Be Fabulous

Be Fabulous  Tina Seelig/Stanford University

Quote for the Day

"I'm not here to be average.  I'm here to be awesome."

--Author Unknown

Quote of the Day

When it rains, look for rainbows
When it is dark, look for stars.

Author Unknown

Look in the Archives

I have been posting since 2008.  Look in the archives for many wonderful options to learn, enjoy, and be inspired.

Tina Seelig: Challenge Assumptions

You Can Do It!!!

What are you doing to be the "best" you that  you can be?

Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship Program

This is an opportunity to study in an international setting.

Eligibility:
1.  Be an American citizen
2.  Undergraduate student
3.  Receiving or proof that you will be receiving the Federal Pell Grant
4.  Be in the process of applying to or accepted for a study abroad or internship program  of at least two weeks for community college students.
5.  Be proposing to study in a country not currently under travel warning.

Jack Kent Cooke Scholarship (The Rolls Royce of Scholarships)

This is perhaps the MOST prestigious scholarship available to eligible community college students.  The foundation provides up to $40,000 per year to each of approximately 85 deserving students annually.  It is the largest private scholarship for two-year and community college  transfer students in the country.

Google:  Jack Kent Cooke Scholarship for more information and the application.

This is, obviously, a very competitive  award for outstanding students.  Should you plan on applying, I would suggest that you meet with me for some coaching.  I am the College of the Desert Representative for this scholarship.

emandrews@collegeofthedesert.edu

A couple of years ago one of our COD students won this scholarship.  I was so excited !!  Felt as though I had won it myself.

Congressional Internship Program

Applications for CHCI's Spring, Fall and Summer Congressional Internship Programs are now open!  During CHCI's paid summer and semester internships, promising Latino undergraduate students experience what it's like to work in a congressional office, while participating in weekly professional and leadership development and civic engagement through community service.

CHCI Interns learn firsthand about how the legislative system works, spending four days each week (Monday - Thursday) working on Capitol Hill.  Usually, you are placed with a member of Congress who serves a district in your home state performing ,meaningful work.

2017 Congressional Internship Deadlines:

Spring:  November 4, 2016

Summer:  January 20, 2017

Fall:  April 21, 2017

Google:  Congressional Internship Program for the application and more information

College of the Desert Alumni Association Scholarship

College of the Desert and CVEP Pathways to Success are accepting scholarship applications for the 2016-17 academic year.  More than $300,000 in scholarships will be awarded to students attending College of the Desert this year! 

Eligibility:

1.  Enrolled at COD during the 2016-17 academic year.

2.  Students or parents must be permanent residents of the Coachella Valley for the past three (3) consecutive years.

3.  Must have applied for FAFSA or Dream application by March 2nd priority deadline.

4.  Must be pursuing your first Associate's degree at the College of the Desert.

5.  Have a minimum 2.0 GPA or above and maintain full-time enrollment.

6.  Essay theme:  How will an education from the College of the Desert benefit your future?

     (1300 words or less)

     Award amount:  Up to $2,500

     Entry period:  Next cycle is September 01 -- September 30

https://codalumni.cvscholars.com/

 

A Little Nudge to All Students

With a new semester starting,  this is an opportunity for a fresh start.  Please be serious about your studies and stay on top of all of your assignments.  Whenever you fail or drop a class, you are losing money -- no matter what the source of the tuition fees are.  Time is equivalent to money.  You have so much to gain by being a successful student.

A Friend Is Someone Who Likes You

Some of my close friends know of my love for children's' books.  Since the topic of friendship came up with a new friend of mine, I couldn't resist going to the bookshelf in my library and reading of my favorite books by Joan Walsh Anglund,  A Friend Is Someone Who Likes You

Just want to share a few lines with you:

"Sometimes you don't know who are your friends,

Sometimes they are there all the time,
but you walk right past them
and you don't notice that they like you in a special way
And then you think you don't have any friends,
The you must stop hurrying and rushing so fast . . .
and move very slowly,
and look around carefully,
to see someone who smiles at you
in a special way . . .
or a dog that wags its tail extra hard
whenever you are near . . .
or a tree that lets you climb it easily . . .
or a brook that lets you be quiet
when you want to be quiet,
Sometimes you have to find your find your friend.

Canvas

For those of you who have been taking online classes,  have heard, I am sure, that Blackboard has been substituted by Canvas.  Over the last months, I have taken a couple of classes to prepare me as an instructor to teach effectively with the new LMS.  In fact, today starts one more online class which I must take to be prepared for the Intro to Scholarships class which starts the end of August.

Please consider going on YouTube and watching some of the tutorials on taking an online class via Canvas. There are also some videos with college students giving tips for being successful .  It takes time management and organization to do well when taking an online class.  The important thing is to stay on schedule.  Start now preparing for this new system.  It will pay off in the end.

For all of the lonely people, may you find that special someone.  This one is for you, Rob.

Check out my archives.

If you scroll back a bit, you will find music to study by and some old posts about the end of the year.
There is also some happy music.

