College Bound - 2019

College Bound 2019 • BANG Special Section • 1

College Bound BANG Special Section

2019

All of the costs of college: Pg. 6 Scholarship ideas and tips: Pg. 12

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2 • College Bound 2019 • BANG Special Section

MSU Billings introduces new Mission Montana Board of Regents approves at March meeting

Montana State University Billings’ new Mission, Vision, and Strategic Plan framework were presented and approved by the Montana University Systems’ Board of Regents during their March 7-8 meeting in Helena.

Chancellor Dan Edelman along with two Associated Students of MSU Billings Executives, Savannah Merritt and Taylor Kurkoski, presented this information to the Board. The Regents thanked the university for the hard work and efforts to get this new plan initiated quickly.

The university’s prior 7-year strategic plan concluded at the close of 2018. MSU Billings recently had its accreditation re-affirmed by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU).

Work on the new Vision, Mission, and Strategic Plan framework began in fall 2018 with a group of over 50 students, faculty, staff, and community members. These brainstorming sessions were facilitated by Jonathan Schick of GOAL Consulting, a consultant who works with higher education institutions.

From these sessions, MSU Billings developed a plan that also incorporated relevant information from the MSU Billings Community Taskforce recommendations, as well as the Montana State University and Montana University System strategic plans.

Drafts of the Vision, Mission, and Strategic Plan framework were shared with campus for feedback. The university also hosted an open forum for all campus constituencies and the community to engage in discussions.

“This is an important milestone for MSU Billings. The new Vision,

Mission, and Strategic Plan lay the groundwork for changes underway at the university to better serve our students,” comments Edelman.

Below is framework of what was developed:

• Vision: Educating students to impact an evolving global community.

• Mission: Montana State University Billings delivers a transformative education that empowers students from diverse backgrounds to succeed.

The strategic plan’s themes:

• Build educational programs to support student needs.

• Progressively grow the university.

• Strengthen relationships with the community to enhance partnership opportunities.

• Unify, invigorate, and engage MSUB’s structure and culture.

From these four themes, objectives, sub-objectives and actions plans are being developed through committees comprised of students, faculty, staff, and community members. MSU Billings is also working closely with its accreditor, NWCCU, to ensure that the new strategic plan has meaningful indicators and measurable outcomes that benefit students.

To keep updated on the progress of MSU Billings’ new strategic plan, visit www.msubillings.edu/strategy.

For more information contact Director of University Relations and Communications Shannon Wilcox at (406) 657-2243 or swilcox@ msubillings.edu.

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College Bound 2019 • BANG Special Section • 3

4 • College Bound 2019 • BANG Special Section

A financial planning tool for every stage of life (Family Features) From heading off to college to marrying the love of your life to taking those dream vacations, life's biggest moments are often tied to being financially responsible.

While memories of your first dance as newlyweds don't often include the cost of the band, money is frequently front and center when planning for some of life's larger events. From early adulthood through retirement, a credit card is one tool that can help you achieve your financial goals while offsetting some costs along the way.

"No matter your stage in life, it's important to plan ahead and have the right tools to meet your financial needs," said Jason Gaughan, credit cards executive at Bank of America. "A credit card offers flexibility, convenience and an increasing amount of rewards that can make your budget go even further."

These tips from financial experts can help you maximize financial tools like credit cards throughout life's milestones.

offers tips to help young adults learn about things like how your credit score is calculated, the difference between a credit report and credit score and explains why it's important to understand before signing up for a credit card," said Lysandra Perez, a relationship manager for Bank of America who is responsible for educating clients on establishing strong financial habits including managing and building credit."

According to BetterMoneyHabits.com, an important rule for building strong credit is to spend no more than 30 percent of your available credit line. The online resource also recommends that students look for credit cards that offer low interest rates and no annual fee to help minimize finance charges if they aren't able to pay their bills in full each month.

"Establishing strong financial habits early on can help set you up for future credit opportunities later in life," Perez said.

College Years

As people become more established professionally, they often become more comfortable financially, allowing them to pursue their passions.

Using a credit card that offers rewards tied to interests is a strategy some young adults utilize. According to a Bank of America survey, 91 percent of Millennials ages 23-29 plan to use a rewards card to help pay for upcoming travel.

