Endings often prompt reflections and memories. Endings also fortell beginnings. This time on the calendar contains a classic time-honored ending as recognized by New Years Eve. All prepratory to the beginning of another year, honored by New Years Day.
Some time back you may have followed the story of Harry Potter. Harry has been kind of hard to avoid him being all over the place for the last ten or fifteen years. The story's devotees can continue to site, quote, relate, and re-tell their favorite or most memorable events, incidents and characters from the wizard-in-training's progress.
Planet College recognizes one potentially useful tool from Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone, The Mirror of Erised. Those with a penchant for word games and such quickly recognized "erised" as "desire" spelled backwards, a mirror of desire . Those who gazed into The Mirror of Erised saw what they desired for themselves. Harry saw his parents who had been killed. Other characters saw what they most desired in this clever object in this entertaining tale.
Planet College brings this Mirror to your attention to point out that you to have such a device. It is most probably in your bathroom. That mirror, right there can become your own Mirror of Erised. Right now, at this time of ending and beginning take time to look into your own mirror. Then ask, "Am I becoming what I desire?" Only you can answer, only you will know. Well, are you?
Have an interesting and productive 2012.
Wednesday, December 28, 2011
Wednesday, December 21, 2011
End Of The Year So Let's Talk About Those Loans And That Business You Were Going To Start After You Got Your Degree Except Now - Well Just Read This.
Here's One for the end of the calendar year. Loan help. This is from the Small Business Administration's web site. The Small Business administration is a federal agency which is dedicated to helping - and I bet you saw this coming - small business. Below is part of what they said about you starting your own business. IBR means income based repayment. It's for students who have a large loan obligation and a small income. That means just about every one and certainly you. You can read more about it here.
Student Startup Plan
Is student loan debt stopping you from starting your own business? The Income-Based Repayment (IBR) Plan can help.
Income-Based Repayment is an existing payment option for Federal student loans. The Income-Based Repayment Plan supports young college grads, including those looking to start a business, join a startup, or work in a public service job by making Federal student loan repayment manageable. It can help you keep your loan payments affordable by using a sliding scale to determine how much you can afford to pay on your Federal loans—empowering you to take risks with new opportunities.
Saturday, December 17, 2011
Re-do the Math.
Many, many students on Planet College come to campus fully equipped with extreme math phobia. " I will do anything to get out of taking a math class." they say. Unfortunately, for most programs on most campuses math is some where along the way required. Thus, conflict. But this conflict need not become a crisis.
The initial fear of math probably came from the traditional way most students are educated. The USA has had the policy for more than a century and a half of educating everyone. This involves classrooms filled with students learning or trying to learn the subjects which are presented. But not everyone learns at the same rate. Mathematical ineptitude which leads to math phobia is usually the result of a students inability to absorb and perform at the expected rate. That means you took a long time to do arithmetic. However, there was not a long time to do arithmetic so you didn't get very far. Thus you became 'bad' at math. Bad because you were 'slow' at math.
Now, on Planet College there may be solutions to your dilemma. Most campuses offer help to their learning 'challenged' students. If you are a student who characterizes your self as 'bad' at math find help. There is some. Math departments have tutors, so do campus learning centers. Some schools have programs including alternate courses for the 'math challenged.'
If you are on Planet College you are here to learn. One thing students often need to learn is to ask for help. So, do so. Find the tutor, find the program, ask for extra time to do the tests in your required math class. It is time to change your attitude and re-do the math.
Friday, November 18, 2011
The High Cost of Hip.
Nate e-mailed Planet College about his latest frustration. Among other things he says;
My latest frustration, and perhaps my motivation for writing this, is the growing movement amongst my friends to drink “good” beer. It goes against everything the first few years of college taught me. I’ve drank all the crap beer in large quantities, spent under four dollars for twelve packs (Hobbs-don’t drink it- It’s not worth it), and even developed a legitimate fondness for Keystone Light. Until now, I was doing what I was supposed to: getting hammered on 30-packs you could buy with a twenty and still have enough for a Deli News pizza.
Now, a single bottle of “good” beer costs 8 bucks and that’s what real men are supposed to drink. That’s an hour’s work for this grocery bagger.
Nate continued in a good natured and humorous style about how he now feels left out of conversations with his friends since on his weekly wage he can not savor the 'aromatic hops' really good beers should have.
Planet College thanks Nate for pointing out what often happens in the social circles of college. Upper class men, Planet College veterans, not wishing to appear as 'un-hip' as freshmen refine their taste. And this refinement cost money. Plenty of money.
The company of classmates you've been partying with for many semesters is desirable and comforting. When they change, or their taste change, or their spending habits change it can be decision time. Continuing to drink Keystone while every one else is jovially swigging Red Witch, or Ol' Dity Bastard may call for a decision.
Planet College has no advice only the observation that, as Nate has pointed out, college offers opportunities for many different types of decisions. Ultimately, they had been summed up by a fictional college student on leave to attend his father's funeral. Hamlet, or his creator William Shakespeare, said it very well, "To be or not to be." This applies to hip, trendy or cool, and ultimately it says, "Can you afford to be or not to be." As always it is up to you.
Sunday, November 6, 2011
Deferred Pay
The increasing difficulty of finding any kind of employment sometimes leads students on Planet College to consider other sources of finance. Some which have begun appearing with increasing regularity are offers of work for 'deferred pay". This means that you will work now and possibly be paid later. Possibly.
Money is hard to get and even harder to keep. The possibility of additional finances even working now for some money later is alluring.
But if your time energy and talent are worth anything at all they are worth being paid, paid real money, in a timely fashion, a lot closer to Now than Later.
Deferred pay, often contingent upon some payment to the concern that 'hires' you, is not a promising source of funds. Not promising at all.
No matter how 'lean' things are, and right now that is pretty lean, deferred pay will put no money in your pocket now and possibly none ever.
Those ads for 'deferred pay" ? Skip 'em.
Money is hard to get and even harder to keep. The possibility of additional finances even working now for some money later is alluring.
But if your time energy and talent are worth anything at all they are worth being paid, paid real money, in a timely fashion, a lot closer to Now than Later.
Deferred pay, often contingent upon some payment to the concern that 'hires' you, is not a promising source of funds. Not promising at all.
No matter how 'lean' things are, and right now that is pretty lean, deferred pay will put no money in your pocket now and possibly none ever.
Those ads for 'deferred pay" ? Skip 'em.
Wednesday, October 26, 2011
Inter Session Winter Session or what ever it is called.
The usual holiday rush is almost upon Planet College. Almost, but not quite. Right now could be a good time to consider, if you haven't already, a Winter Session course.
The guidelines are simple.
Is there an available course which will help me graduate?
Will I be on or near campus, close enough to attend regularly?
How much will it cost and how can I pay for it?
When is the deadline for application?
Review these few simple considerations, basically your regular term considerations only concentrated, could lead to another step, however small, to graduation. And graduation is why you are on Planet College.
Check out the Inter Session, Winter Session or what ever it is called Schedule now.
The guidelines are simple.
Is there an available course which will help me graduate?
Will I be on or near campus, close enough to attend regularly?
How much will it cost and how can I pay for it?
When is the deadline for application?
Review these few simple considerations, basically your regular term considerations only concentrated, could lead to another step, however small, to graduation. And graduation is why you are on Planet College.
Check out the Inter Session, Winter Session or what ever it is called Schedule now.
Monday, October 3, 2011
Dumped or The Game of Hearts
Of all the games students down through the history of Planet College have played, such as Monopoly, World of WarCraft, Tequila Twister and 3D Scrabble none is more persistent than Hearts. Not the card game Hearts, although that is popular, the real life one, the one played on the Big Board of Real Life. In the Real Life Game of Hearts Dumped is the looser.
If you have played Hearts For Real on the Big Board and you have been dumped then you know that there is never a good time to be dumped. Dumped always happens at the absolutely, positively worst time.
What can a student do when they have been dumped? "Sorting through your options" sounds like one of those things therapists say. Most dumpees thoughts are not nearly so elegant if it is possible to think at all. Frequently the best option is to continue to march. That is to follow through as far as possible on what ever your regular routine has been. Naturally, if your regular routine has included a significant amount of time with the person who has dumped you, well, then, it is time for a new regular routine.
Dumped happens and the effect is unavoidable. Usual symptoms include at least some depressive reactions followed by some demonstrable excess. Depressive reactions included sleeping 24/7 and a significant drop in basic hygiene practices. Excesses include increased consumption of alcohol, ice cream and frequent sex with total strangers. These excesses are predictable and nearly unavoidable.
But when does excess become excessive? Well, if you become a very smelly 300 pound Reese's Peanut Butter Cup munching hermit who solicits strangers at the bus station while the rest of your class is planning their five year re-union you may be taking the whole thing a little too hard.
If you haven't then there is hope. Returning with some enthusiasm to as much of your regular schedule as possible can prove beneficial in the long run. As The Wiz says, "Just keep stepppin', don't you loose no ground, C'mon, Eeeeeeeaaaasssssseeeee on down the road."
If you have played Hearts For Real on the Big Board and you have been dumped then you know that there is never a good time to be dumped. Dumped always happens at the absolutely, positively worst time.
What can a student do when they have been dumped? "Sorting through your options" sounds like one of those things therapists say. Most dumpees thoughts are not nearly so elegant if it is possible to think at all. Frequently the best option is to continue to march. That is to follow through as far as possible on what ever your regular routine has been. Naturally, if your regular routine has included a significant amount of time with the person who has dumped you, well, then, it is time for a new regular routine.
Dumped happens and the effect is unavoidable. Usual symptoms include at least some depressive reactions followed by some demonstrable excess. Depressive reactions included sleeping 24/7 and a significant drop in basic hygiene practices. Excesses include increased consumption of alcohol, ice cream and frequent sex with total strangers. These excesses are predictable and nearly unavoidable.
