Scholarship Class Presentations

Presentations on Monday, May 17th will be from students A-K. If your last name starts with those letters, please come to class dressed appropriately and prepared to give your thank you speeches. Your thank you does not need to be long. Select a scholarship that you have been awarded or one that you are hoping you will receive.

Please do not read your presentation. Instead, come prepared with cue cards so that you don't forget anything you want to say. Take a deep breath as you walk up and wear a smile.

We will be meeting in the Career/Transfer Center. You are expected to attend both presentations, but you need only to dress up for your own speech. Skipping on either Monday or Wednesday will have an effect on the grade that you receive for this final assignment.

Good luck!!

Thank You Presentations

Your hard work has paid off and you have been awarded a scholarship. Congratulations and YEAH!!!

You will, undoubtedly, be invited to attend a luncheon or dinner by the organization that will be honoring you. As their scholarship recipient, it is important that you look professional and go prepared to give a sincere thank you.

Dress conservatively as though you are going to a job interview. The following are some don'ts to remember: Women--no spaghetti straps or revealing necklines; skirts that are too short; flip-flops; shorts; jeans; clingy fabrics; bare midriffs; theatrical makeup; too much perfume; long nails with flashy nail polish; no tattoes showing; all piercings removed; and no off-beat haircolor or hairdo.

For guys--no tee shirts; jeans; shorts; flip-flops; tattoes showing; piercings removed; no earrings; or excessive jewelry (a watch and one ring is fine. It is not necessary to wear a suit, but at least wear an open collar shirt with nicely pressed slacks. Belt and shoes should match and shoes should be polished and in good condition.

It stands to reason that grooming should be impeccable--freshly showered; hair shampooed; clothes freshly laundered and pressed; fingernails clean and trimmed; teeth freshly brushed (avoid onions & garlic on that day); and clothes that are appropriate.

The thank you speech doesn't need to be very long. Do not read a prepared speech--it is better to use cue cards to remind you of what you want to say. Also, be sure to acknowledge any professors, counselors, or other individuals who have helped you in any way to win the scholarship. It goes without saying that the organization is the first to be thanked. Briefly mention your major and what you plan on doing with your education.

Try to relax, make eye contact, strong handshakes and wear a big smile.

Scholarship Awards

Some of you will be receiving award letters in the next few days. Congratulations to those of you whose efforts have paid off.

Now comes the important part. It is critical that you mail a thank you letter as SOON AS POSSIBLE. It is not only the courteous thing to do, but it could mean another scholarship from the donor at a later date.

While we are on the topic of thank you, have you acknowledged all of the professionals, counselors and professors who have written letters of recommendation on your behalf? Also, it would be extra nice if you included a nice bookmark, notepad or even a candy bar in the envelope.

Come on now--do the right thing.

U-Promise

Winning scholarships is not the only option for getting money for college.

Have you heard of U-Promise? U-Promise is a free service that helps you get money for college bills and student loans from the things you do all the time: buy groceries, shop online, fill your gas tank and much more.

One of the fastest ways to grow your U-Promise savings is to take advantage of the multiple programs offered (dining, grocery, online shopping, etc.). Everyday purchases can earn a percentage which is saved for your college expenses.

Check it out.

Identity Theft Tips 13 & 14

13. Never give your credit card number or personal information over the phone unless you have initiated the call and trust that business.

14. Subscribe to a credit report monitoring service that will notify you whenever someone applies for credit in your name.

Identity Theft Tips 10 to 12

10. Order your Social Security Earnings and Benefits statement once a year to check for fraud.

11. Examine the charges on your credit card statements before paying them.

12. Cancel unused credit card accounts

Identify Theft Tips 8 & 9

8. Do not mail bill payments and checks from home. They can be stolen from your mailbox annd washed clean in chemicals. Take them to the post office.

9. Do not print your Social Security number on your checks.