"It's common for people in their mid-to-late 20s to prioritize maximizing credit card rewards," Gaughan said. "They under-

For many, college represents the first instance of being responsible for personal finances. During this time, some students apply for their first credit cards to cover a wide range of costs such as books or travel expenses to and from school. Experts agree it's important to start building credit at this age, but only if you can handle the responsibility associated with a credit card.

"Though credit can be a somewhat foreign topic for beginners, online resources such as Bank of America's Better Money Habits

Early Adulthood

College Bound 2019 • BANG Special Section • 5

stand using a card for smaller, everyday purchases like coffee and groceries can be an easy way to earn points to pay for fun events like a trip abroad or home for a college reunion."

Saving and tracking rewards is key during this period, too. Digital tools like My Rewards provide new visibility into the rewards you earn and how to maximize their value. Also look to explore banking rewards options like Preferred Rewards, which can offer special perks and benefits like credit card rewards bonuses, discounts on home and auto loans, interest rate boosters and no-fee ATM transactions.

Marriage and Parenthood

A seismic shift often occurs when entering the marriage and parenthood stage of life. The individually minded spending of early adulthood transitions to down payments on homes and saving money for children's educations.

These years typically require more financial savviness to make every dollar count as large expenses requiring loans, such as houses and cars, are more prevalent during this stage.

Along with larger purchases, these years also often come with grocery store trips, filling up the gas tank for carpool duty and buying new clothes as your kids grow. Look for a cash back card that lets you earn rewards on your everyday purchases and offers redemption for cash back to cover expenses or invest in a savings account.

Retirement

By retirement age, you've likely spent decades saving and are looking to enjoy the fruits of your years of labor. While the amount saved for retirement varies greatly depending on your situation, it's always important to spend wisely during retirement, and a credit card that reaps high rewards can help.

"There are many ways to continue saving and investing once in retirement," said David Poole, head of Merrill Edge Advisory, Client Services and Digital Capabilities at Bank of America.

"Credit cards that allow you to invest rewards back into your retirement fund is an easy way to continue contributing to your 401(k)."

Credit cards can also help retirees fulfill long-standing travel goals. Some like the Bank of America Premium Rewards card offer lucrative travel benefits such as earning two points for every dollar spent on travel and dining purchases. Look for points that are flexible and can be used toward future travel purchases or as cash back.

"With so many credit card options available, it's important to understand what your current needs are," Gaughan said. "Do your research, develop a strategy and work with your financial institution to determine the best card for your lifestyle."

Find more information and credit card options at bankofamerica.com/creditcards.

Photos courtesy of Getty Images, #14551, Source: Bank of America

6 • College Bound 2019 • BANG Special Section

Be aware of all of the costs for college College is often met with excitement and interest by students pursuing their passions and what they hope will be fulfilling, lucrative careers. And the rising costs of college, coupled with the growing number of students taking on substantial debt to finance their educations, make it necessary that prospective students consider their earning potential when deciding on a major.

According to the College Board, the average cost of college tuition and fees for the 2017-2018 school year was $34,740 at private colleges, $9,970 for state residents at public colleges, and $25,620 for out-of-state residents attending public universities. Canadian citizens studying in Canada can expect to pay $6,571 per year, according to Statistics Canada.

The cost of tuition and room and board may catch parents’ eyes, but there are some lesser known expenses associated with college that can make attending school even more expensive. According to Cappex.com, a website offering ideas on how to pay for college, the extra costs of college can cost between $250 and $500 per month.

The following are some lesser known expenses that college students and their families may need to budget for this school year.

Transportation:

Commuter students will need to drive to and from campus, which involves budgeting for gas, repairs and auto insurance. Students who live on campus may be subjected to a high fee for a resident student parking pass. Colleges in the United States earn an average of $4 million to $5 million in parking revenues each year, according to the most recent rate study from the National Parking Association. A typical four-year college or university in the United States charges about $635 per space for the school year. Other students use public transportation or ridesharing services to get around. Those fees can quickly add up, too. Students attending school far away from home also need to budget for plane tickets home during the holidays and other breaks.

Fraternities and sororities:

Many students join Greek organizations to fully immerse themselves in the college experience and make new friends. Many of these groups charge fees to prospective pledges and then semester dues once students are accepted.

Parties, trips, living expenses, and other expenses may come up as well.

