A Better Chance TV with host Dr. Monique S. Robinson

We Turned Overwhelm Into A Plan Parents And Students Can Own

• Monique Robinson, Ed.D

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Deadlines, forms, and surprise fees can make college planning feel like a moving target. We pull back the curtain on a process that actually works, pairing real parent perspective with practical coaching from Dr. Mo to turn chaos into clear next steps. From tuition shock to application strategy, this conversation gets honest about what it takes to fund college, meet deadlines, and keep your sanity while helping your student take the lead.

You’ll hear how “follow through” becomes the difference-maker when everything feels urgent at once. We break down simple systems—trackers, weekly check-ins, and step-by-step timelines—that help families of every income level stay on top of FAFSA, scholarships, and school-specific requirements. Our guest mom shares what changed the game: trusting the process, asking questions early, and putting her daughter at the center by having her make calls, send emails, and own each milestone. That shift builds confidence now and independence on campus later.

We also talk about the realities of cost and how to reduce stress with smart planning. Expect tips on documenting submissions, handling tech glitches, and using confirmations to avoid do-overs. Whether your student is focused on an HBCU or another campus, the core moves remain the same: map expenses, diversify aid, verify every step, and keep communication tight. Remote guidance works when there’s momentum, and momentum comes from clear goals and consistent action.

If you’re feeling behind, you’re not out of options. Start today, start small, and keep going. Subscribe for more parent-tested strategies, share this with a family who needs a plan, and leave a review with your top question so we can cover it next.

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Monique Robinson:

Welcome to a Better Chance for Youth television show with your host, Monique Robinson, where we highlight, celebrate, and recognize students from all over the country who are doing great things in the classroom, community, and athletics. Every student deserves an opportunity. An opportunity for hope in a future. So let's celebrate our students, the next generation of teachers, engineers, entrepreneurs, and future leaders. Join us on another incredible segment of a Better Chance for Youth show with your host, Monique Robinson. Hey guys, happy holidays and welcome. Now, today you probably see a lot of me because it's the holidays, and we also are reaching out to some of our families that we help, or some of our families that I do one-on-one with, or just reaching out in general. Now, if you are new to the show, uh, my name is Dr. Monique Robinson. Some people call me Dr. Mo, some people just call me Miss Monique, but whatever is fine. Um, don't get wrapped up in titles too much. But if you look to the top of your screen, I can't, you know, figure out which way it is. Okay. The top of your screen, we have a QR code because several people send us notes, emails. How do we donate to you? Guess what? We heard you, we listened. You can now donate via Giblifly. And the QR code is right there at the top. So I hope you are having an amazing year. And my families that are doing those college searches and things like that, I hope you're having a spectacular because right now it's crunch time, and it's very crucial that we get these things done. Um, there are several scholarships that we listed in the newsletter, but before we get into today what we're talking about, I have to make a quick announcement. Quick, quick, quick announcement. Just look at your screen. Pray that I push the right button. You guys can now book me to come and do an HBCU workshop for you. So that's one thing we have going on. And then we also have, of course, um, our books are on Amazon if you are interested in purchasing those. And then we had one more thing, but I don't know. Yes, thank you to those who did come out for the toy drive. That's you know, some of our board members and um friends as we took this picture at the wonder chamber. And shout out to the wonder chamber as well. And yes, new book alert for me. And this also is one of our newest characters as well. So I think I covered all announcements, and I keep pushing all the buttons. All right, so I did all the announcements thus far, and at the end of the show, I'll probably wrap it up with some more. So we have an amazing guest today, and um, just telling you, you know, I don't meet any stranger. Um, sometimes some people I meet through other people. This one particularly was definitely through um one of my closest friends, and so it was just like this, guys. Um, I got a text message, I got a friend that needs help getting her child through school, and you know, I'm thinking, okay, yeah, sure, you know, really like short. I'm like, girl, I'm at work, I can't really talk that much. But make a long story short, today's guest might be, you know, someone you might recognize, but I truly appreciate her giving us the time of day because you know, some people start out as clients, and she has definitely become family because I think I think I'm on the schedule to call her at least once or twice a week. So after our commercial break, and I quit pushing buttons that I shouldn't push, we will have our first guest today on the show, and I'm so glad that she is giving us the time of day because she is very busy. But after this commercial break, I will bring on our guests.

