Interested in becoming a 2019-2020 Hixson-Lied Success Scholar?
Please visit this
website
for more information!
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HELPING UNLV: ONE STUDENT AT A TIME!
By Sean Wadsworth, Hixson-Lied Success Scholar
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This week I had the opportunity to meet with Kayla Wright, the Learning Programs Coordinator for the Academic Success Center, and discuss two programs UNLV offers to help students. Those programs are Math Bridge and First-Gen Connect, formally UNLV Pride, and together they offer students opportunities to save money and increase their success during their time at UNLV.
The first program we discussed was Math Bridge, a program that was instituted in UNLV back in 2013. Math Bridge is a free service offered in the summer that helps incoming freshmen that would have to take math preparation courses like Math 95. If students take these courses during the semester, they would have to pay out of pocket for classes that they don’t receive any college credit for taking. Through Math Bridge, students can utilize free online tutoring and an online ALEKS placement program, which allows them to test up into a credit-bearing math class prior to the start of the semester. By doing so, students stand to save up to $1,000, not to mention time and energy.
Another invaluable resource we discussed was First-Gen Connect, a program in its third year that exists specifically for first-generation college students. While all of the different components that go into attending and funding school can be overwhelming, First-Gen Connect seeks to make handling all of this possible, providing first-generation students and their parents or guardians with a conference that focuses on tips for time management and important information on the differences between grants, loans, and scholarships, just to name a few. If necessary, Spanish translation is also available, and attendees can indicate on the registration form beforehand whether or not translation will be necessary.
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Ultimately, resources like Math Bridge and First-Gen Connect help to make the dream of college graduation a reality by knocking down barriers to success. Information on both bridge programs, and upcoming dates for them, can be found
here
.
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LEAVING YOUR MARK
By Lidia Wossen, Hixson-Lied Success Scholar
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When you think of a great leader or someone who enjoys making a difference, who comes to mind? Maybe a former professor, an advisor, a parent, or even yourself? Getting involved within your university serves as a great opportunity “to meet new people, aid in making memories, enrich your resume, and aid in leaving your mark on UNLV.”
The Consolidated Students of the University of Nevada, Las Vegas (CSUN) is UNLV’s very own undergraduate student government. Their purpose is to “represent the voice of students, build a campus community, and create memorable college experience for all UNLV Rebels.” CSUN is known for hosting numerous events on or around campus geared towards elevating students’ college experiences. They are also known for providing countless numbers of awards and scholarships to students.
Holding a position within the organization can enable a student to feel empowered and able to make a difference within the university. If you have an interest in overseeing events, voting on bills & funding proposals, or would love to serve as a justice, CSUN could be an amazing leadership opportunity for you.
UNLV Volunteers is another great organization on campus that you can join and strengthen your leadership skills. This organization “is a student-led organization whose mission is to learn and serve with the community to promote awareness and positive social change by providing and promoting meaningful service opportunities for UNLV…”
I had the privilege of volunteering with the organization during their most recent campus-wide Spring Service Day. Last semester, I was able to volunteer at the local Three-Square Food Bank. It was a very enriching experience being able to volunteer for the day as well as learning that they were solely the only food bank in Southern Nevada.
Most of these organizations count on volunteers to provide the aid they do for our community. This semester, I knew I wanted to become more involved and emphasize the incredible work some of these local organizations do!
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Becoming a Service Day leader enabled me to not only become more aware of local issues but to also educate and lead others to help make Las Vegas a better place.
Along with Service Day, UNLV Volunteers focuses on five major impact areas such as “the environment, hunger and homelessness, youth and education, health, and general programs.” There are always opportunities to simply volunteer but to also join the organization! If this seems like a great way to become a leader on campus – whether it’s as a board member, committee member or event coordinator – then UNLV Volunteers may be the organization for you.
Leaders are notoriously defined as those who may create a new path rather than follow others. Serving as a leader in the university can be difficult if you feel there are no clubs or organizations that cater towards your strengths or interests. One of the greatest privileges we have is the ability to start our own Registered Student Organization (RSO).
