Akuete KPODAR : global health education
I came from a small country in West Africa, grew up in Togo, and a small family of six that has been my support all my life. I will be the first generation of that family to graduate from college. While in Togo I went to school, where almost everything was taught in French. I was forced to think in French and write in English, but never had experienced the speaking of it. After graduating in mathematics and science back home, I could not find a job in my field that would fairly pay what I deserve because of corruption in my country. My mother, who has been the strongest women I ever saw or knew, helped me move to United States where we believed I could get a better work and educational opportunity. That same year I attended The American International School of Lome. I passed my last exam for Baccalaureate of Mathematics and Science as a 4.0 honor roll student. I was then accepted to Monroe College in New Rochelle, NY, with academic scholarship. I was really excited, with everyone looked after me to bring joy and get my family out of poverty.
My first year felt like the worst of my life. I could not understand anything. After paying all school fees and room the first week, I ended up with 20 dollars in my pocket. It was at that time when my faith became stronger because I knew God will not put me in situation that I could not handle. The next day I got a job selling ice cream and cleaning dishes for 6 dollars an hour and working over 30 hours a week. At the end of the first semester I got kicked out of housing for not been able to afford room. As a result, I became homeless and was only able to complete half of a semester. Unfortunately my credits were not transferable. Afterwards, I decided to move to Nebraska to help my sister and her husband who were coming to USA, deciding to keep my experience private from the family. It was at that point that I met my daughter's mother. The support provided in that relationship, both of my academic pursuits and personal dreams, provided me with the hope to continue my education. I appreciate my ex but as a good friend even though our relationship did not work.
Through all these years I told myself that nothing can not stop me anymore now that I have seen it all. Today I am starting over again with my schooling. My driving motivations are my daughter, who I will do anything for, my family and my faith. Sometimes in life we make decisions that will affect our future but at the end of the day no matter what you are going through, it is all about you , and the one that look after you, so there is no excuse for me not making it.
Fitness has always been a passion. Health and fitness is a major issue in today’s society. The global obesity level had double from 1999 to 2008. I believe that our countries are uninformed about the real health issues which have a considerable impact on life expectancy and diseases. I love when my clients tell me their blood pressure drop, or they feel better everyday. I am currently certified in personal training at 24 Hour Fitness, CPR through the Red Cross, and with the National Academy of Strength Medicine.
My short term goal is to get certified as a performance and corrective exercise specialist, and be able to work with any type of population. My long term goal is to become a top, quadrilingual fitness professional and eventually get my masters in mathematics. Additionally, I am currently working on two more major international certifications and my Associate’s degree in health care at West Los Angeles College. Now that I have set up short and long-term goals, I intend to make a lot of changes in health care by pursuing my education by completing my master’s in health care, to be more specific in kinesiology at Cal State Long Beach or USC.Based on my past experience and the society I grew up in, I feel that I have all the tools and opportunities offered but financially unable to keep up with my education. Even though am trying to ease the financial burden back home and help provide for my daughter, I am engaging in education so I can provide the necessary for those that are least inform about their health especially African America. Eventually, I plan on going back home to my native country to share the knowledge that I had acquired through all these years. Receiving a scholarship can help me further achieve my goals and make my dreams reality.
Thursday, March 5, 2009
Monday, February 23, 2009
choices in life
the year 2009 is and will be my year, life is all about choice. But sometimes we make choices that cost us fortune and regrets.
Tomorrow is the most important in life, but we chose our joys and sorrow long before we experience them. Last year i have decided to change my major to kinesiology, i told myself that if this was meant for me then my results will be a proof. Begining of this year i already accomplished and change two lives. Am getting better everyday, studying all night and reading books after books to better myself. I never tought it will be easy for me to train anyone right on top of my head.
I have decided also not to drink too much when am stress or have more then one girlfriend. My daughter s my priority, am so in love with my little girl, that i struggle everyday not seeing her, but that was a choice i made to divorce her mother. I guess sometimes we make choices that are hard to overcome.
Tomorrow is the most important in life, but we chose our joys and sorrow long before we experience them. Last year i have decided to change my major to kinesiology, i told myself that if this was meant for me then my results will be a proof. Begining of this year i already accomplished and change two lives. Am getting better everyday, studying all night and reading books after books to better myself. I never tought it will be easy for me to train anyone right on top of my head.