Added fees:

Many colleges and universities charge technology fees, sports center fees and activity fees. Exploring these fees in advance of the school year can help families create accurate budgets.

Dining out:

Families spend hundreds of dollars on campus meal plans per semester, but students also like to visit local eateries during the school year. Snacks, lunches and dinners purchased from such establishments can cost hundreds of dollars per year. Farmer’s Financial Solutions, a division of Farmer’s Insurance, says off-campus dining expenses cost an average of $770 a year.

School supplies:

A new laptop or tablet, textbooks and other supplies a professor requires can cost thousands of dollars. The College Board estimates students spend $1,300 on books and supplies in a typical school year.

The cost to attend college extends beyond tuition and room and board.

Many additional expenses can stretch families’ budgets.

College Bound 2019 • BANG Special Section • 7

How technology can reinforce lessons Technology in and out of the classroom can be a polarizing subject. Proponents of tech in schools contend that students must be skilled in the ways of the world, which is increasingly being governed by technology. Detractors to tablets and smartbooks in the classroom may say it contributes to excessive time in front of a screen and can prove distracting over other means of learning.

It is hard to deny the ways that technology has helped shape and improve education. Students who may not excel with the traditional tools of learning might benefit from applications geared toward offering assistance for their particular needs. Furthermore, technology, through its globalization, can put educators and students in touch with a wealth of resources — all at their fingertips.

The following are the myriad ways that technology can enhance lessons in the classroom.

Inexpensive resources

Technology can provide various online resources that go beyond the study guides and other materials offered by textbooks. These resources can be very low-cost or even free, helping educators save money. For parents who need to reinforce lessons at home, the internet can help them collaborate with other parents and teachers and find fun ways to help their children learn.

Quantifiable results

Technology can process data more quickly and efficiently than humans. Algorithms can be developed to help students learn faster. Tech can be customized in unique ways to help students learn.

Not every student learns the same way. Technology provides for a multimedia approach that can combine visual and auditory tools to better teach students.

(and parents) can scan to access further information or support materials. This can help kids further explore topics after school hours.

Transcend location

Technology can connect people by voice, text or video, which means that learning is not limited to geographic location. Notes and materials can be shared with teachers or study groups through digital connections around the world in real time.

Get feedback

Students can go beyond their school districts or communities to discover how others learn. High school or college students can rely on internet communities to provide a second set of eyes on papers to proofread for grammar or spelling mistakes or even to assist in brainstorming sessions.

Reinforce STEM

Data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics says employment in occupations related to STEM — science, technology, engineering, and mathematics — is projected to grow to more than nine million by 2022. Technology plays a strong role in STEM careers.

Honing these skills in the classroom can prepare students for professional arenas in which technology figures to play a sizable role.

Technology has changed the education landscape in many beneficial ways.

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Teachers can embrace technology, such as YouTube-powered guides to show students how to complete assignments or to go over information in the classroom. Students who missed class or need a little reinforcement can benefit from a second look at lessons in online videos available at all times on the internet.

Some teachers employ QR codes on assignments that students Photo by Alvaro Reyes on Unsplash

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8 • College Bound 2019 • BANG Special Section

How to make applying to college less stressful Applying to colleges is exciting for many high school students.

But that excitement is sometimes tempered by anxiety. The college application process can affect students’ lives for years to come, so it’s understandable why some teenagers might feel stressed as they apply to college.

The National Center for Educational Statistics says 69 percent of high school graduates in the United States enroll in college the fall after graduating from high school. Many students begin applying to college before entering their senior year of high school. Students can employ various strategies to make applying to college less stressful.

Create an inventory of student experiences and awards

When completing their college applications, students submit a variety of materials. In addition to students’ track records in the classroom, schools will be interested in kids’ extracurricular activities, hobbies, volunteer work, and even things they do during their free time.

Parents and students can work together to develop a master list that includes information about what students have accomplished during high school. These may include involvement in certain clubs, participation in sports teams, advanced ranking in scouting programs, or even a list of books read. Having this document handy will make it that much simpler to fill out college applications.

Investigate the Common Application

The Common Application began as a niche program for select private liberal arts colleges, but now has grown into an organization that services more than 750 schools. The organization enables students to create an account and complete one basic form that will be accepted by all institutions who are members. The CA helps students streamline the college application process and reduce redundancy. An alert system also helps applicants manage application deadlines.

