Palomar College TRIO/SSS Director
Calvin One Deer onedeer@palomar.edu

Many students, people and organizational leaders or parents ask themselves how they can get out of a problem they are experi encing. Some will try to do what they've done before to solve a problem, others may believe just working harder might fix the prob- lem. However, often, we need to work harder and smarter!  You cannot al- ways solve the problem in the same way that you did before, as time and con- texts often change, as do the factors of the situation; there may be new dynamics. So, working smarter, and using new strategies and being more strategic will often help solve new problems or old ones.
One cannot solve the problem in the same mindset

that may have created it. So, we also need to find new ways of thinking, about the problem/ our problems, ourselves, and ideas for solu tions. Sometimes we need a peer, and mentor, or a consultant or counselor, to help us open our heart and mind, to consider new ways of view- ing problems and our ability to solve them.  We need an outsider or a trusted other person to provide us with critical input and feedback, so we can truly grasp our problems and to see more sides to them, while also getting encourage- ment to deal with the challenges and to use
new strategies to solve them.

For students, you must face the realities of your grades, personal develop- ment/bad habits, or other challenges/opportunities, in the abovementioned ways.  For example, with your grades, from this Fall, you must find ways to solve any problems that may have resulted.

For students with outstanding grades, you can find ways to further challenge yourself
next Spring (ie. Honors, AP
courses or scholarship/ internship programs). Talk with a Counselor or mentor, or your parents, about your situation, and get lots of advice.  Then, find new strategies for solving your problem or meeting any challenges/ new opportunities.
The key is the process. You must follow these and other steps to overcome teen, school, life situations or prob- lems, and you should write down your plans, like new years resolutions.  Once wri ten, track and monitor your process and steps will take to improve.  Lastly, set bench- marks for incremental im- provement, and provide your- self with incentives and moti- vational moments for achiev- ing step by step successes, until you overcome your bad habit, or solve that problem, or achieve new greatness!