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Students:

After hearing your "Tricks of the Grades" presentation this past spring at the West Regional Greek Conference, I am pleased (and proud) to tell you that I did not receive any grade lower than a B! Do you believe in miracles? You were absolutely right, those strategies work! I just wanted to thank you for that!
- Maureen Robinson, Student, Loyola Marymount University

Thanks to the "Tricks of the Grade," the word failure has left my vocabulary. My cumulative GPA has risen from a measly 1.3 to 3.1 inside of one semester and two summer courses. I am currently taking 19 credits this semester, and I have no doubt that I will make the Dean's List. Once again, thank you for sharing your strategies and for all you've done for me. I will never forget you.
-- Jonas Petchonka, Student, Long Island, NY

I attended your "Tricks of the Grade" seminar last semester, and I did my best to implement all of the strategies that you outlined. I'm proud to say that I received my first 4.0 of my college career this semester! I have a renewed sense of confidence in my schoolwork now, and I just wanted to thank you for sharing your secrets.
- Matthew Moring, Student, University of Texas

After your Tricks of the Grade program, I went back to college with a different attitude about my work and my grades. And guess what? Both improved! I got 2-A's and 2-B's. Thank you so much for the program, it's been extremely helpful.
-- Musa Ndiovu, Student, Clayton College and State University

Thank you for sharing your "Tricks of the Grade." I've already seen improvement in my classes three weeks into the semester. I've become friends with my professors, and I've lost all my worries about being a freshman. College is now fun, since the techniques have allowed me to stop over obsessing about my grades.
- Marty Nickison, Student, Youngstown State University

Prof. Martin is one of the best teachers a student could ask for! He gave me so many tips and strategies to help me succeed in college, but more importantly, he showed us all how to apply them to simplify our lives. I've recommended his seminar to every one of my friends. If his Tricks don't help you get good grades in school, quite frankly, nothing will. I should know, they (the Tricks) helped me.
- Sarah Huenke, Student, University of Cincinnati

Joe Martin's workshop on the "Tricks of the Grade" was outstanding. Words can't explain the impact he had on his audience (especially me). I never even imagined how easy it could be to succeed in college. I actually can't wait to go back to school - who would have ever thought I'd ever say that. Thanks Joe.
- James Stevens, Student, North Carolina - Wesleyan College

I just wanted to thank you for "Tricks of the Grade." I want you to know that EVERY strategy that you taught us has worked! My grades have really improved since last semester. I'm so thankful that your strategies are not only easy to implement, but effective as well. I can't believe the grades I'm getting.
- William Yost, Student

I just graduated this past May in the field of Secondary Technology & Industrial Arts. After attending your "Tricks of the Grade" seminar a while back, and following and applying your strategies, I received nothing less than a "B" in my junior and senior year. I graduated cum laude. I just wanted to say thank you very much. You were truly a blessing to me.
- Ernie D. Charles, Recent Graduate, University of South Florida

I have mentioned your Tricks of the Grade program to several of my friends, but they said it would never work and it couldn't be done. I have proved them all wrong. I, for the first time in my life, have a straight "A" record. It's only a few months into the school year, but now I have a plan, and your ideas and strategies have helped immensely.
-- Nic Zateslo, 9th Grade, Rickards High School

Your "Tricks of the Grade" seminar totally captivated me. And from looking around the room, it was obvious the audience agreed. You gave us so much useful information and great ideas. I can't remember the last time I've been this excited about going BACK to class next semester. I'll keep you posted.
- Rachael Clark, Student, University of California - Berkeley

As a student leader, I've gone to a lot of student conferences; but your Tricks of the Grade session, by far, had to be the MOST useful session I've ever attended. I now realize what I've been doing wrong in school. And you're right, the reason your strategies work is because most students don't know them. Thanks for sharing them with us. You rock!
-- Richard Biasco, Student, Chapman University

I hate to sound overly dramatic, but your "Tricks of the Grade" was the answer to my prayers. When I heard about your seminar, I was expecting to hear the same old stuff advisors and teachers tell us. Your program totally blew me out of the water. It's safe to say it wasn't what I expected, especially from a professor. Thank you for giving me the extra confidence boost I needed to succeed in college. Every student, regardless of their GPA, should attend your program.
-- Melissa Mitchell, Student, Washington State University

Finally, an academic success program that's DIFFERENT. Thank you, thank you, thank you! Tricks of the Grade was refreshing to me, because it gave me new information that changed my focus. Not only were the strategies very helpful and clever, they kept me on my toes. I have a lot of work to do. Thanks Prof. Martin for the Tricks.
-- Latisha Coles, Student, Weber State University

Professor Martin's enthusiasm is incredible. His "Tricks of the Grade" seminar made me put a lot into perspective. As a result of these strategies, I know there are many things I must change immediately. Thank you Professor Martin. Without this seminar, I would've never known the how "the system" REALLY works and what teachers REALLY expect.
- Rosalyn Fisher, Student, Arizona State University

Thank you so much for the Tricks of the Grade. I followed one of your strategies in responding to a bad grade, and it made all the difference in the world; I feel so much better about my relationship with my professor. I just wanted to let you know that Tricks of the Grade not only made a difference in my grades, but also in my life.
-- Veronica Cruz, Student, Barry University

Educators:

