SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 24, 2017
SPECIAL SECTION
COLLEGE & CAREERS
►STRESS BUSTERS ►ONLINE LEARNING ►FAFSA DEMYSTIFIED
FIND YOUR MATCH! OMAHA AREA COLLEGE FAIR PREVIEW
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OMAHA AREA COLLEGE FAIR PREVIEW
READY TO IMPRESS
Representatives from 140 schools will participate Oct. 1 in the Omaha Area College Fair at the University of Nebraska at Omaha, 60th and Dodge Streets. The event is free and runs from 1 to 4 p.m. at the Sapp Fieldhouse. Parking – also at no charge – is available in campus lots and garages. The college fair is sponsored by the EducationQuest Foundation in partnership with Omaha-area school counselors and the Nebraska Association of College Registrars and Admissions Officers.
PARTICIPATING SCHOOLS ARIZONA Grand Canyon University
COLORADO Colorado Christian University Regis University University of Denver CONNECTICUT U.S Coast Guard Academy GEORGIA Savannah College of Art and Design IOWA Briar Cliff University Buena Vista University Coe College Cornell College Dordt College Drake University EQ School of Hair Design Graceland University Grand View University Grinnell College Iowa State University Iowa Western Community College Loras College Luther College Morningside College Northwestern College Simpson College St. Luke’s College University of Iowa Upper Iowa University Waldorf University Wartburg College Western Iowa Tech Community College
ILLINOIS Augustana College Knox College Loyola University INDIANA Butler University University of Notre Dame KANSAS Baker University Barton Community College Benedictine College Bethel College Colby Community College Hesston College Kansas State University Kansas Wesleyan University Newman University University of Kansas University of Saint Mary Wichita State University MASSACHUSETTS Harvard University MARYLAND U.S. Naval Academy MICHIGAN Hillsdale College Michigan State University MINNESOTA Carleton College College of St. Benedict Minnesota State University Saint John’s University Southwest Minnesota State University University of St. Thomas
MISSOURI Calvary University Columbia College Drury University Maryville University Missouri University of Science and Technology Missouri Western State University Northwest Missouri State University Rockhurst University St. Louis University Southwest Baptist University Stephens College Truman State University University of Central Missouri University of Missouri-Columbia University of Missouri-Kansas City University of Missouri-St. Louis Westminster College William Jewell College NORTH DAKOTA North Dakota State University NEBRASKA Air National Guard of Nebraska Bellevue University Bryan College of Health Sciences Capitol School of Hairstyling & Esthetics Central Community College Chadron State College CHI Health School of Radiologic Technology Clarkson College College of Hair Design College of St. Mary Concordia University Creative Center, College of Art & Design
Creighton University Creighton University, Army ROTC Doane University Grace University Hastings College Joseph’s College of Cosmetology Kaplan University La James International College Metropolitan Community College Midland University Nebraska Christian College Nebraska Methodist College Nebraska Wesleyan University Northeast Community College Paul Mitchell the School Peru State College Southeast Community College — Beatrice, Lincoln, Milford Union College Universal College of Healing Arts University of Nebraska at Kearney University of Nebraska at Omaha University of Nebraska Medical Center University of Nebraska, Air Force ROTC University of Nebraska, Army ROTC University of Nebraska, College of Technical Agriculture University of Nebraska-Lincoln Wayne State College Western Nebraska Community College Xenon Academy York College
NEW YORK Colgate University U.S. Military Academy OKLAHOMA Oklahoma Christian University University of Tulsa SOUTH CAROLINA The Citadel SOUTH DAKOTA Augustana University Black Hills State University Dakota State University Dakota Wesleyan University Lake Area Technical Institute Mitchell Technical Institute Mount Marty College Northern State University South Dakota School of Mines and Technology South Dakota State University University of Sioux Falls University of South Dakota TEXAS Southern Methodist University Southwestern University Texas A&M University WISCONSIN Lawrence University Marquette University University of Wisconsin WYOMING Laramie County Community College University of Wyoming
NEW JERSEY Seton Hall University
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College choice iffy? Quiz time
ABOUT THIS SECTION College & Careers is a semiannual special section produced by the news division of the Omaha World-Herald.
EducationQuEst Foundation Junior year of high school is an ideal time to start narrowing college choices. Here are some questions, coupled with tips, to jump-start the process and move a student closer to a decision that will have an impact on a family’s finances, scholarships and financial aid.
Project editor/designer Chris Christen, 402-444-1094 chris.christen@owh.com Deputy editor Howard K. Marcus 402-444-1397 howard.marcus@owh.com
WHAT DO YOU WANT TO STUDY? Research schools that offer programs in that area. If you don’t know what to study, it’s OK — many students begin college undeclared, and some pursue academic transfer programs at community colleges.
Content coordinator/designer Kiley Cruse Copy editor Marjie Ducey
WHAT KIND OF SCHOOL DO YOU WANT TO ATTEND?
Contributors Mike Malloy, Kathryn Larson, Mike Whye, Maggy Lehmicke, Maggie O’Brien, Melinda Keenan, EducationQuest Foundation
Do you prefer a large university, a small college or a community college? What kind of student-teacher ratio do you want? Don’t limit your search to familiar institutions. The fact that parents or siblings went to a certain college doesn’t mean it’s right for you.
and your parents can afford to pay out-of-pocket, and plan to apply for scholarships, grants and loans to make up the difference. Calculate the debt your family may need to incur for your college education. Don’t limit your search to colleges you think you can afford. The more expensive the school, the more financial aid you may be eligible to receive.
WHERE DO YOU SEE YOURSELF? Do you want to live close to home and commute? Do you want to be in a major city or a small town? How big a factor is out-of-state tuition? If you want to go out of state, investigate reciprocity programs such as the Midwest Student Exchange Program. Don’t choose a college just because it’s near your boyfriend or girlfriend. The school may not be a good match for you. Or your relationship might end. Then what?
Cover photo by Craig Chandler, University of Nebraska-Lincoln Communications
WHAT CAN YOU AFFORD?
Finally, don’t insist on an out-of-state school just because you want to “get away.� Even if you attend college in your hometown, you can still “get away� by staying on campus most weekends.
For advertising information, contact dan.matuella@owh.com
Consider the overall cost of tuition, room and board, books, transportation and recreation. Determine what you
Find more college planning tips and advice at educationquest.org.
Why Choose Bryan?
of programs, health care focused science labs, state-of-the-art simulation center and dedicated faculty focused on each student’s learning experience. • • • • • NURSING ULTRASOUND PRE-MED, PRE-PA, PRE-PT & MORE DOCTOR OF NURSE ANESTHESIA PRACTICE MASTER OF SCIENCE IN NURSING
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UNK’s campus feels like home‌with a lot more going on. Set your sights on a peaceful community with space to run and play. Kearney is an ideal place for active and outgoing individuals. • 14 beautiful parks covering 438 acres • 20 miles of hike & bike trails • Division II NCAA Athletics
• Concerts, ice skating and hockey • Great variety of shopping & dining • Safe community
Visit unk.edu and learn how UNK can make a difference for you.
