 "Photo: Luis Ayala")
 "Photo: Steven Solares")
 "Photo: Steven Solares")
 "Photo: Steven Solares")
For freshmen and continuing students, it is always best to start the second semester off with the desire to achieve, especially if the past semester did not go so well. With school, work, and social engagements, it can be hard to achieve good grades without knowing how to study. The Dean's list honors students who achieved high grades during the academic term or year at Kean University. Any student with a grade point average (GPA) of 3.45 or higher on a 4.0 scale is given entry to this exclusive club. The following recipients of the Dean's list share their study habits, with the hopes of inspiring students to start the new year off right and making it onto the A-List.
- Amy Stapperfenne
Senior social work major
GPA: 3.94
Dean's list: Spring 2007 and every consecutive semesterStudy Habit: Amy explains how she prepares for upcoming tests, "I make sure I spend at least four hours going over homework, which I think is important". She continues, "Making flash cards is great for someone who has a busy schedule, it helps me to memorize the chapters". One way students can be sure to get a fresh start is to sit in the front of the class. Most students who sit in the front are forced to pay attention and it is difficult not to be alert without being confronted by the professor. Amy suggests that students also familiarize themselves with the syllabus, "It is essential to find specific information about what the professor expects from the students and what students can expect when doing assignments." - Thomas Bromisrski
Senior history major
GPA: 3.66
Dean's list: Spring 2008
Study Habit: Like many students at Kean University, Thomas works full-time for the Perth Amboy Board of Education and commutes to and from the university. His advice in studying is to budget your time. "I'm very busy during the day and whatever free time I have, I try to use it to read a chapter and do homework." He goes on to talk about making time to study. "When I get off from work I have time before my class starts. Instead of staying home, I just come to the school early to review my assignments." One of Thomas's habits is taking notes. "For one of my classes there's a lot of information and what I write I type it on the computer, which helps me to memorize and be able to apply it in my tests." Thomas also stress the point that students should enjoy their college experience, "It is important to study, but make sure that you have a great time socializing and joining clubs, because that is what the college experience is all about." - Lawrence Olwyn
Graduate social work major
GPA: 3.90
Dean's list: Fall 2008
Study Habit: After attaining a dual bachelor's degree social work and industrial psychology, Lawrence Olwyn has already perfected his method in preparing for class. Lawrence explains how the atmosphere where you study is important. He explains, "It depends on the individual, the level of comfort and relaxation that should be applied to the surroundings where studying takes place." Lawrence says, "I found studying to be more effective when I'm in the gym exercising. I place my book on the stationary bike as I read, while exercising. I feel good when I exercise and studying in that environment is one way to take in information." Lawrence suggests that students, especially freshmen, should take the initiative to make friends with other students who are attentive in class. He states, "The first couple of weeks, students should exchange contact information with fellow classmates. It can be helpful to develop a support study group. For something simple like missing a class, you can depend on that person to update you on assignments." Lawrence believes that studying hard and giving your best is a sure path towards success. Lawrence Olwyn AKA Oliver Garfunkel was awarded the O'Meara Memorial Scholarship this year towards his MSW program due to his service work with the community as a children's educational performer. His puppet show program which he has performed internationally is called Ollie's Adventures and he now uses his puppets in therapeutic interventions as a social worker. - Jessica Rajs
Senior history major
GPA: 3.93
Dean's list: Fall 2006 and every consecutive semester
Study Habit: Jessica believes that the key to success is organization. She explains, "When you are a freshman, just starting out, it can be hard to pay attention when you are not taking courses that are specific to your major." Jessica continues, "After the first two years, you are more likely to get the hang of things and begin to organize your time." When asked about the strategies she uses to study she responded, "Depending on the class, I take organized notes and I pay attention to what the professor repeats in the lesson. I also re-read the chapters and mark specific information." Jessica's advice for students striving to make it on the Dean's list this semester is for students to pay attention and organize their notes. "Some classes might seem difficult. For every student there is a difference in how they learn. The best way to stay motivated is to like what you study."
There is much to look forward to throughout your college career and whether you are on the A-List or not, your education at Kean University will open doors for making the best of yourself. As Robert Collier, one of America's first motivational speakers says, "Success is the sum of small efforts, repeated day in and day out".
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