I have decided also not to drink too much when am stress or have more then one girlfriend. My daughter s my priority, am so in love with my little girl, that i struggle everyday not seeing her, but that was a choice i made to divorce her mother. I guess sometimes we make choices that are hard to overcome.
Sunday, February 22, 2009
what does it take to be successful
Kpodar
1
Akuete kpodar
Instructor Person Lynn
English 28
23 February 2009
What does it take to be successful?
Success is first defined in the dictionary as “The favorable or Prosperous termination of attempts or endeavors.” To be successful requires self commitment, failure and vision. But does this mean having all three requirements makes you successful?
Everyone would like to be taught the proper way to succeed but yet most people fail without knowing why.
Commitment is one of the major key to success. Let’s consider some examples: in the fitness department, loosing weight or gaining weight requires self commitment and consistency. Most of my clients that have attained their goal have followed the program that I had outline.
Failure is also consider being a major implication in success, "The difference between failure and success is doing a thing nearly right and doing a thing exactly right." Edward Simmons. In order to be successful you have to allow yourself to fail because through mistakes you learn and grow. I have allowed myself to fail so many times but it made me better and stronger.
One last key to success is vision, a lot of times we find ourselves spinning on wheels. We set goals without considering how great the accomplishment will be at the end if we stick to our vision. So why set up goals without a vision? There will be no success but only hope.
Many of us believe that success comes with fame, respect and power. In other words a true successful man is the one that has made it to the top. But how would we consider someone who grew up in a poor neighborhood, and finally made it to the middle class?
1
Akuete kpodar
Instructor Person Lynn
English 28
23 February 2009
What does it take to be successful?
Success is first defined in the dictionary as “The favorable or Prosperous termination of attempts or endeavors.” To be successful requires self commitment, failure and vision. But does this mean having all three requirements makes you successful?
Everyone would like to be taught the proper way to succeed but yet most people fail without knowing why.
Commitment is one of the major key to success. Let’s consider some examples: in the fitness department, loosing weight or gaining weight requires self commitment and consistency. Most of my clients that have attained their goal have followed the program that I had outline.
Failure is also consider being a major implication in success, "The difference between failure and success is doing a thing nearly right and doing a thing exactly right." Edward Simmons. In order to be successful you have to allow yourself to fail because through mistakes you learn and grow. I have allowed myself to fail so many times but it made me better and stronger.
One last key to success is vision, a lot of times we find ourselves spinning on wheels. We set goals without considering how great the accomplishment will be at the end if we stick to our vision. So why set up goals without a vision? There will be no success but only hope.
Many of us believe that success comes with fame, respect and power. In other words a true successful man is the one that has made it to the top. But how would we consider someone who grew up in a poor neighborhood, and finally made it to the middle class?
Tuesday, December 9, 2008
Akuete Kpodar
December 6, 2008
Personal Development 5
African-American education has always been underestimated, and downgraded for centuries. Not until recently, have we seen a tremendous improvement and growth in our community, school and universities. One of them is Umoja Program at West Los Angeles College. Like any new program, there are resources, personal commitment and dedication. The expectations of the Umoja Program are the dedication and commitment by both the students and staff.
Umoja is a secondary program, created by two highly educated African-American women that have realize how important is education in our community, especially for the growth of our country.The expectation was set really high because of many reasons. One of the reasons had been the fact that this was implemented by a minority. "The difference between the impossible and the possible lies in a person's determination." Tommy Lasorda.
The program was based on English and Math which has been one of the main reasons why students fail. The students previously failed because of a lack of resources and proper teaching. The resources provided by Umoja require an investment; not only the time but financial reasons, as well as students and staff commitment
This has been so far one of the more advance and well equip classes for any student to be able to succeed and furthermore be able to graduate. However, the question is are these resources been used properly?
There is no reason for any student not to succeed with this program. The only price the teachers and staff ask the students to pay for success is hard work. I have attended numerous schools with hope to succeed with the minimum amount of help provided. But how come my African-American brothers and sisters don’t appreciate what is offered for their success and future stability. I guess when a kid is spoiled, he ends up not appreciating what is offered.
I believe the staff should be more demanding of the students by giving them fewer resources and more practices with a set schedule. There is already a staff that is committed to student success. All that is needed is psychology review of every student who is ready for improvement and success.
