COLLEGE SUCCESS PROGRAM NEWSLETTER
March 2020
CollegeTracks MM/DD/YY


Shout out to UMD student Jean Pierre Moundou for always being so positive and working his hardest! 

Shout out to Montgomery College student Thifany Braga! She is currently interning at the Library of Congress for spring 2020. This internship is extremely useful to her, as she makes plans to major in International Relations at a 4-year University in the fall. 

Shout out to Marlon Gonzalez Martinez, a third-year student at Goucher College, who is currently studying abroad in Spain. It has always been Marlon's dream to visit Spain, and now he's made it happen. Congrats, Marlon! Continue to be safe and enjoy yourself!

Shout out to Juan Arango Millan, a third-year student at Salisbury University, for securing an internship with the Maryland General Assembly working specifically with Delegate Mike Rogers. You're an absolute go-getter, Juan. Thanks for representing your family, yourself, and CollegeTracks so well!

Shout out to alum of the Success Program, Solane Kumarra, a 2018 University of Rochester graduate, for earning acceptance to one of the top five Physician Assistant Programs in the country at George Washington University! We're so proud of you, Solane! May all of your dreams continue to come true.
COACH Q & A:

"What was the last book or film that truly inspired you and why?"  
 
    Ms. Jenni 
"One of the most inspiring books I ever read was ' Hitchhiking Vietnam', which was the true story of a woman who hitchhiked through Vietnam. At the time that I read the book, I had never traveled by myself to another country.  That book made me realize that as a single woman, it was entirely possible to travel alone. I have now traveled by myself to six different countries - including Vietnam - and had amazing adventures in each country!"
                        
                                       Ms. Nneka
    
"One of my favorite movies of all time is, A Beautiful Mind . It is a movie about a mathematician who struggles with schizophrenia. Conversations about this movie and familial experience with mental illness, inspired my mom and I to write our book, which I am continuously inspired by."

Ms. Rachel
" I saw the movie Little Women recently and LOVED it. This was one of my favorite books as a child and seeing the movie reminded me of why-- it celebrates creativity, humor, individuality and generosity!"

Ms. Fenise 
  
"The last book I read that truly inspired me is:  You Are a Badass: How to Stop Doubting Your Greatness and Start Living an Awesome Life by Jen Sincero. It was given to me by another success coach and it inspires me to aspire to my greater self and inspire others to do the same."

Mr. Dennis
                     
"I recently watched a documentary called "They gotta have us." It's about the contribution and struggles of minorities in Film and Hollywood. This inspired me because it showed how each generation's contributions opened and paved the way for the next generation to show their creativity, not just as minorities but simply gifted and talented writers, producers, and actors."

Ms. Courtney
   
"I've recently begun watching a minidocuseries called "Who Killed Malcom X?" on Netflix. Malcom X was a powerful leader who maintained strong beliefs and values. With the work that I do, it's so easy for me to keep my nose to the grindstone, and so much so that sometimes I forget to look up. Malcom X inspires me to stay grounded and also mindful of what's really important to me."

Ms. Destiney
"The last movie I saw that was inspiring was Harriet. Harriet is one of my favorite Freedom Fighters/Ancestors. The recent movie was inspiring because it highlighted her accomplishments, perseverance, grit, and spiritual strength instead of only focusing on her life as a Slave. The movie was also inspiring because it reminded me (and hopefully taught others) that Slavery isn't the history of Black people in America, it is the history of America."
              
Ms. Victoria

"The Year of Magical Thinking by Joan Didion. This was a book that was on my wishlist since college. I analyze writing when I read (sentence structure, flow, the general art). I was enthralled the whole time. I think I'm still processing the complexities of the book as it covered how to deal with traumatic loss. It offered tons of tidbits for how to move on and appreciate what was."

Ms. Bijal
 "Although it's a children's book, Good Night Stories for Rebel Girls has motivated me to learn about the impact of strong, independent and extraordinary women from all over the world. As a mom to two girls and a boy, I am inspired by my children's reactions to these stories - both my daughters' realization of their own power as future "rebel women" and my son's respect for the women in his life and those that shaped history."

Ms. Nicole
 "I recently saw Netflix's documentary "The Great Hack," and it inspired me to further educate myself on issues surrounding data laws and consumer data collection."

Mr. Kendrick
 
"The last movie that inspired me was The Shack. I felt inspired because it showed that no matter what situation you are faced with, you can always find peace in the middle of every storm. There is a silver lining in every black cloud. If you focus on the silver lining, then your black cloud does not seem as dark."

Resource Corner

 
Do you have what it takes to be a leader? Would you like to develop these skills while also getting your college degree?

