The Sacred is in the Ordinary

"The great lesson from the true mystics...is that the sacred is in the ordinary, that it is to be found in one's daily life, in one's neighbors, friends, and family, in one's backyard."


Abraham Maslow

Making a Wise Investment

Over the next few days, I will be quoting from The Truth About College by Will S. Keim. The topic will be suggestions for selecting a college, public or private.

1. "IDENTIFY YOUR MOTIVES. Why do you want to send your child to a private school? Is it better? How so? Do you think the education is markedly better, or do you believe your student will be associated with a different or "better" class of student? What does this tell you about yourself and your values? Complete a pro and con list for public and private schools."

Will S. Keim

Internships

Although many majors do not require that you complete one or two internships as part of your degree, the experience is invaluable. Internships are a wonderful vehicle to explore potential careers in a real-world professional career.

The exposure not only prepares you to make more informed decisions, but it enhances your desirability as a candidate when job seeking in your chosen field.

But for now know this; one of the more immediate benefits of doing an internship is increasing your potential for winning grants and scholarships.

Reducing the Cost of Education

Yesterday I was glancing through Funding Education Beyond High School which is prepared by the U.S. Department of Education Federal Student Aid. I'd like to quote the following on lower-cost schools.

"If you'll be working toward a bachelor's degree, you might consider starting at a two-year community college and then transferring to a four- year school. Community colleges are usually less expensive than four-year schools. (Some four-year schools that are partially funded by local or state taxes can be less expensive as well.) Because attending a community college allows you to live at home, you can save money on room and board."

Actually, not only will you save money, but you will have smaller classrooms and lots of individual attention. The wonderful part is that the professors have many of the same credentials--many of our professors at the College of the Desert also teach at the four-year colleges--both public and private.

For My Class/Exam Two

The test is being postponed until Thursday, Nov. 13. It will be on October assignments, lectures and info on October Blog.

I will be off campus this coming Thursday, Nov. 6 attending the International Career Development Conference and the following Tuesday is a college holiday. Take advantage of the time to research and get your portfolio in order.

See you in class tomorrow.

To My Students

Tuesday, November 4th, I have a speaker coming to talk about a wonderful way to save money with 200% returns. This organization has come to the class nine years in a row and many of my students have successfully (and happily) gone through the program. Don't miss it.

We are coming to the last stretch of the semester. Have you been keeping up? By now, you should have at least one good personal statement and all of your letters of recommendation. How close are you to have your 32 scholarships?

See you tomorrow. I will be at a conference this Thursday. Please work on your portfolio and scholarship research independently.

Community Service

Scholarship donors are very interested in community service. When they are judging scholarship applications, they are looking for students who will be future leaders. In addition, your involvement in the community is critical when applying to a four year college.

There are so many services that you can give. With Thanksgiving and the Xmas holidays upon us, try to find time to volunteer. How about helping at a food kitchen; visiting a senior citizen home; collecting toys for needy children or offering to help a neighbor by driving them to an appointment.

High schools and colleges frequently have special events. By offering to help, you will not only meet new people, but you might be able to get extra credit for a class.

The best gift is to give of your time.