It takes a little courage, and a little self-control. If you want to reach the goal, it takes a great deal of striving, and a firm and stern-set chin. No matter what the battle, if you really want to win, there's no easy path to glory. Life, however we may view it, is not a simple game; but its prizes call for fighting, endurance and determination. Now that this program has been set, all is needed is a restructured base on last semester.
December 6, 2008
Personal Development 5
African-American education has always been underestimated, and downgraded for centuries. Not until recently, have we seen a tremendous improvement and growth in our community, school and universities. One of them is Umoja Program at West Los Angeles College. Like any new program, there are resources, personal commitment and dedication. The expectations of the Umoja Program are the dedication and commitment by both the students and staff.
Umoja is a secondary program, created by two highly educated African-American women that have realize how important is education in our community, especially for the growth of our country.The expectation was set really high because of many reasons. One of the reasons had been the fact that this was implemented by a minority. "The difference between the impossible and the possible lies in a person's determination." Tommy Lasorda.
The program was based on English and Math which has been one of the main reasons why students fail. The students previously failed because of a lack of resources and proper teaching. The resources provided by Umoja require an investment; not only the time but financial reasons, as well as students and staff commitment
This has been so far one of the more advance and well equip classes for any student to be able to succeed and furthermore be able to graduate. However, the question is are these resources been used properly?
There is no reason for any student not to succeed with this program. The only price the teachers and staff ask the students to pay for success is hard work. I have attended numerous schools with hope to succeed with the minimum amount of help provided. But how come my African-American brothers and sisters don’t appreciate what is offered for their success and future stability. I guess when a kid is spoiled, he ends up not appreciating what is offered.
I believe the staff should be more demanding of the students by giving them fewer resources and more practices with a set schedule. There is already a staff that is committed to student success. All that is needed is psychology review of every student who is ready for improvement and success.
It takes a little courage, and a little self-control. If you want to reach the goal, it takes a great deal of striving, and a firm and stern-set chin. No matter what the battle, if you really want to win, there's no easy path to glory. Life, however we may view it, is not a simple game; but its prizes call for fighting, endurance and determination. Now that this program has been set, all is needed is a restructured base on last semester.
Monday, December 8, 2008
thanks to umoja and especially my english teacher
“Keep your dreams alive. Understand to achieve anything requires faith and belief in yourself, vision, hard work, determination, and dedication. Remember all things are possible for those who believe.” Gail Devers
This email is intended to the Umoja program, especially my English teacher.
I remember the first day of class, I had no idea what the class was going to be like and who I was going to be next to.
Most of the school that I have been to, or attended, the teacher did care less about our success or us moving on to the next level. All they did was to make sure they accomplished their goal which was to go through their academic schedule.
I never had experienced someone care so much about her students, giving extension for home works or even taking late assignments.
Their was so many times I wanted to give up, mostly cause I was overwhelmed, tired and depress. But I am not the kind who tells my business to anyone, my main motivation everyday is my daughter and my mother.
When I decided to go back to school, back in September, I was going through some financial difficulties. I had to send money to my parents, take care of my daughter and her mother who recently got a job, I made a decision that I certainly don’t regret to become homeless for a period of time, It isn't what you have in your pocket that makes you thankful, but what you have in your heart. Sleeping in my car mostly, and sometimes at my girlfriend place who didn’t know what I was going through, education became and still my only option to become financially stable. Not that education was the only way out but certainly what I believed in. Now that am more stable financially, I wanted to say thanks to my English teacher that told me once “Don’t give up, you can achieve it whatever you want,” it meant so much to me. Since then I had always kept my head really high even I still fail in numerous way.
Let us be grateful to people who make us happy; they are the charming gardeners who make our souls blossom.-- Marcel Proust
Thanks Isidra Person-Lynn and the Umoja program
This email is intended to the Umoja program, especially my English teacher.
I remember the first day of class, I had no idea what the class was going to be like and who I was going to be next to.
Most of the school that I have been to, or attended, the teacher did care less about our success or us moving on to the next level. All they did was to make sure they accomplished their goal which was to go through their academic schedule.
I never had experienced someone care so much about her students, giving extension for home works or even taking late assignments.
Their was so many times I wanted to give up, mostly cause I was overwhelmed, tired and depress. But I am not the kind who tells my business to anyone, my main motivation everyday is my daughter and my mother.
