The Blaze - September 2013

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A Publication of The Chronicle for Centralia College Since 2012 • www.centraliablaze.com

Services and activities budget to increase 5.05%

The Blaze

Though Centralia College has faced budget cuts in each of the last several years, that trend will not continue through the upcoming school year. The 20132014 Services and Activities budget has risen 5.05 percent overall from the 2012-2013 school year.

Of the more than 50 different budgets that make up the total Services and Activities budget, only four will decrease from last year, with the exception of clubs marked as inactive.

The Services and Activities budget consists of six different categories: clubs, organizations, programs, activities, operating, and other. Of these six, five will enjoy overall budget increases this year. The activities budget will remain the same.

The clubs category consists of all the clubs on campus. Of the eleven clubs that will receive funding this year, the Media Club will be the only to receive a budget decrease, with their budget falling 25

percent, from $400 to $300. Students for Life will receive a budget increase of 25 percent, from $200 to $250, both APEC and the Psychology Club will receive budget increases of 50 percent, from $200 to $300, and the Science Club will receive a budget increase of 75 percent, from $200 to $350.

The Gay-Straight Alliance and Latinos Unidos budgets will remain the same. The Student Veterans Association, Diversity Club, Forensic Accounting Club, and Students for Christ will all receive their first year of funding this year.

Of the nine organizations that will receive funding this year, only TRIO will receive a budget increase, with their budget rising 15 percent, from $2,000 to $2,300. Pro Musica, DTEC, Phi Theta Kappa, Rotaract, the Nursing Club, The Players, CCEOS, and the Electronics Club budgets will all remain the same.

Eleven programs will receive funding this year, and four of

them will see a budget increase, with no decreases. SAAT’s budget will increase 1 percent, from $35,525 to $35,882; the Student Government budget will increase 2.86 percent, from $35,000 to $39,500; the budget for Child Care will increase 5.26%, from $28,500 to $30,000, and the International Network budget will increase 25 percent, from $2,000 to $2,500.

The Operating budget will enjoy the largest overall budget increase, with their total budget rising 13.14 percent, from $164,000 to $208,175. Of the eighteen budgets that make up the operating budgets, five will see increases this year, with one decrease. The Student Program’s Office will see a budget decrease of 30.30 percent, from $33,000 to $23,000. The Disability Services budget will increase 20 percent, from $17,500 to $21,000; the budget for Athletic Insurance will increase 21.43 percent from $14,000 to $17,000; the Tournament budget will increase 33.33 percent from $7,500 to $10,000; The Athletic Commis-

sioners budget will increase 42.86 percent, from $3,500 to $5,000, and the SLIC Office Support budget will increase an impressive 205.87 percent, from $11,500 to $35,175.

Six budgets will receive funding this year under the category of “Other,” with one increase and two decreases. The SA/OR Specialist budget will decrease 27.35 percent, from $50,000 to $36,325 and the Stipends budget will decrease 20.54 percent, from $72,805 to $57,849, based on commitments from the operating budget. The Contingency budget will increase 111.32 percent, from $30,000 to $63,395.

The Club Matchup/Startup, Cardio Room, and Diversity Initiatives budgets will all remain the same.

Centralia College’s total Services and Activities Budgets for the 2013-2014 school year is $679,176, a 5.05 percent increase from last year’s budget of $646,530.

Walton to retire: College president Optimistic about final year

by Courtney Simmons

The Blaze

In less than a month, Centralia College will be opening its doors for the fall quarter of the 20132014 school year. This year Dr. James Walton will see many Centralia College President changes, including the careful selection of a new college president.

“It’s a big decision,” said current president, Dr. James Walton. Dr. Walton is entering his 12th year with Centralia College, and though he is optimistic about his final year, he has also shown enthusiasm in regards to his upcoming retirement.

“Everything is going really well,” he said. “It’s a good time

to hand it over to someone else.”

The 2013-2014 school year will be the first in several years to see a budget increase, rather than a decrease, several new professors will be entering their first year teaching at Centralia College this year, and athletes will be playing on a brand new gym floor in the Health and Wellness Center.

Dr. Walton stated that one of the school’s goals for this year is to build back from the budget cuts of previous years, such as hiring new teachers and exploring the possible expansion of the college’s new Bachelor program.

According to Dr. Walton, laws allow community colleges to offer Bachelor programs based on community need.

