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Student Employment: the When, Where, and How

By April Pickens, Student Intern

In addition to taking eighteen credit hours (six classes), I work three jobs and have an internship. Some may say I’m crazy, and to that, I tend to agree. But I also just like to be busy. At Purdue University, I work as the Co-Director and tour guide for the Group Visits team, I am an Office Assistant for the Introductory Composition program, and I also am working on an organization project for the Rhetorical Composition program as well.

One of the most frequently asked questions I get on my tours is about Student Employment. Where do you find it? How does it work into my school schedule? How is the pay? Will I have to work on weekends?

Let’s break down some of the most frequently asked questions.

  1. Do I have to have a job on campus? No, you don’t! If you would rather have a job at a department store, shop, restaurant or salon, you can definitely do that! There are no limits when finding a job. However, I will say to keep in mind that the jobs on campus will work with your school schedule and are understanding about the need to change your schedule each semester.  That might be a little different for an off-campus job.
  2. If I want an on-campus job, does that mean that I can only work in the Dining Courts? No again! There are many, many different jobs on campus- as I said, I work as a tour guide and an office assistant. Most schools will have an online site where you can search for job openings, and some will even send out emails looking for recruits. It’s also always a good idea to keep your ears open; I found out about the Office Assistant position by word of mouth, and in a few days I was in for an interview!
  3. Will working impact my time to study? Perhaps. Like with any job, you have a certain number of hours to work. Most jobs are usually pretty flexible with your schedule, as long as you work the hours you are responsible for and do the work they need you to do. Ultimately, it falls upon you to schedule and spend your time wisely.
  4. Do I have to have a job while I’m in college? You definitely don’t have to; however, you can get a lot of great experience and make some great connections while working in college. Most students do choose to work, though. A 2015 study done at Georgetown University reports that over the past 25 years, 70% of students choose to work while they take college classes. This number has increased as the years have gone on, and as enrollment has expanded.
  5. What are some benefits of working while in college? Of course, the money is nice. Building your network can help you in your job searches in the future, either as references or by sending job descriptions and applications your way. These jobs are also a great way to earn experience to put on your resume; a ton of jobs want their applicants to have experience working in service jobs or working around people. Some examples of using these on your resume would be “teamwork”, “management skills”, or “developed leadership skills”.

 

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April Pickens recently graduated from Purdue University, and has been writing short stories since the age of three, so it’s probably a good thing that she is majoring in Professional Writing!  She plans to work in publishing and editing, and knows that this experience will further the skills she will use in future jobs and opportunities. As an intern with My College Navigation Hub, she looks forward to sharing her collegiate experiences with others (even the mistakes and slip ups), and hopefully helping students make their college years the best they can be!

2:10 PM June 21, 2018

Community Colleges

By: Meghan Lupo, Student Author

When you think about the “ideal” college experience you probably think about the things you’ve seen in movies. Going away to a four-year college, looking for your residence hall, what to take with you and decorating your room, and, of course, tailgating at games. The truth is, not all of us choose to go away right off that bat. I was one of those people. I chose to attend a local community college first. It was a hard decision, but so many factors played a part in figuring out what was right for me. The best part was, I still got to have a college experience. I now attend a four-year college. Yes, the two are completely different, but I truly enjoyed the time I spent at both.

Why choose a community college?

When I think back to the factors that impacted my decision to go away or stay home, I remember considering finances, housing, friends, the experience, and most importantly what was going to be best for my future. At eighteen I really wasn’t sure what I wanted to spend the rest of my life doing, but I knew I wanted to go to college and figure it out along the way. That was the first indicator that made me believe community college was the best option for me. I mean why spend more money for your gen eds when you can pay significantly less, work, and save money. Another huge factor was proximity, I only lived about fifteen minutes away from my community college so instead of paying for housing, I was able to stay home.  Hence, saving more money. Lastly, sports, at the time I was being recruited to play soccer for several different colleges. Some were in state, some out of state, but ultimately, I decided to play at my community college. It seemed almost too good to be true, I could stay home with my family, save money, and play the sport I loved while also getting a scholarship. Today, if I could go back and decide again whether to go away or stay home, hands down I would have made the same decision.