But when does excess become excessive? Well, if you become a very smelly 300 pound Reese's Peanut Butter Cup munching hermit who solicits strangers at the bus station while the rest of your class is planning their five year re-union you may be taking the whole thing a little too hard.
If you haven't then there is hope. Returning with some enthusiasm to as much of your regular schedule as possible can prove beneficial in the long run. As The Wiz says, "Just keep stepppin', don't you loose no ground, C'mon, Eeeeeeeaaaasssssseeeee on down the road."
Had A Crazy Fight With The Manager
Amanda, who graduated with a degree in Business, now manages for a national lingerie retailer, the same store she worked in part-time as a student. In her current position she regularly interviews and hires CSRs, customer service representatives, for her store. A while back as she was reviewing a stack of applications for her chain's seasonal hiring she came across a curious notation. In the space designated for applicants to explain why they no longer worked for a previous employer, one applicant had written, "Had a crazy fight with the manager." Intrigued, Amanda called the applicant, a female student, for an interview along with several other candidates. During the interview Amanda found the applicant, who we will call Nikki, to be experienced, friendly and talky, very talky. When Amanda asked about the 'crazy fight' the job seeker responded, "Oh that is history and I am so totally over that." Amanda decided to give Nikki a try and hired her as temporary part-time help in the store's youth fashion section. Nikki's energetic personality and her tendency to talk ( and talk and talk) proved a perfect fit as she related well to the younger buyers the chain was trying to entice. Nikki has proven to be a worthwhile employee although Amanda does keep an eye on her.
What can a student learn from this? Well, first of all it, is probably not necessary to include potentially troubling details on any job application. While past experience is useful for a potential employer to know,( it can help them place you appropriately), you need to strike a balance between candor and discretion. When asked why you left a certain job "Scheduling conflict" will usually suffice. Although for this student a surprising statement at least got her an interview, for you, when filling out an application skip the "crazy fight" history. Give enough details to supply the potential employer with a general idea of your duties. Unless you are being hired as Director of a National Security Agency do not include derogatory information about yourself. In the case of a National Security Agency they probably already know.
What can a student learn from this? Well, first of all it, is probably not necessary to include potentially troubling details on any job application. While past experience is useful for a potential employer to know,( it can help them place you appropriately), you need to strike a balance between candor and discretion. When asked why you left a certain job "Scheduling conflict" will usually suffice. Although for this student a surprising statement at least got her an interview, for you, when filling out an application skip the "crazy fight" history. Give enough details to supply the potential employer with a general idea of your duties. Unless you are being hired as Director of a National Security Agency do not include derogatory information about yourself. In the case of a National Security Agency they probably already know.
Wednesday, September 21, 2011
The Lockstuffers.
It is done all over, lock stuffing. You've seen it, maybe even done it. Jamming a wadded up paper towel into the latch of a residence hall entryway or suite door or room to make coming and going easier. Easier than messing with that dumb card key which half the time you forgot anyway. That is if you are a lock stuffer. In some buildings it is all over but others not at all. Often depends on the RA. Some buildings the convention is the place is totally stuffed Friday pm for the party weekend. Then late Sunday or early Monday campus security does a walk through and unstuffs all the stuffed locks, back to a normal week.
Are you your buildings designated lockstuffer? Or are you the student who seriously has second thoughts about the whole deal?
Lockstuffing, along with underage drinking and flaming sofas falling past your dorm room window is a mainstay of the student experience on Planet College. Your feelings about it may not matter in your current environment. But if you are having serious second thoughts about lock stuffing or the general atmosphere in your building it is probably wise to talk to some one about this.
Locks are made for security. To limit accessibility to only designated people. Students often store several thousand dollars worth of possessions in their rooms. Easy access can mean easy theft, some times on a very large scale.
The subject of campus security is now a priority in higher education, it should be. Large populations of young people gathered for a specific purpose can be a target for intentionally criminal behavior. Not everyone who looks like a student is a student.
Locks serve as a general line of primary security. Yes, defeating them is easy. But that is not the point. You are paying a great deal for among other things your own security. While it may seem 'lame' to complain about or even mention lock stuffing to the RA or the housing office, it is your safety. Better to seem 'lame' than come back from a weekend and find most of your stuff has disappeared.
Are you your buildings designated lockstuffer? Or are you the student who seriously has second thoughts about the whole deal?
Lockstuffing, along with underage drinking and flaming sofas falling past your dorm room window is a mainstay of the student experience on Planet College. Your feelings about it may not matter in your current environment. But if you are having serious second thoughts about lock stuffing or the general atmosphere in your building it is probably wise to talk to some one about this.
Locks are made for security. To limit accessibility to only designated people. Students often store several thousand dollars worth of possessions in their rooms. Easy access can mean easy theft, some times on a very large scale.
The subject of campus security is now a priority in higher education, it should be. Large populations of young people gathered for a specific purpose can be a target for intentionally criminal behavior. Not everyone who looks like a student is a student.
Locks serve as a general line of primary security. Yes, defeating them is easy. But that is not the point. You are paying a great deal for among other things your own security. While it may seem 'lame' to complain about or even mention lock stuffing to the RA or the housing office, it is your safety. Better to seem 'lame' than come back from a weekend and find most of your stuff has disappeared.
Saturday, September 17, 2011
The Mid-Term Is Coming And Presentations Will Be Due
Experienced instructors on Planet College wisely use the resources of their students to further the instruction of the class. One classic method is class projects. That is some time during the course of the term each student is required to make an in class presentation about one aspect of the course. These presentations are usually scheduled to begin somewhere around the middle of the term. This is because the class first has to get a general grounding in the subject before a student can present an appropriately researched topic.
Depending on the course subject, students are assigned or else choose one particular area to expand and explain. If for example, the course is American History, The Civil War, a student may be assigned one battle or one personality such as a general to explore for the class. If the course is Gerontology, Powers of Attorney or Public Accommodations for the Aging may be assigned among many others. Geology students may be required to report on the results of a field trip. The possibilities are endless.
If this is all new to you here is a Planet College tip. Along with the topic which you may be assigned or may choose you may also be required to choose a date for your presentation. If you can choose a date for your presentation choose one around the early middle of the presentations.
The reasoning behind this is simple.
If you choose a time too soon it wont give you enough time to prepare. Mid-term is the time when a student suddenly seems to have a lot due including preparing for mid-term tests. If you choose a late presentation time the temptation is to put it off. Procrastination is insidious and any sign of "Oh I can do it later." must be addressed promptly. Scheduling your presentation early in the middle of the available dates gives you enough time to prepare but also enough pressure to make sure you will actually do it.
Depending on the course subject, students are assigned or else choose one particular area to expand and explain. If for example, the course is American History, The Civil War, a student may be assigned one battle or one personality such as a general to explore for the class. If the course is Gerontology, Powers of Attorney or Public Accommodations for the Aging may be assigned among many others. Geology students may be required to report on the results of a field trip. The possibilities are endless.
If this is all new to you here is a Planet College tip. Along with the topic which you may be assigned or may choose you may also be required to choose a date for your presentation. If you can choose a date for your presentation choose one around the early middle of the presentations.
The reasoning behind this is simple.
If you choose a time too soon it wont give you enough time to prepare. Mid-term is the time when a student suddenly seems to have a lot due including preparing for mid-term tests. If you choose a late presentation time the temptation is to put it off. Procrastination is insidious and any sign of "Oh I can do it later." must be addressed promptly. Scheduling your presentation early in the middle of the available dates gives you enough time to prepare but also enough pressure to make sure you will actually do it.
Thursday, September 15, 2011
Make That Payment, IBR
Recent statistics from a group which monitors student debt have shown that more former students are defaulting on their now due loans. They fail to make payments. Failing to make any loan payments affects an adult's financial life for quite some time. The consequences are almost uniformly negative.
When a student agreed to accept a loan he or she also agreed to return the money, almost always with interest, in the form of payments, usually on a monthly basis. Lately some graduates faced with what appears to be a mountain of debt and their meager monthly earnings from that 'great' job they got after graduation have chosen to forego these payments.
If you are a former student and you managed to remain awake during the exit interview the last semester before you graduated you probably heard a lengthy explanation of your obligations regarding any student loans you have outstanding. During that presentation the presentor emphasized that you really did have to pay that money back no matter what.
Faced with virtual plague of non-payment lenders are devising methods to allow students to address their obligations practically. One method is called Income Based Repayment, IBR.
This method is exactly as it says; your schedule of payments is based on your income. Just that simple.
If you are currently stuck along with so many others in a low income or no income situation it is prudent for you to now look at your loan situation. If you haven't been making scheduled payments you may be in danger of or already in default. This situation can be remedied but first it must be addressed.
Your lender or lenders no doubt have on-line sites as well as eight hundred numbers. Promptly contacting them to discuss your status can do much to ease troubles down the road. During this discussion ask if they provide IBR, income based repayment. This program may be the means for you to remain in somewhat healthy financial status while you sort out your position.
IBR, call and ask. Might help.
When a student agreed to accept a loan he or she also agreed to return the money, almost always with interest, in the form of payments, usually on a monthly basis. Lately some graduates faced with what appears to be a mountain of debt and their meager monthly earnings from that 'great' job they got after graduation have chosen to forego these payments.
If you are a former student and you managed to remain awake during the exit interview the last semester before you graduated you probably heard a lengthy explanation of your obligations regarding any student loans you have outstanding. During that presentation the presentor emphasized that you really did have to pay that money back no matter what.
Faced with virtual plague of non-payment lenders are devising methods to allow students to address their obligations practically. One method is called Income Based Repayment, IBR.
This method is exactly as it says; your schedule of payments is based on your income. Just that simple.
If you are currently stuck along with so many others in a low income or no income situation it is prudent for you to now look at your loan situation. If you haven't been making scheduled payments you may be in danger of or already in default. This situation can be remedied but first it must be addressed.
