Prioritize effectively is the advice from National Merit Scholar Christopher Knowles to Bahamians commencing their freshman year at college/university. He says with all the newfound freedom they will encounter, that it is hard at first to set a laid-out schedule.

"The excitement from the lack of parental control and peer pressure can cause one to stray from the path they originally intended for themselves," said Christopher who is into his sophomore year at the University of Miami.

"I loved my first year at university. I was able to enjoy so many experiences I never could have imagined having growing up on an island.

"I decided to take it easy on myself this year since I needed a break from the immense workload of high school."

He says though that he was able to adjust rather quickly. "Although the work was hard, it was never more than what you could handle. I also really enjoyed all the support from my teachers as well as the free tutoring."

He said freshmen should also remember that university differs from high school because they won't have parents to wake them up to remind them of assignments due or to do errands for me. And that they have to be independent and submit work on time and get to class on time. Christopher admits that he was scared when he arrived in Miami to begin his first year.

"Everything is the complete opposite of how it is back home. However, I was quite shocked at how friendly and open the people are at my school. UM is like a second home to me. Everyone is so inclusive and they really make you feel like you are a part of a family. So, although I was hesitant at first, I found myself removing those barriers quite easily developing many new relationships with persons from various parts of the world."

Christopher said he also joined the Caribbean Student Association (CSA) because he wanted to connect with fellow islanders.

"I wanted to learn more about my cultures and that of those similar to me. Joining this club was the best decision I could have ever made. Once a month we pay dues of $10 which allows us to have a fun night designated to a Caribbean [nation] of choice with food, drinks, and activities."

His most memorable event he said was during Miami Carnival and his school hosting a mini carnival at which Kes, the Trinidadian soca group performed.

As for whether homesickness ever set in for him, Christopher said he was one of the luckily ones and never really experienced it.

"I knew Miami was only a 30-minute flight from Nassau, so I guess I never really felt too disconnected from home because I was essentially right there," he said.

Rather, he said he had hankerings for Bahamian food. He says there is nothing like his favorite greasy bag chicken or ribs dinner.

Christophers' excellent Bahamas General Certificate of Secondary Education (BGCSE) exam results - 14 over two years with 13 A grades and one B grade - and diverse background also allowed him to be placed into the University of Miami's (UM) Foote Fellows Honors Program which recognizes the most academically accomplished incoming first-year students.

Foote Fellows distinguished themselves both inside and outside of the classroom at their previous schools, are self-motivated, and think independently. Admission is by invitation only.

Within the curricular framework, Foote Fellows, like Christopher, enjoy unmatched freedom and flexibility to explore a multitude of educational resources. Many Foote Fellows leverage the opportunity to take additional majors and/or minors as well as to study abroad.

Christopher had access to smaller classes and the ability to shadow professionals in the field he chose.

At each of the nine undergraduate schools and colleges at UM, a dedicated advisor helps Foote Fellows, like Christopher, chart their academic path and attain access to distinctive learning opportunities, such as special school-based seminars, faculty-mentored research, networking opportunities, and off-campus internships. Fellows also receive focused advising on post-baccalaureate distinguished fellowships and awards.

Christopher who is on the pre-med track wants to study dermatology, with a sub-specialty in Mohs micrographic surgery (a specialized form of skin cancer surgery), in addition to allergy testing and desensitization.

The National Merit Scholar believes education is key to the success of any nation, and encourages his peers to take advantage of opportunities given by the Ministry of Education.

"I encourage my fellow peers to go on their [Ministry of Education] website and see the multitude of scholarships available to assist them in their future goals. Have a vision for your life and with the aid of God and belief in yourself, you can succeed in your endeavors and become the leader you were destined to be, and an agent of change to our future generation."

Christopher believes that with dedication and hard work, a person can achieve their goals.

His advice to other students is to think outside the box, to not limit themselves, and surround themselves with like-minded people who can push them to achieve their true potential.

He works hard and he says it is always okay to challenge oneself and explore passions and excel at them.

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