COLLEGE SUCCESS PROGRAM NEWSLETTER
November 2016
CollegeTracks MM/DD/YY
 
    Ms. Jenni Adams
HERE'S HOW YOU CAN BOOK YOUR CHECK INS WITH YOUR COACH THIS FALL:
1) Look at your schedule to see when you're available for a 1-hour check in.

2) Go to your coach's youcanbook.me link (below).

3) Choose an appropriate time slot and fill out the necessary information. Note where your coach will be that day.

4) Book it! A confirmation will be sent to your email. Now, put that check in on your calendar and set your reminder.
 
Ms. Jenni:

Ms. Lindsey:

Ms. Nneka:

Ms. Rachel:
COACH SPOTLIGHT
Ms. Lindsey Reed

What school did you attend and what was your major?  I received a bachelor's degree in Biology from Earlham College in Richmond, Indiana, with a focus on ecology and environmental sustainability. I also minored in Sociology and Anthropology.

What is your favorite TV show? I recently got into the Marvel drama Luke Cage and am addicted! No spoilers please! I also listen to a lot of podcasts about current events and education on my commute.

Give one interesting fact about yourself. I love music! I play the piano, fiddle, guitar, and love to sing with my sisters and brother.

What is your favorite vacation spot? Somewhere with friends! I have moved around a lot so most of my favorite vacations are spent visiting friends and family around the country. 

What do you like about being a Success Coach?  Connecting with students and helping them move closer to where they want to go in life. I think we all crave our independence and know that we will need others' help in life - I so admire students for working on that balance and inviting Coaches in to help

What is your greatest accomplishment? I am really proud of some of the risks I've taken to move my life forward even when I wasn't sure how it would turn out - for instance, moving to Maryland! Change can be challenging for me, but I always learn from the experience.
COACHES ON CAMPUS

Success Coaches will have check in meetings with students on campuses this month on the following days/dates: 

Please schedule today if you haven't already done so!

Ms. Nneka, Ms. Rachel, and       Ms. Lindsey*
Montgomery College, Rockville 
Mondays & Thursdays

Ms. Jenni*
MC Takoma Park (Tue., Nov. 8)

Mr. Danny*
USG (Mon., Nov. 7)
UMD (Thur., Nov. 10)

*Subject to change based on scholar schedule. Check your email for confirmation.


WHERE TO CHECK IN?
ROCKVILLE CAMPUS

Coaches are located in the
  SCIENCE BUILDING
(on the 1st floor , near the entrance closest to the bus stops )

     *
MC SPECIFIC INFORMATION*

REGISTRATION DATES
Winter 2017:
Catalog Available: Now Open
Registration: Now Open

Spring 2017:
Catalog Available: Now Open
Registration: Now Open

 *
SHOUT OUT*

Here's a special shout out to Sol Leon  who is a student at Trinity Washington University. She is pursuing nursing as a career. Sol was recently honored at a White Coat Ceremony which symbolizes the next steps in her learning as she will work directly with patients in this phase of her education.

  
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@scholarsCT

CTscholars

  
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Are you feeling a bit overwhelmed?  By now you would have already had your first (or second) exam, paper, or presentation for your classes. It's completely normal to feel overwhelmed with the amount of schoolwork you have to do. And on top of that, you may have a job, be part of a student group, play sports, volunteer--all of these take up time. 

Talk to your coach about how to prioritize your schedule for the remainder of the semester. Ask yourself: What am I doing that I shouldn't be doing right now? What have I not been doing? Consider some changes like visiting your professors during office hours, studying in the morning vs. at night, outlining your papers before writing them, or going to see tutors. Now is a good time to evaluate what has worked and what hasn't worked for you and to consider trying a new study strategy.     
~CollegeTracks College Success Team
                                                                                


One thing that helps your learning, and may earn you (brownie) points, is class participation. Participating in classes means you're engaged not only in the material, but in your learning. It can take the form of asking a question, volunteering to do a problem, answering questions, taking the lead in a group project, presenting material, submitting forum posts (online), etc. The first time to speak up may feel like the worst time, but participation does get easier the more you do it. Likewise, the longer you put off asking a question the harder it may seem. So if you haven't already participated much in your classes or feel like you can do more, here are some ways to "step it up" a notch:

#1) Take the First Opportunity to Say Something: Ask or answer a question. Don't wait, class could be over by then.

#2) Be Prepared for Class: Usually people who are more confident and comfortable speaking up in class are those who have done the readings or assignments in advance. So, before class look over notes, do the readings, think about questions or comments. Write these down so you can refer to it in class.

#3) Talk to Other Students: If you know the other students in class by virtue of speaking to them outside of class or in group work, you will probably feel more comfortable speaking in front of them.

#4) Sit in the Front of Class: If looking at a sea of faces turned at you when you speak makes you feel uncomfortable, then try sitting at the front of the class.

#5) Start Small: Some courses require participation. Start by telling yourself you'll say one thing--either answer or ask a question--in each class. Then once you feel comfortable, increase the amount you expect for yourself, or participate in other ways.

#6) Start in a Class in Which you Feel Comfortable : Make your first attempts in a class that you like or feel safe sharing your ideas. Maybe it's a class with fewer students or a class taught by a supportive professor.

#7) Assume Everyone is Supportive: Before speaking, imagine that the whole class is rooting for you. Focus on the people who seem friendly. 

