Perry Binder's Blog, page 24
May 30, 2017
May 19, 2017
What is Your Biggest Fear about Starting College?
I asked this question to some readers and got the following responses:What is/was Your Biggest Fear about Starting College?
My biggest fear was failure. Finding certain material too hard and not being able to find the right help. I am about to start my third year in college and I still have the fear of failure.
My biggest fear is not doing as well as I did went I was younger and had less responsibility; as a single mother, it's just hard to pick a up a book to read.
I have always had a fear of failure since all I ever heard from people in my family was you will never amount to anything. I am now in college, married, children, and I am enjoying life. Classes are going great. My oldest son graduates in four years. The same year I do. I am not letting fear get in the way of something that has been my dream for the last 10 years.
Quote from my former student:
Two essential lessons that Perry's class taught me are: important information is everywhere if we spend the time to look closer; and it's more meaningful to find humor in our daily lives than to live with fear, pessimism, or divisiveness. Those lessons go a long way toward finding happiness and reaching the success that we all imagine.
My Thoughts on Fear and Education:
To me, the greatest barriers to success, however you define that, are a fear of the unknown, a fear of change, and a fear of failure. But you need a game plan, and hopefully you can lean a little on what you learned in school to figure out that route. No matter what you do in life, you always will have your education.
You have already accomplished a huge milestone. The biggest step was just showing up. That’s it. The secret most people don’t get until it’s too late. Just showing up as young freshmen is a threshold event. Trying something which may be hard for the first time. Experiencing new things, even if it’s unknown whether the objective is attainable.
Many times the things you do won’t work. And you will fail at some things you try. That’s just a fact of life. Abraham Lincoln once said: “My great concern is not whether you have failed, but whether you are content with your failure.” And you will make mistakes. A lot of them! Both in your careers and your lives. That’s just another fact of life. But that’s okay. The trick is figuring out how to deal with setbacks. Your family and friends will always be there for you. And your education will continually serve as a foundation to get you back on track.
Franklin D. Roosevelt said: “We are not prisoners of fate, but only prisoners of our own minds.” Students, each of you must unlock your mind and blaze a path built on reason and purpose. Life is too short to spend it bouncing around like a random and aimless ball in a game of Pong. Whether you are 17, 18, 19, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, 70, or 80 years young, it is never too late to test the boundaries of your dreams.
Excerpt: 99 Motivators for College Success
May 17, 2017
99 Motivators for College Success: THE High School Graduation Gift Book: 20 Reviews from Amazon/Goodreads
5.0/5.0 (11 Amazon Reviews)
4.56/5.00 (9 Goodreads Ratings)
Robin rated it 5/5 it was amazingI received this book through Goodreads Giveaways and it was a very appropriate gift for my son who graduated in May 2016 from high school. Some excellent motivators and well written, it is perfect! Thank you! July 9, 2016Billie rated it 4/5 really liked it
I received this book free from Goodreads Giveaways. The tips and quotes for college success, career and life choices are excellent. This is a great book to give to a high school graduate. May 2, 2016lleana rated it 5/5 it was amazingI have received this book free from Goodreads! This book will definitely be very useful in the future. Right now I am a high school student and I'm going to be taking a Law Studies class my Junior year and I think this book will be very useful, thank you! July 4, 2012Chris rated it 5/5 it was amazingThe book is divided into three sections: how to adjust to college, how to succeed in class, and how to properly apply your degree to your future career.
Of the career section, the best advice numbers came with the bureau of labor statistic inserts, allowing an influence and perspective into the quote or advice. In succeeding in class, the most helpful pages had advice on mentors and how to properly write an essay or take a multiple choice test. The Adjusting to college had a huge emphasis placed on making friends and overall enjoying life because that is what one should be doing at college.
Overall, it was a great book. Only problem is that I am now freaking out over my career prospects. Oh well! November 18, 2012David rated it 5/5 it was amazingReceived this book in a giveaway, but its advice is WAY more valuable than that might hint.