When I decided to go back to school, back in September, I was going through some financial difficulties. I had to send money to my parents, take care of my daughter and her mother who recently got a job, I made a decision that I certainly don’t regret to become homeless for a period of time, It isn't what you have in your pocket that makes you thankful, but what you have in your heart. Sleeping in my car mostly, and sometimes at my girlfriend place who didn’t know what I was going through, education became and still my only option to become financially stable. Not that education was the only way out but certainly what I believed in. Now that am more stable financially, I wanted to say thanks to my English teacher that told me once “Don’t give up, you can achieve it whatever you want,” it meant so much to me. Since then I had always kept my head really high even I still fail in numerous way.
Let us be grateful to people who make us happy; they are the charming gardeners who make our souls blossom.-- Marcel Proust
Thanks Isidra Person-Lynn and the Umoja program
Taking Things for Granted
I have been living in United States for 8 years and I notice how many of my peers take things for granted. I have classmates who will show up without bringing a book, come late to their tutoring session, or not be engaged in the hour that I spend with them. It makes me so frustrated to think that they are so laid back about their education when they have a professor who is willing to help them and a tutor to work one on one with them.
Getting my education in my home country, I was in math classes with one hundred other students to one professor. My professor did not know my name nor did he know anyone else’s name and didn’t care to know. His teaching methods reflected no concern with how we did and it almost seemed as though he wanted us to fail so he wouldn’t have to deal with so many kids in his class. I raised my hand one day to ask a question and his response was that I figure it out myself.
But it was really amazing how my English teacher care so much, spending time to send emails, answering questions.
I had no professor who knew my name and was willing to teach me math and want me to excel. I certainly did not have a tutor who was eager to assist me whenever I needed the extra help. I just wish most students could experience what I went through so they don’t take things for granted so often.
This blog was not intended to offend anyone but I just wish we will know how to appreciate things and recognize people that really care about our success.
Getting my education in my home country, I was in math classes with one hundred other students to one professor. My professor did not know my name nor did he know anyone else’s name and didn’t care to know. His teaching methods reflected no concern with how we did and it almost seemed as though he wanted us to fail so he wouldn’t have to deal with so many kids in his class. I raised my hand one day to ask a question and his response was that I figure it out myself.
But it was really amazing how my English teacher care so much, spending time to send emails, answering questions.
I had no professor who knew my name and was willing to teach me math and want me to excel. I certainly did not have a tutor who was eager to assist me whenever I needed the extra help. I just wish most students could experience what I went through so they don’t take things for granted so often.
This blog was not intended to offend anyone but I just wish we will know how to appreciate things and recognize people that really care about our success.
My short and long term goal
Short and long term goal
Health is a major issue in today’s society, the obesity level had double from 1999 to 2008
I believe that our country is uninformed about the real health issues which have a considerable impact on life expectancy and diseases.
Fitness has always been a passion, I love when my clients tell me their blood pressure drop, or they feel better everyday. So my short term goal is to get certify in fitness as a specialist in conditioning and strength, and be able to work with any type of population.
I do have one certification through 24 hour fitness, a CPR certified, and currently working on two more major international certifications and my associate degree in health care at west Los Angeles College.
Now that I have set up a short term goal, I intend to make a lot of changes in health care by pursuing my education through completing my master’s in health care, to be more specific in kinesiology at Cal State Long Beach or USC.
Eventually in the long run I plan on going back home to my native country to share the knowledge that I had acquired through all these years.
Health is a major issue in today’s society, the obesity level had double from 1999 to 2008
I believe that our country is uninformed about the real health issues which have a considerable impact on life expectancy and diseases.
Fitness has always been a passion, I love when my clients tell me their blood pressure drop, or they feel better everyday. So my short term goal is to get certify in fitness as a specialist in conditioning and strength, and be able to work with any type of population.
I do have one certification through 24 hour fitness, a CPR certified, and currently working on two more major international certifications and my associate degree in health care at west Los Angeles College.
Now that I have set up a short term goal, I intend to make a lot of changes in health care by pursuing my education through completing my master’s in health care, to be more specific in kinesiology at Cal State Long Beach or USC.
Eventually in the long run I plan on going back home to my native country to share the knowledge that I had acquired through all these years.
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