Writer: Tenesha Hughes
Name: Clincy Harris
Major: Social Science/Education
Classification: Senior
Hometown: Jackson, Miss.
1.) Think back to when you where a Freshman, what things do you remember the most about your freshman year. (friends, organizations, etc.)
-- Well from my freshman year, all I remember is going to band practice during the fall and being the only freshman eligible to tryout for drum major the following spring semester. The fall semester was a major adjustment as I attempted to get acclimated not only to college life, but college life and being a band student.
2.) What do you find the hardest about time management?
--- Well I feel that the hardest part about time management is (1) putting things in perspective and prioritizing, (2) sticking to a set schedule and not getting off track, and (3) staying focused. It is so easy to hang out with friends and go to "Hotspots" and school-related functions, but when you have homework or practice you have to place things in order of importance. Time management is the KEY to success as a college student, and if someone can manage their time well, that shows that the individual is self-sufficient and able to make good decisions as it relates to college life.
3.) What are some organizations you are involved on campus, how do you find time to participate in them?
--- Well aside from being in the Sonic Boom of the South, I am a member of the Delta Delta Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. where I hold office as Lt. Strategus. Off campus I am a member of the Lanier High School Alumni Association, drummer for Pleasant Green M.B. Church as well as the Sunday School Youth Superintendent, and I train the drum majors for local high schools in the area. I'm also employed at the Hilton Garden Inn (also known as the King Edward Hotel) where I work in the Valet department. Scheduling around set times and sticking to a set schedule is the key. You don't want to spread yourself too thin so you have to adjust your schedule to what works best for you and always make time to rest.
4.) Being head drum major, how do you stay so grounded and dedicated to upholding that title, but yet still find time for class work?
--- Growing up in Jackson being apart of the Boom was something that has been like a childhood dream to me! My high school band director (who is now the Associate Director of Bands at JSU) was a former Drum Major and he taught me how to be an effective leader so that one day I might be in the position that I am in today. I have numerous family members who played in the band and I always said if I would become a drum major for Jackson State, I would want to leave a legacy. The key to staying grounded and dedicated to upholding the title of Head Drum Major is remaining humble and working together with the rest of the J5 squad to ensure that the band is operating on all cylinders. Marching in the band and balancing school has never been a problem for me. What a lot of people sometimes forget to realize is that you're a student before anything, and the overall mission of being in college is to graduate!
5.) What are five most important essential things you would advise a freshman to have to get them through their first year of school?
--- (1) Stay focused on your work NOW, because your beginning years determine your matriculation in college.
---(2) There is nothing wrong with having fun every once in a while, but be able to balance your social life and school life because in today's society, you cannot do anything without the proper education!
---(3) If you are involved in an extracurricular activity or a student athlete, learn how to not let your organization consume you. Band, Football, Basketball, Soccer are not majors that Jackson State offers. Never forget your reason for being here, which is to obtain a degree!
---(4) Being able to prioritize is a MUST! Place things in order from most important to least important and if you set a specific schedule for yourself, adhere to it and stick with it.
---(5) Don't procrastinate! Make sure that when you receive an assignment, go ahead and start on it instead of waiting until the last minute.
6.) What is advice would you tell a freshman that is already feeling overwhelmed being that the first week is over and they may be feeling like it’s so much that they want to do, but feel they can’t find time?
--- I would suggest to observe their daily routines and adjust them to where more time is alotted for schoolwork and studying. Also, talk with your peers who may seem to excel in those classes and partner up with them. It doesn't hurt to talk to your instructors as well, they are human like us and they understand making the adjustment from high school to college. Keep in mind that your approach is everything so make sure that if you do talk with an instructor make sure you treat them with the proper respect.
7.) How important is time management?
--- Time management is vital to college life because when it comes to anything dealing with academics, waiting until the last minute will place unnecessary stress on you. Also, you want to produce quality work and nobody can produce quality work waiting until the last minute!
