Have you ever gathered a basket of fresh apples and stuck a rotten one in there with them? Do you know what the outcome is? I’ll give you a hint…no one survives.
When you decide to enroll in school, especially higher education where you are paying money to receive a degree in a particular field that you will later begin your career in, it is important to stop and take a look at your surroundings. Are you surrounded by family and friends who support your decision to go back to school or are you still running in the same circles you were before you decided to make your life better?
Sometimes you have to take a step back and realize that the people who aren’t supporting your decision to better your life might not be people you want in your life. The famous quote, “Misery Loves Company” is very true. If you are surrounding yourself with people who don’t want to become more, who don’t want to become a professional and who don’t want to have a great life, they might be bringing you down.
You are entering a new world when you decide to further your education at the collegiate level. There will be several students just like you who are likely to become your friends, so use these new friendships to build professional relationships. Network and meet others in your field and focus your time and energy on improving yourself and becoming the best possible candidate for positions when you graduate.
Take a close look at your life and realize the kind of people you want to surround yourself with. Having the support you need from close family and friends is a key to success when you continue your education!
-JT
Friday, May 28, 2010
Education Matters...Age Doesn't
I would like to take an opportunity today to discuss something on a personal level regarding the West Virginia Junior College…Something that touches my heart.
It seems as though education and the emphasis on learning is placed on our youth and I do think this is vital. Your childhood is where learning begins to take place…it is when your values and morals are set and it is when the importance of education is instilled in your life. But, is this the only time the learning process is important? I don’t think so.
I think the importance of learning should be emphasized no matter how old you are. That is one of my favorite things about West Virginia Junior College…I can look in the hallway of our school any day and see an age variety from 17 to 50+ years old and I think this is incredible. You are never too old to continue learning and you should never stop striving to be more than what you are
So, no matter how old you are, I’d like to take this time to say congratulations to our students…Congratulations on striving to be more…on training to become a professional…and congratulations on continuing your education. We are so glad to be a part of your life.
-JT
It seems as though education and the emphasis on learning is placed on our youth and I do think this is vital. Your childhood is where learning begins to take place…it is when your values and morals are set and it is when the importance of education is instilled in your life. But, is this the only time the learning process is important? I don’t think so.
I think the importance of learning should be emphasized no matter how old you are. That is one of my favorite things about West Virginia Junior College…I can look in the hallway of our school any day and see an age variety from 17 to 50+ years old and I think this is incredible. You are never too old to continue learning and you should never stop striving to be more than what you are
So, no matter how old you are, I’d like to take this time to say congratulations to our students…Congratulations on striving to be more…on training to become a professional…and congratulations on continuing your education. We are so glad to be a part of your life.
-JT
Friday, May 7, 2010
Control Change in Your Life
Going to college is one of the biggest decisions you will make. Taking that final step to enroll and realizing that when you graduate, you will have a degree to add in your biography of life is one of the most rewarding experiences you have during your lifetime.
It is also one of the most challenging…
You may be used to living a normal life without the stresses of homework and projects and finals. Your friends may be used to you always being available to hang out when it is convenient for them. I always like to compare it to being single. When you are single and all of your friends are single, it is so much fun to run around, meet new people and go different places. But once you meet someone and settle down, your friends aren’t always thrilled with the fact that you’ve found someone. The same can go for beginning school. The important thing is that you manage your time and priorities and remember that this is a time for YOU. It’s time to be a little selfish. Here are two things you need to MAKE SURE you do before you start your first day.
1. Give The Notice
Let your friends and family know that you are going back to school, that you are serious, and that things might change. Your schedule is going to fill-up with classes, studying and homework which will be drastically different from what you, or they, are used to. Nicely explain that you are going to have to make some changes in your life, but you need their support and are so thankful to have them during this time of change. True friends and your family will understand and support your decision.
2. PRIORITIZE
As the old saying goes, you need to “make sure your ducks are in a row.” Take the time a few weeks before you begin school to have your childcare (and backup childcare) lined up. Purchase basic school supplies to get you started for school and make sure you have completed all of the necessary orientation sessions and paperwork before your first day. Confirm that your transportation is ready and make car pooling plans if necessary. Set a schedule so you know you have time in the evenings for studying and homework and make sure all of your appointments are scheduled for times after your classes. You need to be in class to learn the material and to succeed. So, make sure those pesky appointments or meetings are scheduled for outside of class time so you aren’t missing anything in the classroom.
Following these two easy steps can help you start off on the right foot this quarter. Planning ahead, prioritizing and preparing yourself for the change are a sure way to help you succeed. You made the decision to continue your education…Now, apply yourself and make the best of it!
-JT
It is also one of the most challenging…
You may be used to living a normal life without the stresses of homework and projects and finals. Your friends may be used to you always being available to hang out when it is convenient for them. I always like to compare it to being single. When you are single and all of your friends are single, it is so much fun to run around, meet new people and go different places. But once you meet someone and settle down, your friends aren’t always thrilled with the fact that you’ve found someone. The same can go for beginning school. The important thing is that you manage your time and priorities and remember that this is a time for YOU. It’s time to be a little selfish. Here are two things you need to MAKE SURE you do before you start your first day.