“It’s to support business and industry in your area,” Dr. Walton said. “They’ll be directed at the needs of the community.”

New student retention tactics are being implemented as

well, in an ongoing attempt to keep students in college.

“We’re looking at developing an early warning program.” said Dr. Walton.

One possible tactic is for specialists to contact at-risk students early in the quarter to discuss how they are adjusting to college life. In that way, college faculty and staff can be aware of which students are struggling and how they may be helped.

“Right now we’re gathering ideas,” said Dr. Walton. “We’re trying out a lot of new pilot programs.”

Another change the college may see this upcoming school year is the switch to an entirely smoke-free campus. The idea appeared during the 2012-2013 school year, and student advocates are expected to continue pushing for the new policy, which will remove all designated on-campus smoking areas.

“This has got to be something that the campus decides,”

Dr. Walton said. “It’s got to come from the students. We don’t have a lot of complaints, but if that changes I can see us going smoke free.”

“It’s a compromise,” Dr. Walton added. “Sometimes the only way you can survive is to relieve stress. Every person would love to be smoke free, but it’s a really hard addiction.”

As for his replacement, Dr. Walton says, “It’s a pretty elaborate process,” and that the new college president will be announced sometime around April of 2014.

Dr. Walton says that he will miss the intellectual stimulation of being college president, as well as the students. “I love working on student success, coming up with new ways to help students be successful,” he said.

“One thing I’ve enjoyed most about it is helping the college become part of the community.”

Fall Quarter at a Glance *Events and times are as recorded in the Centralia College Campus calendar and are subject to change.

Sep. 19 CC 101 Day 1 Sep. 20 CC 101 Day 2 Sep. 23 First day of classes Sep. 25 Lyceum @ 1:00pm Overview of class Oct. 2 Lyceum @ 1:00pm Human Trafficking Oct. 9 Lyceum @ 1:00pm Near Space Flight Oct. 16 Lyceum @ 1:00pm Your True Nature Oct. 23 Lyceum @ 1:00pm A World Outside My Shoes: A Witness to Genocide Oct. 30 Lyceum @ 1:00pm Enthobotony Nov. 6 Lyceum @ 1:00pm Micro-aggression in every day life Nov. 7, 8, & 9 UP @ 8:00pm Presented in Corbet Theater

by Centralia College Theater Nov. 7 UP @ 2:00pm Presented in Corbet Theater

by Centralia College Theater Nov. 11 Veteran’s Day No Classes Nov. 13 Advising Day No Classes Nov. 14 UP @ 7:00pm Presented in Corbet Theater

by Centralia College Theater Nov. 15 & 16 UP @ 8:00pm Presented in Corbet Theater

by Centralia College Theater Nov. 20 Lyceum @ 1:00pm Native Vision Nov. 27 Lyceum @ 1:00pm Centralia College Choir Nov. 28 & 29 Thanksgiving Holiday No Classes Dec. 4 Lyceum @ 1:00pm Ink Stained Amazons and Cinematic Warriors: Superwomen in Modern Mythology Dec. 6 Last Class Day Dec. 9, 10, & 11 Finals

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Class Schedule Coming Soon!

B Read More Inside: STEM Soar to New Heights, Break Science Barrier Christina Williams and Colleen Suter, set a major milestone for themselves and the college when they presented their capstone research projects at the Northwest Scientific Association

See Page 2

Centralia College Class of 1953 Reunion Twenty former Centralia College students, some now in their late 70s and early 80s toured the college campus recently, here to celebrate their 60th class reunion.

Hot Yoga Coming this Fall to Chehalis Visit thorbeckes.com for updates.

CONNECTION

by Courtney Simmons

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Facebook Updates from Around Campus Scholarship Night this year is September 19th in Corbet Theatre where donors will present recipients with over $550,000 in scholarships, grants, and financial aid. A HUGE thank you to our donors who believe in our students and the value of education!

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-Centralia College Bookstore

The Centralia College Foundation recently announced the addition of five new board members to replace those whose terms have expired. The Foundation, which celebrated its 30th anniversary this past year, is responsible for raising funds for student scholarships and program enhancements at Centralia College that wouldn’t otherwise be funded through state-supported funding avenues.

“We are sad to see other members step off the board, but we understand that by bringing on new members we have the opportunity to bring fresh ideas to the foundation,” Julie Johnson, director of donor and alumni relations, said. “It’s through this kind of community support that the Foundation has had such long-term stability and growth, and we are thrilled to have the new members on board.”