Your lender or lenders no doubt have on-line sites as well as eight hundred numbers. Promptly contacting them to discuss your status can do much to ease troubles down the road. During this discussion ask if they provide IBR, income based repayment. This program may be the means for you to remain in somewhat healthy financial status while you sort out your position.
IBR, call and ask. Might help.
Thursday, August 25, 2011
The Devil In The Details
Phrases become cliches in popular usage because they express some essential fact or situation concisely. "The devil is in the details" is a popular term which may be another way to say, "Always read the fine print."
When Josh, a film major, returned to campus this term he was surprised to learn he had a balance due, which meant he owed money, on his campus account. Early last spring Josh had completed his financial aid application as well as his registration for Fall and thought no more about it. One of the courses Josh enrolled in was an on-line course. It was offered through the department in which Josh was majoring and would be three upper division units. Josh figured with everything on line he could complete the course work on his own schedule. This could leave more time for other things like work, friends, well, other things.
Thoroughly confused and more than a little annoyed, Josh went to the Student Accounts office where he learned a large portion of his financial aid had been cancelled. After a fit of frenzied diligence Josh learned the on-line course he had enrolled in was not eligible for financial aid. Because this was an ineligible course Josh's financial aid dropped below the minimum units for full time aid.
What were Josh's choices right now? More important what would yours be. Get more time at work to start paying on the balance due? Do a late add on an eligible course? Call the Bank of Mom and Dad for another emergency loan?
The wisdom of hindsight points out that this situation could have been avoided had Josh read the fine print in his school's annual catalogue. Somewhere in there in fine print it says "Not all on-line courses" are eligible for financial aid. The on-line course Josh had signed up for was one of those ineligible courses.
If you, like Josh, did not or do not read or don't even know your school has a course catalogue then here is today's Planet College Headline. Your school does have a course catalogue. The catalogue contains the guidelines, requirements and essential information you need to know about courses, registration, eligibility and graduation. There is a lot of fine print and it reads like a legal document because it is a legal document. There are probably still some paper ones around the admin building but if you ask the librarian she can help you find it on line. It is there. It contains the rules and at some point you will need to know them. Not knowing can cost you. The cliche is a cliche because it is accurate. Don't be 'deviled' by the details.
Oh and Josh? He found a Professor he knows in his department who signed him up for three units of Special Studies and his financial aid was restored.
Welcome back, and good luck this term from Planet College.
When Josh, a film major, returned to campus this term he was surprised to learn he had a balance due, which meant he owed money, on his campus account. Early last spring Josh had completed his financial aid application as well as his registration for Fall and thought no more about it. One of the courses Josh enrolled in was an on-line course. It was offered through the department in which Josh was majoring and would be three upper division units. Josh figured with everything on line he could complete the course work on his own schedule. This could leave more time for other things like work, friends, well, other things.
Thoroughly confused and more than a little annoyed, Josh went to the Student Accounts office where he learned a large portion of his financial aid had been cancelled. After a fit of frenzied diligence Josh learned the on-line course he had enrolled in was not eligible for financial aid. Because this was an ineligible course Josh's financial aid dropped below the minimum units for full time aid.
What were Josh's choices right now? More important what would yours be. Get more time at work to start paying on the balance due? Do a late add on an eligible course? Call the Bank of Mom and Dad for another emergency loan?
The wisdom of hindsight points out that this situation could have been avoided had Josh read the fine print in his school's annual catalogue. Somewhere in there in fine print it says "Not all on-line courses" are eligible for financial aid. The on-line course Josh had signed up for was one of those ineligible courses.
If you, like Josh, did not or do not read or don't even know your school has a course catalogue then here is today's Planet College Headline. Your school does have a course catalogue. The catalogue contains the guidelines, requirements and essential information you need to know about courses, registration, eligibility and graduation. There is a lot of fine print and it reads like a legal document because it is a legal document. There are probably still some paper ones around the admin building but if you ask the librarian she can help you find it on line. It is there. It contains the rules and at some point you will need to know them. Not knowing can cost you. The cliche is a cliche because it is accurate. Don't be 'deviled' by the details.
Oh and Josh? He found a Professor he knows in his department who signed him up for three units of Special Studies and his financial aid was restored.
Welcome back, and good luck this term from Planet College.
Sunday, August 21, 2011
Your Next Audition
The expanding horizon of opportunities Planet College presents offers classes, courses, lectures, people and events which stimulate your own development.
One such opportunity might be available through your school's Theater, Speech or Speech and Drama Department. Majors in these departments regularly practice preparing and presenting themselves for public performances. The preparation which goes into any such presentation could also be useful for your next interview so consider this.
As explained in the post of August 12 employers can now be very picky about waiting for the right candidate for any opening they have. In a sense an employer is 'auditioning' a candidate for this job. It thus make sense that job seekers who have had some experience presenting them selves, either on stage or giving a speech, have at least a slight advantage in an interview.
With this in mind it might be helpful to consider a course in your schools Speech, Drama or Theater Department. Lower division or introductory courses are commonly open to all enrolled students. If your schedule is full this term consider a course like this for next semester.
If you are unsure of the value of such a course try this. Schools often allow a student to audit courses. In this case it wouldn't be a full audit for the term. Simply find a likely course in the schedule and then track down the instructor. Ask her if you can 'audit' , that is sit in, for one or two sessions. If she agrees one or two sessions should be enough to give you a general sense of the course content, requirements and whether it could be helpful for you.
And remember the way the job market is you need all the help you can get. (Couldn't hurt your social life either.)
One such opportunity might be available through your school's Theater, Speech or Speech and Drama Department. Majors in these departments regularly practice preparing and presenting themselves for public performances. The preparation which goes into any such presentation could also be useful for your next interview so consider this.
As explained in the post of August 12 employers can now be very picky about waiting for the right candidate for any opening they have. In a sense an employer is 'auditioning' a candidate for this job. It thus make sense that job seekers who have had some experience presenting them selves, either on stage or giving a speech, have at least a slight advantage in an interview.
With this in mind it might be helpful to consider a course in your schools Speech, Drama or Theater Department. Lower division or introductory courses are commonly open to all enrolled students. If your schedule is full this term consider a course like this for next semester.
If you are unsure of the value of such a course try this. Schools often allow a student to audit courses. In this case it wouldn't be a full audit for the term. Simply find a likely course in the schedule and then track down the instructor. Ask her if you can 'audit' , that is sit in, for one or two sessions. If she agrees one or two sessions should be enough to give you a general sense of the course content, requirements and whether it could be helpful for you.
And remember the way the job market is you need all the help you can get. (Couldn't hurt your social life either.)
Saturday, August 20, 2011
Grad School Grad Rates.
If this coming school year pretty much figures to be your last, finally, you may be thinking in terms of a graduate program, Grad School.
Finding your way through the survival course that has been your time on Planet College may have strengthened your confidence in your abilities as a student. You are far from freshman confusion and sophomore bravado and now have a realistic basis to judge your abilities as a student.
If your college experience has prompted you to now consider graduate school there is one basic statistic you are well advised to research. That statistic is the graduation rate of the students admitted to any graduate program you may be considering. Graduate programs commonly admit more students than eventually graduate from the program. The components of this attrition aren't far different from the factors that have caused undergraduates, some you probably know, to leave school. Cost of attendance, inability to adjust to the demands of college, and even simply the need to get to work also influence graduate students. Same simple effect applies, fewer students graduate than are admitted.
You now know all it took to get admitted to your current school. These same procedures will definitely apply to a graduate school admission. Once again it is smart to visit the campus where the program you are considering is presented. Make time, do that and while you are there be sure and check with the program administrator or co-ordinator or who ever you can find who knows. Ask how many student's are admitted and ask how many usually graduate. It's important.
Finding your way through the survival course that has been your time on Planet College may have strengthened your confidence in your abilities as a student. You are far from freshman confusion and sophomore bravado and now have a realistic basis to judge your abilities as a student.
If your college experience has prompted you to now consider graduate school there is one basic statistic you are well advised to research. That statistic is the graduation rate of the students admitted to any graduate program you may be considering. Graduate programs commonly admit more students than eventually graduate from the program. The components of this attrition aren't far different from the factors that have caused undergraduates, some you probably know, to leave school. Cost of attendance, inability to adjust to the demands of college, and even simply the need to get to work also influence graduate students. Same simple effect applies, fewer students graduate than are admitted.
You now know all it took to get admitted to your current school. These same procedures will definitely apply to a graduate school admission. Once again it is smart to visit the campus where the program you are considering is presented. Make time, do that and while you are there be sure and check with the program administrator or co-ordinator or who ever you can find who knows. Ask how many student's are admitted and ask how many usually graduate. It's important.
Friday, August 12, 2011
Jobhunter's Special.
A friend of Planet College who operates her own educational placement service responded to our inquiry for help in the job market with the following e-mail about the current climate for job hunters.
And remember you, if you aren't now, will soon be a job hunter.
Hey William,
I might be able to be of more help if you decide to look outside your usual world for employment.
If you do I can think of a few general things that you might not have
considered.
One thing I can say, all around, is that things are getting more ccompetitive. Anything you can do to show you are actively involved with the field and are looking for ways to expand your skill set is a great thing. I can see how my own hiring practice has changed. Some of our employees that I hired 5 years ago would not even get an interview today.
On the flip side, I can also say that having a PhD can work against you these days. I think having an MA is actually perfect. Employers love MAs (myself included), because they can often do the work of a PhD for a lower price :-) PhD's are often just too expensive in today's tight market with
shrinking profits.
The other thing to be aware of this that right now many employers are looking for the absolute perfect candidate. What this means is that often times the employer may actually like you, but still not give you a job, because you are not perfect for the opening they have. I know am not the only employer who thinks like a casting director. With this you can know that a significant percentage of the time you don't get the job, it has nothing to do with you, and everything to do with the job opening, and the fact that employers are being super picky these days because they can.