BACHELOR’S DEGREE COMPLETION AND CERTIFICATE PROGRAMS
The University of Nebraska at Kearney does not discriminate based on race, color, ethnicity, national origin, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, disability, age, genetic information, veteran status, marital status, and/or political affiliation in its programs, activities or employment. UNK Communications & Marketing. 2017 2051569-01
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GETTING READY FOR COLLEGE: YOUR TIMELINE
Marty Habrock, financial aid and scholarships director for the University of Nebraska at Omaha, and the Lincoln-based EducationQuest Foundation recommend these steps to stay on track with applications for federal aid and college applications.
JUNIOR YEAR
SENIOR YEAR
• Attend college fairs. • Visit college campuses. • Take the PSAT to qualify for scholarships and programs associated with the National Merit Scholarship Program. • Register for college admission exams such as the ACT and SAT. Ask a high school counselor about test prep options and visit act.org. • Ask a guidance counselor what high school courses, if any, are still needed to meet college entrance requirements. • Get involved in more extracurricular activities to include on college and scholarship applications. • Begin searching for scholarships. Use a free scholarship search tool like one offered at collegeboard.org.
• Create an FSA ID at fsaid.ed.gov (one for you and one for a parent). An ID is required when applying for federal aid. • Complete the FAFSA as soon as possible after Oct. 1. • Follow up with schools listed on the FAFSA for any additional paperwork that might need to be submitted. • Register for and take college entrance exams if that hasn’t been done already. • Visit and apply to colleges. • Request information from colleges about admission requirements, financial aid and deadlines. • Complete scholarship applications and ask counselors and teachers to submit letters of recommendation, if needed. Many scholarships have spring deadlines. • Watch for federal aid, scholarship and college application notifications via email and U.S. mail. Sources: University of Nebraska at Omaha, EducationQuest Foundation, U.S. Department of Education
Affordable education, close to home. On average, MCC students complete their education for about half the cost of two years at other Nebraska colleges and universities. Online courses and programs are available. For more information, visit mccneb.edu/begin or call 531-MCC-2400.
Sources: 2014-2015 Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System and 2016 Nebraska’s Coordinating Commission for Postsecondary Education Tuition, Fees, and Financial Report. Metropolitan Community College does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, marital status, age, disability or sexual orientation in admission or access to its programs and activities or in its treatment or hiring of employees.
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FAFSA: Your most important ally in quest for money If you think filling out the application is a drag, get over it! Grants, scholarships, work study, federal loans all are at stake. By Maggie O’Brien WORLD-HERALD CORRESPONDENT
It’s time for college-bound high school seniors to apply for federal student financial aid. The 2018-2019 Free Application for Federal Student Aid opens Oct. 1. With a June 30 application deadline, nearly eight months might seem like plenty of time to apply. But local and federal education officials say it’s important for students to get on the ball sooner rather than later. The application period allows students to tackle both federal aid and college applications within the same season and gives them more time to choose where they want to go to school — a decision often based on how much financial aid they receive, according to education officials. Students must submit a FAFSA every year they are in college to determine their eligibility for federal student aid. That aid can include federal Pell Grants, federal student loans and work-study opportunities, said Marty Habrock, the University of Nebraska at Omaha’s financial aid and scholarships director. State grants and scholarship applications usually require that a student complete a FAFSA first. With the change to the FAFSA opening, federal student aid officials also began allowing students and their families to report earlier income information, according to the U.S. Department of Education’s federal student aid website. High school students should start the FAFSA process as soon as possible, Habrock said. He gave several reasons, including: • The financial aid application process may be more aligned with the college admission process. Knowing how much financial aid is available earlier can help families make better enrollment decisions, as noted above.
• Along with the earlier application date of Oct. 1, applicants can use their 2016 income and tax information to complete the FAFSA. Because the FAFSA will ask for older income and tax information, applicants will have done their taxes, eliminating the need to estimate tax information. Applicants will be able to use the IRS Data Retrieval Tool to automatically import tax information into the FAFSA. The tool is available at fafsa.ed.gov. • The Oct. 1 start date provides more time for students and parents to explore and understand financial aid options and apply for aid before state and institution deadlines. The federal education department had a few more reasons students should start thinking about the FAFSA now: • It’s time-consuming. The application process can be done in one sitting, but it’s a bit complicated. Much information is needed to complete the FAFSA, including the student’s Social Security number and driver’s license number (if he or she has one); the parents’ Social Security numbers; federal tax returns, including W2s; child support, veterans’ benefits or other untaxed income; checking and savings account balances; investments, including real estate; and business and farm assets. • There’s a better chance at receiving more state and school financial aid. Federal education officials say there’s only so much money to go around, as states and schools are limited in the amount of aid they can provide students. That means there’s a chance that both could run out of aid, so time is crucial if help is needed. • It makes the process less stressful during a busy time. Getting the FAFSA out of the way allows students to focus on college applications, scholarship applications, high school studies and college-level coursework.
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SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 24, 2017
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7 steps for success Parents can help nail college admissions interviews By HeatHer Hamilton
Highlight accomplishments
As a parent, it can feel difficult to involve yourself in the college admissions process. Your student is gaining independence, making decisions that will impact the rest of his or her life, and maybe even withdrawing from parental guidance. While your approach is likely to change as your children age, your assistance is still needed as your teen prepares for college admissions interviews. If you’re struggling to find ways to help your child during this time, read on! You’re more valuable than you know.
College admissions interviews are all about confidence, so find ways to help your student identify highlights of his or her academic career. When you recognize their achievements, students will likely find these things easier to call to mind during the admissions interview process. Assist your student in finding those things that will capture an interviewer’s attention. Give your teen the confidence and encouragement needed to excel at the interview process.
It begins with a handshake
Identify potential weaknesses
Interview etiquette is second nature to most adults, but teenagers may be new to the rules of the interview game. Start by telling your student what to expect. Professional dress, eye contact and a good handshake are simple things that go a long way toward making the best possible first impression. While your teen may resist finessing these things, they will pay off.
Practice those interviews Put your teen through mock interviews. This will take a little bit of preparation on your part as you research admissions interviews, the school specifics your student might need to know, etc. It may also take a little bit of buy-in from your child — who may have a hard time being serious with a parent in a mock interview. Still, it’s a great way to get your teen thinking about the process.
Brainstorm questions Alternatively, your student may prefer to think about potential questions quietly, practicing answers aloud with a peer or a teacher at their school. Brainstorm questions your student might want to review.
Facilitate campus visits Students will undoubtedly feel more comfortable in an admissions interview if they’ve seen the campus. Help your student arrange visits to a number of schools. This not only helps ensure your student will make a more informed decision; it also bolsters confidence going into an admissions interview. After each visit, ask your teen for his or her impressions of the campus, students, faculty and curriculum.
If your student gets as far as a scheduled admissions interview, he or she is very likely qualified to attend a number of schools. However, your student may have a few holes in his or her application. Colleges may want to know the reason behind a low grade or a lack of involvement during sophomore year. They may have questions about homeschooling or athletic achievement. Assure your student that admissions representatives are not looking for reasons not to admit students; they’re simply asking what they need to know to identify students who are most likely to be successful at a certain school. Even if your student’s application is not perfect, he or she has still has a great shot at getting into a first-choice school, assuming the student is able to provide solid answers. Help your student identify and respond to potential weaknesses so he or she is not caught off-guard.