Take a look at the Southern Management Leadership Program.  SMLP will connect you with local business leaders for one on one advising and mentoring, help you gain entrepreneurial and leadership qualities, opportunities to further develop your professional network, engage in community service, and become a lifetime member as a Southern Management leader.

This program is for MC students in partnership with The University of Maryland- College Park to not only help with leadership qualities but also assist with tuition at both MC and UMD, as well as an opportunity to earn a one-time merit scholarship at MC, and opportunities for paid internships. 

Who should apply and how? Any student that is a rising sophomore with plans to transfer to UMD at College Park. 


 

  • Be actively pursuing a first BA degree
  • Maryland Resident(US citizen, Permanent resident, or D ream Act)
  • Be in a program at MC that transfers to UMD
  • Be committed to team building activities outside of class
  • Be available for daytime courses 
  • Completed at least 30 credits
  • Minimum GPA of 2.5
  • Have one transferable math course or be eligible for college-level math course during first semester in the program
  • Complete FAFSA


 

To apply go to: www.montgomerycollege.edu/smlp or call 240-567-2019. You can also email questions to [email protected]

HERE'S HOW YOU CAN BOOK YOUR CHECK INS WITH YOUR COACH:

1) Look at your schedule to see when you're available for a one-hour check in.

2) Go to your coach's youcanbook.me link or method of booking listed (below).

3) Choose an appropriate time slot and fill out the necessary information. Note where your coach will be that day.  For texting or emailing requests, provide a few different choices of dates and times to your coach. 

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. Nneka:
Text directly to: 240-630-1224 

Ms. Rachel:
Text directly to: 240-242-5423
                                  Mr. Dennis:

Ms. Courtney: 

Ms. Destiney: 
  T ext directly to:  202-695-3718

Ms. Victoria:
vwolk.youcanbook.me or 240-646-5433

Ms. Bijal:
bparikh.youcanbook.me or 240-207-1252

Ms. Nicole:
nmalament.youcanbook.me or 240-200-4214

Mr. Kendrick:
[email protected] or 202-350-1376
Join Our Mailing List



Building Your Online Profile: The Do's and Don'ts of Using Social Media in 2020 
 
Social media is an integral part of modern society. Every day, students use various sites and platforms to connect with others and spread ideas. When used in conscious moderation, social media has many positive benefits: 

  • stay connected with friends and family
  • volunteer or get involved with a nonprofit or charity
  • enhance creativity by sharing ideas, music, and art
  • meet and interact with others who share similar interests
  • communicate with educators, fellow students, and potential employers
Social media, however, can also have unintended consequences when users are not careful with their content that is easily available for people to find with common search engines. Here are 5 tips to managing your social media platforms to ensure that your accounts do not negatively impact future employment or educational opportunities: 

DO: Utilize Privacy Settings 
Potential employers will find your Instagram, even if your handle is a unique title. If you are applying for a job in media or marketing you may need to submit your social media to a potential employer. If your social media features anything that you would be embarrassed for your parents, Success Coach, and/or professors to see, then make sure you utilize the site's privacy settings or think twice before posting. 

DO: Share Thoughtfully
Even if you are of legal drinking age, a picture including alcohol isn't going to make the best impression. When in doubt, simply save the photos to your computer rather than posting and untag any that others may have shared of you. 

DON'T: Complain
Complaining about supervisors, peers, and professors, will not be seen in a favorable light. Even when refraining from naming a specific individual or company, potential employers may take this as a warning sign that you would be an unhappy employee once hired.

DO: Use Proper Grammar
Proper grammar and sentence structure ensure that you come across as professional and polished. To avoid grammatical mistakes, create your social media updates in a document and proofread them before posting. Make a mistake? Edit, delete, and/or re-post as needed.
 
DONT: Discuss Hot-Button Topics
In this polarized political climate, you never know how your views may impact your chances of getting a job or position. While it's perfectly acceptable to hold strong beliefs about various topics, the workplace is meant to be a largely neutral zone. Depending on the position you're applying to, topics are generally not discussed on the clock. 

   
 
MC-Healthcare Initiative Foundation Scholarship

As an MC-USG Pathway student and Montgomery County resident enrolled at MC in specific healthcare majors, you may qualify for a Healthcare Initiative Foundation scholarship through the Montgomery College Foundation. Learn more about this and other available scholarships at the  Montgomery College Foundation website:  


School  Career Center Events Calendar 

Keep in touch with your Success Coach for updates to events, revise your resume, and attend the Spring Career and Internship Fairs!

