Two words, Summer School. Those two words just 10 years ago evoked a picture of some miserable student, sitting in an unconditioned room somewhere, counting down the minutes until 3. What was once a last resort has now become a popular option among college students and not for the reasons you would think. Attending summer classes can provide you with many benefits. For instance, many students see summer school as a way to get ahead. It allows you to free up your schedule next semester. In addition, summer school may be the option to satisfy the urge you’ve always had to travel. Either way, after this article, you will never see summer school in the same way again.
All college students have a large share of prequisites they must take before graduating. These standard English, Math, Science and History Classes are seen as the foundation of a well-rounded education. With all the interesting classes offered at your school, it’s a case of too many classes, too little time. Yet, an English 100 or History 150 is holding you back from taking what you want. During the summer, these classes are still offered at many convenient times and will allow you to take the course in a quicker timeframe. Usually 1 month as opposed to 1 semester. Doing so frees up your following semester so you can take more courses related to your major.
Yet if you are like me and somewhat adventurous, another advantage of taking those core classes in the summer is that it will allow you to graduate earlier!! Transferring in 6-9 college credits from your High School is an awesome feat that some students are now managing. Yet with the average A.S. Degree being 60 credits, you have three semesters to complete 51 – 54 credits. Taking a 18 Credit/Hour semester is workable, but I had 15-16 Credit/Hour Semesters and highly recommend them to you as the perfect balance of life and school. Having the option to take 6-9 credit hours of school work during the summer will allow you flexibility when planning your future. Combining pre-college credits with summer classes can get you a good 15 credits (which is exactly ¼ of a 60 Credit, 4 semester program), leaving you with 3 semesters (45 credit hours).
You can also use this time to study at another college. I picked up 9 credit hours of language and a 3 credit hour business class during my summer time. This combined with my High School Experience granted me a total of 18 credits. So my college years of planning were much easier, allowing me to graduate a semester earlier and transfer to my Master Program.
In all, Summer School is not what it used to be. Many students are now realizing the benefits of studying during the summer. Now may be the time that you look at possible summer study as a means to advancing your college program. As usual, if you have any specific questions, leave me a comment and I will be glad to help you plan ahead.
Dylan Swartz
February 8, 2012
February 1, 2012
Too Much Free Time?
College will be one of the most memorable experiences of your life. During your experience, you’ll find that there is hardly ever a dull moment. With so much going on around you, there are so many options for you to consider. Should I join Flag Football and Reading Club this semester, or push Reading back for a Yoga Class? Better yet, joining all three seems to be a popular option. Even if this doesn’t sound like you now, let me show you why you should take advantage of the variety of Clubs and Activities offered by your College.
The best reason for participating in these activities is that is wards off boredom. Too often college students complain there is nothing to do around campus, “nothing at all” they say. Next time you are near a Student Union look around at all the flyers. Don’t be surprised if you see Boxing, Yoga, Martial Arts, Drawing, Manga, Recycling, International, Reading, Science, Nursing, Chiropractic, Student Enterprise, Dance, Swimming, Running as some options. With more clubs like Poetry, Student Union and Painting, the list keeps on going.
Even if you don’t see something on these lists you may like, do not be discouraged. You are more than encouraged to start your own club of interest. At my past school, a few friends and I were interested in Martial Arts. We looked around and could not find anything, so we did what students do, ask. We learned that you can start a club with some student signatures and a sponsoring teacher. So that is just what we did. We set our time and participated in a successful club for 4 semesters and had so much fun.
Even if you are unsure about what a club may do, attend a meeting and they will be pleased to show you. Many friendships are started simply by joining a club. Even if you have never done something like flag football or dance, you will meet great people and make some friends in the process.
So now you can’t say you’re bored.
By Dylan Swartz
The best reason for participating in these activities is that is wards off boredom. Too often college students complain there is nothing to do around campus, “nothing at all” they say. Next time you are near a Student Union look around at all the flyers. Don’t be surprised if you see Boxing, Yoga, Martial Arts, Drawing, Manga, Recycling, International, Reading, Science, Nursing, Chiropractic, Student Enterprise, Dance, Swimming, Running as some options. With more clubs like Poetry, Student Union and Painting, the list keeps on going.
Even if you don’t see something on these lists you may like, do not be discouraged. You are more than encouraged to start your own club of interest. At my past school, a few friends and I were interested in Martial Arts. We looked around and could not find anything, so we did what students do, ask. We learned that you can start a club with some student signatures and a sponsoring teacher. So that is just what we did. We set our time and participated in a successful club for 4 semesters and had so much fun.
Even if you are unsure about what a club may do, attend a meeting and they will be pleased to show you. Many friendships are started simply by joining a club. Even if you have never done something like flag football or dance, you will meet great people and make some friends in the process.
So now you can’t say you’re bored.
By Dylan Swartz
January 26, 2012
A Myth About Study Abroad - (Part 1)
For students who excel with a challenge, pay attention. During the past 40 years, domestic business has become more connected with the global economy than ever before. A new generation of students are venturing abroad to expand their education and realize this potential. Studying abroad may be an option you never thought of and you may be thinking, why me? The answer shouldn’t be why, but rather why not?
Many college students believe the myth that only business or language majors will benefit from time abroad. That conception is just false. Medical Majors will benefit from traveling to a reputable institution abroad. Just in Mexico at Universidad Autónoma de Guadalajara is a major program dedicated to producing Doctors, Nurses and Practitioners. In addition to the quality education you will receive, picking up a second language is sure to sharpen your professional resume!