As a result, one of the keys to success right now, is playing a numbers game. If you keep putting yourself out there, sooner or later you will be the right person for the part, and you will get the job. This is true now more than ever.
The other piece of it is attitude (I am sure you KNOW THIS!). Do your very best to keep a positive attitude in front of the employer. Ten minutes ago I just ended a job interview with an applicant because I could tell she was depressed. She kept saying how she had been out of work for 10 months. The first thing I imagine when an applicant says this to ME, IN AN INTERVIEW, is that he or she will say this to one of our clients. You can imagine this is the last thing I would want any instructor to say to any of our clients. My job is to provide solutions, not create them, by sending out troubled candidates.
The final piece is preparation. Study up on potential job interview questions. Many times I don't hire applicants because they cannot answer the questions I ask. Make sure to be ready for the tough ones like "Where could you improve?" and "Why should we hire you over someone else?" Also because employers are thinking like casting directors, you may need to answer very specific, very detailed questions about your experience. Be ready for this.
Maybe you know all this already, but I do hope it helps. I
Hope you find work soon!
This is an accurate comprehensive view of the marketplace for job candidates with degrees.
This letter could function as encouragement for students finding it hard to stay focused in school. Your diploma is a very important step to your earnings for the rest of your life. Stick with it.
And remember you, if you aren't now, will soon be a job hunter.
Hey William,
I might be able to be of more help if you decide to look outside your usual world for employment.
If you do I can think of a few general things that you might not have
considered.
One thing I can say, all around, is that things are getting more ccompetitive. Anything you can do to show you are actively involved with the field and are looking for ways to expand your skill set is a great thing. I can see how my own hiring practice has changed. Some of our employees that I hired 5 years ago would not even get an interview today.
On the flip side, I can also say that having a PhD can work against you these days. I think having an MA is actually perfect. Employers love MAs (myself included), because they can often do the work of a PhD for a lower price :-) PhD's are often just too expensive in today's tight market with
shrinking profits.
The other thing to be aware of this that right now many employers are looking for the absolute perfect candidate. What this means is that often times the employer may actually like you, but still not give you a job, because you are not perfect for the opening they have. I know am not the only employer who thinks like a casting director. With this you can know that a significant percentage of the time you don't get the job, it has nothing to do with you, and everything to do with the job opening, and the fact that employers are being super picky these days because they can.
As a result, one of the keys to success right now, is playing a numbers game. If you keep putting yourself out there, sooner or later you will be the right person for the part, and you will get the job. This is true now more than ever.
The other piece of it is attitude (I am sure you KNOW THIS!). Do your very best to keep a positive attitude in front of the employer. Ten minutes ago I just ended a job interview with an applicant because I could tell she was depressed. She kept saying how she had been out of work for 10 months. The first thing I imagine when an applicant says this to ME, IN AN INTERVIEW, is that he or she will say this to one of our clients. You can imagine this is the last thing I would want any instructor to say to any of our clients. My job is to provide solutions, not create them, by sending out troubled candidates.
The final piece is preparation. Study up on potential job interview questions. Many times I don't hire applicants because they cannot answer the questions I ask. Make sure to be ready for the tough ones like "Where could you improve?" and "Why should we hire you over someone else?" Also because employers are thinking like casting directors, you may need to answer very specific, very detailed questions about your experience. Be ready for this.
Maybe you know all this already, but I do hope it helps. I
Hope you find work soon!
This is an accurate comprehensive view of the marketplace for job candidates with degrees.
This letter could function as encouragement for students finding it hard to stay focused in school. Your diploma is a very important step to your earnings for the rest of your life. Stick with it.
Thursday, August 4, 2011
Legally Speaking
As most law students could report the world of legal proceedings is a separate reality even more arcane and potentially confusing than the basic alternate reality we know as Planet College. While law students are working diligently to absorb and conquer the language, customs and procedures of The Legal World most average students could find this world intimidating to say the least.
Fortunately most Planet College regulars have little or nothing to do with The Legal World. Well, almost nothing. A careful look at much of your higher education will reveal that it is defined by legal obligations. These are spelled out in your annual registration packet, residence hall license and financial aid award letter. These documents provide protection for both you and your university.
But your legal involvement may not end there. Occasionally students become involved in legal proceedings not quite outside of, but, on the edge of the college environment. You may be all too familiar with some of these occasions. The most common student involved legal proceedings outside of parking tickets are substance use related or landlord/tenant matters, (as they are referred to in the legal world).
In either case or in any case if you are involved in any type of legal proceedings whatsoever it is wise, very, very wise to get help.
Legal assistance is not often available on campus but there may be some form of help in your town. One resource, The Legal Aid Society, provides legal services to individuals. Usually there are some basic requirements such as income and a phone call to this organization can establish your eligibility.
Some law schools also operate clinics, usually staffed by students who are supervised by professionals. The clinics often charge little or no fee for a consultation.
What ever the legal matter there is somewhere close some type of help for you. The Law takes itself very seriously and expects you to do the same. For this you will probably need help.
A Planet College word of caution. Students are acclimated to getting practically every type of help, information or assistance electronically. Legally, this type of assistance may qualify as 'opinion.' This type of opinion may be useful for discounts on movie tickets but it is not reliable 'legal aid'. The most reliable aid you may need legally is always gained in person, face-to-face, one-on-one, with a qualified professional.
Fortunately most Planet College regulars have little or nothing to do with The Legal World. Well, almost nothing. A careful look at much of your higher education will reveal that it is defined by legal obligations. These are spelled out in your annual registration packet, residence hall license and financial aid award letter. These documents provide protection for both you and your university.
But your legal involvement may not end there. Occasionally students become involved in legal proceedings not quite outside of, but, on the edge of the college environment. You may be all too familiar with some of these occasions. The most common student involved legal proceedings outside of parking tickets are substance use related or landlord/tenant matters, (as they are referred to in the legal world).
In either case or in any case if you are involved in any type of legal proceedings whatsoever it is wise, very, very wise to get help.
Legal assistance is not often available on campus but there may be some form of help in your town. One resource, The Legal Aid Society, provides legal services to individuals. Usually there are some basic requirements such as income and a phone call to this organization can establish your eligibility.
Some law schools also operate clinics, usually staffed by students who are supervised by professionals. The clinics often charge little or no fee for a consultation.
What ever the legal matter there is somewhere close some type of help for you. The Law takes itself very seriously and expects you to do the same. For this you will probably need help.
A Planet College word of caution. Students are acclimated to getting practically every type of help, information or assistance electronically. Legally, this type of assistance may qualify as 'opinion.' This type of opinion may be useful for discounts on movie tickets but it is not reliable 'legal aid'. The most reliable aid you may need legally is always gained in person, face-to-face, one-on-one, with a qualified professional.
Saturday, July 23, 2011
Liberal Arts, Liberal Studies, Liberal Thinking.
Across the social spectrum "liberal" is a term with a variety of connotations. Politically liberal designates a particular set of behaviors and their implied values. Culturally liberal implies loose, generous or easy going. Liberal often packs a significant emotional impact depending on your point of view.
Educationally "liberal" has been used to indicate broad-based or wide ranging. This has evolved from the early established colleges of the eighteen hundreds. When the United States decided to provide an education for every citizen the need for teachers was recognized. Therefore colleges were established to train teachers for the public school system. Initially these colleges were referred to as "Normal" schools but as time passed they were increasingly referred to as Liberal Arts colleges. This designation, "liberal", was meant to show that the students were receiving a wide ranging education. A wide ranging education was deemed necessary for school teachers because of the wide variety of questions they would potentially be asked by their young students.
If you've spent any time with children you know how inquisitive and demanding they can be. A teacher had better be prepared to answer and explain their answer right now. A liberal education was intended to prepare young teachers for this.
As colleges widened their curriculum to prepare students for other careers additional majors were developed. Within the past few decades specific majors have gained popularity. Career minded students have chosen IT or Accounting for Business among many others to help launch their life after Planet College. Employers were thought to respond favorably to the skills such specific degrees required.
So what happened to Liberal Arts? Well it is still in the catalogue and it isn't limited to students who are intending to become teachers. With the current hiring climate as volatile as it is employers are now looking favorably on a Liberal Arts degree. A wide ranging base of schooling indicates a potential employee has a knack for flexibility. Given the rapidly changing nature of even the most basic business practices this flexibility could be a very desirable trait.
So, if you are still undeclared or stuck in your major and thinking of a change consider Liberal Studies. If it is available it might be a way to a degree and a job soon. Give it some thought.
Educationally "liberal" has been used to indicate broad-based or wide ranging. This has evolved from the early established colleges of the eighteen hundreds. When the United States decided to provide an education for every citizen the need for teachers was recognized. Therefore colleges were established to train teachers for the public school system. Initially these colleges were referred to as "Normal" schools but as time passed they were increasingly referred to as Liberal Arts colleges. This designation, "liberal", was meant to show that the students were receiving a wide ranging education. A wide ranging education was deemed necessary for school teachers because of the wide variety of questions they would potentially be asked by their young students.
If you've spent any time with children you know how inquisitive and demanding they can be. A teacher had better be prepared to answer and explain their answer right now. A liberal education was intended to prepare young teachers for this.
As colleges widened their curriculum to prepare students for other careers additional majors were developed. Within the past few decades specific majors have gained popularity. Career minded students have chosen IT or Accounting for Business among many others to help launch their life after Planet College. Employers were thought to respond favorably to the skills such specific degrees required.
So what happened to Liberal Arts? Well it is still in the catalogue and it isn't limited to students who are intending to become teachers. With the current hiring climate as volatile as it is employers are now looking favorably on a Liberal Arts degree. A wide ranging base of schooling indicates a potential employee has a knack for flexibility. Given the rapidly changing nature of even the most basic business practices this flexibility could be a very desirable trait.
