Sunday, May 31, 2015

Documents Needed When Applying for Scholarships

Although you may not need all of the documents listed below, it is a good idea to have all of them neatly filed in your Scholarship Portfolio.  Remember that "Organization is the Key to Success". The important reason for having your portfolio complete is so that you can apply for scholarships in a timely fashion and NOT miss deadlines.  
Documents:
  1. Driver's License or a DMV ID Card
  2. Social Security Card
  3. Birth Certificate
  4. Passport
  5. Alien Registration Card
  6. Unofficial Transcripts
  7. Official Transcripts (at least one copy).  Remember it needs to be updated every semester or quarter.
  8. SAT Scores (if you have them)
  9. High School Transcripts (especially if you have just graduated).
  10. Head Shot Photo (a selfie is usually NOT adequate).
Be sure that you keep your documents in a very safe place --identity theft is no fun.

Saturday, May 30, 2015

Summer and Scholarships

Summer is the PERFECT time to work on scholarships.  Be sure that your portfolio is in order.  Do you need more letters of recommendation? Can you rewrite your essay(s) to make them even better? Do you have all of the necessary documents?  Your documents should be copied in color.  Do you need to purchase materials?  Check your present supply of the following:

  1. Organizer sheets -- you can download from my website (www.findingmoneyforcollege.com)
  2. Updated calendars -- available on your computer (Publisher).  Use the UNDERSTATED format.
  3. Extra sheet protectors
  4. 9 X 12 WHITE envelopes
  5. Extra copies of Guidelines for Writing Letters of Recommendation -- my website
  6. Extra copies of Status Sheets -- my website
  7. Update your Personal Data sheet -- my website
  8. Update your Scholarship Resume -- my website
  9. Perfect your Professional Resume
  10. Update your professional resume worksheet on your computer.
  11. Purchase professional looking Thank You Notes.



Friday, May 29, 2015

Disappointment for Avery

Although Avery was the popular vote winner and won close to a $1,000 in prizes for the Palm Springs Life Contest, he won't be on the cover of Palm Springs Life.  Apparently, that is a separate prize determined by PSL.  Just  like the voting process, the prize description took several readings by college graduates to fully understand.

Wednesday, May 27, 2015

Be Available for Scholarships

It is very important to be available when you have applied for scholarships.  Recently two students were selected to be winners of scholarships and they did not respond to phone calls or emails.  In the past students forfeited their awards to the next candidate.  Be sure you submit an email and phone number, but more importantly, be available to receive the message and respond.  IMMEDIATELY!!!

Success (Quote)

"There are no secrets to success.  It is the result of preparation, hard work and learning from failure."
--Colin Powell

Quotes of the Day

"If you are compassionate in your approach to all tasks in life, believing that all 'problems' contain valuable lessons, you will find peace of mind."
--Dr. Lee Jampolsky

"It's good to have money and the things money can buy, but it's good, too, to check once in a while and make sure that you haven't lost the things that money can't buy."
--George Horace Lormier

Monday, May 25, 2015

Go Girl ! Grant Spring Deadline

The Girl Friend Factor accepts scholarship applications twice a year.  The next deadline is July 15, 2015.
(This is for women 25+)        http://girlfriendfactor.org/go_girl.html

Mange Your Finances While in School-

Spend Within Your Limits:  Don't run out of money before the end of an academic term.  Try to avoid overusing credit cards, spend within your means and do not carry a balance.
Personal/Living Expenses:  If you live in campus housing, save money by using your meal plan instead of eating out.  For example, buying one "super duper" latte a day will cost you $3,360 by the time you graduate.
Transportation and Travel:  If you have a car, figure in gas, insurance, registration, maintenance and parking fees.  If possible, take advantage of the campus shuttle, public buses.  Rise a bike or consider carpooling.
Entertainment:  Prioritize your recreational activities and take advantage of free and low cost activities on campus.  Bands and comedians, local and well known, frequent college campuses.  As a student you can see many for free (or discounted with a student ID).
Books and Course Fees:  Budget for extra costs that can arise for a class or lab, as course fees can vary.  If possible, try to purchase used books and sell back your textbooks at the end of the semester! You may want to consider renting books or eBooks.  Always be sure you're purchasing the correct and current edition of a book.