Although there are already 350 registered organizations already instilled on campus – ranging from athletics, Greek life, or a club being major-based – you can create an organization that gives you the ability to lead and that’s solely based on your interests and goals. In order to do so, every RSO must register with at least five currently registered UNLV students and a faculty advisor. To view the rest of the requirements, visit the
Student Involvement page
.
The clubs and organizations listed above are just a small fraction of the hundreds of opportunities on campus that allow you to lead and make a difference! Ranging from student government, to social events, to site leader; the possibilities are endless. Joining or creating an organization not only serves as a great resume-builder but enriches your overall college experience too!
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PROCRASTINATION
By Tearra Camacho, Hixson-Lied Success Scholar
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If it was not for the resources by UNLV and skills I have learned throughout my educational career, I probably would have procrastinated when studying for important assignments. Although nobody is perfect and can say that they have never procrastinated, there are several steps we can take to limit procrastination and finish the never-ending list of assignments we often have. One great resource at UNLV is the Coaching Spot, which is a free service that helps UNLV students develop strategies to achieve success in college by holding informative workshops. The topics covered in these workshops include time management, test anxiety, and procrastination. More information regarding Coaching Spot workshops can be found on their
website
.
Time-management is the most important component of procrastination. Cracking down on time-management and getting things done can be accomplished in three main steps:
Step one
focuses on determining how you spend your time. First, determining how you currently use your time can help you decide how to manage it and allow you to see what needs to be changed. For at least a week, write down what you do throughout the day and at the times you engage in those activities. As a busy college student with two jobs, I like to write down my things on Google calendar. Google calendar is a great tool because it has time blocks ready to be used, and it automatically connects to other electronic devices. For those who prefer to do it a different way, physically write down a list works just as fine. One useful tool that the Coaching Spot offers is a time-block worksheet that allows you to keep track of time.
Step two
addresses the importance of determining a realistic schedule. As a college student, I try to fit the gym, classes, studying, work, meetings, and time with friends all in one day. For me, I know I could never go to the gym before an 8am class (props to anyone that does). It is important to realize that there are 7 days in a week, and each day has 24 hours. If possible, it is better to schedule things throughout the week than trying to get everything done in one day. If the gym just cannot be done early in the morning, then maybe it can be changed to after school or work. Breaking up tasks into smaller chunks can help give you some peace of mind. Another key reminder is to always implement time to relax because going from one thing to another can be difficult as well.
Step three
involves the idea of planning for the unexpected. This is something that the Coaching Spot’s workshop touched on, which I found very helpful. More often than not, I think my plans will be smooth sailing; however, I am reminded that life just does not work like that. With all the wind and rain that has been occurring, it is a good idea to plan for a power outage. If you are working on a paper last minute, there can be many things that can happen: Wi-Fi can go out, laptop can die, printer can run out of ink, or the Turnitin website can be down. By starting on assignments earlier, you can finish the assignment and ultimately avoid all these problems.
Being procrastination-free is difficult, but here are other tips to get you going. One skill that really works is taking advantage of momentum. It is always hard to get up and do what needs to be done, but by telling yourself, “I will just take five minutes to start,” can easily turn into an hour. This works mainly because you already started it, and you might as well finish it through.
Another tip is to study or do what you need to do without your phone. Avoid all distractions and focus on the work ahead. “Let me check my media” breaks do not work and can be counterproductive.
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Most importantly, congratulate yourself for accomplishing the things that you did get done and if you need to, make adjustments on your calendar or to-do list. If you would like to become a non-procrastinating, the Coaching Spot will be the place to go. You will be able to talk to a coach one on one and be provided with more in depth tips and resources that will help you be successful at UNLV.
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UNLV JOB FAIR: OPPORTUNITIES FOR SUCCESS
By Paige Burns, Hixson-Lied Success Scholar
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Every semester, UNLV’s Career Center hosts a job fair. The UNLV job fair is a great opportunity to make connections and meet with potential employers. The best way to attend the job fair is to come prepared!