The one that really sticks out (and could have saved me a lot of wasted time) is how you should choose a vocation (pays well!) versus an avocation (hobby; little or no pay!). July 2, 2012Shayla rated it 4/5 really liked itNov. 30, 2016Harish rated it 4/5 really liked itOctober 31, 2013Cassie ♥ rated it 4/5 really liked itJune 30, 2012Jason rated it 5/5 it was amazingJune 18, 2012
99 Motivators for College Success was selected for the 2016/2017 Book Award Program by Randolph College in Lynchburg, Virginia. Each year, the College's Alumni Office selects and sends a special book to hundreds of rising high school seniors nationwide, who are academically strong and possess leadership potential.
99 Motivators for College Success on Amazon
May 14, 2017
Justice Cases for the Classroom
This summer, I am teaching LGLS 3020 (Introduction to Law), a GSU Robinson elective class that let's me explore some non-business topics. As a part of the class, we examine justice issues in civil and criminal cases. Class meets M/W at 1:50p.m.Introduction to Justice Cases for Students
Unlike Hollywood law dramas, which neatly wrap up cases in an hour or two, achieving actual justice through the legal system is often slow, frustrating, and requires patience and persistence.
Below are real cases that I have studied, written about, and in some instances, maintained contact with the legal underdogs involved. Each case has deeply personal significance to me for different reasons, and thus I write about them in the first person. My hope is that if teachers and students experience my passion and engagement, they may be inspired to follow a local, national, or international cause and choose to participate as an impactful voice, whether through social media or some other avenue.
Continue reading Justice Cases for the Classroom
April 17, 2017
My College Graduation Speech and Obituary for All Students
To My Students, the "Class of 2017" - If I am your commencement speaker, here's what I will say...
Good morning Chancellor, President, Deans, Faculty Members, Staff, Students, Friends, and Family Members. Welcome.Before we can shower accolades on the superstars before me, I’d love to recognize the super heroes that got them here. So if you’re a mom or dad of a graduate, please stand up for some applause. Keep standing! If you are a grandma/pa of a graduate, please stand up as well for applause. Keeeeeeeeeeeep standing grandma! If you are a graduate, and YOU are a mom or dad as well, please rise for applause. Ladies and gentlemen, please join me in recognizing these miracle workers, for without their encouragement and sacrifice, we would not be here today honoring the bright future of our graduates.
(Now moving away from the podium, standing at the edge of the stage and speaking to the grads):Every one of you is special.Every one of you is a productive member of society.Every one of you is what inspires ME.Because every one of you has a story to tell.I just wish I had the time to hear every one of them, and to be there as your career paths unfold.
You have already accomplished a huge milestone on that journey. The biggest step though was just showing up. That’s it. The secret most people don’t get until it’s too late. Just showing up as young Freshmen was a threshold event. Trying something for the first time which may be hard. Experiencing new things, even if it’s unknown whether the objective is attainable.To me, the greatest barriers to success, however you define that, are: a lack of curiosity, a fear of change, and a fear of failure. But you need a game plan, and hopefully you can lean a little on what you learned in school to figure out that route. No matter what you do in life, you always will have your education.
I hope you made some lifelong friends here. Frankly, I learned more about life from my college peers than from my professors. And hopefully you got more than knowledge from your profs. Because you can get that from a book. I’m hoping you gained insight on whatever subject, and then stamped your own original perspective on how to resolve issues and solve problems.
Many times the things you do won’t work. And you will fail at some things you try. That’s just a fact of life.Abraham Lincoln once said: “My great concern is not whether you have failed, but whether you are content with your failure.”And you will make mistakes. A lot of them! Both in your careers and your lives. That’s just another fact of life.But that’s okay. The trick is figuring out how to deal with setbacks. Your family and friends will always be there for you. And your education will continually serve as a foundation to get you back on track.
(Jumping off stage and standing among the graduates):Raise your hand if you’ve done dumb things in life. Come on; raise your hands!Your mama already knows anyway!Good. I see a lot of hands up.Hey, I’ve made some big mistakes too.
I feel very lucky to be here today.Physically, I mean.You see, at an early age, I was left for dead in a ravine off some highway in upstate New York. I was the same age as most of you around me.