--Taken from the Fastweb Student Bulletin

Sunday, May 24, 2015

Knowledge vs. Wisdom

Graduation should mean that you have gained knowledge.  That knowledge should prepare you for a fulfilling career and it will eventually.  Your newly earned  degree is the key to opening the door, but remember that it is not until you have spent a number of years in your new career that you understand the subjects that you have studied.  With time you will gain wisdom, which is knowing how to effectively use what you have learned.

Remember:
"Knowledge is what you get from books.  Wisdom is what you get from life".

It is interesting to note that the graduation ceremony is referred to as commencement.  The word commencement means beginning not the end.  Your whole life is ahead of you--the wisdom is yet to come.

Graduation Thank You Notes

Being grateful has really been on my mind lately.  So many people assume that the world owes them a living and fail to acknowledge the kindness and thoughtfulness of others.  I have found that the more thanks I give everyday, the better I feel about myself and the more I continue to receive.

Many students here in the desert graduated from College of the Desert last Friday and I am sure that there were many flowers and gifts from family and friends.  You, undoubtedly, gave a verbal thank you, but was that enough? How many people took time from their lives to travel to your commencement?  How many people spent hard earned money to present you with something they thought that you would enjoy?  Don't you think that a written thank you note is in order?  A handwritten  note shows that you took the time to show that you appreciate.  It will make the recipient feel good and so will you.  What are you waiting for??  

Saturday, May 23, 2015

Avery WON!!!

My little four legged, soft, silky Wheaten Poodle won the Pets on Parade 2015 contest.  The prize is two nights at a plush hotel in Newport Beach, dinner for two and a year's subscription to Palm Springs Life magazine. 

Of course, the most exciting part is yet to come.  He will be on the cover of the pet edition of the Palm Springs Life Magazine which comes out in August 2015.

My sincere thanks to everyone who took the time to vote for him -- the voting process was not a simple one.

I so appreciate your support.

Thursday, May 21, 2015

Six Housecleaning Tips

The six don't's of cleaning:
1.  Don't:  Use vinegar on stone counters -- it can etch and damage materials like granite.
2.  Don't:  Mix bleach with ammonia (can be seriously dangerous).  It can produce a gas that can constrict breathing.
3.  Don't:  Use laundry stain remover on carpets.  It can leave a sticky residue.
4.  Don't:  Dust furniture with a dry rag.  It will just move the dirt around and scratch the finish.
5.  Don't:  Use bleach to clean rust.  It will actually set the stain.
6.  Don't:  Use dish soap to wash your car.  It is harsher on the paint than a car wash.
--House Beautiful Magazine

Wednesday, May 20, 2015

COD Graduates

Congratulations for successfully completing your program of studies here, at the College of the Desert.  You made it !!!!!  Best wishes as you continue your journey either to a new job or onto a four-year college.  New beginnings are a bit scary, but also very exciting.  Embrace all of the new opportunities to learn and to enhance yourself as an individual.

Tuesday, May 19, 2015

Quotes of the Day

"The past does not have a future, but you do".
--Byrd Baggett

"It is not what we take up, but what we give up, that makes us rich".
--Henry Ward Beecher

Sunday, May 17, 2015

Letters of Recommendation and Thank You Letters

To my students who are just finishing my three classes, please remember to send a thank you letter or a thank you card to those who have taken the time to write a letter on your behalf.  It does take time and effort from a busy schedule to write a letter of recommendation.  The very least that you can do is to show your appreciation with a proper thank you.  A quickly submitted email does not cut it. Take it a step further and slip a nice bookmark, attractive post-its or even a candy bar in the envelope -- it warms the heart.   Everyone  welcomes thoughtfulness.

Quote

"If you have only one breathe left, use it to say thank you."
-Pam Brown

Friday, May 15, 2015

Thank You Notes

There was a time when hand written thank you notes were a rigorous part of our culture.  Through the years, Hallmark made the process simpler by creating beautiful cards with an appropriate verses. Even though it lacked the personal touch of a handwritten note, it became the acceptable norm.

Very quickly it is becoming a lost art and, it seems, that many people are forgetting to acknowledge the thoughtfulness of others.  At best, many will send off a hasty email and call it a day.