School
Career Center Events

Montgomery College


Frostburg State
  • April 8- Spring Career, Internship, & Graduate School Fair
  • Career and Professional Development Center is open Monday-Friday from 8am-4:30 pm



Goucher
  • March 26 - Annual Etiquette Dinner
  • March 27 - Coffee chat for Government, International Affairs, Law & Social Impact Career Community
  • April 1 - Career Exploration Night - Science, Health, Environment & Research


Hood
  • March 2-Resume & Job Workshop at the Career Center
  • Career Center is open Monday-Friday from 8am-4:30 pm


McDaniel
  • Schedule an appointment today with the Center for Experience and Opportunity! Open Monday-Friday 8:30am-4:30 pm

Morgan State
  • April 9 - Spring Job Fair



Salisbury
  • March 4- Spring 2020 job and internship fair 
  • March 11- Maryland Insurance Administration Info Table 
  • March 18- Center for Medicaid & Medicare Info Table
  • March 26- Education job and career fair 
  • April 1- Maryland State Police Info Table



Towson
  • March 9- Free Professional Linkedin Photo
  • March 11- Diversity Works Career Networking Event 
  • March 27- Spring Mega Job & Internship Fair



UMBC
  • March 4- Baltimore Career Fair 
  • March 2-: Education Recruitment Fair 
  • March 21-22- Los Angeles Career Forum



Univ. of Maryland
  • March 6- Non-Profit Industry Meet-up
  • March 9- Peace Corps Information Session 
  • March 14- Maryland Teacher Recruitment Fair 
  • March 24- Writing Federal Resumes Workshop
  • April 1- How To Find An Internship 
  • April 2- On-Campus Jobs Meetup
Note: 
If you don't see your school above, make sure to check out the Career Center on your campus for upcoming events and services offered.

* Check in with your campus career center to see what online job database is offered. Many have adopted HANDSHAKE. Work with an advisor to help complete this profile and other ejob profiles. 
  

Scholars, spring break is just around the corner. We hope that you use this time to relax, travel, have fun and connect with your Success Coach! Below, please see additional happenings and deadlines in March.

March 1
Priority deadline to renew your FAFSA (if you have not done so, please contact your Success Coach).
Priority deadline to submit MC financial aid forms to the MC financial aid office (check your MYMC account for details and contact your Success Coach with questions).

Priority transfer application deadline for UMD, UMD @ USG and UMBC (for fall 2020 admission).

March 9 - 13
Midterm exams 

March 16 - 20
Spring break 

March 23 
Summer 2020 class schedule - available for viewing only 

Mobile Markets Days,  click here for more information: 

The Mobile Market provides fresh fruits, vegetables, and other foods to MC students, faculty/staff, and the community.  The food is distributed on campus at no cost. All you need to do is bring your bags to carry your groceries and pick up some food!
No proof of eligibility is required. Food is available on a first-come, first-serve basis. Listed below are the upcoming Mobile Market dates:
-March 4, 2020, 10am-12noon at MC Germantown (outside Student Affairs, SA building)
-March 18, 2020, 10am-12noon at MC Rockville (outside of North Garage)
  -March 25, 2020, 2pm-4pm at MC Takoma (outside Student Services, ST building)  


 
*MONTGOMERY COLLEGE-SPECIFIC INFORMATION*



  
In this corner, we recognize scholars who have special talents and skills outside of academia.
This month's featured scholar is Noah Haileselassi a student at Montgomery College majoring in Photography. We are pleased to feature his work and share his passion for photography.  


Q:  What inspires you to create and design?
A:  My love and passion for photography

Q: When did you create your first piece?
A:  August of 2018

Q:  Have you ever had any of your work published?
A: No, I haven't, but I'd love to one day

Q:  What do you want people to know about the work you shared here?
A:  The pieces that I am sharing are the little things that we pass by every day without thinking about it. The ordinary things in life and I want people to take notice in those things, and see the inner beauty in it.

Do you have a special talent or skill that you are passionate about?  Share it with your coach and you can be the next featured scholar!
_______________________________
       

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

CollegeTracks College Success Program Team:
MS. JENNI ADAMS
MS. NNEKA ONYILOFOR
MS. RACHEL LOSTUMBO
MS. FENISE DUNSON
MR. DENNIS TURNER
MS. COURTNEY RILEY
MS. DESTINEY AVENT
MS. VICTORIA WOLK
MS. BIJAL PARIKH
MS. NICOLE MALAMENT
MR. KENDRICK JOYNER
                                                                                                                                                                  @scholarsCT                                                                             CollegeTracks.                                                                   CTscholars 
                                                                                                        Success.Program