The truth about community colleges

Let me first preface this with saying that not all community colleges are the same. If yours is anything like mine, there are some benefits, as well as downfalls no matter where you go. Starting off, I had an easy time meeting friends for two reasons. One, I was on the soccer team so I met a lot of athletes not just from my team but the other teams that played at my school and we all got along. So, on the weekends we would hangout, volunteer together, and cheer each other on at our games. Second, my community college was just down the road from a four-year University. So many of the athletes I played with knew other students at that school. If I didn’t have that experience, playing a sport at my community college it would’ve definitely been a lot harder to make friends. Unlike a four-year college, most of the students who attend local community colleges have jobs, families, and other commitments that consume their time. Also, my community college didn’t have housing so after class everyone went home.

Teachers and smaller class sizes

One of my absolute favorite parts about my school was the teachers. Each one was different in their own way, but the one thing that was consistent in each classroom was their dedication to their students. In high school, I always remember being told that in college teachers aren’t going to help you, and it’s a completely different atmosphere but at a community college classrooms are similar to ones in high school. With about thirty kids in each class, teachers have the time to talk to you, help you with your questions, and work with you outside of class.

Prepare yourself

Honestly, community colleges aren’t like the stereotypes people associate them with. They definitely fall short of some of the perks that a four-year university can provide, but there are also many benefits that you’ll recognize throughout your experience.  Take into consideration your goals, plans, and what you want to accomplish in the next four years of school. If you’re not 100% sure about what you want to study, community colleges are a great place to start. Most community colleges offer transfer programs that will help you easily transition into a major university. No matter what your decision, take the time to research community colleges and weigh your options because at the end of the day only you know what’s best for you!

 

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Meghan Lupo is a senior currently enrolled at Northwood University where she is pursuing her bachelor’s degree in Business administration with a major in Marketing. Throughout her college career she was hesitant about solidifying her decision to pursue business, but the decision became very easy after a few business classes that left a lasting impression on her. As a student-athlete, mentor, and someone who has experienced the trials and tribulations college entails she is ecstatic to be a part of our team and share her journey with others in order to help them grow, excel, and enjoy all that college has to offer.

 

12:10 AM June 7, 2018

Transition from High School to College – Parent’s Perspective

By: Meghan Lupo, student author

When one chapter closes, another one begins

When I graduated from high school, I couldn’t wait for the journey that was about to unfold in front of me. Moving away from home and starting college represented a significant step towards adulthood and becoming more independent.

Although the change was exciting, it became apparent that a sense of loss followed suit. For many students the transition brings about lots of feelings, emotions, and maybe even some reservations. How many of us stop to think about our parents and how this change affects them?

What I know now

At the time, I didn’t think twice about how my parents were feeling and I really regret that now, because I’m sure it was hard for them. Having your child be around everyday for eighteen years, and watching them grow, learn, and become an adult must be such an amazing experience. Only to watch them leave the nest and fly on their own probably leads to a whole new set of emotions and anxieties. In truth, we all deal with change differently. Some of us embrace it without hesitation, while others are overwhelmed with feelings and sometimes a void that takes time to fill. Many parents don’t know until that day comes how they’ll feel but it’s a part of the process of raising children to go out into the world and make their way.

Asking the questions, parents want to know

I reached out to two parents who have experienced this journey first hand. Both moms expressed their feelings about the transition. The good and the bad. Having multiple children leave the nest left them feeling anxious, but four years later they both look back on the process and the lessons they learned along the way.

Q: Did you attend college, or have an idea of what your student was getting into?
Parent 1: I went to Delta so I had no idea what to expect when she went away to CMU. I was working on Orientation Day so I had no clue about the expense and how student loans worked, etc. We were totally caught off guard.

Parent 2: Yes, I had an idea, but then again college is much different now.

Q: What expectations did you have for your child as they prepared to leave for college?
Parent 1: I had hopes that she would have a great college experience… living on campus, making new friends, doing well in classes. At that time, she was still going for Veterinary MED, so I was thinking she was in for the long haul.

