How many of my readers are in college? I have often thought of that and what brings you and the others to my blog. I know as a parent, and now a grandparent, the importance of obtaining a college education and I have always encouraged others to seek a degree. The problem is that not everyone who enters college is ready and they are filled with misconceptions about what it takes to achieve. That is why I like today's book, "Your College Success is in Your Hands: College with a Purpose," by Ms. DaChana Blaydes. It is a practical guide that I feel college students should read before stepping one foot into their first class. Take a look at the book and then meet the author in today's Author Interview.
ABOUT THE BOOK
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Every year, incoming students are going to their university ready and willing to do what it takes to be a successful college student. In “Your College Success is in Your Hands,” DaCha’na encourages you to use your college resources to the best of your ability to optimize your college success. This workbook will guide and help you lead your life with purpose to achieve success in your collegiate career. It will provide possible services, resources, and tips regarding - Personal Growth -Academic Success -Involvement & Community -Career Development & Management -The College Experience -Financial Literacy-Self Care & Wellness You are the creator of your experience. If you are a college student who wants to lead your life with purpose, this book is for you. Your college success is in your hands!
Tell your readers a little about yourself, where you grew up, where you live now, where you went to school etc. Let them get to knDaChana Blaydesow the personal you.
DaChana Blaydes grew up in the Brewster Projects in Detroit, Michigan, where she began her educational experience in Detroit Public Schools. When her parents divorced, it was the beginning of her complex educational journey. Due to her family's financial instability, they moved many times involuntarily. By the time she went to high school, she had already attended 15 different schools. Although she had to adjust to new school environments, she still pursued honors and Advanced Placement courses in middle and high school.
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DaChana later pursued her Bachelor's degree at Michigan State University as a first-generation college student, unsure of the journey ahead. She excelled as a freshman, receiving a 4.0 in all her classes and was involved on her college campus. After spending a year as a Resident Assistant, Blaydes found a passion for guiding students through their collegiate career. She would later mentor ten students, ranging from freshmen, sophomores, and juniors through their academic success, community involvement, and career development.
Other MSU students requested to receive her mentorship but she declined so that she could remain an effective mentor for her current mentees. DaChana’s willingness to reach those students, she decided to create a book/workbook to guide other college students to assist them along their journey. Blaydes would graduate as an author and award-winning speaker leaving her mark on Michigan State University’s campus.
Other MSU students requested to receive her mentorship but she declined so that she could remain an effective mentor for her current mentees. DaChana’s willingness to reach those students, she decided to create a book/workbook to guide other college students to assist them along their journey. Blaydes would graduate as an author and award-winning speaker leaving her mark on Michigan State University’s campus.
What inspired you to author this book?
When I was in college, I mentored ten students. The effect of my mentorship began to spread around campus and students begin to ask me to mentor them as well. I wanted to commit myself to just ten students so that I could continue to be effective for them, so I had to turn all those students away. I brainstormed ways I could reach students, not just at my college but at other colleges. So I decided to write a book and use Amazon free self-publishing platform so that it would be easy for me to publish the book and easy for students to get the book.
Where did you get the inspiration for your book’s cover?
I was in college, so I wanted to find the cheapest way to get a book cover. So I used Fiverr to look for someone who already had a creative experience. I explained to her my vision, and she made it come to life for just $10.
Who has been the most significant influence on you personally and as a writer?
Initially, I was going to say I fell upon writing this book and never wanted to be an author. When I look back at my childhood, and through my college experience I wrote and journaled. I am also an avid reader. I don’t have a direct writer who has influenced me, but from all of the books I have read, it planted seeds within me to be a writer.
What were your struggles or obstacles you had to overcome to get this book written?
Editing the book and finding people who understood writing and have accurate feedback during my process. I also had my computer shut down on me while I was taking an internship and two summer classes. I have to spend hundreds of dollars to revive it with no guaranteed that my files were still on my computer. Imagine the stress.
Tell your readers about your book.
Every year incoming students are going to their university ready and willing to do what it takes to be a successful college student. In “Your College Success is in Your Hands,” DaCha’na encourages you to use your college resources to the best of your ability to optimize your college success. This workbook will guide and help you to lead your life with the purpose to achieve success in your collegiate career. It will provide possible services, resources, and tips regarding:
-Personal Growth & Development
-Academic Success
-Involvement & Community
-Career Development & Management
-The College Experience
-Financial Literacy
-Personal Growth & Development
-Academic Success
-Involvement & Community
-Career Development & Management
-The College Experience
-Financial Literacy
-Self Care & Wellness
You are the creator of your experience. If you are a college student who wants to lead your life with purpose, this book is for you. Your college success is in your hands!
My main message and impact I want this book to leave my readers is to lead their college experience but, most importantly their lives with purpose. Essentially, that’s how I became an award-winning speaker and author in college. As you lead with purpose and continue to define your purpose, use your resources to move you toward succeeding.
Who is your target audience, and why?
Incoming and current college students. This book was solely created for college students. It encourages them to use their college resources to the best of their ability to optimize their success. It provides tips and resources they can use to succeed in their academics, community, career, finances and more.
What do you consider your greatest success in life?
My greatest success in life is investing in others. My success is using my success and failure to help others with their journey. From becoming an author and creating my online courses, it is all to serve, educate, and impact my community.
What one unique thing sets you apart from other writers in your genre?
I am a first-generation college student. Not only did I achieve above and beyond what my family set for me but I became a published writer during my time in college.