SPEAKER_02:

Are you interested in attending an historically black college or university? Hello, my name is Robert. I'm president and founder of the Copy Black College Application. Our application allows students to apply to over 50 historically black colleges and universities at the same time for only$20. HBCU graduates have been some of the most renowned individuals in their respective fields, this celebrated. In addition to that, our faculty and staff are truly committed to your success, and they have a vested interest in seeing that. That coupled with the academic rigor and the fact that you accept lifelong relationships are just some of the many benefits of your attendance and historically black college. So if you're interested in completing the Common Black College app, visit our website, commonblackcollege app.com to apply now. Thank you and get educated.

Monique Robinson:

Welcome back. Now, I'm about to bring my guest on the show. Now, she's very busy and she's probably on the go right now, but I really, really appreciate her giving us the time of her day today, especially with it being almost Christmas. So I can only imagine. Hey ma'am, welcome to the show. How are you?

SPEAKER_04:

Dr. Mo.

Monique Robinson:

Hey, yes, guys, we have um none other than D. You gotta say D because you know she she's important. D tomuana Braxton Hall on our show today, and I believe she's accompanied by her daughter. Um, and I was telling them, I was telling them how we met, and I was like, actually, I think we just met her on the phone, and we've just been like going back and forth with the college process. So now that you got half a year under your belt, how you feel as a as a parent?

SPEAKER_04:

Um, I feel relieved, and let me tell you, in the very beginning, you already know I was like, Oh my gosh, this is a lot, you know. Um, I kind of felt overwhelmed because it was a lot, and um, I want to say thank you, Dr. Mo, for walking me through it, for walking Brooke through it, um, because you made it easier, you made it easier. Yeah, thank you.

Monique Robinson:

Yeah, you you was different, you were different, but um what I really treasured about the your process is that I gave you something and it was done. It was like, okay, done, did that. It was done.

SPEAKER_04:

Yes, you have to see that's the thing. You have to follow instructions. So, like if you give a parent some information, they can't sit on it, they just they have to do it, and if they have a stumbling block along the way, they just gotta figure it out, make phone calls because you can't do it all now, but you got a lot of people that you're helping. Um, so we have to be diligent in following through. That's the key.

Monique Robinson:

Yes, and you you definitely nailed it. You said follow through. I mean, and guys, this was any time of day. I was like, hey, I got this, done it. I got this, done it. And so I I really appreciate you being that type of parent because I can only imagine the challenges that you face.

SPEAKER_04:

Yeah, it's a lot, it's a lot, it's a lot. Um, but when it comes to school and education, you know, that's important to me. And I'm just like any other mother, I want to make it happen, you know. Um, and you know, and colleges are expensive, especially that Brooke goes to is, you know, is on the more expensive side. So, and I know a lot of people like, oh well, you got it. Well, it's not it's not about you having it or not, because all that stuff adds up. And if you think about the school that she goes to is quarterly, it's not quarterly, it's um so that's all years, right?

unknown:

Right.

Monique Robinson:

I uh we are back, guys. I, you know, things happen, but welcome back, Miss Tawanda. I'm so glad that you are still with us. Of course. And I think when we left off, you were explaining um that regardless of your tax bracket, school's still school and it's still costs.

SPEAKER_04:

And it's expensive. School is expensive, that's just the bottom line. Um, and then another thing is all of these programs are set in place to help. Um, and I'm not exempt. You know, I'm not exempt, I'm a mother, you know, and that's you know, it's just something about mothers that want to make sure that their kids are straight when it comes to college. We don't want no headaches, we want no worry, and I'm not like I said, I'm not exempt from it. Um, and before anything else, I'm a mother.

Monique Robinson:

Yeah, yeah, and I I definitely appreciate you even trusting me because I know sometimes you was like, wait a minute, how'd this go?

SPEAKER_04:

But listen, but you gotta trust the process. You have to trust the process and know that everything's always gonna work out in your favor. And that's the thing, that's the mantra that I went through the entire program. I mean, I'm not I I have I have to tell you something. There were moments here and there when I was like, this is getting on my nerves. This is getting on my nerves, and you were like, it's gonna be all right, it's gonna be all right. And I was like, You're right, everything always works out in my favor. And it did, and it worked out the way that it was supposed to. So I'm I'm really excited about it. And the sooner you start, the better. It's not too early to start, and it's not it's actually not too late either, but it's really not too early to start um, you know, scheduling and and outlining things for your children.