We believe education isn’t about your next four years, but your next 40. It’s about more than a degree or a career path, but your life path. At Hastings, your next four years will be spent exploring the here and now on a welcoming campus filled with experienced mentors who teach, counsel, inspire, support, guide and advocate as you work to define who you are and what it is you want to do.
Because the greatest success is when what you do, and who you are, align.
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Picture Yourself
HERE.
Team effort Finally, help your student remember that the college application and admissions process is a team effort. Your student has worked tirelessly to put together a comprehensive admissions package and you’ve been supportive the whole time. Admissions representatives know what it takes to get to this point, and they’re typically very understanding. Ultimately, they’re just people who also want to make the best choice for their college and for your student. Everybody is on the same side, working toward the same goal — here’s to accomplishing it! Heather Hamilton is a contributing writer for Varsity Tutors, a live learning platform that connects students with personalized instruction to accelerate academic achievement.
iwcc.edu Schedule your visit and see what it’s like to be a Reiver!
800.432.5852 2049561-01
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Stress: Coping with the inevitable By Melinda Keenan WORLD-HERALD STAFF WRITER
Madison Kramer says she’s a “dog person,” but when she feels stressed, the Northwest Missouri State junior turns to her goldeneyed black cat for relief. The 1-year-old fur ball, known as Chicken Nugget, is a therapy pet the 2015 Millard North graduate keeps in her Marysville, Missouri, dormitory to help battle anxiety. Most students have cats, Kramer said. But some have dogs or rabbits. “We have a bond,” she said of Nugget, who likes to cuddle and play. “He knows when I’m stressed out. He comes and gets all in my face (as if to say) ‘All right, pet me, love me.’ ”
Snuggling with a pet is just one way students escape — even if only for a few minutes — the pressures of college life. Having doctor-prescribed pets in the dorms is not uncommon, but universities have a range of other innovative and common-sense ways to reach a greater number of students who suffer from what has become the biggest concern on campus — anxiety. During finals week, the University of Nebraska at Omaha celebrates “De-Stress Fest” — 10 days of music, yoga, massage, bike rides, video games and other distractions from studying. Creighton University has “de-stressing nights” in the dormitories, where students play games and do group activities.
If a student just needs quiet time, Creighton offers a Relaxation Station, a space for meditation and reflection equipped with a massage chair, relaxation recordings and music. Creighton also has a “transitions” program for new students that addresses homesickness, academic stress, self-care, and relationship and identity issues. “We see every freshman,” said Sangeetha A. Kumar, Creighton’s assistant director for student care and outreach. Students don’t need a doctor’s note to enjoy pets on the UNO and Creighton campuses. The schools invite therapy dogs to walk through buildings periodically, giving away “puppy love” to any student who wants it.
Chicken Nugget provides Madison Kramer with calming relief from student stress at Northwest Missouri State. “We have a bond,” the biomedical science major said of the golden-eyed therapy cat. COURTESY PHOTO
5 STRESS-BUSTERS Find a work-life balance
Practice self-care
Take care of all areas of your life by following a weekly schedule. Chart time for all areas of life: school, job, friends, time alone, spiritual reflection, exercise, family. Nathan Bock, assistant director of UNO’s Counseling and Psychological Services and UNO Health Services, said students should be able to answer the question: “What does your week look like?”
Take care of yourself. Eat, exercise, sleep and spend time with family and friends. Put aside time to be by yourself and do whatever relaxes you or brings you joy. That could be yoga, jogging, meditation, music, prayer or journaling. Madison Kramer, a biomedical science major at Northwest Missouri State, said her strategy is to “make myself happy.” That might
mean listening to music in her room or going to the Humane Society to spend time with animals.
Lean on your support system Talk with friends. Talk with parents. Talk with siblings. Talk with roommates. Open up about stresses and listen to their helpful suggestions to resolving your issues.
Communicate with parents
See a counselor
Relationships go through change as children mature into college students and spend all their time on campus.“It’s not uncommon for students to say ‘I get up and leave and do not see them,’” Bock said. Parents and students must agree on how and when they will check in on each other to keep their relationship from becoming strained.
If none of these suggestions helps and anxiety is impeding daily routines, it might be time to see a professional. Anxiety can keep a student from sleeping, eating, socializing or going to classes. A student might suffer panic attacks. Talk therapy works, as do different forms of medication. Madison Kramer just needed a cat. “He was the best decision I’ve ever made.”
THE WORLD-HERALD
Paddle board yoga is an increasingly popular way for college students to de-stress. When temperatures dip, classes like this move to indoor pools.
OMAHA WORLD-HERALD
SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 24, 2017
‘Adulting’ weighs heavily on many By Melinda Keenan WORLD-HERALD CORRESPONDENT
Visit Day
SHO W CAS E
Saturday, October 28th 9 a.m. - 1 p.m.
• Tour campus, residence halls and enjoy lunch. • Experience two hands-on academic sessions. • Receive a FREE CSM stocking hat!
CSM.edu/VisitUs
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Reward Yourself
Your academics, extra-curricular activities and contributions to service help you stand out.
you deserve this
Sangeetha A. Kumar sees all the walkins at Creighton University’s Center for Health and Counseling. On any given day, she might assist a student who didn’t make an appointment but needed to see someone immediately. Or she might help a crying student brought in by a professor. Or she’ll talk with a student concerned about a roommate who won’t come out of his room. “I personally saw 189 people (last year), a lot of those had to do with anxiety,” Kumar said. The inability to deal with the stress of college life has become the biggest mental health challenge on campuses. Nearly one in six college students has either been diagnosed with or treated for anxiety, according to a 2015 study by the American College Health Association. Nearly one in five students said anxiety affected their grades or caused them to drop a class. Depression used to be the No. 1 concern, but today more people are struggling with anxiety, said Nathan Bock, assistant director of the University of Nebraska at Omaha’s Counseling and Psychological Services and UNO Health Services. It’s difficult to say why anxiety is impacting so many people, because the reasons are so individualized, Bock said. “What stresses me out the most is the pressure and expectations that everybody has on you,” said Madison Kramer, a 2015 Millard North graduate and biomedical science major at Northwestern Missouri State. “You want to show them that you are the best.” She hopes she will make the cut and be accepted into a veterinary medicine program after graduation. “The competition and maintaining a high 4.0 GPA and passing all of the classes, that’s the biggest stress for me.” For others, anxiety comes from being on their own for the first time. Freshmen are suddenly dealing with roommates, balancing finances, doing more homework than they did in high school, working to pay for college, and managing personal relationships with family and friends. Kumar said it’s not uncommon in the fall for freshmen to make their way to her office feeling “what’s happened to my life, my world?”