Let me read you my obituary:Perry Binder of Queens, New York, was found dead off Interstate 90 near Buffalo. A trucker discovered his body, dripping with blood and draped with a state trooper’s ticket for reckless driving. The apparent cause of death was stupidity. Perry just completed his first year of law school, after graduating with a B.A. in Political Science. He enjoyed watching baseball games with his grandfather, and dreamed of becoming a sports lawyer. He is survived by his mother, father, brother, grandfather, a basketball, and ratty sneakers. Perry was 21 years of age.
Now, as a college educated group, I’m guessing you figured out that this obit was a bit premature? But that’s what should have happened to me during a summer job, after pulling a 16-hour graveyard shift loading and unloading passenger baggage in a downtown bus depot, then jumping in my car and driving the second leg of my 140-mile roundtrip commute. Just five minutes from home, I fell asleep at the wheel.I blasted the car stereo, rolled down the windows, and sucked down a gallon of coffee. The warning signs were all there, but I just kept going and going.Eventually, my eyes closed as my hands slipped off the steering wheel. The car veered to the right, right off the road, smashing into the side of a parked flatbed. That truck miraculously prevented the car from flying into a grassy ravine. It was off on the road’s shoulder, so the trucker could catch up on some sleep. Luckily, he was okay, but I think I woke him up at the same moment I opened my eyes.In shock, losing blood and coherent thought, I wandered aimlessly down into the ravine. I wanted more than anything to lay down in a fetal position, close my eyes and pray for some help. But I knew that I needed to stay conscious.In the days before cell phones, it was fortunate that the trucker had a CB radio. He called for paramedics, who arrived quickly, and gave me fluids and oxygen. I was weak but remained in this world, as the ambulance raced to the hospital.Two broken hands and an extremely smashed head. I had no air bag to cushion the blow. To this day, I wonder what forces put a flatbed truck in my path. During recovery, I thought a lot about my brush with certain death. All I knew was that I was alive and awakened to the fragility of life. Invited guests - usually my class is a little more upbeat and a lot less harrowing than this anecdote! But I relay this experience today to my students for many reasons.1- It’s a story of turning a negative into a positive. This near fatal mistake made me appreciate life just a little more. To be curious and try things, regardless of what others think. I encourage you graduates to be adventurous!2- The experience taught me about limits. That hand-in-hand with taking risks, I better assess the dangers and consequences associated with the risks.3- It allowed me to write another chapter in my personal and professional life. It clarified and focused my attention on going after things that made me happy. It was education which afforded me this opportunity to become a college professor.4- It allowed me time to meet my wife, witness the birth of a child, and then another.5- I don’t know if it’s a coincidence that my day-in and day-out work is with students whose age mirror my own at the time of the car accident. I do know that I stand here today proud of what you’ve achieved in my class and at this university. I am excited about your very bright futures!6- I wanted to tell you something about me that you didn’t get in class, because no matter how well you think you know people, they have stories within them that can surprise you.
Finally, I want all of you gathered in front of me to please lose the title of “former” student, because you will be my students for many years to come. And I expect in return that I can become your student, as I learn about your professional successes, trials, and tribulations.
Every one of you is special.Every one of you is a productive member of society.Every one of you is what inspires me.Because every one of you has a story to tell. My life's chapter now reads: Make your own fate and don't leave it to fate.
"Class of 2017" - What does yours say?
c 2009-2017 Perry Binder
March 24, 2017
FREE Goodreads Book Giveaway: 99 Motivators 4 College Success begins MARCH 26
Goodreads Book Giveaway: 99 Motivators 4 College Success begins MARCH 26
- Two Signed copies available.
- Makes a great HIGH SCHOOL GRADUATION GIFT.
- Selected for the 2016/2017 Book Award Program by Randolph College in Virginia. Each year, the College's Alumni Office selects and sends a special book to hundreds of rising high school seniors nationwide, who are academically strong and possess leadership potential.