So, if you are still undeclared or stuck in your major and thinking of a change consider Liberal Studies. If it is available it might be a way to a degree and a job soon. Give it some thought.
Wednesday, July 20, 2011
Zs Get Degrees, Or Do They?
Learning while you sleep is an appealing sounding method to acquire Knowledge. Various programs available offer 'sleep learning' usually meaning tapes. These recordings play while the learner sleeps and those available advertise results, sometimes described as 'amazing'. Customers they say have mastered subjects while sleeping and this mastery has assisted them passing difficult courses. One discussion of this subject declared," Z's get degrees." There was no indication whether the students took the test while sleeping.
Looking around any of your a early a.m. classes you will observe many students earnestly practicing another form of sleep-learning. Are these students sleeping? Definitely. Are these students learning? Possibly. Their grade will tell.
Only you can tell the best methods for you to acquire and retain the information necessary to pass any given course. If sleeping helps, well, sleep. What is more likely, though, is the need for you to bring your full attention to any subject you are attempting to master or at least pass. It is also likely that you need to be awake while doing so. Zs may help a student occasionally pass a class. Degrees are obtained through persistence, diligence and an organized approach to studying. And all of this means work. The lure of 'sleep learning' is the implied effortlessness which is in fact very appealing. But, most veterans on Planet College learn nothing worthwhile is achieved without effort.
Ok, now, go take a nap.
Looking around any of your a early a.m. classes you will observe many students earnestly practicing another form of sleep-learning. Are these students sleeping? Definitely. Are these students learning? Possibly. Their grade will tell.
Only you can tell the best methods for you to acquire and retain the information necessary to pass any given course. If sleeping helps, well, sleep. What is more likely, though, is the need for you to bring your full attention to any subject you are attempting to master or at least pass. It is also likely that you need to be awake while doing so. Zs may help a student occasionally pass a class. Degrees are obtained through persistence, diligence and an organized approach to studying. And all of this means work. The lure of 'sleep learning' is the implied effortlessness which is in fact very appealing. But, most veterans on Planet College learn nothing worthwhile is achieved without effort.
Ok, now, go take a nap.
Wednesday, June 29, 2011
You Are Your Resume Part Three
Sorting through the pre-interview process, that is resume distribution and application submittal can be tedious, even irritating, but it is the only way to get through to the next big and critical step in your burgeoning work career, the interview.
Your interview may be causal or formal, it may involve one person or a small committee but the one main component it definitely involves is you. From the posts above you have determined it is important for you to provide accurate information during the various stages leading to the interview.
Now you are representing yourself, in person, and this is the part where You really are Your Resume. The person or people who are interviewing may have questions about you, your attitude, your background and your experience. You should be prepared to present yourself clearly and concisely. Typically the questioning will involve information you have provided which is why it is extremely important that you have supplied accurate information. Don't fib, exaggerate (much) or lie. Those who hire understand you are anxious. But even a hint of dishonesty seriously clouds your desirability as an employee. When the interview has concluded, thank him, her or them and leave.
Here is the super secret, inside scoop, now-it-can-be-told, Planet College exclusive about your interview. What this committee was looking for and will be discussing after you leave is this; "Of the otherwise eligible candidates we have interviewed who, which one, could we actually stand to work with all day?"
That's it. Seriously. You are inexperienced. They know it. You have a lot to offer. They know it. You have a lot to learn. They know it. They could hire any one of dozens of applicants. They know this, too. So. What they really, really consider, all other things being equal, is whether or not your potential co-workers could get through an average work day with you without any further problems than their job already has.
That is it. Finally. As far as you are your resume. Be the person other people could stand to spend an average workday with.
Your interview may be causal or formal, it may involve one person or a small committee but the one main component it definitely involves is you. From the posts above you have determined it is important for you to provide accurate information during the various stages leading to the interview.
Now you are representing yourself, in person, and this is the part where You really are Your Resume. The person or people who are interviewing may have questions about you, your attitude, your background and your experience. You should be prepared to present yourself clearly and concisely. Typically the questioning will involve information you have provided which is why it is extremely important that you have supplied accurate information. Don't fib, exaggerate (much) or lie. Those who hire understand you are anxious. But even a hint of dishonesty seriously clouds your desirability as an employee. When the interview has concluded, thank him, her or them and leave.
Here is the super secret, inside scoop, now-it-can-be-told, Planet College exclusive about your interview. What this committee was looking for and will be discussing after you leave is this; "Of the otherwise eligible candidates we have interviewed who, which one, could we actually stand to work with all day?"
That's it. Seriously. You are inexperienced. They know it. You have a lot to offer. They know it. You have a lot to learn. They know it. They could hire any one of dozens of applicants. They know this, too. So. What they really, really consider, all other things being equal, is whether or not your potential co-workers could get through an average work day with you without any further problems than their job already has.
That is it. Finally. As far as you are your resume. Be the person other people could stand to spend an average workday with.
You Are Your Resume, Part Two
If you have been getting no calls and seriously distributing resumes the post above is a good place to start. If now your resume has reliable information then read on. This part might be called Your Resume Is Not An Application.
Because there are a variety of procedures, depending on the industry and particular company, which involve filling in forms and supplying information both before and after hiring, this post will deal with the simplest before hiring procedure.
For most businesses, no matter what size, some standard has been used to organize hiring. This standard is almost always an application. You may have filled out several in your work life. Whether at a computer terminal or at a desk with a pen they ask for information, sometimes extensive information about you. This is information which is probably not on your resume. Social Security number, names, addresses and phone numbers for previous employers as well as additional information for references. (If this information is on your resume remove it. Resumes are not applications and should not include extensive personal information.)
Some applicants assume that attaching a resume to an application after having filled in their name is sufficient for the process. It isn't. If you have been handed an application fill it out as completely as possible. Even if this application essentially duplicates information you have on your resume fill it out anyway.There is a purpose for this beyond what you can imagine. (For example, it could be a useful preliminary test to see if you can follow directions.)
If you have not been called for an interview but are simply applying, the information you have provided will be forwarded to the appropriate department, usually known as Human Resources, and often called "HR".
If you have been called for an interview based on your resume or resume and application, these documents will be forwarded to the interviewer or interviewers, with whom you will be speaking shortly.
And this leads to You Are Your Resume, Part Three.
Because there are a variety of procedures, depending on the industry and particular company, which involve filling in forms and supplying information both before and after hiring, this post will deal with the simplest before hiring procedure.
For most businesses, no matter what size, some standard has been used to organize hiring. This standard is almost always an application. You may have filled out several in your work life. Whether at a computer terminal or at a desk with a pen they ask for information, sometimes extensive information about you. This is information which is probably not on your resume. Social Security number, names, addresses and phone numbers for previous employers as well as additional information for references. (If this information is on your resume remove it. Resumes are not applications and should not include extensive personal information.)
Some applicants assume that attaching a resume to an application after having filled in their name is sufficient for the process. It isn't. If you have been handed an application fill it out as completely as possible. Even if this application essentially duplicates information you have on your resume fill it out anyway.There is a purpose for this beyond what you can imagine. (For example, it could be a useful preliminary test to see if you can follow directions.)
If you have not been called for an interview but are simply applying, the information you have provided will be forwarded to the appropriate department, usually known as Human Resources, and often called "HR".
If you have been called for an interview based on your resume or resume and application, these documents will be forwarded to the interviewer or interviewers, with whom you will be speaking shortly.
And this leads to You Are Your Resume, Part Three.
You Are Your Resume. Part One
If you are new to the serious job market you may be some confusion about basics. Basics like resumes, applications and interviews , what they mean and how they apply.
Whether or not you've heard the term or even think you know what it means. A resume is a brief summary of your work or experience as it applies to the position you are seeking. A prevailing standard now in the big workplace called Planet Earth says keep it brief. There are two reasons for this. First the person who is reading it is busy. Second, if you have yet to reach the quarter century mark on Planet Earth you don't have that much experience. At least not the kind that directly applies to any position you may be seeking. So including every paying situation you've had since you started at the drive-up window of WackyTaco may not be necessary.
Keep it simple. Not too artsy. Not too flashy. Simple, plain and clear.
But.
There is one bit of information which is absolutely critical. Your current contact information.
This means that resumes which you are now submitting must contain your current phone number, probably your cell phone.
Whether your resume is electronic or paper, posted on your WebFace page or hand delivered by a uniformed courier, lack of reliable current contact information is one sure way to early elimination from the hiring process.
So, go check right now. Do the resumes you are distributing right now contain the number of the cell phone you are using right now?
If not make that change promptly.
Whether or not you've heard the term or even think you know what it means. A resume is a brief summary of your work or experience as it applies to the position you are seeking. A prevailing standard now in the big workplace called Planet Earth says keep it brief. There are two reasons for this. First the person who is reading it is busy. Second, if you have yet to reach the quarter century mark on Planet Earth you don't have that much experience. At least not the kind that directly applies to any position you may be seeking. So including every paying situation you've had since you started at the drive-up window of WackyTaco may not be necessary.
Keep it simple. Not too artsy. Not too flashy. Simple, plain and clear.
But.
There is one bit of information which is absolutely critical. Your current contact information.
This means that resumes which you are now submitting must contain your current phone number, probably your cell phone.
Whether your resume is electronic or paper, posted on your WebFace page or hand delivered by a uniformed courier, lack of reliable current contact information is one sure way to early elimination from the hiring process.
So, go check right now. Do the resumes you are distributing right now contain the number of the cell phone you are using right now?
If not make that change promptly.
Wednesday, June 15, 2011
Physics For Future Presidents
On Planet College most students have learned to concentrate on courses which will lead to their degree.
Once a student finds a major their focus must necessarily be on completing the requirements as promptly as possible. This goal dictates their term schedules.