“It’s a good thing,” Bock said of anxiety. “When we grow, it’s usually from being in a position where we are uncomfortable.” College students are learning to be responsible and to take charge of their lives, he said.“It’s important in the end to not lose track of the process — the process of independence.” Learning to be independent can be tough not only on college students, but parents as well. Students spend more time on campus, at work and with friends, and less time with their parents, who desire more involvement in their lives, he said. This causes anxiety as the relationship becomes strained. On the other hand, anxiety may affect college students if they feel their parents are not doing enough to support or help them, he said. And in some cultures, students have a responsibility to care for younger siblings, and that doesn’t stop when they go to college. When it comes to paying for higher education, parents can be more or less involved, Bock said. Many students have to work to pay tuition, and they stress about college-related costs. Anxiety can come from a combination of factors, such as how to juggle school, work, relationships, eating, sleeping and exercise, said Bock. International students have different concerns. They go through all the same transitional issues as American students, but also must acclimate to a new culture, Kumar said. Seniors feel anxiety as they prepare for yet another transition in their life — the one into the real world. Some seniors don’t want to graduate from the comfort of college, and they experience anxiety as employment opportunities pull them, their friends and families apart, Kumar said. Some fear they won’t get a job. Others who have always questioned their major decide they don’t want a job in that field and don’t know what to do. Kumar said the one point she conveys to every student who comes into her office is “this is a time for exploration, and you don’t have to be perfect to make it through college.” Her job is to help them transition into adulthood. “Who are you becoming?” she asks. “And how can we help you with that?”
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KEYS FOR ADULT LEARNERS Returning to the classroom takes a solid plan, whether you start slowly or put yourself on an accelerated program. By Kathryn Larson • WORLD-HERALD CORRESPONDENT
Is it time for you to get back in the college classroom? It’s a common move for professionals who want to advance in one career or switch to another. Former students who didn’t complete a college degree on their first try may head back to the books too. But how do you start? We consulted advisers, admissions representatives and financial aid experts from Omaha-area universities and nonprofits to find the top things adult learners should consider.
1. Research schools and programs There’s a wealth of information online, said Treve Florom of EducationQuest, a Nebraska foundation formed to improve access to higher education. Once students identify an area of study, college and university websites help them explore options. Florom, director of outreach services, said students also should consider the course delivery method. Are courses online, in-person or available both ways?
2. Evaluate programs Ask youself: Is this program flexible, or will I need to be flexible? Degrees such as a master’s in business administration are offered at many institutions and allow students to shop for the best fit. But some programs may have only one or two options in Iowa and Nebraska. In that case, students must adapt to the program. A returning student with some college courses but no degree has many options. These students can complete a traditional program or opt for completion programs such as the bachelor of multidisciplinary studies at the University of Nebraska at Omaha, or online programs at the University of Nebraska at Kearney in areas including business or education.
3. Pick up the phone
5. Explore funding options
7. Expect to work hard
This advice was universal: Students should follow up by reaching out to an admissions representative, program coordinator or adviser. Lindsay Johnson, Creighton’s director of graduate and adult recruitment, said this gives prospective students a contact person as they navigate admissions processes. It also gives future students a chance to explore what Johnson calls “the reality of the commitment.” If a program has requirements beyond coursework, such as practicum hours, they might not be flexible. It’s best to know early if a big life change is required.
This includes grants, work study or graduate assistant positions, loans and scholarships. Florom advises that it’s never too late in the process to fill out a FAFSA.
Even the most flexible, most interesting program is a lot of work. When students give undergrad coursework a second try, or take graduate courses for the first time, many must step up their academic game. “Graduate work is intended to challenge you,” said Cathy Dillon, academic adviser for Doane University’s MBA and master of arts in management programs. “It’s OK for it to be difficult. It’s supposed to expand and enhance your undergrad learning.” But graduate students also get plenty of support from their professors, said Creighton’s Johnson. Help is available, such as a refresher in academic writing.
4. Figure out your finances “Returning students’ No. 1 concern is almost always financial,” said Florom of EducationQuest. The foundation offers free help to Nebraskans considering college, with offices in Lincoln, Omaha and Kearney and a representative in Scottsbluff. Its key service is help with the FAFSA, the Free Application for Federal Student Aid. Check out the foundation’s online funding calculator (www.educationquest.org) to estimate aid packages. Iowa has a similar service, the Iowa College Access Network, with offices in Sioux City and Council Bluffs.
6. Set a realistic timeline Brad Green, associate director for undergraduate recruitment and admissions at the University of Nebraska at Kearney, wants students to know that the admissions process is a process. It often doesn’t take long, but there are multiple steps, including tracking down high school or college transcripts. Many but not all institutions charge an application fee. The NU system schools fee is $45, Green said. Students can pay once and apply to all schools in the system. Potential graduate students should look closely at deadlines, which vary based on program. Some accept students once a year. Others, such as Doane University, offer up to five opportunities to start each year. All students should ask about the timeline to complete their program. Is there an accelerated option? Green’s top advice for returning students: You can start slowly. “If you’re nervous, take one or two classes, get your feet wet! Then you’ll know you can manage it.”
8. Know why you’re going back to school, and share it “Begin with the end in mind,” said Amanda Micheli of UNO’s Division of Continuing Studies. Goals help students stay on track, said Micheli, assistant director of academic affairs in a unit focused on adult learners. A goal-oriented approach also can keep priorities in line. “When you’re thinking about where you’ll fit school into your life, think of your education as a part-time job, an investment — not a
hobby,” Micheli said. Johnson, of Creighton, said it’s also key to get your support system on board. “My No. 1 advice is to begin conversations with friends and family so they understand your goal,” she said. Returning students may need to carve out space at home, and time in their lives, to be successful.
Kathryn Larson is a former journalist who left a career at the Omaha World-Herald in 2013 after returning to the college classroom for a master’s degree in counseling. She is a wife and mother of two and an academic adviser at the University of Nebraska at Omaha.
OMAHA WORLD-HERALD
SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 24, 2017
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Laying groundwork for jobs of the future By Mike Whye WORLD-HERALD CORRESPONDENT
In education, some subjects don’t change much over time. Think grammar or algebra. Then consider technology and everything related to it, which changes rapidly. Many items that weren’t common 20 years ago — 3-D printers and hybrid vehicles — are now industries unto themselves. Similarly, certain jobs — such as social media manager or app developer — did not exist. Here’s a look at how educators are developing courses, programs and degrees that will prepare students for employment and help businesses deal with an ever-changing world. *** Tom Pensabene, associate vice president for workforce and IT innovation at Metropolitan Community College, said communicating with companies about what they do and what they would like to do has helped Metro spawn new programs. Two companies — Snap-On Tools, an S&P 500 company based in Kenosha, Wisconsin, and Sympateco, an Omaha cabinetry firm — work with Metro to design classes where students learn about everything from design elements to delivery of finished items. “The students are never in a classroom,� Pensabene said. “They’re in a 9,600-square-foot design lab.� Pensabene added that improvements in technology are leading to new types of jobs. For example, cars of the future that communicate with each other and with streetlights and stoplights will create demand for people who can design, build and maintain systems that facilitate that communication. *** A few years ago, students enrolled in the University of Nebraska at Omaha’s Writer’s Workshop could focus on fiction, nonfiction and poetry. Professor Miles Waggener, coordinator of the workshop, said screenwriting seemed like a natural progression. “Omaha’s burgeoning, thriving film scene and its community of writers provided an ideal setting for a screenwriting degree,� Waggener said. The workshop then brought in playwright/ screenwriter/director Samuel Brett Wil-
liams to teach screenwriting courses. In 2011, UNO’s Department of Gerontology and the College of Law at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln started a dual program focusing on law and the elderly. Topics currently taught in the joint program include wills, estates, trusts, bioethics, and death, dying and grieving. Professor Julie Masters, chairwoman of the Gerontology Department, said the department began offering a graduate certificate in 2013 that involves working with the interior design program at UNL’s College of Architecture. “We had an existing relationship with faculty in interior design who had been working on some research related to environments that support aging individuals,� Masters said. “That’s what prompted us to pursue the graduate certificate.� *** Dr. Dele Davies, vice chancellor for academic affairs at the University of Nebraska Medical Center, said looking into the future has been beneficial to the campus. For example, planning for UNMC’s Biocontainment Unit — where patients with the deadly and highly contagious Ebola virus were treated during a recent outbreak — began years ago. “It is a well-oiled, coordinated machine that’s highly advanced,� Davies said of the unit. Soon, the campus will have a three-story, 125,000-square-foot Global Center for Advanced Interprofessional Learning. Scheduled for completion late next year, the center will include areas where students will work in simulations as close to real life as possible. *** At Creighton University, Julie Gacnik, associate vice provost for enrollment and academic marketing, said many factors can figure into creating new courses, programs and degrees at the university. “The faculty generate ideas, and their ideas are passed along to the senior associate deans and those in business administration to try to identify hot spots — subjects that we may need to offer,� she said. Additional factors in creating new programs include potential enrollment and how similar programs are doing at other schools.