Avoid applying everywhere

Some students think that applying to dozens of schools will improve their chances of being admitted. However, applicants may be wasting their time applying to schools they have no intention of attending, and that only adds to the stress of meeting deadlines. Narrow down the possibilities to a handful of favorite schools and go from there.

Use the resources at your disposal

Students who have access to guidance counselors, mentors, college centers, or even teachers who are willing to help with the application process should use these resources wisely. In addition, iPhone and Android apps can help streamline the college application process.

Consider scholarships concurrently

Some schools automatically consider applicants for scholarships, grants and work-study programs. But that’s not so with every school, so students may have to apply on their own or rely on third parties for scholarships. Fastweb is a leading online resource to find scholarships to pay for school.

Advance preparation can make the college application process a lot less stressful for students and their parents.

College Bound 2019 • BANG Special Section • 9

Tips to get control of your spending (StatePoint) Finances can be a significant source of stress in your life, especially if you do not have a clear picture of your income and expenses.

In a recent survey conducted by CFP Board, 77 percent of Americans said they find it easy to spend money, but nearly 60 percent do not track their spending. More than one-third of those surveyed acknowledge that they spend more than they save.

A well-crafted budget provides financial clarity, and is an essential tool for managing your finances. Outlining your spending for specific household needs over a period of time can give you more control over your money and better position you to meet financial goals.

In order to create an effective budget, you must first gain an accurate understanding of your cash flow, or the amount of money that flows in and out of your household. Start by determining your monthly income, then calculate the amount you spend on essential expenses every month. Any income remaining after your expenses are paid can be allocated for saving, investing or recreational spending. A Certified Financial Planner (CFP) professional can help you make these calculations and provide guidance on how to use leftover income.

Four recommendations for evaluating cash flow and getting started on your budget:

1. Think about your “money rules.” Do your spending and savings decisions vary based on the source of income? You might use income from a work bonus differently than your regular work pay, for example. If there is a difference, how does each decision support your monthly budget needs and long-range financial priorities?

2. Be sure to account for all payment methods: checks, cash, credit and debit cards, automatic payroll deposits and deductions, online payments and other payment accounts such as PayPal, Zelle or Venmo. Taking the time to collect all the statements necessary to create a true picture of existing money flows is imperative to taking financial control.

3. Reconsider automated purchases. Keeping credit card information on file with online retailers such as Amazon and iTunes makes shopping quick and painless, but it also makes it easier to overspend. Taking the time to enter payment information manually means more time to consider a purchase before completing your order.

4. Think of your budget as a “spending and saving” plan. Consider including a line item for regular savings as a cash expense.

Budgeting can be tricky, and it is only one piece of the financial puzzle. Consider partnering with a financial planner to create a comprehensive and personalized financial plan that includes a household budget.

PHOTO SOURCE: (c) PR Image Factory /stock.Adobe.com

10 • College Bound 2019 • BANG Special Section

Tackling the high student loan debt (StatePoint) There’s no way around it: Americans are drowning in student loan debt, collectively owing $1.5 trillion. Rising college costs mean that number isn’t likely to drop much in the next few decades.

The average student borrower takes out around $26,000 in loans over the course of a bachelor’s degree -- debt that’s impossible to discharge in bankruptcy, difficult to have forgiven and increasingly unlikely to be fully repaid on schedule.

Here’s a look at the costs of that debt and what’s being done to lessen the crisis.

The Direct Cost

New research shows that student debt load is making Americans less likely to buy homes or start families, and more likely to live at home and take jobs just to make ends meet, instead of the more lucrative positions for which their degrees prepared them.

Short-term solutions include deferring loans by returning to school, or consolidating or borrowing from private lenders, which ends up making the problem worse. For students graduating into a tight job market whose credit ratings are impacted by the amounts they owe, loan debt can remain their chief financial concern for decades.

What’s more, the expanding student loan bubble could rattle the entire American economy in similar ways to the 2008 housing crisis, if borrowers default on loans in large numbers.

The Hidden Cost

The direct costs of student loan debt are obvious, but hidden costs often prevent lower-income students from pursuing the highest-value degrees.