Parent 2: I expected them to have a typical “college experience.” To meet new people and to study hard.

Q: Did you talk about keeping in touch, or when you would visit each other?

Parent 1: No. Not really. I knew we would text each other all the time & call when we wanted.

Parent 2: No.

Q: When you think back to this time what emotions was your child experiencing?

Parent 1: Excitement, anxiety, nervous, and happy.

Parent 2: My child was excited but nervous about the new adventure.

Q: What was the transition like for you and your student?
Parent 1: Move-in day was very hectic and exciting. It was an adjustment for her to be completely on her own and independent from home, not to mention, adjusting to living with roommates.

Parent 2: I was sad and felt alone but my child was happy to be free.

Q: How did you prepare for these changes?
Parent 1: We shopped for school supplies and dorm living. Otherwise we were not very prepared. We just dealt with it as it happened

Parent 2: I didn’t really prepare.


Q: What did you struggle with the most when sending your student off to college?

Parent 1: The financial cost.

Parent 2: Finding things to fill my time.

Q: Did you worry about the pressure and physical/mental demands that college entails?

Parent 1: I wouldn’t say I worried, but I hoped she would get along well with living with two other girls due to the fact that they didn’t really know each other. I felt confident that she would be able to handle the class load and academic demands.

Parent 2: Of course, I wanted all of my children to be happy and not become overwhelmed.

Q: Was it hard coming to the realization that your student was going to have a new sense of freedom that they never had before like for example staying out late, not going to class, etc.?

Parent 1: No. She is a very responsible type of person. I knew she would not skip classes unnecessarily and would be able to handle responsibilities and herself well.

Parent 2: No. Both of my children were responsible.

Q: What words of advice would you give to parents who have children that are getting ready to go to college?

Parent 1: They should have their kids apply for scholarships! They should take basic classes at a community college where the credits transfer into the college they want to go to.

Parent 2: Find a hobby and let go. Let God. It’s going to be ok.

Q: What do you think was helpful in preparing your student for the real world?

Parent 1: Instilling good values and confidence, work hard, follow the rules, do what you have to do to get the job done, and be responsible. Golden rule: Treat others as you would have them treat you!

Parent 2: How to communicate and to be confident.

Q: What helped your cope with your child leaving for college?

Parent 1: Staying busy, work, our other children at home.

Parent 2: My husband. We leaned on each other.


Q: Did the dynamic change between you and your student?
Parent 1: Sort of…she started to appreciate me more. Not having me around and having to do everything for herself, she didn’t take me for granted as much.

Parent 2: Yes. They became strong individuals.

Q: How did you embrace it?

Parent 1: I don’t know…I guess I welcomed the opportunity for her to go off and experience college life and all the different aspects of it.

Parent 2: I tried to accept their new-found independence.

Q: Do you have any regrets about the transition?
Parent 1: I would have asked more questions to get more information.

Parent 2: No.


Q: What did you learn about yourself throughout the journey?
Parent 1: That’s tough…I guess that I could take pride in the job I had done in raising a daughter to be independent and confident to go off on her own to college.

Parent 2: I shouldn’t worry so much, and should take more time to be selfish.

 

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Meghan Lupo is a senior currently enrolled at Northwood University where she is pursuing her bachelor’s degree in Business administration with a major in Marketing. Throughout her college career she was hesitant about solidifying her decision to pursue business, but the decision became very easy after a few business classes that left a lasting impression on her. As a student-athlete, mentor, and someone who has experienced the trials and tribulations college entails she is ecstatic to be a part of our team and share her journey with others in order to help them grow, excel, and enjoy all that college has to offer.

 

6:32 PM May 30, 2018

Unraveling the Mystery of Online College Classes

By:  Student Author, Meghan Lupo

Online classes have become increasingly popular among college students, a recent study showed that nearly one-third of college courses are actually taken online. They offer an array of benefits, especially for individuals who have to balance school, work, or raising a family. This flexibility can be extremely helpful throughout the completion of your degree, but how do you know whether or not taking classes online is right for you?

As a student who has taken numerous classes online, with subjects ranging from sociology to statistics, let me provide you with the information and answers to many questions you may be having about the virtual classroom.