The new members include Peter Abbarno, Amanda Price, Keith Macy, Chuck Higgins, and Amy Gibson.

Abbarno, whose wife Holly (Hawes) is a Centralia College alum, serves as president of the Lewis County Bar Association and is a member of the United Way of Lewis County and Lewis County Legal Aid board.

“An educated workforce is important to our community.

Our local college must produce minds and skills for our children (and a second chance for adults) that are desirable in our community and other communities. Ultimately, my hope is that businesses will move to our area because of the great things that Centralia College is doing,” Abbarno said.

Price, a lifelong Centralia resident, longtime county assessor employee, and herself a Centralia College graduate, always knew that she would go to Centralia College; both her sister and father are graduates.

“My children are a bit older now and it is time for me to get back into serving in the community, giving back is what I believe in. Besides, I want to encourage my children to go to Centralia College,” Price said.

Macy has lived in Centralia for the past 11 years with his wife and two children. He is a senior vice president, mortgage lender and branch manager

for Timberland Bank and has served on the Centralia School Board and the Lewis County Farm Bureau. Because of his experience with education and finance he feels that it’s a perfect fit for him to work with the Foundations finance committee.

“Centralia College is a significant asset for this community. I think some people don’t realize what an incredible facility it is and how important it is for the future of our community,” Macy said.

Higgins, a Vietnam veteran and 40-year TransAlta employee, is a Centralia College alum and longtime Foundation donor. He works with the Lewis County Farm Forestry Association and is a hobby tree farmer making him a natural fit on the committee overseeing the recent forestry land donations made to the Foundation. Higgins believes that many folks wouldn’t have the opportunity to go to college without the help the Foundation provides.

“How Centralia College relates to the community is very important to future economic development. We have to have an educated workforce,” Higgins said.

Gibson has owned Express Employment Professionals in Centralia since 2008 after working for the Department of Ecology and the Department of Health for 15 years. With her employment and labor experience she feels that the work of the Foundation is vital to the community.

“Lewis County has many needs, it has been hit hard now for several years but is finally turning around. In my line of work I really see the need for education, and going to college is one of the best ways to improve your life and community,” Gibson said.

The Centralia College Foundation began in 1982 with a single investment of $50; it now has over $12 million in assets and raised over $830,000 this year alone.

For the 2012-13 year, the Foundation awarded $523,000 in scholarships and financial aid to over 200 students.

For more information on the Centralia College Foundation contact Julie Johnson at jjohnson@centralia.edu

Centralia College Receives Donation of Waterfall Over the past two weeks, a large pondless waterfall was installed at the entrance of Washington Hall at Centralia College.

The waterfall was a donation from a 1963 graduate of Centralia College, Judy (Greeley) Hendrickson, said director of donor and alumni relations Julie Johnson.

“What a surprise to have an alum call and inquire about a waterfall on campus,” Johnson said. “Judy saw an opportunity to ‘touch’ students — enhancing their educational experience here as well as benefiting the community with a beautiful waterfall.”

The waterfall was designed and installed by Northwest Projects owner Dan Lael and his team. It required nearly 30 tons of rock and stone to build,

has a dry river bed that incorporates the existing landscaping at the college, including three stone benches, plantings, and dramatic landscape lighting.

Since 2008 Hendrickson has made several donations to the Centralia College Foundation, funding music and criminal justice scholarships.

This is the first time she has made a donation of this kind.

“As I have had successful careers, I felt that it was important to give back — not just to education, but to others areas as well.

Although students got something out of the scholarships, I didn’t personally feel any connection or permanence.” Hendrickson said. “Hence the concept of a waterfall that would be there for many years.”

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STEM students break science barrier with presentation Two Centralia College Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) scholarship students, Christina Williams and Colleen Suter, set a major milestone for themselves and the college when they presented their capstone research projects at the Northwest Scientific Association (NWSA) 84th annual conference held in March in Portland, Ore. This was the first time community college students have been invited to present research to the NWSA since the organization’s inception in 1923, according to Pat Pringle, Centralia College professor of geology.

“This was an incredible opportunity for the students and a huge honor for the college,” Pringle said. “It gave them an opportunity to present scientific research like students at the undergraduate level do.”

