courtney's success plan
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Student Success Plan
Courtney Bedford
Major: Business Administration
Concentration: Management
Degree: Bachelor Graduation:
Who Am I?
My name is Courtney Bedford. I’m a
35 year old single mother of three
from Austin TX. I am so excited about
this new journey for me. I didn’t know
what to expect going back to school
after so many years, but I couldn’t be
more ready. I am very family oriented,
and yes I am a daddy’s girl! I enjoy
cooking, traveling, reading, and being
a mother. Since my divorce I have
been home with the children as they
do require extra care, especially my
baby Chloe who was a micro preemie.
I have years of experience in the
clerical field, working for Texas
Department Of Public Safety
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headquarters, and The Texas
Commission On Environmental
Quality. I’ve also worked as a Hair
Stylist after attending Austin Academy
of Cosmetology. I have my hands full
but I can’t complain. I embrace
challenge because I strive to continue
growing.
My Goal
1. Taking better care of myself by making my health and wellbeing a priority.
2. Being the best example for my children as I possibly can by not giving up on my dreams.
Working hard and keeping a positive attitude
3. Graduating with honors by staying dedicated and discipline with studying and getting
my work done on time and giving it my all. Not settling for less.
Fears and Plans
Not managing my time well. I do have
my hands full since I am now divorced
and have three small children, 7, 3,
and 11 months old. My 7 year old has
a neurological disorder that requires
therapy as well as being followed by
specialist. My youngest was born at
only 24 weeks due to high risk
pregnancy, weighing only 1.7lbs at
birth. She spent 110 days in the NICU,
so inevitably she has appointments
and therapies as well. As if that isn’t
more than enough, we just discovered
that my 3 year old has a blood
disorder as well as tics that appear to
be a form of Tourette syndrome. So I
am always trying to remember
appointments. For the most part doing
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it all by myself. Yet for some reason I
just couldn’t put going back to school
off any longer. Not only for myself but
for my children too. So I am
determined to work it out somehow.
Anything’s possible.
What is your plan to overcome your 1st fear?
As of now my plan is to make sure I schedule certain days out of the week and time slots only
for appointments, and therapy sessions. Keeping a planner and making note of every
appointment. Checking blackboard for weekly assignments in advance so I can be sure to set
aside just enough time in the week. Something I am usually not good at but am willing to do is
ask for help. Enlisting someone I trust to take some of the burden off of me with the kids. Last
but not least, enforcing a set routine and sticking to it.
What is your 2nd biggest fear about going to college or something you are worried about?
My 2nd biggest fear is giving up. I have attempt college before almost 16 years ago, directly
after graduating High School. I didn’t put my all in, and was very nonchalant about it.
Eventually I noticed that the nonchalant attitude was a repeat habit. I found it easy to just give
up on things, and had no idea why. I didn’t see anything wrong with it because in my mind I
had justifiable reasoning. I lack the drive, but why? I just didn’t get it. I want so much more
and am so determined to get it. After doing a little bit of living and now having a family of my
own, there isn’t anything I want more. Now I am not only doing it for myself.
What is your plan to overcome your 2nd fear?
My plan to overcome this fear of giving up is to first of all remember not only my goal,
but the reason I set that goal in the first place. I owe it to myself and my family to
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succeed. Another thing would be to surround myself with positive and encouraging
people. Support system is very important, it will give me that push when I feel
overwhelmed. I must remember my worth, and that I am so deserving of the reward of
concurring all challenges necessary to be my very best. Staying focused and
organized, as this will help me productively get through my course assignments.
Taking it one day at a time, achieving daily goals, pacing myself will keep me from
feeling overwhelmed. I’ve decided that I love myself too much not accomplish this
goal of receiving a BA degree. I’m in it to win it!
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My Heroes DR. B.W. MCCLENDON
Someone I admire for their ability to
achieve goals and overcome
obstacles is Dr. B.W. McClendon.
He is Pastor at St. James MBC, in
Austin TX and is the reason I took
that leap to not only going back to
school but to Strayer University. Dr.
McClendon has always spoke life
into me and into whatever situation I
was in. He has encouraged me
tremendously over the past few
years as I have been through so
many trials and tribulation. He not
only encourage me through
counseling but by his walk in life.
Knowing some of what he has been
through and where he comes from,
he stays positive and always looking
to help someone else. He has
accomplished so many things, such
as earning a Bachelor’s of Art from
LeTourneau University, a Political
Science Certification from University
of Texas at Tyler, a Masters of
Theological Studies, Doctorate of
Ministries from Perkins School of
Theology, as well as Board member
of Marriage and Family Therapist
Council. I could go on and on. Dr.
McClendon has displayed for me
what it mean to not give up and
selflessness. I can take these
methods and apply it to my journey
through school. Hanging in there,
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remembering why I’m doing it and
for whom I am doing it for. Inspiring
others along the way will make it all
well worth it. It’s not all about me but
what I can give or be for someone
else. I don’t think Dr. McClendon
know how important he has been in
my life. He believed in me when I
couldn’t believe in myself. For that
he is my hero.
SARAH JAKES ROBERTS
Another person I admire is Sarah
Jakes Roberts, the daughter of
Bishop T.D. Jakes. I admire her
strength to fall and get back up
again as a mother. The way she has
gone from running from pain and
shame, as I myself have spent years
doing, to finding her purpose and
unlocking the key to her happiness.
