Students are honored for their service Employment scarce for new graduates

PAUL WILLIAMS STAFF WRITER

The fluctuating economy, and the unsure effect of war on the economy, Cabrini students wonder what finding a job will be like after graduation.

"Getting hired now is harder now than it was a few years ago," John Heiberger, chairperson of business administration, said. "Seniors should have began searching weeks ago for a job after graduation, and it wouldn't hurt juniors to start searching now."

the spring and is worried about what the job search will be like. "I'm concerned because Philadelphia is an area with the most colleges around, and it will probably be really hard to find a job with all of that competition."

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A person has spent her morning dishing out food for several dozen people. Another person has just filled out the last line on an income tax return. They and many other students at Cabrini take time out to help others in any way they can.

On Thursday, April 10, the Wolfington Center held its' first ceremony honoring students who shined in community outreach. The four areas in which the students were honored were those who were active citizens, community builders, truth seekers, and charity to justice pathfinders.

Active citizens are students who have volunteered in community services like the Special Olympics, the Hunger and Homelessness Campaign, a Seminar 300 service, or even an internship like senior LaToya Bradley did. Community builders are .student groups who have made community service an integral part of their club's mission. The Finance Club generated a campus-wide program in which students and faculty clicked on the Cabrini button on the povertyfighters.org website in order for money to be donated to underdeveloped countries. Corporations would later pick up the "donations" and provide credit for countries in need. Cabrini ranked 32nd out of a listing of239 colleges nationwide.

Truth seekers are people who in their research or campus activity raised social justice awareness, Courses that they have taken have inspired these students to speak out for those who are not heard. They also voiced their opinion on events that have occurred on campus and sought to bring attention to it. where otherwise it would have been brushed off as another "incident." Charity to justice pathfinders were awarded for their leadership in community service and eye-opening ideas. Two graduating seniors, Renee DiPietro and Geronna Lewis, expressed feelings of personal growth through their involvement.

"I didn't want to be honored. I like being behind the scenes. I didn't have many leadership skiUs. But it was good that they paid attention to us;' Maureen Cooper, a freshman who was honored at the ceremony, said "Nobody realizes how much we

Renee Tomcanin, who graduated in December and is currently searching for a job, said, "People graduating now are at a disadvantage. There are a lot of jobs in sales and some in education, but the creative market does not have too many openings."

Kristen Luft, a senior marketing major, will be graduating in

Heiberger said, "It is important for students to attend college fairs to see what companies and firms are looking for. Having a resume on an electronic database is important because it is something that firms are using now." He suggested that Cabrini students utilize "the co-op office on campus where they can get help on their resumes," and for students to "network as much as possible," especially if they have the opportunity to attend professional events and meetings.

Stacey Gregoretti, a special education/elementary education major, has had a positive response in her job search efforts. Gregoretti is a student intern at

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Don Guanella and works with severe and profound children.

"I want to go into anything that has to do with special education," Gregoretti said. "So far I have received a great response to my job search and some offers."

Heiberger said companies look for similar qualifications in a job candidate. "Written and oral communication, strong analytical skills, computer literacy and the technical skills are all important to employers. Past work experience is a must, which makes co-ops and internships all the more important."

NSCC: WHAT'S IN IT FOR ME?

Few opportunities will offer you as much power and influence as a term of service with the National School and Community Corps (NSCC): Power to make a positive difference in a child's life and to transform your own life as well. That's what happens when you give to others and it makes a difference.

The NSCC is an AmeriCorps national service program committed to one thing: The children in Philadelphia and other urban schools.

With the NSCC you will serve 40 hours a week with children, one-on-one and in small groups, during school and in after-school programs, drawing on your skills and interests and building theirs.

You will get a living allowance. an education award, training, childcare reimbursement, and health insurance, if qualified.