Wow

WOW!!  Can't believe that it has been so long since I've entered a post.  I'm sure that everyone has been equally busy finishing up the school year.  I have been involved with teaching three classes and being a student at the same. 

Soon we will all have a much needed break and I will have the time to devote to sharing information with you about scholarships, money and some fun things. 

Hang in there.  The semester is almost over.

Haven't Forgotten You

Have just started teaching a new class, plus have just started a class as a student.  I'll be back in a day or so with new messages.  If you need to reach me, I can receive messages sent to the college. emandrews@collegeofthedesert.edu

Song for the Day "The Way We Were"

Brings back memories.

Quote for the day.

 "I have gone one more day without using algebra."

Random House Test Kitchen Sweepstakes

$3,000 in cash and $3,000 worth pf gifts
April 01, 2016 to May 06, 2016
See officials rules http://sweeps.americastestkitchen.com/msssweeps2016/rules

What's Stopping You??

Did you know that you don't need a GPA of 4.0 or to be a poor starving student to qualify for scholarships?  There are scholarships for just about everything.  What you do need is a strong desire to graduate debt-free and the willingness to do whatever it takes to make that a reality. 

What's stopping you?????

Song of the Day - -Imagine

Dare to dream!!

Message for the Day --The Extra Degree

Just a little more effort is all it takes.

Desert Outlook Foundation Scholarship

Desert Regional Foundation Scholarship

Deadline:  April 25, 2016
Since this is a local scholarship, you should definitely apply if you meet the eligibility requirements.
Applicants will be selected based on the following:

Awards will range from $1,300 to $1,500

• Financial need
• Scholastic achievement
• Community service
• Full time student/Essay
• Career or educational goal
• Letters of recommendation
• Oral interview

http://www.thecommunityfoundation.net/grants/scholarships/scholarship-schedule

Song of the Day- The River of Dreams

A nice happy tune.

Quote of the Day/Attention

The Secret of Friendship
is giving friends your full attention when conversing with them.

--J. Donald Walters

Song for the Day/Dancing on the Ceiling

Be happy!!

Quote for the Day. Rejoicing

The Secret of Friendship
is rejoicing in a friend's good fortune, and never drawing unfavorable comparisons to your own condition.

Last Day to Drop Classes

Tomorrow, March 29th, is the last day to drop full-term classes with a grade of "W". 

If you are struggling with a class and don't think that you can catch up, it is best to officially drop.  A "W" won't hurt your GPA, but it will affect the repeatability of the class. Check with your counselor and instructor before dropping a class.

Fitness Lifestyle Scholarship $500

Fitness Lifestyle Scholarship
Deadline: June 30, 2016
Full-time student in college, an alumni, or in high school

www.collegescholarships.com

Quote for the Day -- Expression

The Secret of Friendship
is expressing kindness with your eyes and through the tone of your voice, not only with words.

--J. Donald Walters

Ave Maria

This young girl is absolutely amazing.  Also, quite a little beauty.

Soroptimist Scholarship Award Dinner

Carol was my student years ago and is now a dialysis nurse.  She was the guest speaker at the scholarship award ceremony last Thursday. Another more recent student won two scholarships.  This is what makes being a teacher all worth while.

Another Personal Essay Tip

Remember that your personal essay is not written the same way that you would write a paper for your other classes.  Since this is a personal statement, you will be writing from your heart.  Write about how it felt or feels.  You want to show and not tell.  You want the reader to feel like they just experienced, themselves, without being told what or how to feel.

Quote for the Day/Accepting

The Secret of Friendship
is accepting your friends as they are, and not trying to recreate them in your image, or according to your own desires.

J. Donald Walters

It's a Beautiful Day

Enjoy!!!!

Panis Angelicus

Seems just right with Easter a few days away.

Quote of the Day Listening

The Secret of Friendship
is being more interested in listening to others than in getting them to listen to you.

--J. Donald Walters

A Tip on Writing Your Personal Essay.

Your personal essay is the most important document in your scholarship application.  It is really critical to understand yourself before you try to write a convincing statement. This is not like most papers that you have written for other classes.  You are the expert on this subject.  You know more about YOU than anyone else, but if you haven't stopped to ask yourself certain questions, then you won't be able to paint the picture properly.  Show the reader who you are and why you should be a winner.  Think within, evaluate your thoughts, and write from the heart.

Quote of the Day (Friendship)

The Secret of Friendship

is exercising discrimination in your choice of friends: preferring sincerity over praise, and loyalty over friendly smiles.

--J. Donald Walters

To all of the Honey Bunnies

Have a fun SPRING Break and a Happy Easter.  Enjoy this song by Troy Lockhart and sung by Julie Andrews.

Frito Lay Sweepstakes $250,000

Deadline is tonight at 11:59 CT
This is a sweepstakes and the odds of winning are not great, BUT what do you have to lose?

Eligibility:  Legal residents of any of the 50 states,  Eighteen years or older.

Go to:  www.flavorswap.com

GOOD LUCK!!!

Learn to Love Yourself!

Learning to love yourself is the greatest love of all!

