What I learn from the book, Ten Skills You Really Need In College

My name is Brandon Tram. Actually, that just recently became my name because my birth name was Brandon Le. When I came out of my mom, I had to take her last name since my father was still living in Vietnam. Once he finally arrived to the States, it took 17 years for my parents to legally change my last name. I think my parents are procrastinators. Anyways, I'd like to think I had a pretty fun childhood. Although I was the only child, I lived right behind my two cousins and they are basically like my siblings. As a kid, I was super shy and would only talk to people really close to me. I still remember when my pre-school teacher literally had to pry me off my mom when she dropped me off. Some days, my mom would be at school with me all day so I wouldn't cry. Next, middle school was an odd time for me. Due to my severe shyness, I would usually wander off somewhere else by myself. However, I would still play basketball and dodge-ball with other kids during recess. After recess, I did all the other activities alone. I met my first real friend in the 7th grade. We would do everything together and play stupid pranks on everyone. I became more confident and started talking to other people more. By the end of 8th grade, I had two really close friends and a small circle of people who I talked to a bit. In the beginning of high school, I didn't know anyone and became so desperate to have a group. As a result, I eventually hung around a group of people who I didn't connect with at all. My sense of humor and my interests just didn't match up with their personalities. I was so scared of looking like a "loner" that I just wanted to be seen with a group. Beginning of junior year, I had just moved to a new high school and I just didn't care this time around. I kept to myself and sat in the library during lunch. This time, I just wanted a group of people who I genuinely enjoyed being in their company. Senior year ended and I still didn't find that group. This was mainly my fault because I never made a true effort to make friends. Currently, I'm attending El Camino College. My only real friends are the ones I made in middle school. Personally, I feel like I have made a massive improvement in overcoming my shyness. However, I still find it difficult to open up to new people and express myself. To me, college is more than just about getting a degree. College is my chance to create connections and learning to express myself freely and openly. It's a process but I can definitely see myself improving each and everyday. The number one lesson I have learned from my experiences is to enjoy life as it is, this includes the joys, the struggles, and the simple things.


In John Langan's book, Ten Skills You Really Need To Succeed In College, I have learned that success is all about perseverance. I read about people with rough childhoods that overcame their struggles through sheer grit and grind. For example, Ben Carson went from being bullied in school to a neurosurgeon and a politician who lost in the presidential race. At least he got the chance to run for president. This just goes to show I have no excuse considering I am blessed with good parents and a solid education.


Another important lesson I learned in this book is that everyone can be successful in some way. You don't have to be the smartest or the brightest person to succeed. Everyone has their strengths and weaknesses and it is important to acknowledge them in order to improve yourself. I truly believe that everyone has the chance to make something of themselves and leave a positive impact on this world. I feel like a motivational speaker. Honestly, I truly believe what I just wrote.