Undergraduates who are still in lower division or have not found a major have a somewhat wider base of choices for courses and this can be advantageous. Many students on Planet College who do not feel mathematically inclined shy away from any course which suggest a mathematical component.
Universitys attempt to ease these students' anxiety by offering 'survey' courses.
These survey courses do just that. They cover the subject generally offering the students an overview. These types of courses can enrich a student's education without requiring the time commitment difficult, at least for some, science course requires. One such course is offered on one of the UC campuses. At the University of California Berkeley a student can enroll in Physics 110, a survey course titled, Physics for Future Presidents.
The intriguing title tells students here is a course meant for leaders. Most students value being regarded capably and the University acknowledges this in the courses title.
If your schedule is not yet set for next term possibly you might peruse the catalog or class schedule and find a horizon widening course such as this. It could be a welcome addition to your schedule, a refreshing glimpse outside your usual boundarys. Expanding your world view in this manner is a large part of the purpose of your experience on Planet College.
Once a student finds a major their focus must necessarily be on completing the requirements as promptly as possible. This goal dictates their term schedules.
Undergraduates who are still in lower division or have not found a major have a somewhat wider base of choices for courses and this can be advantageous. Many students on Planet College who do not feel mathematically inclined shy away from any course which suggest a mathematical component.
Universitys attempt to ease these students' anxiety by offering 'survey' courses.
These survey courses do just that. They cover the subject generally offering the students an overview. These types of courses can enrich a student's education without requiring the time commitment difficult, at least for some, science course requires. One such course is offered on one of the UC campuses. At the University of California Berkeley a student can enroll in Physics 110, a survey course titled, Physics for Future Presidents.
The intriguing title tells students here is a course meant for leaders. Most students value being regarded capably and the University acknowledges this in the courses title.
If your schedule is not yet set for next term possibly you might peruse the catalog or class schedule and find a horizon widening course such as this. It could be a welcome addition to your schedule, a refreshing glimpse outside your usual boundarys. Expanding your world view in this manner is a large part of the purpose of your experience on Planet College.
Thursday, June 2, 2011
The Sands of Summer and The Sands of Time.
Planet College wide and culture wide the summer months, June, July and August have a vacation atmosphere. The general attitude is these months are a little more kick-back, a little more of a 'time out' feel. Students who are accumulating time and experience on Planet College aren't long seduced by this illusion. Which is what it is for a person whose time is as valuable as yours, an illusion.
For some lolling on beaches enjoying the sands of summer and the parties of summer nights is a rewarding and even necessary time out. For career focused students the sands are running through the big hour glass of their lives all the same.
Now, summer has become time to add hours at work or get another, additional job. This can reduce or possibly eliminate the need for loans this coming term.
Some students take advantage of summer courses offered either at their main campus or some campus closer to home. Making sure this course or these courses ultimately hasten their graduation date is basic wisdom, the kind earned through experience.
Experience shows no matter how you use your time it is still your time you are using. It is only in the hour glass that the sands of time replenish themselves. On Planet College and on Earth a day gone is a day gone for good.
This summer, your summer, will only happen once. When it is done how much closer will you be to graduation?
For some lolling on beaches enjoying the sands of summer and the parties of summer nights is a rewarding and even necessary time out. For career focused students the sands are running through the big hour glass of their lives all the same.
Now, summer has become time to add hours at work or get another, additional job. This can reduce or possibly eliminate the need for loans this coming term.
Some students take advantage of summer courses offered either at their main campus or some campus closer to home. Making sure this course or these courses ultimately hasten their graduation date is basic wisdom, the kind earned through experience.
Experience shows no matter how you use your time it is still your time you are using. It is only in the hour glass that the sands of time replenish themselves. On Planet College and on Earth a day gone is a day gone for good.
This summer, your summer, will only happen once. When it is done how much closer will you be to graduation?
Monday, May 2, 2011
Big Shout Out To Grandma
Back on Planet Earth families take all manner of configurations; traditional, blended, single parent and others. One ongoing figure in most families, no matter what configuration, is grandma. Known by dozens of names and nicknames, grandmothers have often been the heart and soul of most families since there were families. Currently grandmothers have taken on many varied identities from old country still- can't -speak- more- than- three -words- of -English to one of the Areas Great Real Estate Professionals, the kind who tweets and drives an Audi.
Which is or are yours?
Doesn't matter really. This week features a holiday focusing on mothers. Ok, maybe. Some moms would seriously simply like to be left alone for just one day. But they wont tell you that.
Not grandmas. They love that stuff.
So this week no matter what your particular family situation give grandma a shout. There will never be any one like her.
Which is or are yours?
Doesn't matter really. This week features a holiday focusing on mothers. Ok, maybe. Some moms would seriously simply like to be left alone for just one day. But they wont tell you that.
Not grandmas. They love that stuff.
So this week no matter what your particular family situation give grandma a shout. There will never be any one like her.
Thursday, April 28, 2011
The Only A You'll Ever Really Need
Grades have a different significance for different students. Some students absolutely must have an A every time. Those are the students who practically had coronary arrest first year when their gpa was one full grade point less than high school. Well this isn't high school. Still for some anything less than a C is cause for panic. Everyone has their standards. While personal preference and at times scholarship standing have a great bearing on grades there is, in fact, only one subject you really must get an A in. That subject is Persistence. Though it may not be listed in your school's catalogue there is no underestimating the value of Persistence. Planet College has emphasized many times and probably will again that in fact you need to pass your courses with a grade of C in order to Graduate. And that takes persistence. Just a C. Sounds ordinary, uninspired to those who haven't attempted it. Cs take persistance and Cs get degress. Press on, persistently.
Wednesday, April 13, 2011
Get Those Graduation Announcements Out, Part Four.
Graduation Announcements, Part Four, The Really Important Part.
Now. Your graduation announcements are addressed, neatly addressed, stamped and mailed. Most importantly you have a list of each of the people to whom you have sent an announcement, especially at the businesses.
This list could be the key to your immediate and even long term future back on Planet Earth.
Here's why. Soon after your actual graduation, very soon, start calling the individuals from the list you had used for your mailing.
Once you reach them identify your self and say something simple and friendly like, "Hi, I'm Recent Graduate. I sent you an announcement and I'd really like to talk with you sometime about what I can do for your business."
Listen carefully to what they say and make a brief note next to their name on the list. If it is something like,"Thanks we'll let you know." note that and go on the the next name.
If you get an interview out of this effort, well, you're on your way. That is the actual point of this entire exercise, full time employment, or as close as possible, which recognizes your status as a college graduate.
Your very hard earned degree is now a permanent part of your resume and the recognition provided by your first job as a graduate is critical to your progress back on Planet Earth.
Now. Your graduation announcements are addressed, neatly addressed, stamped and mailed. Most importantly you have a list of each of the people to whom you have sent an announcement, especially at the businesses.
This list could be the key to your immediate and even long term future back on Planet Earth.
Here's why. Soon after your actual graduation, very soon, start calling the individuals from the list you had used for your mailing.
Once you reach them identify your self and say something simple and friendly like, "Hi, I'm Recent Graduate. I sent you an announcement and I'd really like to talk with you sometime about what I can do for your business."
Listen carefully to what they say and make a brief note next to their name on the list. If it is something like,"Thanks we'll let you know." note that and go on the the next name.
If you get an interview out of this effort, well, you're on your way. That is the actual point of this entire exercise, full time employment, or as close as possible, which recognizes your status as a college graduate.
Your very hard earned degree is now a permanent part of your resume and the recognition provided by your first job as a graduate is critical to your progress back on Planet Earth.
Get Those Graduation Announcements Out, Part Three.
Graduation announcements are an integral part of your re-entry on Planet Earth.
This is because you now want a real full time job and your graduation announcements can help.
The last post on this topic ended with stamps. You'll need some for this and you can get them from lots of places including the post office.
When you have your announcements and your name and address list, friends and relatives, ( you want gifts) and businesses, (you want a full time job) you will need to set some time aside to do the addressing, stamping and mailing. When doing so make sure the name and address is neatly applied to each announcement envelope. (If your hand writing still looks like it did in the third grade, get help. You want people to know you are graduating from college not middle school.)
Once the addressing has been accomplished take the envelopes to the post office, there may be a sub-station on your campus, but, where ever it is go there and deposit the entire lot.
Super Important. Be sure and keep a list of everyone you have sent an announcement to.
Almost Done.
This is because you now want a real full time job and your graduation announcements can help.
The last post on this topic ended with stamps. You'll need some for this and you can get them from lots of places including the post office.
When you have your announcements and your name and address list, friends and relatives, ( you want gifts) and businesses, (you want a full time job) you will need to set some time aside to do the addressing, stamping and mailing. When doing so make sure the name and address is neatly applied to each announcement envelope. (If your hand writing still looks like it did in the third grade, get help. You want people to know you are graduating from college not middle school.)
Once the addressing has been accomplished take the envelopes to the post office, there may be a sub-station on your campus, but, where ever it is go there and deposit the entire lot.
Super Important. Be sure and keep a list of everyone you have sent an announcement to.
Almost Done.
Get Those Graduation Announcements Out, Part Two.
Details Details.
If you are used to communicating by e-mail and are not familiar with mailing you can use this information.
I'f you have read the above post you may be a little under informed about 'mail'. Mail is printed, written or typed messaged placed in a sealed envelope and delivered to an address or post office box by a division of the United States Government called the postal service. When you lived in campus housing you had a post office box on the first floor. It was the little thing you looked into sometimes to see if anyone had sent you money.
Now, you are going to send mail and if you haven't done much of this you might need some help. You will notice the graduation announcements come with envelopes. These will need to be addressed and also stamped. Maybe you can get a list of relatives', especially the prosperous ones, names and addresses from your mom. Use this to hand address individual envelopes.
A list of businesses for whom you would like to work or at least be interviewed could take a little diligence. It is possible to find their mailing address on line but you will also need the name of some individual to send your graduation announcement to. Probably this will be someone in the company's Human Resources Department.