Monique Robinson:

And I appreciate you saying that um because I have some that haven't even started the process and they reach out to me and like, well, what can you do this late in the game? I'm like, look, we just gotta work, see what'll happen. So I definitely appreciate you um saying that. And then just, you know, with with you being out of town and then I'm being here, a lot of people are hesitant to even reach out for help. And please explain to them it doesn't matter because I can make a person feel like you're right next door.

unknown:

That is absolutely correct.

SPEAKER_03:

Um, you you just gotta trust the process, and it's I'm sure it's not easy for you, Dr. Mo, because you got a lot of moms, you got a lot of kids, and then another one, another thing that I did also was I allowed my daughter to be a part of the process.

Monique Robinson:

Yes.

SPEAKER_03:

So I had her call and talk to Dr. Mo because it's always important for the kids, the kids for your children, not just kids, but your children to walk through the process to see all the sacrifices and the quick steps that it takes to get to where they are to be able to go.

Monique Robinson:

Yes, yes, and I don't know. You kind of cut out a little bit because I know technology stuff is is being unfair because you got important stuff to say. It always happened like that. When you got something important, it play around. But um, and you did involve your daughter in the process, which I um truly, truly like um and I feel like with her being part of the process, it helped her own it a little bit as well.

SPEAKER_04:

And to show her how important it is, yeah. What you're saying is absolutely correct. You have to get your kids involved too. You can't do it all for them, you can do some of it, but don't do all of it for them because they have to be independent one day.

Monique Robinson:

Yes, and she she did an amazing job, I think, even with her, you know, because I do interview the kids, I um I want to call them kids, the young adults, uh, my scholars, I interview them for two purposes to see how hungry they are, and also see if this is something they really want to do.

SPEAKER_04:

So right, right. Because sometimes us as mothers, we push things or or we we push the agenda that our children don't want to be a part of. And I will say, sometimes I know kids don't want, and I know our our young adults don't want to hear it, but we can see far beyond. We can see the finish line. You may not know it, but we can see the finish line. And we've been through these things before, so you kind of have to trust our judgment as well. Um, and I know you, Dr. Mo, you let them know, hey, your mother's doing this because it's for your best interest, you know. Um, and that's just all that just comes with it. We're not trying to be right all the time, even though we may not be right all the time. But I'm gonna tell you, we've gone through these situations and these struggles and these, I guess, um these boulders that that are set forth before us before we even get to college. So you don't want that. And if things aren't the way that it used to be when we went to college, it's not the same, it's not the same, it's not, it's not as accessible, it's not as easy, and that's just the truth.

Monique Robinson:

And that is that is the very conversation I've been having with um parents from this year. So we uh we start every year with a new group of parents and new group of scholars, even though we still have our ones that's been with us since they were in seventh grade, but they some of them don't quite understand that you know you gotta be on top of it. Uh, make all our scholars have trackers, uh, a backup plan if the first plan don't go.

SPEAKER_04:

So, yes, what other advice would you give um our our parents that are you know halfway there, they're about to about to have some graduates, but um, they still have to take care of the big business, which is you got uh my advice is stay on top of it, follow through because once you're done with that part of it, you can woo-side and have a glass of wine. That's just what it is, because it is a stressful, it is, it can be a stressful situation. It just can be, it can because you get frustrated, you you you and then you have to stay encouraged. You have to stay encouraged, and like I said, you just gotta follow through. You have to follow through. And if I knew then what I know now, um, in terms of knowing Dr. Mo, I would have started this process when Brooke was in seventh grade or before she was in seventh grade. Um, because she Brooke actually went to the SCAD summer program um when she was in 11th grade. And had I known then, if had if I knew Dr. Mo then, I would have been bugging her, hey, what is it we can do? Hey, how can we get this done? Hey, you know, so that I wouldn't have been stressed two weeks, three weeks before she had to go to school. That's not a good that's that's you don't want to live like that. You don't want to live like that. So just complete it, just get it done. And now's the perfect time to do it. Do it and get it done so that you you won't have any hassles, no worries, no concern. Not to say there's not gonna be any stumbling blocks, because it just might be, but it's not gonna be as stressful because you know you've done your part. You know you you fill out all the paperwork, you follow through, um, and then you get your children involved, you get your kids involved. Your young adults, they have to be involved because they have to learn how to do stuff. And unfortunately, I ain't trying to be funny, this generation, they don't know how to do stuff because we've been doing it for them. We've been we've enabled them that we've been taking care of stuff all the time. So sometimes you just gotta pop that thing out of their mouth and cut the umbilical cord and allow them to walk. They can crawl first, then just like when you gave birth to them, they have to crawl, they have to um walk, they can run. It's the same thing. You can walk them through it the first year, walk them through it. But you it see the secret, the secret weapon is Dr. Mo. That's a secret weapon. That's a secret weapon, and you don't you don't find people like that who really cares about hey, getting things done for parents or getting things done for the students so that they'll be able to go to school with funding, you know, and and it just takes a lot of stress off of the parents. I mean, it's just true, and you stay on it. Hey, okay, is this okay? I see that you finished this. Did you hear anything yet? You know, that that helps motivate to keep us moving forward to make sure that all the things are done, all our i's are dotted, now t's across because it has to you got to do the work, or else what you what you gonna do? What the kids gonna do? Stay home with you. You don't want that.