Legal Studies professor Perry Binder wrote 99 Motivators for College Success to inspire college freshmen to succeed the moment they enter college. The book contains motivational stories, quotes, and bite-sized tips for Millennials to succeed in the classroom and pick a career path. In 99 Motivators, Professor Binder gives away all of his secrets, including how to write model college essay exam answers, and what skills are needed to succeed in a post-college career.
Details:
https://www.goodreads.com/giveaway/show/228999-99-motivators-for-college-success
March 14, 2017
College Admissions Counselors: Avoid Summer Melt with 10 Tips for Your Deposited Students
My university (Georgia State) has many First Gen students. I offer these 10 tips to motivate them over the summer. The tips are excerpts from my book, 99 Motivators for College Success , which colleges can mail to their deposited students:
10 Motivators for Professional Success
1. Don't let anyone crush your professional dreams. However, the riskier your dream, the better your backup plan must be. Fly with a net or no net?
2. Live life with no regrets. Sometimes doing the “wrong thing” may be the right thing for you. Just be prepared to deal with the consequences.
3. The most important thing during school is to get out of the classroom and into an internship, which exposes you to the day-to-day ups and downs of that profession. "Learning by doing" will give you a better appreciation of the job than learning through textbooks.
4. Do what you love but don't let your career choices jeopardize anyone you love. Including yourself.Translation 1: Take care of others but don't forget to take care of yourself, sometimes before others. Listen to our airline flight attendants: "Put your own oxygen mask on first before assisting others with their masks."Translation 2: Do you know how to say NO to people you love or work with?
5. Determine whether you are driven to be your own boss or if you crave the stability of a steady paycheck. Assess your personality traits and the risks inherent with both paths. (e.g., the risk of putting up your own money as your own boss versus the risk of losing a job in a company you work for)
6. Don't rely on luck or fate in your career. Professional success is about putting yourself in a position to create numerous opportunities. Can networking actually be fun? 7. Over the course of your lifetime, there may only be a handful of impactful career opportunities. Assemble an inner circle team of advisors now, so you'll be able to act quickly to objectively assess the pluses and minuses of future opportunities.
8. Do you recognize impactful career opportunities when they present themselves? If you go for it, do you know what it means to push all of your chips into the middle?
9. Clean up your social media presence online! What's publicly available might not bode well for your future employment.
10. Always have fun! Well, I could only come up with 9 legit suggestions :)
Excerpt: 99 Motivators for College Success
February 21, 2017
Asheville, Atlanta, Toronto: Presenting "Teaching Justice Issues with Three Law Case Outcomes of Yes, No, and Maybe"
Over the next few months, I'll be hitting the road to present these justice issues, which form the basis of my Teacher's Guide to Justice Cases for the Classroom :
INTRODUCTION TO JUSTICE CASES
Unlike Hollywood law dramas, which neatly wrap up cases in an hour or two, achieving actual justice through the legal system is often slow, frustrating, and requires patience and persistence.
Below are real cases that I have studied, written about, and in some instances, maintained contact with the legal underdogs involved. Each case has deeply personal significance to me for different reasons, and thus I write about them in the first person. My hope is that if teachers and students experience my passion and engagement, they may be inspired to follow a local, national, or international cause and choose to participate as an impactful voice, whether through social media or some other avenue.
Summary of the Three Legal Underdog Cases
(1) Grandpa v. Coal Mining Company. A mining company dumped coal waste in a dammed river, with an elementary school directly downstream. Elevated incidences of cancer were reported for school staff and students, prompting a student’s grandfather to walk 400 miles to get an audience with his U.S. Senator. Grandpa tried to secure funding to build a new school, away from the coal company.
Perry’s Personal Connection: For years, I taught a justice course using a book, The Buffalo Creek Disaster. The author of that book represented plaintiffs in West Virginia, where a dam with coal waste gave way, and devastated coal miners and their families living downstream: 125 dead. 1000 homes destroyed. 4,000 survivors reliving the horror. That case was from the 1970’s. When I read about Grandpa’s case, I could not believe that history could potentially repeat itself in the 21st century, this time with students and teachers in harm’s way. I became a Facebook administrator for Grandpa’s cause, and interviewed people connected to his initiative.