These envelopes also need to be stamped.
There's more.
If you are used to communicating by e-mail and are not familiar with mailing you can use this information.
I'f you have read the above post you may be a little under informed about 'mail'. Mail is printed, written or typed messaged placed in a sealed envelope and delivered to an address or post office box by a division of the United States Government called the postal service. When you lived in campus housing you had a post office box on the first floor. It was the little thing you looked into sometimes to see if anyone had sent you money.
Now, you are going to send mail and if you haven't done much of this you might need some help. You will notice the graduation announcements come with envelopes. These will need to be addressed and also stamped. Maybe you can get a list of relatives', especially the prosperous ones, names and addresses from your mom. Use this to hand address individual envelopes.
A list of businesses for whom you would like to work or at least be interviewed could take a little diligence. It is possible to find their mailing address on line but you will also need the name of some individual to send your graduation announcement to. Probably this will be someone in the company's Human Resources Department.
These envelopes also need to be stamped.
There's more.
Get Those Graduation Announcements Out, Part One.
It's already April and commencement is looming.
If you are finally graduating it is time to get your graduation announcements out. Most institutions provide graduating students with a set amount of graduation announcements, maybe twenty-five. It is part of the 'graduation' package that includes the gown rental and that other stuff that goes along with it. They're printed with the graduate's name, in this case yours, pretty cool.
For you, right now, if you have finally made it, there is probably a flurry of activity associated with your graduation. Among all this don't over look those printed announcements.
First of all they serve as really effective 'gift raising' devices, so for that fact alone they are practically priceless. Shameless, but what the heck, you earned it.
Secondly, but even more important, printed graduation announcements are really effective tools to present yourself to potential employers. Since your NEXT BIG STEP is career, a graduation announcement sent to a business in which you would like to work tells them you are now ready for the big time.
Read On.
If you are finally graduating it is time to get your graduation announcements out. Most institutions provide graduating students with a set amount of graduation announcements, maybe twenty-five. It is part of the 'graduation' package that includes the gown rental and that other stuff that goes along with it. They're printed with the graduate's name, in this case yours, pretty cool.
For you, right now, if you have finally made it, there is probably a flurry of activity associated with your graduation. Among all this don't over look those printed announcements.
First of all they serve as really effective 'gift raising' devices, so for that fact alone they are practically priceless. Shameless, but what the heck, you earned it.
Secondly, but even more important, printed graduation announcements are really effective tools to present yourself to potential employers. Since your NEXT BIG STEP is career, a graduation announcement sent to a business in which you would like to work tells them you are now ready for the big time.
Read On.
Thursday, April 7, 2011
C more
If you are having serious reservations about your abilities as a student on Planet College, based on mainly getting a C and occasionally not even that consider this.
A national organization whose mission is to place college graduates in to under achieving schools nation wide as teachers recruits widely for students right about now. Their criteria includes a 2.5 GPA. That's a C average. A C average. This organization believes that recent college graduates can bring something to primary grade students that they may not be getting from their current teachers. It also believes the graduates it places can benefit from exposure to an environment which they may not experience elsewhere.
Planet College does not wish to debate the rationale of this organization's philosophy, no doubt its intentions are well meant. Planet College does wish to point out that along with extensive rhetoric about 'exceptional' experience this organization, as noted, requires average grades for consideration as a candidate.
What does this imply? This implies that the essential philosophy of this site, that it is OK to get a C, in fact, that it is OK to get nothing but Cs is valid. The reason is simple. College is an exceptional experience. Average performance in an exceptional environment is regarded back on Planet Earth as suitable for employment.
A national organization whose mission is to place college graduates in to under achieving schools nation wide as teachers recruits widely for students right about now. Their criteria includes a 2.5 GPA. That's a C average. A C average. This organization believes that recent college graduates can bring something to primary grade students that they may not be getting from their current teachers. It also believes the graduates it places can benefit from exposure to an environment which they may not experience elsewhere.
Planet College does not wish to debate the rationale of this organization's philosophy, no doubt its intentions are well meant. Planet College does wish to point out that along with extensive rhetoric about 'exceptional' experience this organization, as noted, requires average grades for consideration as a candidate.
What does this imply? This implies that the essential philosophy of this site, that it is OK to get a C, in fact, that it is OK to get nothing but Cs is valid. The reason is simple. College is an exceptional experience. Average performance in an exceptional environment is regarded back on Planet Earth as suitable for employment.
Thursday, March 17, 2011
Internship Update
Due to the frequency of 'internships' offered on Planet College an entry was made here.
This is an update.
Opportunities for "interns" appear often on flyers distributed around most campuses, in job listings in the campus newspaper and on many on line job boards. This term has often been interpreted to indicate "unpaid", the implication being the intern will be compensated in experience. This interpretation is seriously incorrect. Because this term has become so widely misinterpreted The State of California has issued a directive which outlines the conditions under which a worker may be termed an "intern." The New York Times published an article concerning this directive and you may read it here. If you are considering an internship please read it carefully. Of course, the definitions and conditions for an internship will vary from state to state and it is smart for you to check out your state's requirements for this classification. This is to assure you are not simply being exploited. Essentially the consensus is an intern must be compensated by some means for their efforts.
Becoming an intern in the industry in which you intend to work can be a useful opportunity for you. It helps to know, though, that you are not just unpaid labor.
This is an update.
Opportunities for "interns" appear often on flyers distributed around most campuses, in job listings in the campus newspaper and on many on line job boards. This term has often been interpreted to indicate "unpaid", the implication being the intern will be compensated in experience. This interpretation is seriously incorrect. Because this term has become so widely misinterpreted The State of California has issued a directive which outlines the conditions under which a worker may be termed an "intern." The New York Times published an article concerning this directive and you may read it here. If you are considering an internship please read it carefully. Of course, the definitions and conditions for an internship will vary from state to state and it is smart for you to check out your state's requirements for this classification. This is to assure you are not simply being exploited. Essentially the consensus is an intern must be compensated by some means for their efforts.
Becoming an intern in the industry in which you intend to work can be a useful opportunity for you. It helps to know, though, that you are not just unpaid labor.
Monday, March 14, 2011
Got a passport?
Planet College is an endless series of opportunities. New friends, new experiences and even travel. Most every opportunity on Planet College requires some basics, time, money and at least some preparation. Preparation often includes appropriate documentation and for travel outside of the United States a passport. Last summer a student, Brian, was invited by friends to accompany them on a trip to Samoa. Mostly this was for surfing and partying. Part of Samoa is an American possession which is why it is known as American Samoa. Part but not all. Because passport application processing can take several weeks Brian did not have a valid passport when he left for the trip. So when his friends traveled to the parts of Samoa which are not American possessions Brian was left behind. Tough lesson. A little preparation often goes a long way toward making life run a little more smoothly. If you don't have a passport it could be useful to look into getting one. If you do have a passport it is important to determine whether it is up to date. The Bureau of Consular Affairs, which is a division of The United States Department Of State is sponsoring Passport Day In The USA and the details are available here. Important details such as the time and money involved and US Passports issuing agencys are covered here. Look into it. Opportunity on Planet College often comes up when you least expect it. So, like a good scout, Be Prepared.
Thursday, March 3, 2011
It is your time.
Your time is priceless, irreplaceable. Effective use of it is the swiftest way to your goal, graduation. Effective use of time is an art. On Planet College there are numerous distractions. Distractions which can lead to an ineffective use of your precious time.
Most institutions of higher learning are aware that students can benefit from guidance, guidance of all kinds including time use.
At a large state university in Southern California, Dr. Tom Stevens, a counselor has developed a system based on his experience with students. It is based on priorities established by the students themselves. The University of Texas offers time planning to its education majors. Virginia Tech offers time planning in its study guide for students. Princeton too, like most other Ivy League schools and in fact most all schools offers time management instruction. There is a good chance that your school also offers some course or counseling or guidance which features the essential elements of time management or planning. Look into it. It might be through counseling, advising or the education department among others. It is definitely worth your time, and it is your time.
Most institutions of higher learning are aware that students can benefit from guidance, guidance of all kinds including time use.
At a large state university in Southern California, Dr. Tom Stevens, a counselor has developed a system based on his experience with students. It is based on priorities established by the students themselves. The University of Texas offers time planning to its education majors. Virginia Tech offers time planning in its study guide for students. Princeton too, like most other Ivy League schools and in fact most all schools offers time management instruction. There is a good chance that your school also offers some course or counseling or guidance which features the essential elements of time management or planning. Look into it. It might be through counseling, advising or the education department among others. It is definitely worth your time, and it is your time.
Monday, February 21, 2011
Next Time We'll Have A Guest Speaker
Instructors on Planet College strive earnestly to make their subject interesting to their students. One common tactic is a guest speaker. Whatever the subject, the guest is usually an authority, involved in the field, and typically not another instructor. Your instructors use guest speakers to liven up the term which can often, especially around now, become a kind of droning drudgery.
Often when a guest speaker is announced the average students response is,
"Oh good, I can skip class."
If this has been your usual attitude this term go. Go, and listen to the guest speaker. Listen carefully to what they have to say. Guest speakers provide a fresh angle on the course content, often illuminating the subject from the angle of a working professional. And that is they key. Whoever they are, they are probably working in the field. While the subject of the course may not be the field you intend to work in, the guests insights might provide stimulation for your career quest. Their talk may provoke possibilities as yet not considered by you.
Even if you are right now absolutely convinced that you will never work in the field which is the topic of the course, listening to this speaker can at least broaden your horizon. That is why you are on Planet College, among many reasons. This time give the guest speaker a chance, show up and listen, you may find a whole new career possibility.
Often when a guest speaker is announced the average students response is,
"Oh good, I can skip class."