Because the most selective, prestigious institutions are also the most expensive, those institutions are disproportionately populat-

ed by students from affluent families able to afford the burden of early-career debt. And the recent trend of “differential pricing,” in which tuition costs are dictated by a student’s field of study, has had an effect on enrollment in high-employment fields, potentially scaring off the students who could benefit the most from an in-demand degree.

Easing the Crisis

Organizations such as Scholarship America are working to alleviate the crisis. As the nation’s largest provider of private-sector scholarships, they deliver their most direct impact by giving students funding for higher education -- $264 million last year, and more than $4 billion over its history.

The organization is also lending support to nationwide efforts to reduce dependence on student loans. They’ve mobilized a network of postsecondary institutions, or Collegiate Partners, that agree to not punish scholarship recipients with reductions in financial aid; and their Dreamkeepers Emergency Financial Assistance program gives students facing unexpected expenses an alternative to loans. President and CEO Robert C. Ballard sits on the National Advisory Board of the College Promise Campaign, which is developing innovative public-private partnerships to help students earn their associate degrees tuition-free.

“We work with partners to incorporate mentoring, tutoring and financial literacy education into scholarship awards in an effort to help students persist and graduate rather than drop out with debt or get stuck short of a degree,” said Ballard.

No single funder, college or organization will solve the student loan bubble crisis, and it won’t happen overnight. But by working together, the public, private and higher education sectors can continue to reduce student loan debt.

PHOTO SOURCE: (c) Damir / stock.Adobe.com

Give campus life a “green” makeover

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College is full of challenges. While studying, socializing, joining clubs, and getting good grades are probably on college students’ priority lists, young people also can think about living green on campus.

Data from Nielsen points to millennials as being an eco-conscious generation.

Millennials are willing to pay extra for sustainable offerings, and they tend to stick to brands that have established a reputation for environmental stewardship.

Even though college students may have packed schedules, they can still manage to keep the planet in mind as they live and educate themselves. Here are just a few ways college students can live green in dorms and incorporate eco-friendly practices into their studies as well.

Live on campus.

One green idea is to skip the commute to and from classes and reside right on campus in dormitories or nearby student housing. According to the United States Environmental Protection Agency, transportation is responsible for 13 percent of the world’s greenhouse gas emissions. Living close to the classroom can help reduce emissions.

Recycle as much as you can.

Whether it’s plastic, paper, aluminum, or books, put recyclable items in the proper receptacles. Find ways to lend or give away items that you may no longer need, such as last semester’s textbooks. Recycling cuts back on the size of landfills and lowers the demand for the production of new materials.

Buy and dine locally.

Choose sustainable, organic and locally produced items when shopping or dining out. This can include locally made furnishings and supplies, as well as farm-to-table restaurants.

Walk or bike.

Leave the car in its parking spot and walk or bike to nearby events. It’s good exercise and good for the planet as well.

Borrow dorm room items.

Scout out items from family members or friends that can be used to equip a dorm room. Chances are you can find people willing to give you or loan out chairs, a small table, desk, electronics, and more. Borrowing enables you to buy less.

Take e-notes.

Bring a tablet or laptop to class and take electronic notes. This cuts back on paper usage and will enable you to have all notes in a compact file.

Use LED lights.

Illuminate your dorm room and work station with lamps that use LED lights, which burn significantly less energy and last much longer than incandescent bulbs.

Enroll in an environment-focused class.

Enroll in Environmental Science or a similar course that teaches you more about the impact industry and personal living has on the environment. Take what you know to educate others about what they can do to be more eco-conscious.

Going green on campus can have a profound impact on students and their futures.

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12 • College Bound 2019 • BANG Special Section

Scholarship ideas and tips From studentaid.ed.gov

Photo by rawpixel on Unsplash

Scholarships are gifts. They don't need to be repaid. There are thousands of them, offered by schools, employers, individuals, private companies, nonprofits, communities, religious groups, and professional and social organizations.

What kinds of scholarships are available?

• How do I find scholarships?

• When do I apply for scholarships?

• How do I apply for scholarships?

• How do I get my scholarship money?

• How does a scholarship affect my other student aid?

What kinds of scholarships are available?

Some scholarships for college are merit-based. You earn them by meeting or exceeding certain standards set by the scholarship-giver. Merit scholarships might be awarded based on academic achievement or on a combination of academics and a special talent, trait, or interest. Other scholarships are based on financial need.