After one of my more "challenging" students (a 9th grader) told me he made the honor roll after attending your "Tricks of the Grade" seminar, I was very curious about your program. After his mother called and told me how his attitude toward school has changed and how confident he was about school, I was no longer curious, I was convinced we needed to bring you to our school. If your program could help Nic, it could help any student.
-- Dr. Pink Hightower, Princpal, Rickards High School

Your seminar, "Tricks of the Grade" certainly made my day! I was thrilled for several reasons. First and foremost, you had the students fully engaged for two full hours. Few presenters are able to keep everyone's attention for that long; you are one of them. Your information is that good - don't change a thing.
- Bruce Cook, Director of Student Activities, Daytona Beach Community College

After your "Tricks of the Grade" program, a student couldn't wait to tell me that he applied your strategies. The student boasted about how he made the dean's list for the first time in his college career. As a Student Activities Coordinator, it is my hope and goal to improve and enrich the lives of students. Joe - this is exactly what you do every time you speak to our students. THANK YOU!
- Whitney Gaston, Student Activities Coordinator, Polk Community College

I just wanted to thank you for presenting the "Tricks of the Grade" on our campus. What an impression you made, not only on our students, but the staff and faculty as well! After a year, I still have students asking me when we are going to invite you back. They (students) say they can't believe their grades!
- Nancy Friley, Student Activities Coordinator, St. Petersburg College

Thank you so much for presenting at our New Student Orientation. Your "Tricks of the Grade" program was an absolute hit! The students loved your style, humor, and message. Many of my students have commented throughout the year on how they were using the techniques and strategies you taught them. They (the students) said that your strategies have definitely helped them achieve better grades. I can't thank you enough for your wonderful program. You are such a dynamic speaker, and you relate extremely well to college students.
-- Katherine Titus-Becker, Director of Orientation, Florida Southern College

Professor Martin, thank you so much for presenting "Tricks of the Grade" to our students. You were the talk of our campus! - what can I say, we only have 3,500 students. Your strategies and ideas have inspired them beyond my wildest expectations. I've never seen so many students actually anticipate GOING to class. Keep doing what you do, because it's working!
-- Carlton Goode, Student Activities Director, Shaw University

Parents:

After I attended your "Tricks of the Grade" Seminar at Black Hills State University with my son, and I had to buy the entire program. I only wish I had access to this information when I began college. I would like to talk to you more about your "making the grade" techniques and how I can get you to do a program for my son's old high school. I don't want to see these kids make the same mistakes I made. Thank you again for sharing your "Tricks."
- Michael Perry, Parent

As a parent, I was totally pleased with the "Tricks of the Grade" program. Not only was I impressed with the material presented, my son was hanging on every strategy. He told me afterwards that he'd never been to a seminar that was so informative, but at the same time so much fun. I would definitely have to agree. Thanks Prof. Martin for igniting a spark in my soon-to-be high school graduate.
-- Ezra A. Merritt, Parent

Your program totally blew my daughter away. She never expected to hear anything new about acing college. Need I say she was a little doubtful and reluctant about attending. It was so much fun sitting there with her, watching her expressions as you introduced strategy after strategy. "Tricks of the Grade" was much better than she expected and much more valuable than the cost. Thanks for proving me right. Keep spreading the word.
- Dan Ouimette, Parent

I attended the "Tricks of the Grade" seminar with my daughter, and I asked her what did she think of the program afterwards. Her response was "Wow!" I asked her to elaborate a little more and she was speechless. I know that may not communicate much to you on the value of your program, but as a parent, I was totally satisfied with her response (you have to know my daughter). I would definitely recommend your program to other parents.
-- Margnerva Casperson, Parent

I thought your "Tricks of the Grade" program was very informative and focused. I learned a lot, not only as a former college graduate, but also as a parent. My daughter said after the seminar that she appreciated a program that finally focused on "real life" application to college instead of the typical "how to get scholarships" and "the importance of college" information. And I must agree with her. What difference does it make if I get her into to school if she can't successfully get out? I hope the high school brings your program back again, because I have a couple of friends who will have graduating seniors next year. Thanks for coming.
-- Debbie Braham, Parent

I feel this program should be offered at every high school in the country! Not only did my daughter receive a great "real world" education about what college is "really" like, I learned a lot as a parent on how I can help her succeed as well. To say that I was satisfied with the "Tricks of the Grade" would be an understatement. I only wish this program was around when I was graduating from high school. I can definitely see why it's so popular.
- Katherine Miller, Parent

"Tricks of the Grade" should be taught to more high schools. Period! If it isn't a national program, it needs to be. After your program, my son kept saying, "That program was different. He didn't tell us the same things everyone else has been telling us." I must admit, I was totally surprised myself. I kept saying to myself, where was this guy when I was in high school? I have another child already attending college; I hope it isn't too late to share some of your strategies with her. Thanks for an amazing program. I will be telling others.
- Gail Rivers, Parent

I have two children who are in college, and my son, who's a graduating senior, attended your seminar at his college. My son actually begged his younger sister (a freshman) to follow your strategies. As a result, she made the Dean's List the next semester. I told a friend about my daughter's success and my son's enthusiasm, and she insisted I get in touch with you for her daughter, who is a senior in high school. Thank you so much for inspiring my family.
-- Judith Rush, Parent & Middle School Teacher

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