1. Give The Notice
Let your friends and family know that you are going back to school, that you are serious, and that things might change. Your schedule is going to fill-up with classes, studying and homework which will be drastically different from what you, or they, are used to. Nicely explain that you are going to have to make some changes in your life, but you need their support and are so thankful to have them during this time of change. True friends and your family will understand and support your decision.
2. PRIORITIZE
As the old saying goes, you need to “make sure your ducks are in a row.” Take the time a few weeks before you begin school to have your childcare (and backup childcare) lined up. Purchase basic school supplies to get you started for school and make sure you have completed all of the necessary orientation sessions and paperwork before your first day. Confirm that your transportation is ready and make car pooling plans if necessary. Set a schedule so you know you have time in the evenings for studying and homework and make sure all of your appointments are scheduled for times after your classes. You need to be in class to learn the material and to succeed. So, make sure those pesky appointments or meetings are scheduled for outside of class time so you aren’t missing anything in the classroom.
Following these two easy steps can help you start off on the right foot this quarter. Planning ahead, prioritizing and preparing yourself for the change are a sure way to help you succeed. You made the decision to continue your education…Now, apply yourself and make the best of it!
-JT
Wednesday, May 5, 2010
Involvement = Better Resume
What is better than highlighting your work experience and skills on a neatly organized resume? Highlighting your work experience, skills and involvement on a neatly organized resume.
Employers look at relevant work experience and what YOU can bring to THEM as a potential employer. If they had the option of hiring Candidate A which has no activities outside of work and school or Candidate B who has active involvement in charity events, professional organizations or clubs, they are more than likely going to be more interested in hiring Candidate B.
Why is this? Well, there are a few reasons. Here are a few ways to get involved and the benefits that will show on your resume.
1. Professional Organizations
You should research and join professional organizations or groups in your field. Many times, these organizations offer networking opportunities that you may not have the opportunity to become a part of if you are not a member. It also shows that you are actively involved in your field, learning more and getting to know other individuals who can help you grow. Employers will see this and will like your enthusiasm for your field.
There are different kinds of groups and organizations to join. Some may require some type of fee, but some may be free. Many times, organizations requiring a fee will have a cheaper price for students, so always check to see if there may be some kind of discount. The best option is to research several types of organizations you may be interested in joining and choose the one that best fits your life and budget.
2. Volunteer or Join a Charitable Organization
Helping others and wearing your heart on your sleeve shows. Donate some extra time for a cause that means something to you. You can use the experience to list on your resume to show that you are concerned not only with success in your own life, but you want to be involved in your community. Employers will see this and know that they are hiring an employee who is a team player and is passionate about helping others.
3. School Clubs or Organizations
Get involved while you are at school. You have to be there, anyway…so you might as well make the best use of your time! Joining a club can help you list things that you have accomplished. (i.e: Served as President for two consecutive quarters, coordinated fundraising activities and managed funds) This shows that you took action to become a leader at your school and you completed tasks that you may not have been required to do as a student. Run for office, help plan an event, take meeting minutes…just get involved!
These are three simple tips to help add some depth to your resume. As a student graduating, you may not have exceptional work experience yet. Taking this advice and getting involved in things that matter in your field is only going to help you excel after you graduate and help you land that perfect job.
-JT
Employers look at relevant work experience and what YOU can bring to THEM as a potential employer. If they had the option of hiring Candidate A which has no activities outside of work and school or Candidate B who has active involvement in charity events, professional organizations or clubs, they are more than likely going to be more interested in hiring Candidate B.
Why is this? Well, there are a few reasons. Here are a few ways to get involved and the benefits that will show on your resume.
1. Professional Organizations
You should research and join professional organizations or groups in your field. Many times, these organizations offer networking opportunities that you may not have the opportunity to become a part of if you are not a member. It also shows that you are actively involved in your field, learning more and getting to know other individuals who can help you grow. Employers will see this and will like your enthusiasm for your field.
There are different kinds of groups and organizations to join. Some may require some type of fee, but some may be free. Many times, organizations requiring a fee will have a cheaper price for students, so always check to see if there may be some kind of discount. The best option is to research several types of organizations you may be interested in joining and choose the one that best fits your life and budget.
2. Volunteer or Join a Charitable Organization
Helping others and wearing your heart on your sleeve shows. Donate some extra time for a cause that means something to you. You can use the experience to list on your resume to show that you are concerned not only with success in your own life, but you want to be involved in your community. Employers will see this and know that they are hiring an employee who is a team player and is passionate about helping others.
3. School Clubs or Organizations
Get involved while you are at school. You have to be there, anyway…so you might as well make the best use of your time! Joining a club can help you list things that you have accomplished. (i.e: Served as President for two consecutive quarters, coordinated fundraising activities and managed funds) This shows that you took action to become a leader at your school and you completed tasks that you may not have been required to do as a student. Run for office, help plan an event, take meeting minutes…just get involved!
These are three simple tips to help add some depth to your resume. As a student graduating, you may not have exceptional work experience yet. Taking this advice and getting involved in things that matter in your field is only going to help you excel after you graduate and help you land that perfect job.
-JT
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