How about studying the exotic wildlife in the forest of Costa Rica or Panama? If you’re a biology major, this may just be a reality. You can get up close and personal with the fauna you’re study in school rather than just reading about it. If you are interested in History, why not see it in person? Studying in Europe would put you in the middle of a very rich culture. Being in the E.U. would allow you to quickly and cheaply visit any other member country you want to on a weekend. Heard about the Leaning Tower in Italy, the Swiss Alps or any number of the other plentiful places to see?
I think I’m getting my point across and I hope you are getting excited. After all, your years in college are supposed to be exploratory. Use them to accomplish what you’ve always dreamt about but never thought you could fit in at School. I will write another article about the financial aspects, the ones that seem to hold everyone back. This will show you how it is quite possible and your school may actually help pay!!
Until then: Dylan
Many college students believe the myth that only business or language majors will benefit from time abroad. That conception is just false. Medical Majors will benefit from traveling to a reputable institution abroad. Just in Mexico at Universidad Autónoma de Guadalajara is a major program dedicated to producing Doctors, Nurses and Practitioners. In addition to the quality education you will receive, picking up a second language is sure to sharpen your professional resume!
How about studying the exotic wildlife in the forest of Costa Rica or Panama? If you’re a biology major, this may just be a reality. You can get up close and personal with the fauna you’re study in school rather than just reading about it. If you are interested in History, why not see it in person? Studying in Europe would put you in the middle of a very rich culture. Being in the E.U. would allow you to quickly and cheaply visit any other member country you want to on a weekend. Heard about the Leaning Tower in Italy, the Swiss Alps or any number of the other plentiful places to see?
I think I’m getting my point across and I hope you are getting excited. After all, your years in college are supposed to be exploratory. Use them to accomplish what you’ve always dreamt about but never thought you could fit in at School. I will write another article about the financial aspects, the ones that seem to hold everyone back. This will show you how it is quite possible and your school may actually help pay!!
Until then: Dylan
January 16, 2012
Food Budget Doesn't Mean Tasteless
In my past 2 year’s dorming at a small Community College, I have learned quickly how important cooking skills are. Gone are the days of asking my mom to fry me a grilled cheese sandwich. There I was at the stove, thinking to myself “learn to cook or eat easy mac every night”. If you don’t eat out every night and want a nutritious meal, you are not alone. But to help you transition, I have created a few easy cooking recipes for you to try out. These are not some five steps, three course entrée but something warm, yummy and filling.
Ramen is a college staple. At 20 cents a package who can argue with the price. In a boiling pot, cook the ramen until it is mostly done. At this point do not add the flavor packet. The idea is that the noodles need to be somewhat stiffer than with your typical ramen. After draining completely of water, add 1/3 of the flavor mix and stir. Now you have noodles perfect for adding soy sauce, sweat & sour sauce, red hots sauce or any other flavoring you like. Feel free to substitute these noodles into any recipe with chicken strips or grilled shrimp (you get the idea).
Another easy recipe is to get a Rice Pilaf packet from your local grocer. These taste great and are inexpensive. Most importantly they are filling. There are many different flavors, some including Spanish, Indian & Mexican style. The instructions are very straightforward and are listed on the packet. Mix with Ground Beef for an awesome meal.
My favorite snack is without a doubt the quesadilla, Mexican style. You will only need some soft white cheese available at your local grocery store (I prefer the round circle soft kind) and some corn based tortillas (these need to be kept refrigerated or they spoil) in order to cook. Cut the cheese thin and place in between two tortillas. In a large cooking pan (sized for four hamburgers), heat up a small spoonful of olive oil for about 30 seconds. Place one quesadilla on the pan and spread the oil evenly. When you see the bottom start to brown, flip it once. When you see the cheese oozing out you know it’s done. Be careful though as the cheese will be hot!! Dip in Salsa for maximum flavor.
The ramen recipe is just a variation of the package, but it is a whole different texture and flavor than just beef or chicken. You have so much freedom when cooking, so use your time in college to experiment. If you enjoyed these tips, leave me a comment or question. If I get enough food interest, maybe I will run a few more recipe/ideas.
Until then, best of cooking - Dylan
Ramen is a college staple. At 20 cents a package who can argue with the price. In a boiling pot, cook the ramen until it is mostly done. At this point do not add the flavor packet. The idea is that the noodles need to be somewhat stiffer than with your typical ramen. After draining completely of water, add 1/3 of the flavor mix and stir. Now you have noodles perfect for adding soy sauce, sweat & sour sauce, red hots sauce or any other flavoring you like. Feel free to substitute these noodles into any recipe with chicken strips or grilled shrimp (you get the idea).
Another easy recipe is to get a Rice Pilaf packet from your local grocer. These taste great and are inexpensive. Most importantly they are filling. There are many different flavors, some including Spanish, Indian & Mexican style. The instructions are very straightforward and are listed on the packet. Mix with Ground Beef for an awesome meal.
My favorite snack is without a doubt the quesadilla, Mexican style. You will only need some soft white cheese available at your local grocery store (I prefer the round circle soft kind) and some corn based tortillas (these need to be kept refrigerated or they spoil) in order to cook. Cut the cheese thin and place in between two tortillas. In a large cooking pan (sized for four hamburgers), heat up a small spoonful of olive oil for about 30 seconds. Place one quesadilla on the pan and spread the oil evenly. When you see the bottom start to brown, flip it once. When you see the cheese oozing out you know it’s done. Be careful though as the cheese will be hot!! Dip in Salsa for maximum flavor.
The ramen recipe is just a variation of the package, but it is a whole different texture and flavor than just beef or chicken. You have so much freedom when cooking, so use your time in college to experiment. If you enjoyed these tips, leave me a comment or question. If I get enough food interest, maybe I will run a few more recipe/ideas.
Until then, best of cooking - Dylan
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