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SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 24, 2017
Online courses, initially slow to boot, By Mike
WORLD-HERALD C
M AT T D I X O N / T H E W O R L D - H E R A L D
Douglas Rausch’s cyber security class is streamed to online students around the globe from Bellevue University.
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M AT T D I X O N / T H E W O R L D - H E R A L D
Clockwise from top, online students Bryan Katzman of Golden, Colorado; Paul Akel of Dearborn Heights, Michigan; and Will Cornish of Lincoln are displayed on instructor Douglas Rausch’s monitor during his cyber security class at Bellevue University. classes via computer — but the demographics changed as well. Online students were older — an average age of 35 compared to 24 for on-campus learners — and 90 percent were employed. Researchers also found that many online students would not have attended Georgia Tech or anywhere else if required to do so in person. Bellevue University Assistant Professor Douglas Rausch said “without a doubt” many online students at his school wouldn’t be attending another college. Tyler McCabe, who graduated from Bellevue in 2013, is a case in point. McCabe, 31, took an indirect educational path after high school. “It’s the running joke my wife loves to tease me about,” he said. McCabe started at the University of Nebraska at Kearney, then attended the University of Nebraska at Omaha before transferring to Metropolitan Community College. “By the time I’d gotten to being an online student, I had a lot of bills to pay,” he said.
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The first 60 credit hours McCabe earned were exclusively online. His major, systems network administration, was a hybrid of online and in-person classes. “The old joke about college is ‘I’m studying to be a network engineer, what do I need Ancient Roman Studies for’? But Bellevue did a really good job of making those elective classes relevant to real life,” McCabe said. “I remember one called ‘Polar Bears Aren’t Really White.’ I was intrigued by the title, and I really got into it.” McCabe, a systems administrator at Nebraska Furniture Mart, had no problem getting one-on-one time with professors, often via texts or direct messaging. Students also have 24/7 live reference help through the school library. “This mirrors the way we’re working in the real world. Half the time, the computer you’re securing is halfway across the world,” Rausch said. “And most of the time, people they’re working with aren’t sitting at the desk next to you.” Doane College began incorporating a librarian into its online classes this summer. Kate Hanley would, in real time, connect students with databases or educate them on other data-gathering techniques. “The course becomes structured to include those services rather than a student going out looking for those services on their own,” Hanley said. “When you’re online, communication is key. You need to be able to connect to people.” She said the experience is unlike being face-to-face in a physical classroom, when interaction such as asking a question is easier. “When you’re online, you don’t have that experience,” Hanley said. Julie Cronin-Gilmore has seen online education from both ends. Cronin-Gilmore, who earned a doctorate in business administration, teaches marketing at Bellevue and also works with an accreditation body for distance learning. Some programs she has seen just didn’t make the grade. “Some had no interaction with students,” she said. “They just completed a test and uploaded a couple of papers, and that was it.”
GOOD TO KNOW STARTING OUT Just because it’s online doesn’t make it easy “It takes some dedication and selfmotivation. Online learning, it’s on you. You have to make it a priority,” said Bellevue University graduate Tyler McCabe.
Look for a school that incorporates support systems into online classes Doane College has a librarian who sits in for online classes. Bellevue University offers 24hour live research support at its library, while offering other support services remotely, including registration.
Consider how much online learning is available Some universities offer online classes as a supplement to traditional education, while others offer entire degree programs over the Internet.
Don’t let having a job hold up your decision Online education appeals to people already in the workforce who can’t afford to quit their job. “We have a lot of students who travel for work,” said Douglas Rausch, a Bellevue University assistant professor. “They’re sitting in a hotel room at night, and they’re able to access our classes.”
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ROAD TO INDEPENDENCE
‘College parents’ have new roles, adjustments, too By Stacey SteinBerg SPECIAL TO THE WASHINGTON POST
As students settle in to their new lives as college students, I know how hard it is for parents to become college parents. As both a professor and faculty adviser to incoming college freshmen, I’ve worked with many students adjusting to life on campus. While parents naturally want to do all they can to ensure that their children succeed, many have a hard time knowing when to hold on, and when to finally let go. I have seven years before I drop the first of my own children off on a college campus, and I still have a preschooler learning how to get through the day without a nap. Yet, I feel a kindred connection to the parents I meet as they face one of the ultimate milestones in parenting. I turned to the experts to better understand how parents can support their college students while also giving their children the autonomy they need.
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• Offer support, but don’t solve their problems Parenting expert and family doctor Deborah Gilboa explained that while milestones appear frequently in early childhood, as children grow up, there are “vast wastelands” between milestones. This can make it challenging for parents to know how and when to start offering their children autonomy. “Within these ‘wastelands,’ exist the time when parents need to separate the ‘we’ into ‘I and you,’ ” Gilboa says. Rachel Nelson is an academic adviser at the University of Florida. She recommends parents not only be supportive but stay open-minded. “Too often, students feel familial pressure and guilt to pursue certain majors, earn certain grades,” Nelson says. “Recognize that their journey to success and happiness may be very different from your own. And, that’s OK.”
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This process of separating peaks when children leave home. “This is the hard work of being the parent to a college student,” Gilboa says to students and parents. “You got them here, now it’s time to let them go and let them thrive.” Lynn O’Sickey oversees academic advising for residential students in the University of Florida College of Liberal Arts and Sciences Academic Advising Center. She reminds parents that while they can’t solve their college-age children’s problems, they can still be a source of both strength and of support. Now a parent to college students herself, O’Sickey is experiencing this firsthand. “Your student is most likely going to turn to you when they are feeling most vulnerable,” she recently shared with other college parents. “You are their safe place where they can share their worst fears and frustrations and be met with support and sympathy.”