If this has been your usual attitude this term go. Go, and listen to the guest speaker. Listen carefully to what they have to say. Guest speakers provide a fresh angle on the course content, often illuminating the subject from the angle of a working professional. And that is they key. Whoever they are, they are probably working in the field. While the subject of the course may not be the field you intend to work in, the guests insights might provide stimulation for your career quest. Their talk may provoke possibilities as yet not considered by you.
Even if you are right now absolutely convinced that you will never work in the field which is the topic of the course, listening to this speaker can at least broaden your horizon. That is why you are on Planet College, among many reasons. This time give the guest speaker a chance, show up and listen, you may find a whole new career possibility.
Monday, February 14, 2011
You don't need more time.
Right around now some projects are coming due and others are being assigned. The big stuff, stuff that is a large part of your grade. Individual reports, group projects, lab assignments, you know the stuff. And right now, as you've seen especially if you've been around Planet College for a few semesters, nobody has any time. Every body is rushed, everyone's schedule is on emergency overload, everyone is busy, BIZZEEE, busy, get it? Or at least that is what the class negotiator will say when the instructor starts handing out the time and date for the way big deal assignments.
Oh, there's no class negotiator? You must be new. Because nearly every class has at least one student who as soon as these assignments are proposed raises her hand and says, "When's it due?" When the instructor replies with the date, that student immediately discharges a horrified gasp and says, "That isn't enough time." And. The negotiations begin. Experienced instructors know the procedure at least as well as the class and after much class time consuming discussion a reasonable alternative is arrived at.
Right? OK. Here's today's news. You don't need more time. Really. You don't. Everyone has the same amount of time, everyone on Earth. Some people get it done early, some people right on time, some later and some never. And in the categories just mentioned it is usually the same people, ever notice?
This term, when the which ever assignment is assigned, figure on finishing it, completely, with in the time assigned. If that seems impossible you may have a scheduling issue or a priorities issue. If you do ask for some help. No, not more time, more time management. Many schools offer as part of a study skills curriculum, time management. It is useful, simple and can really help. If it seems that, for you, there is never enough time look into getting some scheduling help. A little planning (and of course actual execution of the tasks) can go a long way, no matter when the assignment is due.
Oh, there's no class negotiator? You must be new. Because nearly every class has at least one student who as soon as these assignments are proposed raises her hand and says, "When's it due?" When the instructor replies with the date, that student immediately discharges a horrified gasp and says, "That isn't enough time." And. The negotiations begin. Experienced instructors know the procedure at least as well as the class and after much class time consuming discussion a reasonable alternative is arrived at.
Right? OK. Here's today's news. You don't need more time. Really. You don't. Everyone has the same amount of time, everyone on Earth. Some people get it done early, some people right on time, some later and some never. And in the categories just mentioned it is usually the same people, ever notice?
This term, when the which ever assignment is assigned, figure on finishing it, completely, with in the time assigned. If that seems impossible you may have a scheduling issue or a priorities issue. If you do ask for some help. No, not more time, more time management. Many schools offer as part of a study skills curriculum, time management. It is useful, simple and can really help. If it seems that, for you, there is never enough time look into getting some scheduling help. A little planning (and of course actual execution of the tasks) can go a long way, no matter when the assignment is due.
Get Your Story Straight
Seth Godin, A former marketing major who has done pretty well in his career since leaving school, often has worthwhile things to say about, sales, markets, and life in general including at times student life.
One basic tenet of Seth's business philosophy says we are all marketers. Well, ok, wait, he says all marketers tell stories. That is, people who are hired to represent products or services or people compose a story about their subject, their employer. This story is of course intended to put the best face possible on the company or person they represent. If they do their job effectively, you, the intended audience or consumer, the market, respond appropriately. You consume their product, applaud their performance, follow their career, apply for their service. If the marketer does not tell an effective story or tell the story effectively, there is little, no or the "wrong" response and the marketer/storyteller looses his or her job or account or position. Simple.
Well, not real real simple but not toooo complicated either. Seth goes one better than the area of commerce. He says we are all marketers, storytellers about ourselves. Worth considering. Right now you are a student. That right there is a big part of your story. What is the story you are telling about your student self? Much of it is what you say or don't say but a much larger part is what you actually do about your student 'story', about your student life.
Are your actions coherent with your general story about your student life? Well, are they? You know, you really do. So, ok, student, what's your story?
One basic tenet of Seth's business philosophy says we are all marketers. Well, ok, wait, he says all marketers tell stories. That is, people who are hired to represent products or services or people compose a story about their subject, their employer. This story is of course intended to put the best face possible on the company or person they represent. If they do their job effectively, you, the intended audience or consumer, the market, respond appropriately. You consume their product, applaud their performance, follow their career, apply for their service. If the marketer does not tell an effective story or tell the story effectively, there is little, no or the "wrong" response and the marketer/storyteller looses his or her job or account or position. Simple.
Well, not real real simple but not toooo complicated either. Seth goes one better than the area of commerce. He says we are all marketers, storytellers about ourselves. Worth considering. Right now you are a student. That right there is a big part of your story. What is the story you are telling about your student self? Much of it is what you say or don't say but a much larger part is what you actually do about your student 'story', about your student life.
Are your actions coherent with your general story about your student life? Well, are they? You know, you really do. So, ok, student, what's your story?
Saturday, January 29, 2011
We'reeee Baaaack!
Avenue Q is much praised and awarded Musical which has run both on and off Broadway for several seasons. It features puppets and 'real' characters who together explore the dilemma a recent college graduate faces after graduation. Avenue Q was composed by college graduates (so people do actually graduate.) In honor of your return after a much too short winter break here is one of the songs performed by the original cast, I Wish I Could Go Back To College.
The link is here
The link is here
Monday, January 24, 2011
Summer Dreams
Planning is a useful habit and Planet College is a useful place to develop that habit. By now it is obvious that not everything can be planned but somethings can. Knee deep in snow does not lend itself to planning for summer. Dreaming of Summer yes, planning, not so much. But. Summer is coming and some preparation now could be useful then. The opportunities of Summer are pretty well established. More hours at work, another job. Summer school class, an internship. They will be there. Which will there be for you?
Right now, one step toward a productive summer plan could be check out internships on line, the ones that start in June. The pre-req you've been meaning to take but haven't been able to fit in to your schedule, find out if it will be offered this summer. Departments often have their schedules set for Summer by now.
If you will be going back home this Summer do you have a job lined up? If you don't, you can start looking now. Snow does promote Summer Dreams, but it is your actions that make them come true. Summer is coming, act now.
Right now, one step toward a productive summer plan could be check out internships on line, the ones that start in June. The pre-req you've been meaning to take but haven't been able to fit in to your schedule, find out if it will be offered this summer. Departments often have their schedules set for Summer by now.
If you will be going back home this Summer do you have a job lined up? If you don't, you can start looking now. Snow does promote Summer Dreams, but it is your actions that make them come true. Summer is coming, act now.
Saturday, January 8, 2011
Tell it to Janus
Right now Resolutions are evaporating as quickly as they were made. Resolutions, the New Year's kind, fade promptly but resolve lasts. With that in mind a brief look at a common college course might prove inspiring.
If you haven't taken Intro to Mythology yet here's a quick overview. Western Civilization is permeated with references to ancient gods, goddesses, demi-gods, semi-gods, deities and entities. For example the days of the week contain the names of Norse and Roman gods and the months of the year still retain a few other Roman gods' names, most notably Mars, March and Janus, January. In ancient times Janus was the go-to Deity for beginnings. Hence the first month of the year remains named in honor of him. Janus is pictured as having two faces, one looking back and one looking forward. In that distant past Roman believers seeking a blessing for an undertaking went to the temple of Janus. For an offering they obtained a key to the locked temple door from the priest. The key opened the entryway. Upon entering the seeker walked to the statue of Janus and made their entreaty. They then walked to the rear door of the temple and using the same key they unlocked that door and made their exit.
There are two significant points in this simple tale. First, Janus has two faces, watching the past as well as the future. Second, the same key opened the exit as well as the entrance. From these symbolic facts we can conclude a simple and profound lesson. The past is the key to the future. Your past is the key to your future. During this month of Janus, with a fresh start at hand, it seems wise to pause and reflect. A look at your past will tell what has been. A brief glance, no need to linger, should suffice. Has what you've been doing helped you toward your goal? For an Average Student on Planet College, for the most part yes, but, in some ways, no. You can probably sort out quickly what has worked and what hasn't.
This quick survey of your past is the key to your future.
Happy New Year From Planet College.
If you haven't taken Intro to Mythology yet here's a quick overview. Western Civilization is permeated with references to ancient gods, goddesses, demi-gods, semi-gods, deities and entities. For example the days of the week contain the names of Norse and Roman gods and the months of the year still retain a few other Roman gods' names, most notably Mars, March and Janus, January. In ancient times Janus was the go-to Deity for beginnings. Hence the first month of the year remains named in honor of him. Janus is pictured as having two faces, one looking back and one looking forward. In that distant past Roman believers seeking a blessing for an undertaking went to the temple of Janus. For an offering they obtained a key to the locked temple door from the priest. The key opened the entryway. Upon entering the seeker walked to the statue of Janus and made their entreaty. They then walked to the rear door of the temple and using the same key they unlocked that door and made their exit.
There are two significant points in this simple tale. First, Janus has two faces, watching the past as well as the future. Second, the same key opened the exit as well as the entrance. From these symbolic facts we can conclude a simple and profound lesson. The past is the key to the future. Your past is the key to your future. During this month of Janus, with a fresh start at hand, it seems wise to pause and reflect. A look at your past will tell what has been. A brief glance, no need to linger, should suffice. Has what you've been doing helped you toward your goal? For an Average Student on Planet College, for the most part yes, but, in some ways, no. You can probably sort out quickly what has worked and what hasn't.
This quick survey of your past is the key to your future.
Happy New Year From Planet College.
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