Monique Robinson:

No, I don't. I think a hundred percent of my parents will be like, uh no, we we don't want them to come back and we want them to keep going. Yes, um, I know that Miss Brooke is there with you. Um, and I I really enjoyed her because she she has her goals in place and she knows what she wants to do. Yes, the type of young people I absolutely love to deal with, like you gotta have a plan, yeah. I'm gonna help execute it, but you gotta have it. I truly enjoy working with her because of that.

SPEAKER_04:

Thank you so much. Like, the only school she wanted to go to is the school she's in, right?

Monique Robinson:

And and and I just want to tell everybody um, just because I normally only deal with HBCUs does not mean that I will not help your child if your child wants to go somewhere else. That's a fact, and so Brooke was one was like, uh, that's not where I want to go, but I want to go to school. So the ultimate goal is to make sure that they do go to school. That's my ultimate goal.

SPEAKER_04:

Exactly.

Monique Robinson:

You know, I just had to put that out there because uh Brooklyn.

SPEAKER_04:

She's not on the HBCU, she's not she's not going to HBCU, but you did make sure that everything was in play because the process is, I'm not gonna say the process is the same because HBCU to me is special because I went to a HBCU. Um, however, just knowing how knowledgeable you are. And the backdoor situations that people block you from getting and applying, you were able to say, Hey, she can do this. Did you know about this? Did you, you know, so you really, really, it was a lot. And I just really appreciate it. So I know, I mean, we we're listening pray, hallelujah, praise God. Thank you, Jesus, that we were through it this year. I just know that now we are setting things up for her next year. And I'm just really appreciative.

Monique Robinson:

Because now she she's in January. And I don't like just because we deal with the scholars once, I make sure that we follow them all the way through school. I have one child now, and I'm waiting because she normally sends me an update. Um, she sent me an update every quarter on what she's doing, what worked, what didn't work. So we we love to hear from our parents and our scholars so we know that they're we make sure they're doing good, but you know, like you said, you you have to have to know what the process is and you have to actually um follow through. That was one of your words.

SPEAKER_04:

You have to follow through.

Monique Robinson:

You have to get a shirt when I do presentations and I'm gonna just start saying follow through.

SPEAKER_04:

That's it, that's the key. Because that that really is the key. Because you can't get anything accomplished unless you do it. You got you have to follow through. And that was times that I ain't feel like it because sometimes I I remember I had a conversation with you, Dr. Mo, and I was like, Okay, it's not working for me. But I'm gonna I'm gonna figure it out I'm gonna figure this out, I'm gonna figure it out because I was not gonna be undone. I was like, I'm gonna do this, I gotta get this done, you know. And I know mothers are busy, fathers are busy too, but mothers are busy, and you know, you just even when you're laying in the bed or sitting on the toilet, just get it done.

Monique Robinson:

Yeah, you you did that that FAFSA, I think almost you was like, I need a break.

SPEAKER_04:

Yeah, but I did it, I got it. I was I did the little chat thing, the chat, all the stuff is AI now, so you can't really specifically get your answers, your questions answered the way that you really need for them to be answered now because of that AI mess. But I mean, I got through it. I made sure I called, I made sure I got it done.