Balancing college courses and life
When I first started taking online classes I was a little apprehensive. Between school, work, being a student athlete, and maintaining some sort of social life, I was quickly convinced that this would be the right decision for me. As I progressed through my first course I realized this wasn’t as difficult as I thought it would be, and I actually started to prefer online classes over traditional ones. Four years later, with an Associate’s degree and having nearly completed my Bachelor’s degree, I’ve taken over twenty online classes. Some were harder than others, but I truly enjoyed the different experiences and knowledge I gained from each one.

You might be thinking, maybe you liked online classes… but there is absolutely no way I would even consider taking them. Let me stop you right there, because yes, online classes aren’t for everyone, but before you make up your mind let me outline what these classes entail and how impactful they can be on your college experience.

What to expect from online college courses

When talking with my peers about online classes, I’ve come to realize that there are two assumptions that just about everyone makes. One is that they are way too hard and students will say, “I procrastinate way too much, and would not be able to keep up on the work.” The second is “aren’t online classes easier?” So, to clarify both these questions let me start with procrastinating.

Whether you take classes online or in person, the same work is expected of you. The only difference is if you are face to face with your professor, listening to a lecture. Yes, this may be preferred by some, but at the end of the day you are responsible for making sure your homework is done. You are the one who has to take the time to study, complete projects and manage your time. The same applies to online classes, you wouldn’t not show up to your 8 am class, so why wouldn’t your login to your account online and complete your coursework and homework every week?

Secondly no, online classes aren’t easier. They are actually quite similar to traditional classes but they do offer many benefits. First flexibility, many people like taking these classes because you have the freedom to access your class at any time, you don’t have to drive to school, and you can go at your own pace. Now just because there are a few differences between taking your classes online instead of in a formal setting doesn’t mean that they will be a breeze. You’ll still have to put in the same amount of work, study, and make sure your assignments are turned in on time.

Time management is important!

One thing I want to stress to all students is that time management is essential to your success. Just like any other class, online classes require you to be motivated and dedicated to staying up to date on your assignments. Whether that is through your email, checking your course, or collaborating with other students. You must be proactive and willing to put in the work that is integral to completing your course. Although you may enjoy the flexibility of these courses and going at your own pace, understand that if you fall behind it’s hard to get caught up. Set aside certain days and times that you know you’ll be able to work on your classes and complete your assignments.

Online orientations are not optional

If this is your first online class, or your tenth make sure you get comfortable with your class format and the materials you will need. Usually a week before your classes start you’ll be able to access your course which will provide you with valuable information such as the schedule your instructor has created, the syllabus, as well as where you can find your homework and tests. Once you have become acquainted with the platform, utilize any other orientation materials that can aid in your efforts throughout the semester. If you still have questions do not hesitate to ask your professor, they will be there for you every step of the way!

Online classes don’t mean you won’t have projects

So, you may be wondering do online classes entail group projects? Yes! Just because your classes are online doesn’t mean that you won’t be assigned team projects. With advancements made in technology it has become more common for instructors to assign students group projects. Although it can be difficult at times collaborating with other students, it is possible and several platforms like Google Docs, Skype, and Video conferencing can aid in this process. If you haven’t ever used any of these tools try to get familiar with them because they can be helpful both for virtual students, as well as traditional ones.

Online Lectures and Presentations

With online courses and programs high in demand it’s imperative that schools keep up and use new advancements to give them an edge that will appeal to their students. One thing I really enjoyed was that several of my classes included face-to-face interactions with my professors. Oftentimes, I think people shy away from virtual classrooms because you aren’t sitting in front of an instructor, taking notes, with the ability to ask questions, but that isn’t always the case. In fact, a lot of instructors do their lectures virtually, which gives you the chance to ask questions and converse with them. Like I mentioned previously, platforms like Skype, Bluejeans and virtual conferencing are used. For one of my final projects I actually used Bluejeans and presented to my class and professor. It was such an awesome experience, that I think will be beneficial for my career. Technology has incredible benefits and it’s best to expose ourselves to these new tools that we will be expected to use in our jobs.

