Students on training at Pierce Pierce offers students more than just core classes

Pierce College offers many classes. Some are meant for students to transfer quickly while others are meant to further education in particular fields of study before transferring to a four-year university.

Pierce not only offers the core classes students need, they also offer a wide variety of classes from addiction studies to welding.

These lesser-known classes should be promoted as an alternative for when students do not get into core classes. It would be a great way for undecided students to discover themselves or just satisfy their curiosity.

Price should not be a worry for the student as Pierce already provides an affordable education and an elective, if needed, to transfer.

The beauty of these classes is that students are not required to take

Succeed with a learning disability

aren’t what you need.

Nearly everyone struggles in one class or another at school, but if you have autism or any disability, whether physical or mental, you are eligible for help from Special Services.

“Dear Kate, What do I do if I have a grouchy teacher who won’t help me when I am struggling in a class? I have autism.”

Struggling Student

Dear Struggling, to put it simply: college can be difficult. Professors expect more from you than your high school teachers did, and you need to put in a lot more time to do well in your classes.

Some teachers can be unhelpful, unapproachable, and sometimes downright rude.

This is a good time for you to learn how to be responsible and navigate through whatever life throws at you.

A good option for every student in every class is to find a study group. If the professor isn’t helpful or willing to explain things to the extent that you need, having a group of peers that have to learn the same things and study for the same tests can be extremely helpful. Often, someone in your group will be able to help you understand the material more fully.

You also can and should seek help from a tutor on campus.

But sometimes those options them, but can if they wish to do so. Students who are interested in playing badminton can at Pierce. Coach Cox can teach the skills and students get the opportunity to play with other beginners, all while working toward their degrees or transfer requirements.

If you suspect you have a learning disability but haven’t been diagnosed, there is a learning disability specialist that can test you in Special Services according to the program’s website, which also gives the warning sign for a learning disability: doing well in most classes but very poorly in some.

Having a learning disability and being a part of the Special Services Program does not mean teachers will make class easier for you or lower the workload compared to other students. You will still be graded with the same standard as every other student, but there are accommodations that can be made to help you succeed, such as extra time on tests, and being allowed to record lectures according to the website.

If you are struggling in classes and have not sought help from Special Services, you should talk to one of their counselors and see what accommodations can be made for you. They are located in the Student Services building.

Whatever you do, make sure you try your best and stick with it. Sometimes you may have to repeat a class, but that’s OK. With hard work, you will succeed.

Students looking to join a gym could take the weight lifting, conditioning or yoga classes Pierce has to offer. It would be cheaper than a gym membership and one wouldn’t have to sign a contract since the semester is only six months.

Students can take an art class on water color painting or a pottery class if those classes don’t fit the bill. Take a swing at a creative writing class or take a trip to Middle Earth with professor Krikorian in his English class. These classes do more than foster curiosity, they can also lead students to find their passion or career choice.