STARS: How I started reading more

I had gotten out of reading basically and this wasn't a great trait as an author. I continued to read articles, blogs and such but I wasn't reading any books anymore.  Those that know me best know this was different for me.

I began supporting my fellow author friends, which helped me to read more books. I know 20 people that have released their own books and I have read most of their works. I hang out at a coffee shop/bookstore and have bought more than 50 books wholesale. I also joined the WU virtual book club just before the pandemic two years ago and am now about to begin book number 11 with them. All in all, I have read 30 books over the past 5 years by reading a chapter or a few pages daily. This keeps me active and sharp here. 

I will continue my activity in my book club and supporting local and favorite authors. 

STARS: My Turnaround in high school grades and rank

I always wanted to attend college but like many families, I couldn't afford it without financial assistance. I would definitely need scholarships.

My grades were good but not great in 9th and 10th grade. I was ranked around 15th in my class and struggled in math and science classes. 

I attended Upward Bound the summer before my junior year. I got the motivation and outlet I needed for high school and beyond. I had study skills class, SAT prep, and classes involving all of my subjects I would be taking in the school year. 

This continued during the school year as I went once/month for continued assistance and review on my coursework from current teachers, college professors and other students. 

I then studied properly and my grades went from the occasional A or two, Bs and the occasional C or two to straight As my final two years of high school. My class ranking shot to 6th, I was inducted into the National Beta Club, graduated with honors, and earned almost enough scholarships and financial aid to fund my 4 and a half years of college at a fine university (Winthrop University, go Eagles!). 

This is encouragement for high school seniors trying to finish strong and all underclassmen trying to make it happen. You can do it!

STARS: How I Keep My Overall Mental Health in Check

20 years ago, I was a mess.  I am not perfect now but I feel better internally. I let too much stuff hinder me and felt too much undo pressure. It took much of my 20s but I finally reached a happy place. 

I had to really admit I had problems. I sought out professional help, went on proper medications (I have adjusted both over the years based on need and efficiency). I have engaged in more fun, thought provoking activities. I ensure I get my proper rest. I relax my brain and mediate. I also develop a healthy balance between personal, professional and social engagements. I no longer over exert myself, use "No" effectively and I get my me time. I also have a great circle and good barometers that keep me in check and level..

I have been able to maintain well the past two decades and not only not have any episodes, I have also helped others conquer their demons and find peace. 

STARS: How I Play and Excel at Wordle

Wordle is the newest game to take 2022 by storm. 5 squares, 6 guesses, no ads, completely free. Very addictive also. So addictive that if you have an imitation downloaded on your phone that you practice with, I wouldn't delete it because both Android and iPhone have been sweeping the other apps. 

I have kept my streak going by developing a plan and not blindly guessing.  I have two words that I use for the first two guesses to get my vowels narrowed and some key consonants. I may have 5 letters but I know I will at least have one. 

I then utilize process of elimination and take advantage of the fact that I have 24 hours to get this completed. I actually do have an app I use for practice (I won't say which one on here) and have formed many word combinations. I will say that common ones like st are good. Also a letter can be repeated if it's in yellow. This is useful in those cases that I only have one vowel. 

During the first three guesses, I do my best not to repeat a letter so I can narrow as many letters down and their placement. We all love the green letters but I will settle for the yellows. It's not a sprint but a marathon. 

I have managed to stay unbeaten thus far in 2022, including 5 guesses on the final try. I only have 2 misses on the secondary app. 

STARS: Early Anger Management

ONE typically doesn't resolve to work on their anger and self control (unless it's eating or spending) at the beginning of a New Year. I had to at the young age of 11. 

I was bullied often in the sixth grade and got into 4 fights, all from defending myself. I was told by the principal that if I were sent to the office again for fighting, I would be suspended. 

I had to learn how to walk away, ignore senseless comments and remarks. I also used my resources such as the teacher and of course my mother. I learned to fight off of school grounds when I had to fight. I had a goal of going to college and graduating and I didn't want to jeopardize this by staying in fights and not being able to control my anger. 

31 years and two college degrees later, I overcome that. I did attend anger manager as an adult but I have managed to stay out of trouble and remain cool in times of crisis and despair. 

STARS: Breaking social media algorithms

We see more and more social media content hidden and not visible. You want to see more of your friends and family and less of others. Moreover, you want your posts to be noticed more. I'm currently working on that with #imjustdrew. 

I am going to start with the blue app, Facebook. 

I ensure that I post enough times during a given day, no less than five and no more than 20 so I won't get hidden or muted. I make my posts as thought provoking as possible to accumulate likes and comments. It's helpful to comment or make your own comments under your own posts. Getting shares and making certain posts public has definitely helped me as well. 

I use popular hashtags to my advantage also to gain higher visibility and notoriety.  I also hide certain posts and people that I wish to keep in contact with but can be a little much for FB. I instead add certain ones to my favorites to see them more. You can do that with your own but I do not like to force that. Tagging certain people in posts is another toll I have found helpful. 

I also post during peak times such as weekdays after 5pm and Sundays after 6pm when more folks are on social media and will see a random status quicker.  

I have grown my overall following over the past 10 years from 20 maximum on a post to a record 1,046 on a post in mid November and certain posts have reached in the 100s on comments and likes. Take back your timeline, it's very doable!

STARS: How I became a better football player

I've renewed my love in high school football through the SC High School sporting group on Facebook.  I watched schools, communities and players really get invested and excited as their beloved teams, children and players elevated. I remember when I had to elevate myself also. 

I was not ready to play, physically or mentally and was about to be demoted to the JV team. I was not letting that happen and was going to start my senior year. 

I simply got it in my head that I would not lose. I plugged in to positive sources such as my own coaches, teammates and even other star athletes in my area. I lived in the weight room, track and bleachers to condition my body. I would watch countless hours of football daily, every level, to increase my football IQ. My former coach, Steve Wilson said "practice doesn't make perfect. Perfect practice does."  I even watched inspirational football movies such as Rudy and was later compared to him. 

I gave it my all in spring and summer drills. I knew due to our depth I wasn't going to play much but the competition on our team would improve me. I was on the scout team and it did! I gained the confidence of the team, coaches and myself. I earned Player of the Game for my performance in garbage time during the Homecoming game. I kept working, didn't let off in the off-season and earned my starting role on offense as a left tackle. I started all 12 games as a senior, received Player of the Week once and didn't come out on offense unless we had the game in hand. 

To those players already working to shine under those lights in 2022: keep at it! You too can achieve and be mentioned and debated over in message boards!