Embrace change

From personal experience, I can say that I love online classes and given my unique situation, they work for me. When I began college, I was a student athlete who practiced every day except Sunday, worked twenty hours a week, and went to class. It was extremely stressful at times, but I learned a lot from it. I learned that I was an individual who preferred reading my textbook, having a flexible class schedule, and the ability to access my class at any time of the day or night. Taking online classes alleviated so much stress from my life and had a positive impact on my grades. I felt like I learned more when taking these classes. I could utilize new tools that I had never had before in school like pausing lectures to take notes or working at my own pace. Not only that, I still had the ability to email my professor with questions. So, for those of you still debating whether or not to take online classes, do your research. Think about the type of student you are and how you learn best. Because although you are probably comfortable with taking traditional classes, you may be missing out on a great opportunity.

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Meghan Lupo is a senior currently enrolled at Northwood University where she is pursuing her bachelor’s degree in Business administration with a major in Marketing. Throughout her college career she was hesitant about solidifying her decision to pursue business, but the decision became very easy after a few business classes that left a lasting impression on her. As a student-athlete, mentor, and someone who has experienced the trials and tribulations college entails she is ecstatic to be a part of our team and share her journey with others in order to help them grow, excel, and enjoy all that college has to offer.

12:14 PM May 23, 2018

Summer College Prep – The Things You Might Not Think About

By:  April Pickens, student writer

So you’re going to college in the fall. You’ve already found your dream college and you’re in the process of making lists about what you want to take with you, and what you’ll need to buy. While you’re doing all that planning, a few things might slip your mind- but don’t worry, we have you covered!

    • Get a Debit Card. Life is a lot easier when you don’t have to carry cash around with you all the time, and paying for expensive textbooks is WAY easier when you don’t have to take out hundreds of dollars from your bank. If you don’t already have a debit card, I would highly suggest getting one. All you need to do is go to the bank with your parents, and the tellers can usually print one there for you after you set up your account. One thing to note, though: make sure you look around your college campus to make sure your bank has a physical location nearby- it’s a lot easier to be able to go to a branch of your bank when you have a problem instead of trying to fix it over the phone (trust me, I know from experience). You’ll also save on ATM fees!
    • Memorize Your Social Security Number. This will help you in all aspects of your life, not just when you’re in college. Surprisingly, you need your social security number for a lot of things. Memorizing your number now will save you a lot of time and effort in the future, and it lessens the risk of someone finding it out if you have it memorized rather than carrying it around in your wallet. Always protect your SSN!
    • Update Your Resume. I bet you didn’t think about this, huh? You can now update the education section of your resume to show you’ve completed your high school education and are now a student in college. While you’re there, don’t forget to update any job information or skills!
    • Schedule a Doctor’s Appointment. One last trip to the doctor’s office never hurt anyone, and your doctor can give you some good tips about staying healthy in college. This is also a good time to ask if you can get any prescriptions you might need filled in three or six month quantities- it’s much easier to have three months at a time rather than going home every month just to pick up your prescriptions.
    • Get a Haircut. Depending on how far away you are from home, your usual hair stylist won’t be as easily accessible anymore! Personally, I get my hair done before I leave for the fall semester, winter break, and spring break. That way, I’m already going to be home, and I don’t have to look for a new hairstylist at college.
    • Learn How to Do Laundry. If you don’t already know how, this will be your time to learn. Your momma can’t do it for you anymore! My freshman year, our Resident Assistant had to sit some people down and teach them that tide pods do not go where the detergent goes- they are two different things. It was embarrassing for them, but hilarious for the rest of us. Make sure you know what you’re doing around a washer and dryer!

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    April Pickens is a recent graduate from Purdue University, and has been writing short stories since the age of three, so it’s probably a good thing that she is majored in Professional Writing!  She plans to work in publishing and editing, and knows that this experience will further the skills she will use in future jobs and opportunities. As an intern with My College Navigation Hub, she looks forward to sharing her collegiate experiences with others (even the mistakes and slip ups), and hopefully helping students make their college years the best they can be!

5:04 PM May 16, 2018

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