, then becoming a physician might not be a good career choice."
 
Principle 3: Diligently seek to increase your knowledge and improve your skills daily
"This is difficult. It takes hard work. And it has to be done consistently for the rest of your life...Contrary to popular opinion, knowledge is not power. It is the application of knowledge that leads to power. You can know all the facts about a plane, but if you don't have the skill to fly, I wouldn't trust you as my pilot."
 
Principle 4: Make personal renewal a daily habit
Are you taking good care of yourself? As students, you too need to think about taking care of yourselves and assuring you have the energy to make it through all the demands that being a student entails! "Let's get practical. Eat properly. Get your rest. Cliché'? Hardly. There are people all over America whose bodies are falling apart because they lack a balanced diet and adequate exercise-another reason why health professionals are in high demand. The purpose of food is to give us energy." Renew your mind daily and take time out to rest & relax, while carving out some me time. Sure you've got to study, go to practice, and work, but in the rush of your daily activities, don't forget time for you!
 
Principle 5: Make a commitment to give back to others
"As students interested in pursuing the health professions, you have a responsibility to reach out and help others. Serving others is [one of] the most personally fulfilling things we can do. You know you've served [others] when your actions have made a positive impact on [others]." Get involved in the community today. There's a volunteer or shadowing opportunity out there waiting on YOU!
 
Principle 6: Live according to your motives and beliefs, while examining your choices
"The choices you make today will impact the quality of your life tomorrow. Life is more than the years available to you. You are a link in a long chain of people and events. Make the most of your time and place in history."

Source: NC-HCAP Access Newsletter Spring 1998 Vol. VII No. I

Felice Carlton
Just before former SEP scholar Felice Carlton graduated from UNC in May, we sat down with her for a little Q&A about her goals and her experience with NC-HCAP. Here is a brief excerpt of what she had to say.


How did you become involved with NC-HCAP?
I first became involved with NC-HCAP in 2007. I participated in the Science Enrichment Preparation (SEP) Program in the summer of 2008, and during my senior year I utilized their career advising services and also participated in the NC-HCAP Health Careers Club.

How have you benefited from your relationship with NC-HCAP?
Through SEP, I gained a solid foundation in the prerequisite science courses for professional schools, learned how to make myself stand out as a strong, passionate student, and received great exposure to a variety of health careers.

Additionally, I gained a strong support system through the NC-HCAP staff, who truly cares about my success both while in college and in the future. .

What are your post-graduation plans?
I will be working as a nursing officer for the US Public Health Service at NIH. After gaining solid clinical experience there, I plan to enter medical school to study family medicine and obtain a Masters of Public Health.

What advice can you give to students who are preparing for graduate school or health professional programs?
Never give up trying to reach your career goals, and do not settle for a lesser goal if things seem difficult. Even if your classes are not going as well as you would like, don't give up; utilize all resources available to help you succeed.

Also, keep in mind that having a perfect GPA does not necessarily make someone a quality doctor, nurse or dentist; there are so many other important factors. Don't let others discourage you (this includes school advisors and administrators). Remember that you don't have to take a traditional or standard path to health professional school -- and always maximize your experiences at each stage of your life.

Carlton is currently working at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) as a nursing officer for the United States Public Health Service.