Name: Clincy Harris
Major: Social Science/Education
Classification: Senior
Hometown: Jackson, Miss.
1.) Think back to when you where a Freshman, what things do you remember the most about your freshman year. (friends, organizations, etc.)
-- Well from my freshman year, all I remember is going to band practice during the fall and being the only freshman eligible to tryout for drum major the following spring semester. The fall semester was a major adjustment as I attempted to get acclimated not only to college life, but college life and being a band student.
2.) What do you find the hardest about time management?
--- Well I feel that the hardest part about time management is (1) putting things in perspective and prioritizing, (2) sticking to a set schedule and not getting off track, and (3) staying focused. It is so easy to hang out with friends and go to "Hotspots" and school-related functions, but when you have homework or practice you have to place things in order of importance. Time management is the KEY to success as a college student, and if someone can manage their time well, that shows that the individual is self-sufficient and able to make good decisions as it relates to college life.
3.) What are some organizations you are involved on campus, how do you find time to participate in them?
--- Well aside from being in the Sonic Boom of the South, I am a member of the Delta Delta Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. where I hold office as Lt. Strategus. Off campus I am a member of the Lanier High School Alumni Association, drummer for Pleasant Green M.B. Church as well as the Sunday School Youth Superintendent, and I train the drum majors for local high schools in the area. I'm also employed at the Hilton Garden Inn (also known as the King Edward Hotel) where I work in the Valet department. Scheduling around set times and sticking to a set schedule is the key. You don't want to spread yourself too thin so you have to adjust your schedule to what works best for you and always make time to rest.
4.) Being head drum major, how do you stay so grounded and dedicated to upholding that title, but yet still find time for class work?
--- Growing up in Jackson being apart of the Boom was something that has been like a childhood dream to me! My high school band director (who is now the Associate Director of Bands at JSU) was a former Drum Major and he taught me how to be an effective leader so that one day I might be in the position that I am in today. I have numerous family members who played in the band and I always said if I would become a drum major for Jackson State, I would want to leave a legacy. The key to staying grounded and dedicated to upholding the title of Head Drum Major is remaining humble and working together with the rest of the J5 squad to ensure that the band is operating on all cylinders. Marching in the band and balancing school has never been a problem for me. What a lot of people sometimes forget to realize is that you're a student before anything, and the overall mission of being in college is to graduate!
5.) What are five most important essential things you would advise a freshman to have to get them through their first year of school?
--- (1) Stay focused on your work NOW, because your beginning years determine your matriculation in college.
---(2) There is nothing wrong with having fun every once in a while, but be able to balance your social life and school life because in today's society, you cannot do anything without the proper education!
---(3) If you are involved in an extracurricular activity or a student athlete, learn how to not let your organization consume you. Band, Football, Basketball, Soccer are not majors that Jackson State offers. Never forget your reason for being here, which is to obtain a degree!
---(4) Being able to prioritize is a MUST! Place things in order from most important to least important and if you set a specific schedule for yourself, adhere to it and stick with it.
---(5) Don't procrastinate! Make sure that when you receive an assignment, go ahead and start on it instead of waiting until the last minute.
6.) What is advice would you tell a freshman that is already feeling overwhelmed being that the first week is over and they may be feeling like it’s so much that they want to do, but feel they can’t find time?
--- I would suggest to observe their daily routines and adjust them to where more time is alotted for schoolwork and studying. Also, talk with your peers who may seem to excel in those classes and partner up with them. It doesn't hurt to talk to your instructors as well, they are human like us and they understand making the adjustment from high school to college. Keep in mind that your approach is everything so make sure that if you do talk with an instructor make sure you treat them with the proper respect.
7.) How important is time management?
--- Time management is vital to college life because when it comes to anything dealing with academics, waiting until the last minute will place unnecessary stress on you. Also, you want to produce quality work and nobody can produce quality work waiting until the last minute!