Many scholarships are geared toward particular groups of people; for instance, there are scholarships for women or graduate students. And some are available because of where you or your parent work, or because you come from a certain background (for instance, there are scholarships for military families).

A scholarship might cover the entire cost of your tuition, or it might be a one-time award of a few hundred dollars. Either way, it’s worth applying for, because it’ll help reduce the cost of your education.

How do I find scholarships?

You can learn about scholarships in several ways, including contacting the financial aid office at the school you plan to attend and checking information in a public library or online. But be careful. Make sure scholarship information and offers you receive are legitimate; and remember that you don't have to pay to find scholarships or other financial aid. Check out our information on how to avoid scams.

Try these free sources:

• the financial aid office at a college or career school • a high school or TRIO counselor • the U.S. Department of Labor’s FREE scholarship search tool • federal agencies • your state grant agency • your library’s reference section • foundations, religious or community organizations, local businesses, or civic groups • organizations (including professional associations) related to your field of interest • ethnicity-based organizations • your employer or your parents’ employers

When do I apply for scholarships?

That depends on each scholarship’s deadline. Some deadlines are as early as a year before college starts, so if you’re in high

school now, you should be researching and applying for scholarships during the summer between your junior and senior years.

But if you’ve missed that window, don’t give up! Look at scholarship information to see which ones you can still apply for now.

How do I apply for scholarships?

Each scholarship has its own requirements. The scholarship’s website should give you an idea of who qualifies for the scholarship and how to apply. Make sure you read the application carefully, fill it out completely, and meet the application deadline.

How do I get my scholarship money?

That depends on the scholarship. The money might go directly to your college, where it will be applied to any tuition, fees, or other amounts you owe, and then any leftover funds given to you.

Or it might be sent directly to you in a check. The scholarship provider should tell you what to expect when it informs you that you’ve been awarded the scholarship. If not, make sure to ask.

How scholarships affect other student aid?

A scholarship will affect your other student aid because all your student aid added together can’t be more than your cost of attendance at your college or career school. So, you’ll need to let your school know if you’ve been awarded a scholarship so that the financial aid office can subtract that amount from your cost of attendance (and from certain other aid, such as loans, that you might have been offered). Then, any amount left can be covered by other financial aid for which you’re eligible. Questions? Ask your financial aid office.

College Bound 2019 • BANG Special Section • 13

Productive ways to spend the summer after graduation Graduation is a momentous day in the lives of college students.

After years of schooling that dates all the way back to preschool or kindergarten, newly minted college graduates are finally ready to begin their professional lives.

That can be a scary prospect for some students, especially those who graduate without jobs lined up. The summer after graduating from college can be a time like no other in the lives of new graduates. It can be easy to grow dejected as weeks or months go by without receiving a job offer. But spending the summer after graduation as productively as possible can help graduates overcome any dejection they might feel and increase their chances of landing a job.

Contact career services offices at your alma mater.

Career services offices can help recent graduates as they look for their first jobs out of college. Such offices may have access to job and internship opportunities that grads do not. In addition, they may coach grads on interviewing techniques and on ways to stand out in crowded job markets.

Seek internships.

If part- or full-time employment is proving elusive, don’t be afraid to seek and ultimately accept internships, which can provide a way for grads to get their foot in the doors in certain industries. Summer internships may already be filled, so scour job boards for fall or winter internships.

Start networking.

Students who interned can get in touch with their past supervi-

sors or mentors and find out if the company is hiring. Such people may be more inclined to bring someone with direct experience onboard - even if that experience was brief and unpaid. In addition, grads can connect with adjunct professors who work in their desired fields.

When job hunting, don’t get pigeon-holed by your major.

Just because a student graduates with a particular degree does not mean he or she needs to look for work in that field. In fact, many companies may prefer entry-level applicants with degrees that are not specific to their industries so their new hires are blank slates who can be easily trained.

Attend job fairs.

While other graduates may be taking the summer off, enterprising grads looking for work should attend as many job fairs as possible. Graduates likely won’t leave job fairs with employment offers in hand, but job fairs are a great way for grads to meet hiring managers and submit their résumés to potential employers.

Customize a résumé for every job.

Be sure the curriculum vitae is not static. Write and refine résumés for each job you apply for, mildly tweaking the wording or accomplishments to address the key phrases used in the job listing.

