What Inspired you to write a book?
Since the release of my first book, I’ve received many questions as to the inspiration behind “The Things I Wish I Knew”. Although my book gives reference to my background — the story is not explained in depth. I thought I would dedicate this mini blog to further explain how this became a passion.
I graduated from high school in 2008 from George Bush High School, which seems like an eternity ago. Our graduating class had a total of eight hundred students, but the percentage interested in college was unknown. Our principal at the time maintained a strong emphasis on “believing in the possibilities” to bring encouragement to students to pass the state test and to follow the dreams we set out for ourselves. Many of us weren’t thinking too far ahead because we had three obstacles we had to overcome prior to claiming victory:
- Passing classes: I know this should seem like a given, but with increased stress to perform at a high rate — grades can easily take a pitfall. Students often attempt to juggle scholastic, personal ,extracurricular activities and it doesn’t always work out the way we intended.
- State Test: During 2008, we needed to pass the Texas Assessment of Knowledge and Skills (TAKS) test. The fragments of this test weighed heavy enough to halt a students’ graduation journey in it’s tracks. I’ve personally witness this test disqualify a small percentage of our class from walking in the commencement ceremony. In my opinion, this was our school’s primary objective — besides achieving a positive graduation rate.
- Preparing for College: This obstacle has to be the most difficult stage, because if a student wants to be successful they need to take the SAT Prep Course/SAT exam, apply to interested universities and complete necessary documentation (Financial Aid, other related documents). Looking back on my experience, I was quite overwhelmed with the whole process. Had I not obtained the emotional support of my parents, I would’ve gracefully bowed out of the process.
After advancing past the previous obstacles, new obstacles awaited during my freshman year. Due to my lack of urgency, everything performed was last minute — from filling out financial aid to selecting courses. Which is a blessing in disguise, because without experiencing frustration — I wouldn’t have understood the importance of staying ahead of the curve.
I made the mistake of selecting my major during my freshman year, because at the time I felt certain about pursing political science (I was definitely wrong). During the middle of my junior year I decided to switch my major to criminal justice, because it was my minor and wouldn’t delay my graduation date. The only activities I participated in were orientation programs and Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity Inc. Which complimented each other, because while one organization taught me leadership and business operation skills— the other allowed me to develop a set of creative skills that are being utilized till this day.
It wasn’t until my two year tenure with orientation programs did I understand how many resources were made available to the students of the university. During a office session, I started thinking how different my college experience would’ve been if I discovered this sooner? After graduating in 2013 — I got my first taste of real life and by that I mean rejection.
In 2013, I submitted over 285 job applications to various organization and municipalities and received a rejection rate of one-hundred percent. I finally found a job in sales with Mattress Firm which had a high acceptance rate of SFASU graduates (because the CEO attended our school). After being there a few years — my friend informed me of a position in IT sales, which was right up my alley because I had a deep interest in technology. This was a blessing in disguise because it was the foundation that spring landed me into my current role.
While employed in IT sales — I decided to pursue my masters degree in information technology. I made a promise to myself my second journey would be different, because I would create a framework that would produce the results I was looking for. While following this framework — I noticed it was working at a rapid rate, so I decided to consult with my younger siblings and share my findings. Through our monthly check-ups, I would receive kudos from my mother on how certain knowledge given helped them avoid certain pitfalls that I fell victim to.
At this point, I am starting to realize this information is way too valuable to simply be hoarded. I’ve always wanted to find ways to give back to the kids of Houston, but as I realized there are kids everywhere would would benefit from reading this. I couldn’t have found a better gift to provide them with — the gift of knowledge.
Immediately after my masters’ program was finished, I sprung into action and started curating material for the book which is The Things I Wish I Knew. I dedicated a year of research of my time to develop relevant material without the excess filler information.
Those who attended college understand the outrageous costs of textbooks — which is why I wanted to create something that was easy to read, comprehensive and inexpensive. College is a business — and attending is an investment into your future. Just as there is a preparation process for job interviews, look at college in the same aspect. You can’t simply attend and assume things will fall in place for you. There are many factors you need to understand and act on if you’re seeking the best return on investment (ROI) possible.
In conclusion, my passion comes from the need to help those in need. If you have access to certain information — it’s important you come back and share that information to your community, because it will create a ripple effect and make the next generation better. I have a duty to inform the kids of Houston, Dallas, etc. of the importance of college and provide them a framework to follow. I know what it feels like to learn important lessons through trial and error. However, if i can help at least one person realize their potential and avoid certain mistakes I made in my past — the year dedicated to creating material will have been worth it!
The Things I Wish I Knew is available at kognitivpubs.com . Be sure to follow us on the following platforms:
Facebook: @kognitivpubs
Instagram: Kognitivpubs
Sincerely,
Carl