Monique Robinson:

You did, and then you also um bringing up called communication is the key. Um, and I know we all have, you know, parents are extremely busy. I would never want to swap schedules with a parent um or a scholar in Barker graduation season. I would not want to swap places, but you have to communicate. That's how you get things done.

SPEAKER_04:

You have to. And if you don't understand, just ask Dr. Mo. She can walk you through, or she'll send you an email, or she'll send you a text, however, you communicate with her. But I mean, she will definitely walk you through it if you have any questions. And you know, and if she uh I ain't no questions that she don't know the answer to, but let's just say in another dimension or in another world, she don't know the answers, she'll lead you in a direction to get those answers.

Monique Robinson:

Yes, I um that's just something I strive to do as an educator. I think is if I don't know, I'm gonna find it because I don't want anybody to be in the dark. Right now, with the the way education is going now, we really, really have to be uh strategic in helping our scholars get to where they want to be and diligent, you have to. So I I have to, and I I truly again appreciate you, even through our different mishaps. So, guys, she was on the screen, but she's kind of off right now because I don't know what's going on with the technology, but I appreciate her.

SPEAKER_04:

I can see you though, that's crazy because I can see you.

Monique Robinson:

You probably got your camera off. It's on my camera's on, I didn't touch nothing. Oh Lord, it's just dark. Well, I don't know, but I'm supposed to tell you this information.

SPEAKER_04:

Parents, listen, follow through, contact Dr. Mo, ask her the questions, and she will find you the answers. Well, because that is either within her or she will lead you in a direction to get it.

Monique Robinson:

Oh, you are so sweet, and I truly appreciate you and um look forward to continuing to see, you know, Brooke walk across that stage in a couple years when she graduates. And um, like I said, you know, today we're reaching out to parents, families, people who we have helped so that you know we people know we're not just making this up.

SPEAKER_04:

This is actually this is real stuff, y'all. This is real stuff.

Monique Robinson:

This is work we do. Um, and you know, this is just I will be taking a break so you won't have to fuss at me. I will be taking a break for until the first of the year. A little bit, a little bit, just a little piece of it. Because I I know you you are you always, you know, when we did talk, are you gonna take a break? When do you sleep? I don't. Right. I promise I am. I promise I am for the next two days, and then is is we gotta get it because next quarter and next semester start. So yep.

SPEAKER_04:

Well, thank you, Dr. No. I appreciate you so much.

Monique Robinson:

Thank you for coming on. Um, I truly appreciate you because I know you're busy, your family bigger than mine.

SPEAKER_04:

So I'm right in all girl.

Monique Robinson:

That part so you enjoy your uh your holiday and um and everything. And again, thank you for coming on and sharing your story with us.

SPEAKER_06:

Of course.

Monique Robinson:

And um tell your daughter if she needs me, she knows all the numbers and emails she can. Of course, you know she won't, you know you want to talk to her this holiday season, girl. Thank you. Definitely, definitely. Um, I'm all in and any way that I can help. Um, I will continue to do so. This has been thank you. This has been a better chance television. Um, if you're watching, like, share, comment. And then if you're watching or listening on Spotify and all of our other listening platforms, take these notes because she gave you some good nuggets. Um, and she didn't definitely did not make any of these things up. Like this is literally our process. I I bug parents and I bug kids, and we get the job done. Thank you, ma'am. I will see you later.

SPEAKER_01:

For inspiration, motivation, and the good news of Jesus Christ. Look no further. The Daily Gospel Network has what you need. With more than 300 ministries from all over the country broadcasting every week, you're sure to get your dose of spirit-filled encouragement from the great programs on the Daily Gospel Network. Catch the Daily Gospel Network on Roku, Amazon Fire, Apple TV, all mobile devices, and the internet.

Monique Robinson:

Tune in to a better chance for youth television show with Tony Robinson on the Daily Gospel Network. Television Show deck is a highlight incredible. Join us every week as we uplift the youth and help them on the internet. That's a better chance for youth television show at Tony Robinson at the Better Chance for Youth Television Show with your host, Monique Robinson. The television show where we highlight incredible students in their quest to change the world. Join us each and every week as we uplift our youth and help them on their journey to the bright future they deserve. So until next time, God bless from your friends on a better chance for youth television show with your host, Monique Robinson.

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Monique S. Robinson, Ed.D

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