It can be tempting for recent college grads to spend the summers after graduation relaxing, but those who spend that time productively may lands jobs more quickly than those who do not.

14 • College Bound 2019 • BANG Special Section

Walla Walla University Billings Mental Health Clinic Hosts Adoption Training and Provides Free Services Walla Walla University Billings Mental Health Clinic will be hosting an Infant Adoption Training Initiative on May 16, 2019. An alumnus of the clinic, Michelle Perlick, MSW, who now works for Catholic Social Services of Montana will be the speaker.

If anyone is interested in this training, please feel free to contact Michelle at 406-2523399 for more information!

The WWUBMHC was originally made possible through funds from the DESTRESS grant received in September 2014 and opened its doors for clients on March 31, 2015. The MSW student clinicians work under the supervision of Licensed Clinical Social Work (LCSW) supervisors, and to date, about 25 MSW students have been trained through the clinic and around 400 people have received free mental health services. WWUBMHC’s vision is to offer free or low cost mental health services while providing a clinical training environment for developing mental health practitioners. The goal is to serve the uninsured and underinsured population of our community who would otherwise have no access to mental health services. WWUBMHC serves individuals, adolescents, couples, and children and does not discriminate based upon race, religion, backgrounds, lifestyles or ability to pay. The Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACE)

Trauma Score is used as part of the therapy and more of the clients receiving services at the clinic have an ACE score higher than the national average. In addition, more clients than average have a high risk score of 4 and above. Having an ACE score does not mean people cannot live vibrant, full lives; however, if not addressed, high risk scores may mean a much higher chance of poor physical, mental, and social well-being so it is critical mental health services are available to all who need them.

As a community, we experience the effects of untreated mental illness and the continued stigma around mental illness. Mental illness is not always covered adequately by insurance and frequently the co-pays are so high that the cost is too much for many people to afford. It is a large factor in homelessness, loss of jobs, and costs of emergency room hospital visits and impacts families and children throughout the community. Over 50% of persons aged 18 or older receive outpatient mental health treatment (Center for Mental Health Services, SAMHSA, U.S. DEPT of HHS), and four of the 10 leading causes of disability among people aged 5 and older are due to mental health disorders, with depression being the number one cause of all illnesses causing disability.

Photo by delfi de la Rua on Unsplash

College Bound 2019 • BANG Special Section • 15

Tips for students studying abroad

Study abroad programs can change students’ lives, opening their eyes to other cultures and helping them to make memories that last a lifetime. Study abroad programs also may inspire a love of travel that students will foster for the rest of their lives.

Students who have enrolled in or are considering enrolling in study abroad programs can make their experiences overseas more memorable if they take some time to prepare for life abroad before boarding the plane.

Learn about your host country.

Students who can successfully assimilate into their host countries may get more from their time overseas than those who do not. Studying a host country’s customs and history is a great way to learn about life there before your plane touches down. If the native language in your host country is different than your own, do your best to learn the language. While you won’t become fluent overnight, learning some basic words and phrases can make your time overseas go more smoothly and increase the chances that you develop meaningful relationships with locals.

Enthusiastically leave your comfort zone.

Daily life might be vastly different in your host country than it is at home. Rather than dwelling on the differences between life overseas and life at home, embrace this chance to leave your comfort zone. Approach cultural differences with enthusiasm instead of skepticism, even trying local cuisine you might otherwise not experience back home.

Get out of the dorm.

Study abroad programs include the word “study” in their titles, so students should recognize they will still need to devote time to their schoolwork. But during your down time, embrace chances to get out of your dorm room or apartment to soak in your host city. If your host country is in Europe, where traveling between countries tends to be simpler than in other regions of the world, learn about neighboring countries and do your best to visit some during your time overseas.

Disconnect from your devices.

Whether or not life at home is dominated by devices, use your time overseas to disconnect so you can fully experience your host city and country. Don’t miss out on the sights and sounds of your host country by spending too much time using your tablet or smartphone.

Keep a journal.

One of the best ways to commemorate your time abroad is to keep a daily journal. You will no doubt enjoy many unique experiences while overseas, and keeping a daily journal is a great way to ensure you remember each of those experiences and all the people you meet along the way.

Study abroad programs can benefit students in myriad ways, and a few simple strategies can ensure young men and women make the most of their time overseas.

16 • College Bound 2019 • BANG Special Section

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