Stressing the importance of an education

BY TONIA N. CIMINO
The Epsilon Pi Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority in partnership with the Zeta Zeta Lambda Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity sponsored a College Roundtable where college students were able to share their educational experiences with high school students.  The program provided an informal setting for high schools students to get information about the myriad of issues that encompass college life ranging from dealing with roommates to time management to study skills.  Before a room filled with eager participants, former recipients of the Epsilon Pi Omega Scholarship recounted tales of their adjustments to life in a college setting. 
They offered advice pertaining to pre-college preparation. In fact, many of the college students identified habits that they wish were developed before entering college; in particular, productive study and analysis skills required to keep with a rigorous course load.  They advised the audience of young people that taking advance placement classes, perfecting writing skills, and developing a disciplined approach to keeping up with class assignments are critical to succeeding in college. 
The program also featured panelists Michelle Huff of Huff Entertainment and Michelle Lieber, an Educational Assistant, who discussed the importance of networking, internships, and career development.  They provided both college and high school students guidance on transitioning from the college campus to the job market. Huff whose roster of clients include recording artists and actors, took the students on a step-by-step tutorial on how to break into any industry. 
Special guest speaker Councilmember Leroy Comrie gave remarks on the value of getting a higher education. 
It is imperative that if you go away for school that you return to the city and become part of its economic and social structure,  he said.  I, along with my colleagues of the City Council work diligently to ensure that there are opportunities here awaiting you after college. 
The partnership between the Queens Chapters of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority and Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity in coordinating the College Roundtable was born from a need to reach out to African-American males within the community.  As community service organizations with a focus on the educational, social, and economic advancement of commonly under-served groups, there is a shared concern over the disparity in the representation of African American males on college campuses nationwide. 
To this end, both chapters have committed to providing more opportunities for high school and college student to discuss and share their experiences and granting scholarships to graduating high school students with an average of 85 or higher.