The students presented scientific research on evidence of an earthquake dating back thousands of years. Their research may even suggest findings of a mega-thrust earthquake that was previously unknown.

Suter’s research focused on evidence of the prehistoric earthquake, which may have

created a massive rock slide at Washington’s Glacier Lake.

Williams’ research focused on a submerged forest located in the Puget Sound lowlands.

Using Centralia College’s tree ring labs, one of only two such labs in the state, the students analyzed submerged fossilized tree ring samples to help date their findings.

“The opportunity for scientific research (at Centralia College) has been incredible,” Williams said. “The facilities at the college rival that of many large universities.”

Williams attended Centralia College in the Adult Basic Education (ABE) program, first earning her GED, and then earning her Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) credential. She worked several years in that field then, at age 27, returned to college and earned an associate degree in chemistry. Williams will be attending WSU-Vancouver this fall to study neuroscience.

Suter attended Centralia College as a Running Start student more than a decade ago, but due to personal issues never continued on with her education. Now at 32, she has earned her associate degree in science.

Spurred on by environmentally caused health issues and a passion for the environment, Suter will be attending The Evergreen State College to study environmental toxicology.

“The science department and faculty are incredible,” Suter said. “The encouragement and support we received made all of the difference in just how far we were able to go in our education.”

Both students are 2013 honor graduates and were instrumental in establishing theScience Club. Both were instrumental in water quality testing of China Creek as it flows through the college’s KNOLL. “Christina and Colleen are amazing with incredible futures ahead of them,” Pringle said. “They are determined and talented students and it has been a privilege to work with them.”

(Note: In higher education, capstone courses, also known as senior seminars, offer undergraduate students nearing graduation the opportunity to summarize, evaluate, and integrate some or all of their college experience. Research projects for STEM students can also be included.)

Basketball Court Dedication The court in the Michael Smith Gymnasium in the Centralia College Health and Wellness Center is now the Bill Watterson Court, named in honor of a former Blazer basketball star.

A formal dedication of the Watterson Court will take place Thursday, Sept. 19, at 1:30 p.m. in the HWC. Watterson is expected to attend.

Watterson was a standout guard for the Centralia College Blazer basketball team beginning in 1959 and was the Mr. Hustle and Mr. Inspirational awards recipient. He continued his basketball career at the University of Alaska, in Fairbanks. After finishing his education there he remained in Alaska and eventually formed a construction firm that has grown into one of the largest in Alaska. Along the way he earned a graduate degree in engineering from Stanford University.

Watterson is one of Centralia College’s first Sports Hall of Fame inductees, voted into membership in 1987.

“As a Centralia College Blazer he was a very skilled and energetic guard who was a

disruptive force for the opposition,” Athletic Director Bob Peters said.” Peters added that Watterson is still an active ball player.

“The naming of the court in his honor is really appropriate.

He has been a good friend to the college and has supported us for a long time,” Peters said.

Earlier this year, the Wattersons (Bill and wife Helga) donated 17.5 acres of wooded land to the Centralia College Foundation.

Over the summer, the col-

lege resurfaced the court, adding Watterson’s name.

“Every 20 years or so we redo the floor, sanding down to the bare wood,” Peters said.

“This year we took out some of the lines that were not needed, added some touches to improve the look of the court and put Watterson’s name on it.”

The women’s volleyball team will break in the newly named court Sept. 27 with a match against Clark College.

That contest will begin at 7 p.m.

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Your Voice, Your Views

JR Siperly: 2013-2014 ASCC President

Danielle Jones: ASCC Senator for Executive Affairs My name is Danielle Jones, and I graduated from Centralia High School. I started college last fall after being out of school since 2006. I wish I would have gone to college after I graduated, but it was not the right time for me. I am going for my AA to transfer to a four year to major in physical therapy.

I have a long road ahead of me, but I am looking forward to what the future has in store.

I am a member of PTK and proud of it. I have worked hard for my GPA, and will continue to do so throughout the year. I also plan on graduating summer 2014.

My position in student government is Senator for Execu-

Blaze 3 • The Blaze, Centralia, Wash., September 2013

tive Affairs. I have many plans for this year, but as I have been told, we only have nine months to do so. My personal goals to accomplish are to make improvements to the campus to enrich students’ lives one step at a time. Student government has not held a meeting yet to discuss our plans for the year so as of now I have no comments.