Song for the Day (Endless Love)

What we all wish for!  Enjoy.

Quote for the Day!

"My thoughts are free to go anywhere, but it's surprising how often they head in your direction."

Why do you deserve to be the winner?

You have won a scholarship!!

Being selected as the winner of a scholarship is a sweet thing indeed, but what does it take to be selected above all other applicants?  For the last few years, prior to actually teaching my students how to start writing their personal statement, I have them write two paragraphs about why they believe that they are the most deserving.  My instructions state very clearly what I don't want.

I don't want to hear that:

1.  You are a hard worker.

2.  You want to make your parents proud of you.

3.  You want to be a good example to your children, siblings or younger relatives.

4.  It was very difficult to learn English.

5.  You are the first in the family to go to college.

6.  You need the money.

Now, don't misunderstand.  The above reasons are very important.  The truth of the matter is that in colleges such as the College of the Desert, the student population is 60++ Hispanic and that is what they all say when they write a personal essay.

You want to write about your uniqueness.  Why should the judges select you instead of another candidate?  You need to write with heart if you want the reader to feel in his heart that you are the most deserving.  Starting with the visual, you want to WOW the reader.  Having a high GPA is wonderful, but not enough.  Having great letters or recommendation is great, but not enough.  Writing a good essay is not enough -- you must give the content and how you write it a great deal of thought.  Remember it is the whole "enchilada" that counts.  Good is not enough.  FABULOUS is  should be your goal. 

Based on My Very Favorite Pachelbel's Canon in D

This very popular wedding and anniversary song is based on my very favorite classical piece Pachelbel's Cannon in D.

Enjoy!!

Thought for the Day

The following is taken from Motivational Minutes by Don Essig

KIND

There is a wonderful little four-letter word that we don't hear very often that actually gets used a  lot by many people -- that word is "kind."  Someone once said,  "Be kind . . . everyone you meet has worries."  Today would be a good day to start using the word "kind" if you haven't used it recently.  Have you noticed how many people are actually kind to you?  Think about how you can be kind to someone who probably has more worries than  you.  Maybe together we can get this important little word back into circulation.

My Song for the Day

One of my all time favorites!!

Next Scholarship Class is COMING SOON!!

If you missed the opportunity to register for the two online scholarship classes which are presently in session, you still have a chance to register for the face to face class.

On April 05, 2016, COUN 011 (Section 8025) will start.  It will meet on Tuesdays & Thursdays from 2:30 pm to 4:35 pm. It is a VERY fast paced one unit class which teaches you all you need to know about graduating debt-free.

Please note, this class should NOT be taken just because you need an extra unit.  This is a very demanding class for students who are serious about not graduating with thousands of dollars in student loans.  It has been a very successful class for many students.  In fact, about a year ago, one of our COD students won the Jack Kent Cook scholarship.  He won $40,000 a year for up to three years for his undergraduate year and $50,000 for graduate school for up to three years.  NOT BAD??

The secret is in the organization.  The system teaches you the steps necessary to submit winning scholarship applications.  What are you waiting for?

Hispanic Scholarship Fund/Fantastic Opportunity

scholar1@hsf.net
If you know a friend, family member or mentee who plans to continue their education and hasn't already applied for a scholarship with Hispanic Scholarship Fund (HSF), I enthusiastically invite you to reach out to them to encourage them to apply for the 2016-17 academic year.

Students have the potential to receive $500 - $5,000 for the institution and major of their choice.

Eligibility Requirements:
1.  Must be of Hispanic heritage
2.  U. S, citizen, permanent legal resident, DACA or eligible non-citizen (as defined by FAFSA).
3.  Minimum of 3.0 GPA for high school students; minimum of 2.5 GPA for college and graduate
     students.
4.  Plan to enroll full-time in an accredited 4 year university in the fall of the desired scholarship year.
5.  Complete FASA or state based financial aid application (if applicable).

Deadline:  March 30, 2016

Quote for the Day/True Love

True Love
True love is neither physical or romantic.  True love is an acceptance of all that is, will be, and will not be.
--Author unknown

Tijuana Brass - Medley

Just love the Tijuana Brass.  Needed a break from reading student assignments and this got me back in the groove.  Take a minute or two and give a listen.

 

To My Students/Scholly

I have emailed each of you your personal code for accessing Scholly.

The site access is:
MyScholly.com
Click the join code (Check the upper right of the screen.)
Register your code and complete your profile.
For better results, be as thorough as possible when completing your profile.
GOOD LUCK!!!!

Welcome the Rain

Love this message. 

Quote for January 07, 2016

When angry, count to ten before speaking.  When very angry, count to one hundred, then don't speak.

Quote for January 6, 2016

The door to love opens outward.

Quote for January 5, 2016

When we handle ourselves we should use our heads.  When we handle our friends we should use our hearts.

Old Movie Clip

Just came across an old movie that my brother, Frank, was in with Dean Martin and Jerry Lewis. Thought you might get a kick out of it. He is the one with a white hat tapping his fingers,  I had forgotten what a handsome dude he was -- he is now in his late 80's.