• Ask questions before giving advice Gilboa’s overarching advice to parents is to “ask before offering help.” This isn’t always easy. “It is much harder to show empathy without intervening,” Gilboa emphasizes. “For most parents, it’s so much a part of our habit to micromanage our kids’ lives.” As students settle into college life, they will find that they are over-prepared in some areas, but also under-prepared in others, Gilboa says. Instead of stepping in right away to fix problems, she suggests students are better served if parents first ask them, “What do you not feel prepared for?” Parents can follow up with “What can I do to best support you?” A student might ask for help with laundry, or perhaps assistance with finding a new place to live. These are the times when a parent can offer help while still respecting the student’s autonomy. Ophir Lehavy is a student success coach at the University of Florida’s College of Journalism and Communi-
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“Don’t make your student feel guilty for not speaking to you as often. They are going to be busy making friends and enjoying the freedom of being college students.” — Akilah Brown, teacher at Pasadena City College cations. She recommends that parents ask their child questions like “What do you want to get out of your college experience? What are you hoping for?” She suggests parents return to these conversations when their students are stressed. “Those initial thoughts can change as they are exposed to new people, subjects, and experiences,” Lehavy explains. “When the semester is underway and they are in the midst of deadlines, remind them of that initial conversation, how much they have already accomplished, and that you are there to support them.”
• Give advice, then give space O’Sickey reminds parents that “students often call for support when they are at their lowest.” She recalled times when her college-age son called her in crisis. She would give him some advice, but then wouldn’t hear back “for hours or even days.” When she’d finally get another call, he’d casually tell her “Oh, yeah, that worked out OK.” “Try not to panic,” she says. “Remember that you’re their outlet and that chances are once they’ve vented, they’ll go off and begin to address the situation and move on.” Akilah Brown teaches first-year students at Pasadena City College. She is also a parent to a freshman college student. While her daughter was in high school, she spoke with her multiple times a day. She knows this might change. “Don’t make your student feel guilty for not speaking to you as often,” Brown says. “They are going to be busy making friends and enjoying the freedom of being college students . . . I think it’s fair to have a regular check in day or time to talk, but, unless parents feel their children are engaging in risky behavior, let them enjoy being on their own.”
• Always listen to your gut Of course, sometimes, parents must get involved, especially if they are concerned about the student’s safety or well-being. “You are the expert on your child,” Gilboa stresses but suggests that when available, and if you tend to overreact, you could first check in with a parenting partner, counselor, or trusted friend. Nelson urges parents to help break
the stigma surrounding mental health. “Set the standard that talking to a counselor is OK, that asking for help is OK, that addressing your feelings instead of ignoring or burying them is OK.” She encourages parents to not only educate themselves on the mental health issues that college students face, but to also learn about the resources available to assist students at his or her institution.
• Know when to step in Jennifer Sager is a mental health expert who regularly works with college students. “College students need space to make their own mistakes,” she said. “But there are some experiences that are ‘above their pay grade.’” Sager believes that college students still need a fair amount of direction. She noted that statistically, college students face significant issues. “Eating disorders are prevalent in 25 percent of college females,” Sager says. “Acquaintance rape, being drugged and sexually assaulted, and violence in dating relationships are also notable concerns for many college students.” Still, it’s OK for students to sometimes struggle, or even to sometimes fail, she said. “College is a relatively safe place for them to do that, and it’ll teach them a lot about themselves.” But Brown believes that parents need to step in if they see their student showing “a lack of interest in pursuing the goals that were always important to them.” Even in the face of uncertainty, most experts agree that parents of college students need to take a deep breath, and they need to step back. Parents tend to think that by fixing our children’s problems, we are showing them love, Gilboa says. “But often, trust is a far better expression of showing them that love.” I thought back to the times in my life where I felt I truly stretched myself. While my parents were always supportive, it was during those key moments of growth that I was mostly on my own. “We have a lot more faith in ourselves when we become our own problem solvers,” Gilboa says. “Parents must learn to show their children empathy without intervention. That means listening and caring, but not solving the problem.” Stacey Steinberg is a legal skills professor at the University of Florida Levin College of Law. You can visit her website or find her on Twitter at @sgsteinberg.
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SPONSORED FEATURE: CREIGHTON UNIVERSITY
SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 24, 2017
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CREIGHTON BY THE NUMBERS 99% of alumni are employed or pursuing an advanced degree within nine months of graduation. 1.25 million hours of service are volunteered by students every year in all corners of the world.
ACCOMPLISHMENTS Ranked No. 1 university in the Midwest region by U.S. News & World Report for 15 consecutive years.
fers online, on-campus and hybrid (online and on-campus) programs, more than 50 percent of graduate students are enrolled in online programs.
Thriving
Founded in 1878, Creighton University is one of 28 Jesuit colleges and universities in the United States. Jesuit institutions are renowned for educational excellence and for preparing students to be agents of change in an increasingly complex world. In fact, for 15 years in a row, U.S. News & World Report has ranked Creighton the No. 1 Midwest regional university in its annual edition of “America’s Best Colleges.” Top-ranked Creighton offers a top-ranked education for more than 8,600 undergraduate and graduate students through nine schools and colleges — with degree programs spanning the arts, sciences, law, business and the health sciences. A nation-leading small faculty-student ratio (11:1) means personalized attention and the opportunity for students to discover their full potential, supported by close mentorships with professors. Students collaborate with faculty in many original research projects, starting
as early as their freshman year. Creighton’s commitment to extraordinary undergraduate research projects has been recognized by U.S. News & World Report. Of 42 universities recognized, Creighton is the only Catholic institution on the list.
Purposeful While Creighton prepares students for lives of professional distinction and success, it also encourages students to live purposeful lives — focused on justice, community engagement and service to others through volunteer work in local communities and around the world.
Nationally recognized Creighton’s graduate programs have received national recognition from U.S. News & World Report and attract top students locally, regionally, nationally and globally. Students are enrolled in programs in business, conflict resolution, education, health care, humanities, leadership, science and wellness. Creighton’s online Doctoral Program in Interdisciplinary Leadership has enrolled students from 45 states and 10 countries. While Creighton of-
According to a Creighton and Gallup survey, twice as many Creighton alumni as graduates of other universities report that they are thriving in five key elements of wellbeing: purpose, financial, social, community and physical. Creighton graduates are also more likely to find a job quicker, report that they feel engaged in their work, and strongly agree that their university experience prepared them well for life after college. In addition to enhancing global experiences, as well as bolstering programming around contemporary realities of service learning, community outreach and sustainability, Creighton is focused on other initiatives, too. Through a wide range of programs in the health sciences using the collaborative care model, Creighton is offering students innovative experience in the future of clinical care. With rising health care costs and reported low-quality outcomes in the U.S. health system, both educators and health systems are looking for better ways to provide care. At Creighton, the collaborative, interprofessional approach connects support from physicians, nurses, occupational and physical therapists, pharmacy services, behavioral health, social work and other potential partners into a single setting to transform care delivery, improve health outcomes, decrease costs for patients, and ultimately, maximize patient care. Creighton prepares students to be leaders in society through a purposeful, powerful education.