As Senator for Executive Affairs my primary responsibility is to manage the ASCC interview process, liaison to CC East and record minutes of meetings for the ASCC student government. I assist with clerical and secretarial tasks. Assist when needed, in all aspects of student life and Involvement.

Hi my name is JR Siperly and I am the Associated Students of Centralia College President.

I graduJR Siperly ASCC president ated from Adna High School in 2012 and went straight to Centralia College to further my education. During my first year of Centralia College, I was appointed to the ASCC as the Senator for Executive Affairs where I worked closely with programs such as the Writing Center to improve the learning experience for students that use that service. I am an assistant middle school football and

wrestling coach.

What made me want to run for president for Centralia College is to improve the communication between the students and the ASCC. I also believe that we can make a positive impact in our community by creating more opportunity for students to volunteer.

It is we the students that have control of our future and the direction that our college goes. Centralia College offers clubs and organizations to get involved. I highly encourage each and every one of you to get involved and stay active. By getting involved you will notice that you will work harder on your work and make a positive difference.

My goal as the President is to make sure that our communica-

Got Skills?

tion to you is great. By having a strong line of communication will create a stronger college.

I would also like to update the student services such as the Writing Center and the Tutoring Center to have the most up to date supplies to help you better understand the subject matter that you may be struggling.

If you have any questions, concerns, or ideas please come visit me in room 126 in the Student Center. It takes all of us the BLAZER NATION to make a positive impact in our school and community. I look forward to meeting each and every one of you and I know you’ll enjoy this life changing experience at Centralia College.

May you have a great year and continue following your passion!

Joanna Beresford: ASCC Senator of Clubs and Organizations Hello! My name is Joanna Beresford and I have the privilege of serving as your Senator for Clubs and Organizations this year here at Centralia College. I started attending CC in the Fall quarter of 2012, participating in the Running Start program.

I’ve enjoyed my time here because of the ways it’s challenged me. The diversity of the

students and faculty is incredible, and it amazes me that even in all the diversity, students actually have many common interests.

If you want to make some connections during your time here at CC, consider joining or even creating an on-campus club. It’s a great way to meet others that share your interests, and to encourage and learn

from each other. Chances are there’s already a group that would interest you.

Feel free to come by the student government office and ask questions about what is available; that’s what I’m here for.

One of my desires for this coming year is to see the students of Centralia College learning from each others differences, without conforming or compromising

personal beliefs.

Let’s face it, even though we do have a lot in common, we won’t always share the same perspective. I would like to see Centralia College be a place where when people disagree, its OK. Sometimes we want so badly to fit in that we end up compromising what we believe and losing the convictions that we value.

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The Blaze is always accepting submissions from Centralia College students for the opinion page, photos of events, or even comics. Think you’ve got what it takes to write for The Blaze? Email Editor-in-Chief Hallie Simons at editor@ centraliablaze.com, or call The Blaze World Headquarters at (360) 807-8250.

B THE BLAZE STAFF Editor-in-Chief: Courtney Simmons Web/Print Design: Dakota Rakestraw

I hope that through my position as Senator for Clubs and Organizations I can contribute to an atmosphere that is friendly, respectful and willing to learn from each other, regardless of whether or not we agree.

I’m excited about this coming school year! I’m confident that I will grow and be challenged, and if you’re willing, you will too.

The Adventures of Blazer Bill

Photographer: Elliott Townsend Sports: Janice Knutz Comic Artist: Ely Tilley Reporters: Emmalee Baker Contact us at: (360) 807-8250 editor@ centraliablaze.com Visit us at... centraliablaze.com

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Centralia College Class of 1953 REunion Twenty former Centralia College students, some now in their late 70s and early 80s toured the college campus recently, here to celebrate their 60th class reunion.

While some former students live locally, others traveled from across the state to attend, and many hadn’t seen the campus

STERILE

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since they were students, said director of donor and alumni relations Julie Johnson.

“Hearing the memories of our alumni on such notables as Rufus Kiser, Minnie Lingreen, and Arthur Ehret and hearing their excitement in their voices as they walked through the halls of our new facilities was

touching,” Johnson said. “The value and impact of the education they received while at Centralia College just fills me with pride.” One such student and reunion organizer Dan Gallagher was impressed by the staff of the college and how much had changed since he attended.

“The college has grown so much over the years that I didn’t even recognize it, I’m truly impressed,” said Gallagher. “The college has so much more to offer than when we were students, it’s amazing.”

