BEGIN: The Goal of Cornerstone and Our Commitment to You
Features In each chapter:
Why Read This Chapter
Why Read This Chapter…From My Perspective
Scan & Question
PART ONE – CHANGING YOUR THOUGHTS
CHAPTER 1 CHANGE: Adjusting to the Culture of College, Nurturing Change, and Setting Goals
The Times…They Are A-Changin’
The M&M Theory
College and You
The Culture of College
Creating Success Through Positive Change
Eliminating Roadblocks to Your Success
Building a New You
CHAPTER 2 ENGAGE: Developing Your Personal and Academic Passion to Persist in College
The Power and Passion of Motivation
Achieving Your Potential and Increasing Your Motivation
Persisting in College
CHAPTER 3 COMMUNICATE: Improving Your Personal Communication, Cultivating Relationships, and Managing Conflict
The Communication Process
The Story of One Wild Boy
Nonverbal Behavior in Interpersonal Communication
OMG U R OTT
Self-Disclosure and Interpersonal Communication
The Ties That Bind
Learning to Live and Communicate with Others
Conflict in Relationships Is Inevitable
The Faces of Conflict
Standards for Dealing with Difficult People and Managing Conflict
CHAPTER 4 THINK: Expanding Your Aptitude for Critical Thinking, Emotional Intelligence, and Information Literacy Skills
Thinking About Thinking
The Importance of Critical Thinking
An Eight-Point Plan for Critical Thinking
Sharpening Your Emotional Intelligence Skills
PART TWO – CHANGING YOUR PERFORMANCE
CHAPTER 5 PRIORITIZE: Planning Your Time and Reducing Stress
Time–You Have All There Is
Time Management and Self-Discipline
I’ll Do It When I Have a Little Free Time
Planning, Doodling, or Begging
Absolutely No…Well, Maybe
Beginning Your Day with Peace
The Dreaded “P” Word
Getting the Most Out of This Moment
Evaluating How You Spend Your Time
Focusing On and Eliminating Distractions and Interruptions
Planning and Preparing
Stress? I Don’t Have Enough Time for Stress!
I Don’t Think I Feel So Well
CHAPTER 6 LEARN: Using Your Dominant Intelligence, Preferred Learning Style, and Unique Personality Type to Become an Active Learner
We Hope You Learned Your Lesson!
Give Your Brain a Workout
The Learning Process
Understanding Your Strengths
Understanding Multiple Intelligences
Understanding Multiple Inteligences to Enhance Studying and Learning
Understanding Learning Styles Theory
Wanted: A Visual Learner with Tactile Skills
Understanding Personality Types
CHAPTER 7 READ: Building Your Reading and Comprehension Skills
Is Reading Fundamental or Just Pure Torture?
Discovering Your Reading Style
I Feel the Need…The Need for Speed
Speed and Comprehension
You Don’t Have to Be a Logodaedalian to Enjoy Words
It’s Not Just a Doorstop
Learning to Read Faster and Smarter
Finding the Topic and Main Ideas in Paragraphs and Sections
SQ3R to the Rescue
It’s Not Over Until It’s Over
CHAPTER 8 RECORD: Cultivating Your Listening Skills and Developing a Note Taking System that Works for You
The Importance of Listening
Listening Defined
The Four Listening Systems
Listening Can Be So Hard
Listening for Key Words, Phrases, and Hints
Listening in Difficult Situations
Taking Effective Notes
Tips for Effective Note Taking
You’ll Be Seeing Stars
Three Common Note-Taking Systems
It’s as Simple as A, B, C–1, 2, 3
It’s a Split Decision
Going Around in Circles
TMI! TMI! (Too Much Information)
CHAPTER 9 UNDERSTAND: Empowering Your Memory, Studying Effectively, and Taking Tests with Confidence
I Forgot to Remember!
This Isn’t Your Daddy’s VCR
The Capability of Your Memory
Using Mnemonic Devices
Hakuna Matata
Studying in a Crunch
Thinking About Testing
Quizzing Your Instructor and Knowing Your Response Type
Test-Taking Strategies and Hints for Success
PART THREE – CHANGING YOUR LIFE
CHAPTER 10 PROSPER: Managing Your Money and Your Debts Wisely
The Overwhelming Burden of Crushing Debt
Practicing Discipline at the Right Time
Pennies from Heaven
Student Loans
Know the Score
B is for Budgeting
Living on Borrowed Money
The Pitfalls of Payday Loans, Car Title Loans, and Rent-to-Own Contracts
Small Costs Add Up!
Protect Yourself from Identity Theft
Battling the Big ‘If’s’
CHAPTER 11 PLAN: Focusing on Your Professional Career and Living Well
Planning for the Future
What Am I Going to Do for the Rest of My Life?
10 Baby Steps That Will Become Giant Steps Tomorrow
Developing Your Career Self-Study Plan
Help Me: I’m Undeclared
Workin’ 9 to 5–or Trying To
Writing a Powerful and Concise Cover Letter
Understand the Do’s and Don’ts of Memorable Resumes
General Tips
The Big Day Is Here
Win, Lose, or Draw, Always Say ‘Thank You’ in Writing