Address Office of Admissions, 2500 California Plaza, Omaha, NE 68178 Phone 402-280-2703 or 1-800-282-5835 Website creighton.edu E-mail admissions@creighton.edu
One of 20 schools in the country recognized for internship programs encouraging students to apply classroom learning with real-world experience. — U.S. News & World Report One of 42 institutions — and the only Catholic university — recognized by U.S. News & World Report for innovative undergraduate research projects. No. 1 for veterans among Midwest regional universities for 2018. — U.S. News & World Report The top Catholic university in the country for producing Goldwater Scholars — 20 scholars awarded in the past 13 years. Led the BIG EAST Conference in attendance in four sports: volleyball, men’s basketball, men’s soccer and baseball. Three BIG EAST Conference regular season championships: volleyball (third consecutive), baseball and women’s basketball.
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SPONSORED FEATURE: NEBRASKA METHODIST COLLEGE
SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 24, 2017
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4 LESS-OBVIOUS TIPS TO START YOUR COLLEGE SEARCH 1. Embrace snail mail. Though you could do your entire college search online, you might miss out on a lot of information. You can request a packet by visiting a college’s website, and colleges also will mail invitations to exclusive events or reminders for deadlines. Just be sure to check your mailbox each day.
Health care is a huge field with a wide variety of career paths. Everyone is familiar with doctors, but do you know about the many other options? Many health care jobs offer great pay, are in high demand and provide an opportunity to work with and care for patients.
2. Ask for letters of recommendation. From admission applications to scholarship forms, letters of recommendation could give you a big leg up even if they aren’t required. And your people will love getting an early request from you instead of a frenzied call the night before a deadline. Be intentional about who you ask. If you want to be a nurse and Mrs. Miller next door has been in nursing for 30 years, ask her to write one.
What are my options? Health care careers present great options for students looking to make a difference. You can earn an associate degree, bachelor’s degree or both. Here’s a look at some of the most interesting and exciting careers in the medical field. Many let you work closely with patients and do some really exciting things. Diagnostic medical sonographer: From doing ultrasounds of unborn babies to mapping the bloodflow in the heart, sonography provides an opportunity to make a difference in your patient’s care. You’ll have a lot of interaction with patients and an opportunity to complete complex procedures. Health care manager: Health care continues to evolve, and today’s students require an advanced set of business skills to effectively manage clinical and non-clinical settings. The health care field provides a wide array of career paths for those who appreciate the fast-paced nature of the industry but who feel that they could make a larger impact in an organizational leadership role. Nurse: Nursing is one of the most versatile and rewarding careers in health care. To help improve patient outcomes, nurses today need specialized skills and expertise in critical thinking, change management and community-based health care. Physical therapist assistant: Physical therapist assistants, or PTAs, aren’t as well known as their physical therapist counterparts. PTAs interact regularly
with patients, following a physical therapist’s plan of care to create and advance a patient’s exercises. PTAs have fewer administrative duties and considerably less paperwork than physical therapists. Surgical technologist: As a surg tech, you’ll be right in the middle of the action, working alongside doctors and nurses during surgeries. You’ll also prepare patients for surgery and make sure equipment is ready to go. You might even get to be in on the action, for instance suturing incisions after a surgeon is finished. Radiologic technologist: Rad techs are an important part of the teams that diagnose patients, providing X-rays that help show what’s going on inside a patient’s body. They work closely with patients and are also responsible for making sure X-rays are done safely and effectively. Respiratory therapist: This is one that a lot of people haven’t even heard of, but it’s another satisfying, important job. Respiratory therapists work with anyone who’s having trouble breathing, from premature babies to elderly adults to kids with asthma. They diagnose and treat patients, and they help train patients on how to administer their own treatments.
Opportunity for more When considering a career in health care, you can expect strong job demand and robust salaries. Median salaries for these jobs range from $45,160 for a surgical technologist to $69,650 for a sonographer. For many, though, the money is secondary to the opportunity they have to be in a profession where they can make a difference in the lives of others. These are careers
where caring and compassion are prized just as much as clinical skills and knowledge. At Nebraska Methodist College, every student is supported in their quest to pursue a career in the medical field. Our goal is to provide an education that will fuel your passion, teach you how to truly care for your patients and help you become a vital part of the health care community.
Address Office of Admissions, 720 N. 87th St. Phone 402-354-7200 or 1-800-335-5510 Website methodistcollege.edu E-mail admissions@methodistcollege.edu
3. Scout for scholarships. Ask your parents and extended family to look into any scholarship opportunities through their workplaces, civic organizations, churches, etc. Also ask your parents to keep organized tax records. You will need that information to fill out the FAFSA, which is required to be eligible for any federal student aid. Most colleges require the FAFSA to consider you for their grants and scholarships. 4. Get organized. From registering for the ACT and scheduling campus visits to submitting applications and sending in deposits, the college search process can be dizzying. Create a checklist or timeline with all of the steps you need to complete.
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e m o c e b
402.935.9400 | NECHRISTIAN.EDU admissions@nechristian.edu 2045361-01
The visit that begins your future in health care. ClarksonCollege.edu/PreviewDay
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SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 24, 2017
WIDENING YOUR VIEW Sometimes you have to leave your comfort zone and immerse yourself in doing good By Maggy LehMicke • WORLD-HERALD CORRESPONDENT
Decisions to take service trips abroad can be as varied as the experiences themselves. Maybe you don’t know what to do next at a particular time in your life, or find yourself at a transitional point in a career. Or maybe the timing just feels right after college graduation. Though most people on such trips have a desire to give back, few consider what service trips give in return. Here’s what I discovered on a college-organized trip to the Dominican Republic.
You can combine your passion with philanthropy
learn to appreciate the culture for what it is. There is always something to learn from those who live differently from you. By becoming more adaptable, you widen your perspective and develop relationships that might not otherwise have been possible.
Many people want to make a difference in the world but aren’t sure how to go about it. You can start by researching programs that mesh with your hobbies or passions. I traveled to the Dominican Republic through NoFilter, a service-abroad program administered by the University of Nebraska-Lincoln’s athletic department. Fellow athletes and I traveled to a small village near the Haitian border to build a sports court. As athletes, we knew the impact of sports in inspiring youth and strengthening a community. And that made the trip and our work especially meaningful. By uniting our passion with a humanitarian cause, we created a philanthropic mindset. Those who had never been outside the United States came away inspired to help others around the world. We created a culture of service leadership, and every volunteer became a better person because of it.
Your life becomes simplified Chances are that you won’t have Internet or cellular service. As a result, you won’t be distracted by Instagram notifications or texts from friends or family. The disconnect from technology can be an adjustment but I found it extremely rewarding. I learned that a morning without coffee wouldn’t kill me, and that children don’t need more than a stick and a wheel to have fun. After the trip, you might find yourself watching less television and calling your mom more often, or spending less money on material things and more on experiences. Each person processes this differently, but the most important take-away is that some aspects of life are meant to be simple.
You’ll adapt to other cultures Service work requires the ability to be comfortable with the uncomfortable. Whether you volunteer in Kenya or Costa Rica, the culture is likely different from your own. Though you might not be comfortable sleeping under a mosquito net or seeing barefoot children go home to tin-roofed houses, you
You’ll become a better communicator Your communication skills are bound to improve. You may not speak the language, Haitian children, photographed by Maggy Lehmicke during a service trip in May 2016.
