The community college setting, especially at Arizona Western College, not only challenging but very accommodating to the full-time student with a job or that has other obligations. As a non-traditional student, I have learned a few tricks of the trade to make your life easier if going to school is not your only job. Here are 3 tips to keep it all together and have a healthy semester:
Be Mega-Focused: Live in the present. If you are in class, be in class mentally, psycologically, and of course, physically. Take notes and participate in class. Take time to ponder the topics discussed in classWhen studying, do not text with friends and study but do whatever it takes to help you focus on the task at hand (have your pencil sharpened, wear comfortable shoes, put buds in your ears to avoid distractions, turn your cell phone off). The same applies when at home with your family, be present. Don’t try to study at home unless you are positive everyone else is doing something else. Instead, spend time with your spouse or children by watching a movie or going out to eat and do not check school email at home because you may get caught up doing something for school when your loved ones were expecting quality time. All in all, whatever task you are doing, or wherever you are, be there and fully present by preparing a head of time for the moment so you can live in that moment.
Use a Planner/Be Organized: Because you essentially have to be 2 people for a semester (a student and an employee), prepare to use a backpack, your car, and a planner to their fullest extent. The night before, plan your day and put in your car the extra sweater you may need for that class that has the AC turned up too high or put a travel toothbrush and brush in your backpack in case you don’t have time to come home to prepare for your PowerPoint presentation. The syllabi in your classes will be your best friend, take the time to write in a planner all the important events and due dates at the beginning of the semester so on a weekly basis, you know how to prepare for week. The power is really in your hands. As a working student, time is NOT on your side, you have to always be a step ahead to beat it so it won’t beat you. You will feel so empowered as a student when you get things done that even students without jobs were unable to do.
Be honest: You cannot say Yes to everything. As a working student, you will have get very comfortable saying NO, actually. But there is a way to say No, especially when it comes to saying it to someone you care about or it is a bridge you do not want to burn. For example, if a professor has a supplemental study group at their home and you feel pretty confident in the material, say No, so you can spend that time with your family instead or to study for another class that you’re not doing so well in or to get your hair done for yourself! But be sure to let them know that you’ll come to the next session and put the next session in your calendar right then when you’re saying it, so you don’t forget. If your spouse wants to go to the movies over the weekend but you have a paper that is due Monday, say NO. But assure him/her that going to school is only temporary (a semester is only 3 months) and you can have a movie day for a week once you’ve completed the semester or go get the tickets for next weekend…and put it in your calendar, right then. If co-workers, want to hang out after work and you haven’t slept a full night in 3 days, say NO. Instead, have them send you play-by-play pics throughout the night about how it went (turn off your phone, of course) and when you wake in the morning, check them out and give them feedback so they know you care. Don’t forget to text, “Next time, I’m gonna be sitting next to that fountain!” See? Saying No is only temporary. You’re in school for a reason. You have to make sacrifices and communicating that your friends and loved ones is essential. But you don’t have to be stressed just to get through it all.

Have a great 2013!

It’s time to put an end to just humming Christmas songs!  We hear them everywhere this time of year.  But how many of you actually know the words to these snazzy tunes?

One song, in particular, that we all act like we know the words to is, “The Holiday Season (Happy Holidays).  So, here are the words (sing along to the tune!):

Lyrics to The Holiday Season (Happy Holiday) :

Happy Holiday
Happy Holiday
May the calendar keep bringing
Happy Holidays to you

It’s the holiday season
And Santa Claus is coming back
The Christmas snow is white on the ground
When old Santa gets into town
He’ll be coming down the chimney, down
Coming down the chimney, down

It’s the holiday season
And Santa Claus has got a toy
For every good girl and good little boy
He’s a great big bundle of joy
He’ll be coming down the chimney, down
Coming down the chimney, down

He’ll have a big fat pack upon his back
And lots of goodies for you and me
So leave a peppermint stick for old St. Nick
Hanging on the Christmas tree

It’s the holiday season
With the whoop-de-do and hickory dock
And don’t forget to hang up your sock
“Cause just exactly at 12 o’clock
He’ll be coming down the chimney
Coming down the chimney
Coming down the chimney, down!

courtesy of : www.lyricsmania.com

Did you know that Yuma has a deaf community that is pretty prominent in the high schools and junior high schools (especially Cibola High)? Taking American Sign Language at AWC has opened my eyes to more than just learning a new language but introducing me to another culture here on the Southwest American border.

Usually, on one Saturday each month, ASL students are invited to practice the language at a Deaf Chat at one of our local businesses, the Coffee Bean, located on 4th Avenue.

I attended the chat and was surprised at how I was able to comprehend the language in the short amount of time studying ASL at AWC. Although not required, I was able to even order my coffee in sign language!

The most fascinating part of the Deaf Chat is communicating with Yuma’s very own deaf and hard-of-hearing. There were very open to practicing with me. It has even been known for a student to receive their “deaf name” at one of the chats.

All in all, I am very happy that I had this opportunity to take American Sign Language at AWC. It is not required to go to the Deaf Chats but it certainly enhances my fluidity and brings the lessons about the culture home.

Arizona Western College is certainly a college that gets involved with the community in all subjects.