In addition to the tour, the group reminisced about their college years over dinner at Mc-

Menamins and toured The Fox Theatre to see the progress on its renovations.

“I feel like I grew up with the college and I’m very proud to have been a part it,” said 1953 graduate Jean (Hilts) Bluhm. “I was amazed at how the campus has moved into the new age in buildings and curriculum.”

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The Dish on the Blazer Bite Home to the campus cafeteria and a wide assortment of delectable dishes, the Blazer Bite strives to satiate the diverse tastes of the Centralia College student body. In addition to the traditional hot lunches expected at such an establishment, other less readily available foods have found their place on the Bite’s menu.

Those with vegetarian or vegan volitions can rest assured that their wishes have been heard and that those dishes are available.

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Upcoming Blazer Athletics Events September 20, 21 - Volleyball Crossover Tournament in Everett September 21, 22 - Women’s Golf in Wenatchee September 25 - Volleyball @ Pierce 7:00 p.m.

September 27 - Volleyball @ HOME with Clark 7:00 p.m.

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Your Look at Centralia College Athletics

Centralia College is in search of international host families for international students.

Each year Centralia College welcomes international students from around the globe. For many of those students, living with host families is their first choice. That living arrangement increases understanding of diverse cultures for both the student and the host family.

There is an urgent need

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by Courtney Simmons

Blaze Editor-in-Chief

When you are attending college, you have a lot on your plate.

Along with classes, you have homework, friends, family, and

By Courtney Simmons Blaze most likely a Editor-in-Chief million and one other things going through your head. The last thing you want is your health slowing you down.

Though none of us can

Due dates and deadlines.

If you are any sort of college student, these words probably evoke nervous panic, stress sleeping, and carb craving.

Dakota Rakestraw College Blaze Web and Print Designer is chock full of these little trouble makers, creeping around weekends and hiding in plain sight, yet their reign of terror can be over with just one simple tip: Get organized.

It’s easier said than done, believe me. I was a wreck when I started school. I thought I could just keep all these dates stored in my head and expect to recall them at any given notice. I

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This past year, the Corwins hosted a student from Hong Kong who graduated this spring and they will be hosting two new students from Hong Kong in the fall.

“It’s always so exciting to meet the next student,” Corwin said. “We can’t wait to get to know them and learn about their families and culture.”

For information on becoming a host family contact Nankani at (360) 736-9391, ext. 492.

ply forgetting due to stress. So what is the best way to maintain a healthy lifestyle while under pressure?

I may not be a doctor, but as someone with a long and tiresome medical history, I know that there are many ways to stay healthy in college - and many ways to fall victim to temptation.

Sugary snacks are a common two-faced friend of the college student. While sweet taste and a sudden kick of energy seems great at 8 a.m., it catches up with you by noon.

One good way to avoid the sugar temptation is to schedule your classes with an allowance for lunch. Having an hour to

purchase or prepare a healthy lunch will keep you from sneaking to the vending machines in between classes.

Exercise is another important factor in living a healthy lifestyle. While not all of us have the time or funds to maintain a gym membership, it’s simple to find ways to burn extra calories throughout the day. Walking or biking to and from school is a great way to fit in some exercise, and the environment won’t complain either!

Though many people are concerned for their physical welfare, mental health tends to fall to the wayside during college. Maintaining a positive outlook is just as important to

keeping yourself healthy as diet and exercise. Many students overwork themselves now, thinking that it will pay off later, but often this results in a feeling of being “burnt out” after only a short time. Other, simpler ways to ward off stress are to keep your friends close, especially during the hectic times, and to always have a goto place or activity to relieve stress.

Though at times it seems inconvenient, taking the time to take care of yourself is never a waste. Not only will it get you through the chaotic times in college, but maintaining a healthy lifestyle now will only serve you well later in life.

learned after a few close scrapes that this method of organization was far from flawless.

In fact, calling it organization is a little generous. So I bought a planner, one of those flimsy paper ones, and I strove to keep it filled with all the goings of my life. It worked, too. That is, until a week later, when I forgot to be motivated to fill it with anything.

Scratch the paper planner. As a techie, I needed something online. Lo and behold, I discovered Google Calendar, the color coded, email sending jewel of the crown.