#8) Agree to Disagree. Sometimes you may say something in class that someone does not agree with; it doesn't mean you're wrong. It doesn't mean they're wrong either, but that there are multiple perspectives on the issue. Think of disagreements as a part of the discussion and an exchange of ideas.

#9) Observe How People Survive After Giving Wrong Answers. We all make mistakes and have lived to tell the tale. Actually, we learn from our mistakes. Consider them learning opportunities.

#10) Separate Yourself from your Answer. Don't blame yourself if you gave a wrong answer. It doesn't mean you're not intelligent. In fact, it can serve as a learning moment for everyone in your class and help your professor understand how students are learning.

If, after all that, you're still unsure how to participate in class or if there's very little opportunity to participate, talk to your professor. By doing so you've already showed your professor your desire to participate and it is probably very appreciated.

Material taken from "Class Participation: Getting Started" by Clynis Wilson Boultbee, www.uccs.umn.edu

Ready. Set. FAFSA!

Renewing your FAFSA for the 2017-18 school year started on Oct. 1.
It may seem early, but remember that to get the maximum amount of financial aid that you're eligible for, it's better to be first in line. 

Some of your schools may already have early deadlines for currently enrolled students so check with your financial aid office. If you need help filling out your FAFSA renewal, contact your coach.


SCHOLAR SPOTLIGHT:
SHIRLEY SALAZAR  
 

(Above: Shirley Salazar poses for a picture after being honored at Trinity Washington University's White Coat Ceremony for students in the Nursing Program .)

Meet Shirley Salazar, a CollegeTracks' Success Program scholar.  She is currently a junior at Trinity Washington University pursuing a career in nursing. She was recently honored at a White Coat Ceremony, a moment when students are inducted into the health profession and take an oath to provide the highest care to patients with compassion as they move from the classroom to clinical experiences.

WHY DID YOU CHOOSE TO BE IN COLLEGETRACKS' SUCCESS PROGRAM? 
" I chose to be in College Track's Success program because I wanted a coach. College is hard enough, let alone becoming a college student, so I wanted a guide to help me in the transition. Once I entered, the level of support and encouragement is phenomenal and  throughout my college years,  CollegeTrack's Success Program  has helped me stay motivated and active in my studies."

CAN YOU GIVE US A TIP FOR COMBATTING MID-TERM STRESS? "I t can be overwhelming with mid-terms and the material to study. What I like to do is schedule a half an hour or an hour break intervals where I go walk, do some exercise. The best thing to do is not to push yourself beyond your limitations. Sleep is your best friend! "

HOW DID YOU DECIDE ON YOUR MAJOR? " I knew I wanted to study a field with continuous education and for the work that I do to have a community impact.  In all honesty, I did not choose nursing. Nursing chose me. One day I wanted to find a program to study with these interests in mind and I found the Medical Careers Program at Thomas Edison High School of Technology. From that first day in the program, I felt like I belonged there and I just knew that this was what I want to study. With a little discipline and focus, my mentor from Thomas Edison helped me find my career in nursing."

WHAT IS YOUR PROUDEST MOMENT? " My proudest moment would be receiving my white coat. To me it was the official seal that I am going to be a nurse and that this is the road I am meant to be on. Receiving the white coat and having my hands blessed helped me recognize all the sacrifice and hard work that led to this milestone. "

TELL US SOMETHING ABOUT YOURSELF THAT WE OTHERWISE WOULD NOT KNOW.   "Despite being actively involved in class, I am very reserved. I am not very social and prefer to be alone at times. Also, I envision myself working towards being a guide rather than a leader. In my nursing career, I want to teach and influence future generations through the work I do rather than do administration or research, for example." 

  Don't miss out! Scholarships are a great way to help pay for your school, books, transportation, etc. And best of all, you don't have to pay them back!

NAME: Horatio Alger National Career & Technical Scholarship
DUE DATE: Rolling until all awards are given out
AMOUNT: $2,500
ELIGIBILITY: College Student, US Citizen, demonstrated financial need, community service, pursuing a technical degree/certificate

NAME: Education Matters Scholarship
DUE DATE: Nov. 30, 2016
AMOUNT: $5,000
ELIGIBILITY: College Student, No Citizenship requirement

NAME: The Tom Joyner Foundation
DUE DATE: Dec. 1, 2016
AMOUNT: $1,250
ELIGIBILITY: College Student at an HBCU (Historically Black Colleges and Universities)
 
NAME: Stephan J. Brady Stop Hunger Scholarship
DUE DATE: Dec. 5, 2016
AMOUNT: $5,000
ELIGIBILITY: College Student, Legal US Residents

NAME: Boling Rice, LLC Scholarship
DUE DATE: Dec. 31, 2016
AMOUNT: $1,000
ELIGIBILITY: College Student, Complete Essay Contest

NAME: Gen and Kelly Tanabe Scholarship
DUE DATE: Dec. 31, 2016
AMOUNT:  $1,000
ELIGIBILITY: College Student, Legal US Residents

NAME: UNIGO's Top Ten List Scholarship
DUE DATE: Dec. 31, 2016
AMOUNT: $1,500
ELIGIBILITY: College Student, Legal US Residents

THANK YOU FOR READING THE SUCCESS PROGRAM'S E-NEWSLETTER!

CollegeTracks College Success Program Team:
MS. JENNI ADAMS
MS. LINDSEY REED
MS. NNEKA ONYILOFOR
MS. RACHEL LOSTUMBO
MR. DANNY KHOTSOMBATH