Sarah has gone through the shame
of divorce and being a single
mother. Her story resonated with me
so much since I was going through
the same thing at that point. When
she found her purpose she found
her voice. I am on a journey to find
my voice, my happiness, my
purpose. Pursuing my degree has
already reinstated a sense of worth
and confidence I had lost over the
years. I am discovering me and my
passion, and I must admit it feels
good!
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My Helpers
TERRELL STEWARD
My children’s father is someone I will
definitely need support from in order
to achieve my goals. We are all so
familiar with the ugly drama that could
accompany a split and co- parenting. I
will need peace and understanding.
Effective communication, and team
work in regards to our children. He is
definitely a hands on father and his
willingness to be there for or with his
children at any given moment helps. It
gives me a peace of mind knowing
that when they’re with their father
whom loves them deeply he has their
best interest at heart. I know they are
safe when they are away from me
which makes it that much easier to
focus on school and whatever else I
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need to get done in pursue of my
dreams. He also encourages me to
better myself. He says even though
we may not always agree, he not only
need me around for our children but
needs me happy. Our common
interest is our children’s happiness.
Works for me!
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DEANNA BEDFORD
My cousin Deanna has had my back
since we were little girls. Regardless
of how long we may go busy in our
own lives and not seeing one another.
She is always just a phone call away.
She is currently embarking on her own
journey to fulfill her dreams. So a lot of
her advice comes from a sincere
place and usually based off of what
she too is dealing with. It’s always
great to surround yourself with people
who have already been through it and
has made it to keep your goal visual.
But for me having her, someone who
is on the journey also helps and I find
to be just as important. To have her
support would mean having that
person who has been there through
ups and downs since we were kids,
also there with me through this
amazing journey of achievement and
that in its self is priceless. Being able
to uplift her also, inspiring one another
and genuinely wanting to see each
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other make it. I look forward to
celebrating our victory together.
My Academic Plan
1st Term Courses
Spring 2016
2nd Term Courses
Summer 2016
3rd Term Courses
Fall 2016
4th Term Courses
Winter 2017
FOS100 BUS 100 MKT100
CIS105 MAT 104 ECO100
My Career Plan
Industry:
The industry I have selected is Business Owner/Entrepeneur. This
position doesn’t necessarily require a degree, however it will behoove me
to retain one. Doing so allows me to learn more about business and
marketing, better preparing me for the position. Some things that are
required of someone in this position are, being focused, dedicated, and a
leader. Some tips I have discovered through research which I find very
helpful are, Know what to do, and do what you know. Learn under fire,
never jump without planning but don’t spend too much time waiting to
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execute. I have also been advised to never come off as a know it all,
surround myself with advisors and mentors who will help nurture me into
a successful Business Owner.
Position:
Write 200 words discussing the position you want to be working in within the industry you have selected.
The position I have chosen is Owner due to the fact I have always
wanted to be in a position which I could give others opportunities as well
as build an empire for my children, and children’s children. The main
business I would like to own is a Restaurant, because cooking is truly a
passion of mine. I absolutely love it! Putting a smile on others faces, and
there’s something about people coming together over a meal. I am
however aware of the fact that with business ownership, you have to start
someone. Money won’t flow instantly so you definitely have to have the
passion for whatever it is. Failure is inevitable but a true entrepreneur will
prevail over adversity, is a quote I try to always remember. Ultimately I
will like to expand. I would also like to do something for children and
youth. They are my other passion, so I definitely want to do something for
them. Maybe something similar to the boys and girls club. Or perhaps a
foster care center that actually cares and nurture foster children. I just
believe in giving innocent children a chance at life. Building character,
speaking life into them, and simply letting them know they matter just as
much as any other child. I just want to give chances, and secure futures.
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Level:
Discuss the target level of seniority you wish to achieve in your career and the steps you will take to reach that level.
The highest level of seniority I will like to reach is CEO of my own company, or brand. The steps I need to take to achieve this goal are,
1. Education- I am taking this first step now. I believe in being
educated and obtaining as much knowledge as I can before and
while pursuing something. I find that it is important to continue
learning in life. You will never know it all. There’s always something
to be learned in order to continue evolving.
2. Make connections- It’s never too early to make a right impression.
Attend business seminars and networking events. Apply for
internships allowing me to show off leadership skills.
3. Stay flexible- Being open to unexpected paths displays ambition in
career advancement.
Long-Term Goals
Target Date
Short-Term Steps
Target Date
Date achieved
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Goal #1:
1. Taking
better care
of myself
by making
my health
and
wellbeing a
priority.
10/1/2017 Short-Term Goal
#1:
Getting at least 8
hours of sleep every night..
1/1/2017
Short-Term Goal
#2:
Taking one hour
every day to meditate, to clear and relax my
mind, and / or, read.
1/1/2017
1. Goal #2:
Being the
best
example
for my
children as
I possibly
can by not
giving up
on my
dreams.
Working
hard and
keeping a
positive
attitude
1/1/2020 Short-Term Goal #1:
Pacing myself with my courses to ensure I stay on
top of it.
5/30/2017
Short-Term Goal #2:
Begin creating my business plan.
Mapping out my goals and researching and
understanding the steps necessary to get there.
8/1/2017
Goal #3:
Graduating with
honors by staying dedicated and
12/15/2020 Short-Term Goal
#1:
Become a
member of the
10/1/2018
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discipline with
studying and getting my work
done on time and giving it my all. Not settling for
less
Honors Program.
Taking Honors courses.
Short-Term Goal:
Studying consistently
sticking to my study schedule with a set weekly
schedule for my home.
1/1/2017