Parental guidance promotes student success

 When it comes to getting a higher education, some people are very self-motivated and do not need the guidance or extra push from others.
 However, parental guidance greatly influences a young person's views on everything in life. Often times, personal views are reflections of a person's origin.
Freshman computer science major Kealan Hater is the definition of a self-motivated man.
"In my household, family always came before everything else. Getting an education has always been second," said Hater.
Although Hater upholds the values his family has taught him, he has decided to make a deliberate effort to place more emphasis on getting a higher education and becoming successful.
However, he does attribute his desire for success to the foundation laid by his family. He described how the fast pace of college life requires so much of him in such a short period of time. Despite the increased requirements, Hater has decided that no matter what he is in it for the long haul.
"College has shown me that you can either step up or give up," said Hater.
Every parent dreams of providing a better lifestyle for their child than the one their parents were able to give them, an evolution of striving for success.
Freshman engineering major Kennon Coleman agrees that his parent's values such as parent's focus on education, has played a large role in making their hopes and his dreams a reality.
"My education is a big factor to my parents. They want me to succeed and not have to struggle like they have had to," said Coleman.
His parents are his motivation and the driving forces behind his desire for educational success.
Their teachings prepared him for life and getting a college degree.
"They have always told me to do what is on my mind and not to quit. They taught me that anything is possible if you are determined," he said.
For some, it is a combination of personal determination, societal values, and familial factors that make a person strive for academic success.
Freshman nursing major Dandre Colbert agrees.
"My mom is a single mother of five and I have to succeed academically so that I can help her and my siblings out," he said.
The determination to be successful and help his family keeps him academically balanced. Although the influence of "partying the night away" attracts Colbert he understands he is here for a bigger reason.
Colbert said, "My mom always taught me the value of education and where it can get me. She taught me good moral values."
Family and parenting play a major role in college success. Everyone's motivation comes from a different place, but a person's background does have an influence. Where you come from and how you were raised influences who you are as a person and student. As the saying goes, "If you don't know where you've been you don't know where you're going."