Griffin Speaks

WHY I QUIT TEACHING AT ASU

For twelve years I have served as an adjunct instructor at Alabama State University in Montgomery, Alabama. On Tuesday, December 18, I will end that career. The experience has been one of the most rewarding experiences in my 43 years of living.

My decision to teach at ASU was inspired by a comment made by one of my former co-workers at the Attorney General’s Office. The comment was: “IF YOU WANT TO HIDE SOMETHING FROM AN ALABAMA STATE

STUDENT ALL YOU NEED TO DO IS PUT IT IN A BOOK!” I could not defend against it, since I had no first hand experience with students at ASU.

Today if the comment was made to me I could defend it. I have had the privilege of teaching at a great institution. Many of my students could have succeeded at any institution of higher learning. One of my students, Jennifer Crews Griffin went on to graduate in the top of her law school class at the University of Alabama School of Law. She served on one of the Law Reviews and successfully passed the bar exam on her first attempt. She is currently a highly successful attorney in Birmingham, Alabama. When she took classes from me, she was a single mother. Another student, Lamont Weems has his own business in addition to working for a great company. He is well on the way to becoming a multi-millionaire before the age of 35. I have sat in his 2001black Jaguar and visited his new home in Atlanta. He also has an investment portfolio that would put 80% of African Americans to shame.

I want to share with you some of the knowledge that I passed on to my students in addition to the knowledge they learned in the tax course, business law course and real estate finance course that I taught over my twelve years at ASU. It is my hope that these gems of wisdom will add to the success of the hundreds of students that passed through my classroom. In my opinion the business department headed by Dean Percy Vaughn, is one of the finest in the nation.

1.)“In addition to acquiring an education at ASU, you must gain self-confidence.” “Self-confidence is a major key to success.”

2.) “When you speak about ASU to outsiders always say positive things about the school. It will enhance the reputation of the school.”

3.)”Those who do not read will one day work for those that read.”

4.)” Books are a great source of common knowledge.”

5.) “ Build your vocabulary. The way you speak will influence the opinion others will have of your intellectual ability.”

6.)” You can only live one life. However, you can experience many lives through reading books.”

7.)”If you can effectively communicate your thoughts, you will most likely get what you want out of life.”

8.)”Always take note of the words used by people that you admire.”

9.)”If you desire to learn how to think, then write.”

10.)” When you express your thoughts don’t leave part of the argument in your head.”

11.)”Becoming organized will simplify your life.”

12.)” Attend at least three of your potential spouse’s family reunions before you decide to marry him or her. If there is a secret, some relative will reveal it.”

13.)”When reading for comprehension remember that “how” is the most important aspect of the story.”

14.)”Have an inquiring mind and be curious.”

15.)” Build your network at every opportunity.”

16.)”Always be home before midnight.”

17.)”Any fool can criticize, condemn and complain.”

18.)” Learn how to forgive those that mistreat you.”

19.)” Learn how to make the other person want to do what you want them to do.”

20.)”Learn how to see things from the other person’s point of view.”

21.)” Develop a genuine interest in other people.”

22.)” Always be the first to speak to a person.”

23.)”Practice smiling as often as possible.”

24.)” Listen when other people are talking to you. Repeat something they said so they will know that you are listening.”

25.)”Everyone wants to feel important.”

26.”If you want others to be enthusiastic about your ideas then you too must be enthusiastic about them. Enthusiasm is contagious.”

27.)”The way to a man’s heart is through his stomach.”

28.)”Don’t be afraid to ask for what you want.”

29.) “Never do anything that you would be embarrassed for your parents to know that you did it.”

30.) “ If you get in a tight and can’t see your way out call “DR. GRIFFIN.”

My decision to quit this fulfilling venture was fueled by my desire to spend more time with my own children. They have reached the ages that I must spend as much time as possible with them. My greatest desire in life is to raise children that will be good citizens.

Greg Griffin is a columnist for the historic Montgomery-Tuskegee Times. He can be contacted at www.greggriffin.com