(2) 9/11 Families v. U.S. Government. Ten days after 9/11, Congress passed the Victim Compensation Fund. Its purpose was to provide monetary relief to injured individuals on the ground and for family members of those who died. Ninety six families bypassed the Fund and filed lawsuits, seeking answers from the government on what security breaches occurred on that fateful day.
Perry’s Personal Connection: The students reading about this case are likely not old enough to remember September 11, 2001. I am originally from New York City and felt as helpless as anyone that day. Living in Atlanta, I wanted to be connected to New Yorkers somehow. Soon thereafter, I set up a website, 9-11 Civil Liability, with case updates and other information, and corresponded with a few family members seeking legal counsel.
(3) Innocent Man? v. D.A.’s Office. A father and son were arrested for alleged child molestation acts committed in their basement. The father, a retired high school teacher who was teaching computer classes in his home, entered into a plea deal. While maintaining his innocence, he believed that his plea would somehow benefit the son’s case. However, facing a hostile community and life in prison if convicted, the teenager accepted a plea deal too. Years later, the son was granted an “Actual Innocence” hearing, to try to clear his name.
Perry’s Personal Connection: The father was my favorite high school teacher, and I was confused and emotional as the facts of the case unfolded. I've published three articles on the son’s case (while maintaining an objective stance concerning his innocence), and get periodic updates from his Twitter feed and representative.
Please keep reading here, and then learn just how long it takes to achieve justice -- or not!
January 31, 2017
10 Motivators for Professional Success
Excerpt from 99 Motivators for College Success:
10 Motivators for Professional Success
1. Don't let anyone crush your professional dreams. However, the riskier your dream, the better your backup plan must be. Fly with a net or no net?
2. Live life with no regrets. Sometimes doing the “wrong thing” may be the right thing for you. Just be prepared to deal with the consequences.
3. The most important thing during school is to get out of the classroom and into an internship, which exposes you to the day-to-day ups and downs of that profession. "Learning by doing" will give you a better appreciation of the job than learning through textbooks.
4. Do what you love but don't let your career choices jeopardize anyone you love. Including yourself. Translation 1: Take care of others but don't forget to take care of yourself, sometimes before others. Listen to our airline flight attendants: "Put your own oxygen mask on first before assisting others with their masks."Translation 2: Do you know how to say NO to people you love or work with?
5. Determine whether you are driven to be your own boss or if you crave the stability of a steady paycheck. Assess your personality traits and the risks inherent with both paths. (e.g., the risk of putting up your own money as your own boss versus the risk of losing a job in a company you work for)
6. Don't rely on luck or fate in your career. Professional success is about putting yourself in a position to create numerous opportunities. Can networking actually be fun? 7. Over the course of your lifetime, there may only be a handful of impactful career opportunities. Assemble an inner circle team of advisors now, so you'll be able to act quickly to objectively assess the pluses and minuses of future opportunities.
8. Do you recognize impactful career opportunities when they present themselves? If you go for it, do you know what it means to push all of your chips into the middle?
9. Clean up your social media presence online! What's publicly available might not bode well for your future employment.
10. Always have fun! Well, I could only come up with 9 legit suggestions :)
January 29, 2017
Justice Cases for Students
I created a new blog with student reading on the justices case I've followed closely over the years. For teachers, there is a Teacher Guide with lessons on how to teach justice issues in the classroom.
Introduction to Justice Cases
Unlike Hollywood law dramas, which neatly wrap up cases in an hour or two, achieving actual justice through the legal system is often slow, frustrating, and requires patience and persistence.
Below are real cases that I have studied, written about, and in some instances, maintained contact with the legal underdogs involved. Each case has deeply personal significance to me for different reasons, and thus I write about them in the first person. My hope is that if teachers and students experience my passion and engagement, they may be inspired to follow a local, national, or international cause and choose to participate as an impactful voice, whether through social media or some other avenue.
Click here for Student Reading on Legal Underdog Cases (1) Grandpa v. Coal Mining Company.(2) 9/11 Families v. U.S. Government.(3) Innocent Man? v. D.A.’s Office.