Sitting down with nice stationery with pen and ink in hand, took time and thought--it was a deliberate, considerate act.  More than likely, it made the recipient feel happy and appreciated.

It would be so nice if more people returned to some of the old niceties of life.  Sadly, we rush through our daily activities without giving much of ourselves to others.  Buy yourself a nice box of note cards and an ink pen.  Start letting people know that you care--it just might start enhancing your relationships.

Quote on Fear

"There would be nothing to frighten you if you refused to be afraid."
--Gandhi

Wednesday, May 13, 2015

Student Loan Forgiveness Program

Find out if you qualify for student loan forgiveness.  Call Now!!!  (888)451-8776

Tuesday, May 12, 2015

Go Girl Grants

The Girl Friend Factor scholarship is coming up.  If you are a woman 25+ this may be the financial opportunity for you to return to college or to complete your education.   Please google:  Go Girl Grants

Monday, May 11, 2015

Voting directions

The following are the directions (sorry that it is such a pain to vote):

  1. http://contests.palmspringslife.com/engine/Welcome.aspx?contestid=166312
  2. Register at Palm Springs Life
  3. Pick a username and you will receive confirmation.
  4. After you receive the confirmatiom, go back to the link.
  5. Log in to vote.
  6. Review the pets and look for Avery -- you will find a black and white pencil sketch  with his dreaming about being on the cover.
  7. He is listed under canine - large
  8. Vote
  9. Be sure to save your vote or it won't submit.
I thank you and Avery thanks you.  Thanks for being persistent in a very difficult voting process.

I could use your vote!!

Avery has a chance of winning, but I need all of the votes that I can get. Be sure to save your vote.




Friday, May 8, 2015

Essential Skills to Survive in Job Market

Now that you are graduating, it is time to polish your resume,  have an appropriate interview outfit and have the following marketable job skills:

  1. Work Ethic
  2. Physical Performance
  3. Speaking
  4. Writing
  5. Teamwork
  6. Influencing People
  7. Research
  8. Number Crunching
  9. Critical Thinking
  10. Problem Solving

Tuesday, May 5, 2015

Application at Humboldt State

Application for Fall 2015 will close on May 11th.  If you are still interested in transferring to HSU this Fall, apply at www.csumentor.edu

Monday, May 4, 2015

More Precise Voting Directions for Palm Springs Life

The following are the directions (sorry that it is such a pain to vote):

  1. http://contests.palmspringslife.com/engine/Welcome.aspx?contestid=166312
  2. Register at Palm Springs Life
  3. Pick a username and you will receive confirmation.
  4. After you receive the confirmatiom, go back to the link.
  5. Log in to vote.
  6. Review the pets and look for Avery -- you will find a black and white pencil sketch  with his dreaming about being on the cover.
  7. He is listed under canine - large
  8. Vote
  9. Be sure to save your vote or it won't submit.
I thank you and Avery thanks you.  Thanks for being persistent in a very difficult voting process.

Friday, May 1, 2015

Study Music -- Studying Music and Concentration Music for Exam

Study Music -- Give it a Try

Some Tips for the Last Few Weeks

This the time of year when students, faculty and college support staff shift into high gear.  Everyone is so busy and nerves start to frazzle.  The following are some tips to survive the rest of the semester and for a number of you, to make it to graduation.

  1. Go to all of the test preparation sessions that your professor offers.
  2. Coordinate a study group.
  3. Schedule your study time.
  4. Make flashcards of your notes.  Carry the cards around with you.
  5. Whenever you have a few minutes, pull out your cards and review them. It is the repetition that will help you to remember.
  6. DON'T pull an all-nighter.  If you study everyday, it shouldn't be necessary.
  7. If there is a concept you don't understand, meet with your professor.
  8. Eat nutritious meals.
  9. Go for a walk if you are feeling anxious.
  10. Get enough sleep.
  11. Being well rested before a final exam is critical.
  12. Get a good protein breakfast on the morning of your final.
  13. Take a small bottle of orange juice to drink just before your exam -- it will give you a quick boost.
  14. Get to class early.
  15. Try not to talk to anyone who is anxious  -- you might pick up the negative energy.
  16. Take a few really deep breaths and believe that you will do well.