No longer was I oppressed by the temporal workings of college courses. I was liberated, free to live life without the soggy weight of misremembered dates.

Organization is key. If you want to get ahead in this game, you’ve got to write down when you are playing, where, and with whom. Doing so frees up

At first glance, I look like the type of person who would have no trouble finding a job.

I graduated at the top of my class in high school, lettered in track and field, and won several awards for my academic achievements.

I went on to Centralia Community College and graduated with an AA degree with highest honors. When I entered into an education program to pursue a career in healthcare, I had to quit the job I had held for three years at the local theater.

My school schedule required me to attend several classes during the weekends when my managers needed me the most.

I thought it would be just a minor setback. It shouldn’t be that hard for me to find another part time job, right?

About half a year later, the only job I managed to land was seasonal work ringing bells for the Salvation Army. In that time I sent out dozens of applications, cover letters, resumes, taken an array of personality tests, spent

countless hours visiting every small business in the area, attended a handful of interviews, and yet all I had to show for it were a handful of, “Thank you for your interest ... ” rejection letters. I was beginning to wonder if there was something wrong with me or if I was just up against too much competition.

It wasn’t until last May that I finally landed a job at a call center in Lacey after having attended a job fair. It was a long wait, but it feels good to be getting a paycheck again.

For the ones still job hunting out there I have only three bits of advice for you.

1. Dress nicely whether you are interviewing or just turning in a resume. I still think the reason I landed an interview at the job fair was because I was one of the few people wearing a buttonup shirt.

2. Call back employers to check the status of your application. This shows genuine interest and can give you feedback as to why you weren’t chosen.

3. Be tenacious. The job market is brutal but keep applying everywhere and hope for the best.

Just don’t give up!

your mind to do what really needs to get done. Whether it be a simple calendar tacked to the wall, complete with doodles and scribbles, or a fancy-pants online version that sends reminders to your phone, find what works for you, just as long as you get organized.

Open registration is underway.

You know when to stay the course and when you need to make a change.

Now is your time.

Make the bold move to say no to the status quo. Take that first step toward a better life.

Train for the career you choose in: • Civil Engineering Technology • Robotics/Electronics • Criminal Justice • Diesel Equipment Technology • Computer Science • Energy Technology • Radio Broadcasting • and others

Or begin your four-year degree in just about any field you want

• Low cost • High value • Close to home

You can count on Centralia College to give you the tools to make that move, to change your life.

Change begins when you enroll!

Enroll online NOW at

centralia.edu

Centralia College does not discriminate against any person on the basis of race, color, national origin, disability, sex, genetic information, or age in admission, treatment, or participation in its programs, services and activities, or in employment. All Inquiries regarding compliance with access, equal opportunity and/or grievance procedures should be directed to the Vice President of Human Resources and Legal Affairs, Centralia College, 600 Centralia College Blvd,Centralia, WA 98531, or call (360) 736-9391, ext. 671, or (360) 807-6227/TTY.

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choose to be healthy or sick, we can often make smallerscale decisions that impact this seemingly uncontrollable variable. Eating healthy, maintaining a regular exercise plan, and keeping yourself relieved of stress are all important factors in maintaining a healthy lifestyle.

One important way to keep your health in check, particularly if you have a history of medical problems, is to carefully follow the instructions your doctor gives you, and to take your medications as prescribed. It sounds simple, but many things get in the way of this common-sense tactic, such as classes, work, and even sim-

Finding a Job Guest Columnist

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year after year, some do so two at a time.

One such family is Pete and Janet Corwin of Centralia.

Since 1979 the Corwins have hosted a total of 47 students from too many countries to remember, Janet Corwin said.

“The students bring so much enjoyment to our lives,” Corwin said. “With the Internet we are able to stay in contact with them that it’s like we have an extended family all over the world.”

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interact with our international students and create lasting friendships,” Nankani said.

“Host families are critical to the success of international programs and we are grateful for the generous commitment to this extraordinary experience.”

Host families have support from international programs staff and receive a stipend from the student to offset costs associated with caring for students.

Many families host students

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for host families, especially in homes within walking distance of the campus.

Students bring a rich and diverse population to the college and Centralia,” said Laju Nankani, international programs director.

“Host families are the ‘safe haven’ that foreign parents of U.S.-bound students hope and pray for and their world will definitely seem bigger and brighter as family members

Staying Healthy

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international students

by Dakota Rakestraw

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