Straight Talk

WHY I WROTE THE BOOK

Take the first step and read this introduction page.  Consider the information, ideas and approaches presented in this book as “seeds” in a garden – and you are the gardener.  My desire is that YOU cultivate these “seeds” and apply them to your unique situations, making your academic and professional careers more productive.  I will not be able to convince and inspire all of you; some of you don’t need convincing.  But if I can convince a few, then my book is “PAID-IN-FULL.”

“STRAIGHT TALK – STIMUATING IDEAS FOR TRUE ACADEMIC DEVELOPMENT” was envisioned in 1984 while I was attending Grambling State University in Grambling, Louisiana.  Serving as sophomore class president, I became affiliated with the National Alliance of Business Industry Cluster Program and the National Urban League’s Black Executive Exchange Program.  In both organizations, I served as student president.  But more importantly, I was introduced to innovative approaches that strengthened the link between business, industry, government and education.  Both student-oriented programs were vehicles in which Grambling State University superimposed an academic setting into a business environment.  It was then that I became keenly aware that individuals have a personal responsibility to be willing participants in preparing for career opportunities.

Some will ask, “Why have you written this book?”  My question is different:  “How could I not have written this book?”  There is a time to stand up and be counted – to stand up and offer one’s best to make a difference.  I’ve written this book not because I’ve achieved a certain level of success.  It is because the message is timely and others need to know RIGHT NOW! 

Through trial and error, I’ve painstakingly developed some valuable skills over the years making countless mistakes along the way.  Hence this book was written to address these specific issues and concerns.

¨       Alert students to critical issues that are surprisingly not taught at most universities or colleges and only learned through experience, hard knocks and observation.

¨       Inspire excellence in students, career transitioners, corporate climbers or anyone who desires to achieve a greater level of success.

¨       Provide spiritual food for nourishment, growth and maturity to compliment the contents in each chapter.

I urge you to use this book in the spirit of “preparation meets opportunity”.  It is the reader’s responsibility to prepare and cultivate a fertile ground for his or her “mental” garden.  Digest these seeds into your daily activities and take the initiative to share these seeds with your friends, family or colleagues.  As your seeds continue to grow, you will create real lasting value in your life and make long-lasting influences on others as well.  Never underestimate the impression you may make on others. 

Whose life have you touched today?  Why not pass this on; I just did.

Turn the page and explore the journey with me.  The journey is yours to live, experience and fulfill.  Enjoy the rest of the trip as you read the book from cover to cover!

Harlynn LaVance Hammonds

POINTS OF INTEREST

Turn the pages of this book
and this is what you will find!

¨       Applied knowledge, combined with educational goals and priorities, to stimulate a successful academic journey.  Chapter 1.