See Service trip: Page 18
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Service trip: Experience ‘humbles and changes you’ Continued from Page 17 but you’ll have to find ways to communicate with those around you. All of a sudden, your life is a continuous game of charades. I’ve never needed to pantomime the word “tree,” but I found myself making exaggerated gestures hoping that a Dominican girl would understand what I was trying to say. Such desperation to connect with a community and the inability to effectively articulate your thoughts forces you to be creative. Not only does this help you bond with the community, but the alternate forms of communication will likely carry into other aspects of your life.
You’ll begin to understand the limitations of your world view. The saying “you don’t know what you don’t know” is applicable to service work. No matter how many articles you read or documentaries you watch, there is no better way to expand your mind than through firsthand experience. We all want to believe that we have a realistic picture of what other countries and cultures are like, but service trips can humble you, no matter your circumstances. They challenge your perspectives and make you aware of your inner biases. While our group was made up of people from different backgrounds and circumstances, the experience had a similar impact on all of us.
You’ll develop meaningful relationships. Whether you’re traveling in a group or alone, you’re bound to build relationships with those to whom you otherwise might never have spoken. My desperate attempts to communicate “arbol” to the Dominican girl led to an immersive Spanish lesson for me and an English course for her. I left with a greater understanding of what you can learn from others, no matter how young or afflicted they might seem. During my experience in the Dominican Republic, I built a strong relationship with the community and strengthened connections with my fellow athletes. By spending a week together without the stresses of athletics and everyday life, we opened up to each other on new levels and fostered a community of service leadership.
We built relationships through service, strengthening the dynamic in our group and making it OK to be vulnerable.
You’ll likely have personal revelations about what’s important. I never understood the true power of giving until a Dominican woman who lived in a small concrete chamber gave me a scarf and told me I’d changed the lives of her and her children. In that moment, I felt as though the only tangible item I’d ever need was that scarf. I traveled to a dozen countries that summer, but none influenced me in a way that could rival my week in the Dominican Republic. What I didn’t realize at first was that part of my eagerness to give back was rooted in a desire to see what the world would give me in return. Though it sounds selfish, that feeling of mutual fulfillment was what made my experience so powerful. I’d never taken the time to get to know a community or myself the way I did that small Dominican village, and I’ve never owned a scarf as beautiful as the one that woman gave me.
University of NebraskaLincoln graduate Maggy Lehmicke participated in a college-sponsored service trip to the Dominican Republic in May 2016. The group, all athletes, built a sports court. The weeklong experience, she says, was life-changing. At left, she shares a selfie moment with a Haitian child. Lehmicke currently lives in Seattle, where she works in marketing and self-publishes a tennis magazine.
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Internship is a valuable steppingstone to career By Metro Creative ConneCtion Internships give college students firsthand experience with a given profession, and that exposure can help determine if a particular career path is right for them. Internships can be early resume-builders as well . Here are three tips for finding a meaningful internship and gaining the most from it.
Don’t hesitate Though many internships are tailored to students who have been in college for a year or two, that doesn’t mean freshmen can’t begin exploring internship options. Looking early may yield information fellow students who hesitate won’t have, such as finding out which courses will improve your chances of landing an internship.
Consult a career placement specialist While career placement departments at colleges and universities are an increasingly valuable resource for graduates, such departments also can be
valuable tools for current students interested in internships. If you don’t know where to start your internship search or just want to see if any opportunities have opened up, speak with career placement representatives at your school. Look the part on such visits, dressing nicely and bringing a resume. Doing so might separate you from your fellow students, and that can only help as you begin your internship search.
Ask friends and family members If you need helping finding a good internship, don’t be afraid to ask friends and family members if they know of any opportunities. Adult relatives might learn of internships at their companies before the general public. In addition to asking friends and family members, ask members of your college or university’s alumni network. Many alumni seek students from their universities for internships and entry-level positions, so make the most of this potentially valuable resource.
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Got skills? Job market is in your favor By Craig guillot CTW FEATURES
As many sectors of the U.S. economy grapple with a shortage of skilled workers, there’s a growing opportunity for young jobseekers or those looking for a new career. State and industry initiatives across the country are trying to change perceptions about the skilled trades and are offering training and job placement in many fields. Jobs expected to be in high demand over the next decade include construction workers, electricians, machinists, welders, industrial machinery mechanics and HVAC technicians. The talent shortage already is creating a crisis in many industries. A study by the Manufacturing Institute found more than 2 million advanced manufacturing jobs will go unfilled in the next decade, and more than 80 percent of surveyed executives said it will affect their ability to meet customer demand. In the construc-
tion industry, a shortage of skilled workers is even delaying projects in some states. The Association of General Contractors said average hours in construction have risen to their highest level in a decade as companies give existing workers longer hours to compensate for the shortage of qualified people. Stephen Sandherr, CEO of AGC, says there’s often a lack of awareness about the good opportunities to be found in the skilled trades. “Too many high school students are never given an opportunity to consider careers in construction, despite the fact those jobs pay more than the average non-farm job,” he says. A survey by AGC found that demand is expected to rise even further for crafts like roofing, pluming, electrical work, and concrete masonry. The market for electrical workers alone is expected to grow by 14 percent in the next decade and electricians now earn a median wage of $52,720. As of June 2017, the average hourly earnings in the construction industry stood at $28.55, 9 percent
more than the average non-farm private sector job, and up 2.2 percent from the previous year. While traditional blue-collar jobs are paying more, many also require more education and training than they have in the past. Initiatives funded by state governments, industry associations and companies are reaching out to potential candidates with training and placement. Tennessee launched the Go Build Tennessee program to encourage young people to consider careers in the skilled trades. In March 2017, Georgia implemented its Trade Five “workforce awareness” program to educate further workers about in-demand skilled trades. Other states already have workforce initiatives with large employers offering free training, and some schools are now introducing students to the trades as early as seventh grade. New federal initiatives also could spur more training and development in the skilled trades. Many industrial leaders have said the U.S. has long lacked a robust and formalized
national apprenticeship program. The Employment and Training Administration at the U.S. Department of Labor reported there were only 505,000 people participating in apprenticeships in 2016, compared to the more than 13 million people enrolled in four-year colleges and universities. To be on par with countries like Germany and Switzerland, the U.S. would need roughly 5 million apprenticeships. The Trump administration issued an executive order that would redirect $100 million of federal job training money to expand the apprenticeship program. Andy Van Kleunen, CEO of National Skills Coalition, says while there are questions about the plan, it aligns with their recommendation to join employers, unions and other industry stakeholders to update local workforce strategies. He says there’s growing awareness and attention to the “millions of good jobs that do not require a four-year degree, and which our nation’s policymakers have generally ignored.”
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Nebraska is just one of 20 public universities to receive a “Best Buy” designation from the Fiske Guide to Colleges.
Strong Students at Nebraska have worked with faculty and peers to launch businesses, manage nonprofits, start art galleries, and make research discoveries that have never existed before—all before they have graduated.
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The national average federal student loan debt per borrower is $27,857; Nebraska’s current average federal student loan debt per borrower is $21,500. The University of Nebraska does not discriminate based upon any protected status. Please see go.unl.edu/nondiscrimination. ©2017, The Board of Regents of the University of Nebraska. All rights reserved. 2050006-01