November 30, 2012
Dear English 030 students,
Welcome, and congratulations on your decision to enroll in the English 030/101 Ace Program. You’re in the right place at the right time. My name is Richard S. Orpin III. Are you nervous? I was. Take a brief moment to look around the class, and see how many others have chosen this path. Introduce yourselves, relax, and get to know your classmates, they are your greatest strengths. Communicate with each other, be open, and speak up in class. We all have something to teach and learn from one another. I give thanks to my former classmates.
To my fellow veterans, in the service I was stationed at Fort Bragg North Carolina with the 4th/68th armor, 82nd Airborne Division. The mission of the 82nd Airborne Division is, within 18 hours of notification to be anywhere in the world ready for combat. The division is the nation's strategic offensive force, maintaining the highest state of combat readiness. We are a highly trained and discipline unit.
Making the transition from military life to civilian life seemed difficult so many years ago. I can only imagine what it’s like today. I have two nephews and a niece in the Army now; one is making the transition from military life to college today. This is a big change; you may feel like you don’t fit in with the other students. They don’t have the same training and discipline as you, really they have no idea what military life is like. I have seen the lack of disrespect they show for teachers and themselves for that matter. They can’t even keep their pants pulled up. Honestly, your teachers are not going to know how to handle the yes sir’s and the yes mam’s. My recommendations for the young veterans are to seek out other veterans, form an organization of your own. Colleges are not prepared for the large influx of veterans coming in the near future. Now you’re switching from being told what to do, where too be, and how to do it. However, you can complete your education; use the discipline, and training you learned in the military to your advantage. You can overcome, stay motivated, seek help from other veterans, and learn self-reliance. Remember you’re not alone.
To begin with, get ready for an exciting exploration of yourself as a writer; yes, that’s what I said, a writer not an English major. I remember in the beginning how apprehensive I was concerning my correct grammar, punctuation, subordinate clauses, and spelling. Even though learning these skills will greatly improve your writing, I found it easier to concentrate on the writing experience itself. The rest will come with persistence, practice and dedication. However, there is a writing center available for all students. Even professional writers require objective readers. Take advantage of this wonderful opportunity to improve your writing skills, be an inspiration, helping other students shine. Believe me you’re in the right place at the right time.
If you’re having doubts, like I did; completely remove them from your mind. “The law of attraction teaches us that whatever you focus on, you will attract more of it into your life- whether it’s wanted or unwanted” (The laws of Attraction). I began as an 020 English student at St. Louis Community College; it was the summer semester. I could barely put together an effective paragraph of more than one-hundred words. Today, I’m writing two back-to-back essays of one thousand words each. I’m writing one of them to you right now. How am I doing? Hopefully I don’t sound like I’m giving you a lecture, but only sharing my strengths, experiences, and hopes. Look at me now; I’m weeks away from successfully completing the “Ace” program with more than respectable grades. This may be a little presumptuous, but I’ve carried a 4.0 (GPA) throughout all three classes. Wish me luck, two weeks left. My classmates and I were the first students to participate in the pilot program Ace 030/101. Therefore, I believe this gives anyone of us the right to give advice.
In addition, you may be asking yourselves how you make the best of your experience in English 030 and receive excellent grades. This mostly depends on you, and requires dogged dedication to succeed, and a commitment to making your education a top priority. It is of the utmost importance to prioritize your time to coincide with daily life and your education. For me, any and all appointments I had were scheduled around my classes. I can say this, because I never missed a day, nor been late for class. Will you be as committed? To turning all your assignments in on time, giving that extra 110%? This sounds like advice from your mother, father, or maybe your teacher. What can I say? That’s what I did. I had devoted just as much time at home studying as I did at school; actually more than I spent in school. Do as much extra credit as possible; this will give you a safety net, so to speak.
Furthermore, if there is one piece of advice I can give you to make your college life as stress-free as possible, it’s to not waste you financial aid on frivolous items such as new clothes, televisions, and hot nights out on the town. Often this is a lesson students have to learn the hard way. Instead, invest in a computer, a printer, extra ink, and a thumb drive or two. Why do I say this, you may ask? Unfortunately, I’m forty-nine years old and I learned the hard way. Many years ago I had the opportunity to receive an education, but I was more interested in wine, women, and song. Save your money please.
In conclusion, for those of you with young children, I commend you for your efforts. Hang in there, because attaining and education, will in turn give your children the advantage in their future. Guard your academic integrity. Be careful whom you associate with; there are those who will unknowingly attempt to bring you down. Don’t let procrastination or the lack of preparation affect your academic success. Best wishes to all of you; write, write, and write some more. Remember you’re in the right place at the right time.
Sincerely,
Richard S. Orpin III
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