The Career Center provides a list of employers that will be present at the job fair each semester. By visiting the UNLV website and viewing the monthly event calendar, you can access an entire list of employers that will be there.
On average, there are about one hundred employers present each semester from various fields. This is great because the event caters to students from all different majors.
It is important to take a look at this list and make your own list of employers that interests you. Also, look at the positions they are hiring for on the company’s website or by visiting Hire A Rebel.
Most employers present do not hold on the spot interviews. Since there are so many employers present, it would be difficult to hold a proper and professional interview. However, some employers will schedule interviews on the spot.
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In addition, some employers will be conducting on campus interviews either the next day or later that week. This makes it very convenient for those students who are already very busy and cannot afford to take time off to attend an interview elsewhere.
The best way to make an impression for any future employer is to come prepared! By dressing appropriately and bringing plenty of copies of resume will make sure you stand out to employers.
The job fair hosted by UNLV’s Career Center is a fantastic networking event and has the potential to open doors for students and their future.
If you would like additional information regarding future career fairs, or if you have any other career/job-related questions, please visit the UNLV Career Center located on the second floor of the Student Services Complex – building A (SSC-A). They can also be reached by email at
careerservices@unlv.edu
or by phone at 702-895-3495.
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A NEW UPPERCLASSMEN LIVING SPACE: THE DEGREE
By Katie Franke, Hixson-Lied Success Scholar
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The Degree is a brand new upper-class living community that will open its doors in Fall 2019.
There are many amenities included in The Degree living space. One of their most attractive and much anticipated amenities is their courtyard, which will have a pool. This pool is as beautiful as a pool that one would see at a resort. It is safe to say that this is truly a home away from home with wonderful lounging areas, including volleyball courts and cabanas.
Some of the great amenities also include a barbecue area, places to hang out, a clubhouse with games such as ping pong, and an area with a Starbucks machine. To cater to students’ academic needs, there will also be multiple study rooms, conference rooms, and even private study cubes! All of these study amenities were designed specifically for UNLV students. There is a computer lab with free printing. Furthermore, Wi-Fi comes included with the rent. The complex will also include a 24- hour fitness center with cardio and weight machines. Students will also be able to participate in various fitness programs that will be offered in a separate room.
The Degree is located on the corner of Cottage Grove and Maryland Parkway. The apartment complex will start leasing on August 22 for Fall 2019. What makes this living community unique is the amount and variety of amenities that they will be providing for their residents. Being a brand new building, residents will enjoy brand new appliances. An enticing deal that they have going on is that they will waive the $398 application fee if you sign a lease. Currently, The Degree offers 12 month leases, which allows students to stay year round, holidays included. The Degree features beautiful bedrooms, bathrooms, and wonderful amenities that many Upperclassman will surely enjoy.
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Ms. Christina M. Hixson graduated from high school in Clarinda, Iowa and moved to Omaha, Nebraska to attend business school. She later went to work for Mr. Ernst F. Lied , a car dealership owner in Omaha and in 1960 she joined Mr. Lied in Las Vegas, Nevada as his assistant. After Mr. Lied’s death in 1980, Ms. Hixson became the sole trustee of the Lied Foundation Trust and turned the Lied Foundation Trust into one of the largest foundations in the state of Nevada at that time. Ms. Hixson has a special understanding of young people who, like her, came from a challenging family background and are willing to work hard.
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Mr. Ernst F. Lied was born in Columbus, Ohio and attended the University of Kansas for two years, where he played on the golf team. He ultimately graduated from the University of Nebraska in 1927. Mr. Lied became a Buick dealer in Omaha, Nebraska and later his dealership was ranked third in the country for the number of cars sold. Mr. Lied established his charitable foundation in 1972, and upon his death in 1980 at age 74 nearly his entire estate funded the Lied Foundation Trust. Lied Foundation Trust has enhanced the capabilities of many schools and enriched the quality of many lives!
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*All photos used are original, can be found on unlv.edu, UNLV social media or have references indicated
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