The Counselor A College Counseling Newsletter for CVC Families February 2020

Proverbs 22:6 “Train a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not turn from it.”

FEBRUARY CALENDAR INSIDE INFORMATION

February 8th: ACT for those registered College Acceptances: Page 2

February 12th: Farm Show Day Spotlight on Careers: Page 3 -4 February 14th: Deadline to register for Trusting While Waiting: Page 5 the March 14th SAT Consider a Community College: Page 6 February 17th: President’s Day Holiday Steps to Apply to Community College: Page 6 8 Tips for Winning College Scholarships: Page 7 Looking Ahead Scholarships for Seniors: Page 9 Seniors -File your FAFSA by HEY JUNIORS! March 2, 2020 If you have not scheduled your junior meeting with Mrs. Reeves yet, contact her ASAP.

Central Valley Christian’s CSF Lifetime Members for the Class of 2020

Congratulations to the following seniors for earning Lifetime Membership in the Califor- nia Scholarship Federation! They will look forward to a trip to Magic Mountain on Monday, March 30th and being honored at a luncheon hosted by the College of the Sequoias Foundation on Tuesday, April 28th at the Visalia Convention Center. (Additional details to follow.) Jennie Anderson Rylie Atherton Reagan Bosma Jenna Cavanagh Stephanie Chapman Willem De Boer Karly de Jong Hannah Farrell Alan Gary Ally Girard Paige Kroes Campbell Moons Dirk Nelson Emalee Pate Katie Ritzema Kayla Saltzman Jenna Schmidt Delaney Shaw Alyssa Tartaglia Luke Van Woudenberg Petra Vander Goot Rylie Westra Leah Zwart

*Additional qualifying members may be added in late March.

**Note: CSF -LTM’s-Your senior pictures will need to be turned in to Mrs. Koewelyn by Friday, February 14th. The pictures will be included in the program for the COS Foundation luncheon . Page 2 COLLEGE ACCEPTANCES Ecclesiastes 7:11 -12 “Wisdom, like an inheritance, is a good thing and benefits those who see the sun. Wisdom is a shelter as money is a shelter, but the advantage of knowledge is this: that wisdom preserves the life of its possessor.”

It’s already February and our seniors will be CVC students for three more months. As they continue to wait on confirma- tion of new opportunities coming their way this fall, please pray over them with me that they always choose to grow in their relationship with Christ. That they choose the wisdom and peace that only comes from the Lord. This will make all of their ‘next steps’ secure —even the hard ones.

Below is an updated list of admission opportunities for the Class of 2020. Stephanie Chapman: Sonoma State Riley Unrau: Karly de Jong: Cal Baptist University Alec Karayan: Chico State University Allie Girard: Biola, Pepperdine University Petra Vander Goot: Juan Candela Gomez: College of the Sequoias Nelly Rae Koster: Grand Canyon University Emalee Pate: University of Kentucky Jay Rening: Montana State University Breanna Prado: Grand Canyon University Brant Miller: College of the Sequoias Kenneth Shannon: Grand Canyon University Delaney Shaw: Kansas State University Alyssa Tartaglia: Montana State, Colorado State David Townsend: Montana State University Nathan Gumbiner: College of the Sequoias Shelby Longmire: Grand Canyon University Luke Van Woudenberg : David Lemstra : Kansas State University John Bouwman: College of the Sequoias Bobby Owen: Grand Canyon University, Sonoma State Caden Riezebos: Reedley College Henry Bishop: Grand Canyon University, Cal Baptist Dirk Nelson: Colorado State University Hannah Farrell: Cal Baptist University, , Chapman University, Pepperdine, Point Loma Nazarene Kayla Saltzman: Biola University, Cal Baptist, Point Loma Nazarene University, Pepperdine University Leah Zwart: Cal Baptist University, Dallas Baptist University, Biola University, Pepperdine University Andrew Boyd: Grand Canyon University, Cal Baptist University Reagan Bosma: Cal Baptist University, College of the Sequoias Rylee Neese: Colorado State, Montana State, Oregon State Chase Horning: Montana State, Pacific Union College Katie Ritzema: Cal Baptist University, Calvin University Fabiola Castillo: Cal Baptist University, College of the Sequoias Matthew Verkaik: College of the Sequoias, Reedley College Donna Schriemer: Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising Willem De Boer: Kansas State, Montana State, Oklahoma State Campbell Moons: Colorado State University, Cal Baptist University David Fagundes: Montana State University, Boise State University Jennie Anderson: Sonoma State, St. Mary’s, Grand Canyon University Henry Bishop: Grand Canyon University, Cal Baptist, Arizona State Luke Van Groningen: Grand Canyon University, Chico State University Paige Kroes: Oklahoma State, Montana State, Colorado State, Kansas State Roxanne Mayo: Grand Canyon University, Palm Beach Atlantic University Kinley McNiece: Grand Canyon University, Montana State, Washington State Jenna Schmidt: Oklahoma State, Tarleton State (Texas), Texas Tech University Karson Oliver: Montana State, Kansas State, University of Wyoming, Northern Colorado Rylie Westra: Grand Canyon University, Cal Baptist, Biola, Dallas Baptist, Vanguard Jenna Cavanagh: Cal Baptist, Westmont, University of San Francisco, Loyola Marymount, Pepperdine Alan Gary: Grand Canyon University, Northern Arizona University, Cedarville University, University of Nebraska - Lincoln, Weber State University Rylie Atherton: Abilene Christian, Oklahoma State, Arizona Christian, Oklahoma Christian, University of Redlands This adventure has been pretty amazing to witness! Keep stopping by and adding your name Page 3

Trusting While Waiting For That Acceptance Letter I have to be honest here —this article is a repeat from February 2018. As I was searching for just the “right” message, most of them were filled with messages that included things like “keep your grades up, stay busy, get a part -time job…” But this one speaks clearly of the blessing of patience and trust that come with waiting on the Lord for his leading. For those of you who are waiting for those acceptance letters, I have not found better encouragement than the article below. Remember, you can be confident in knowing God is using this time to continue to grow and prepare you to be ready for His next steps for you. Many blessings over you as you wait on and trust in Him. ~ Mrs. Reeves Many of you are in that stressful season of waiting on college acceptance letters. I still remember swinging between feelings of excited anticipation and grim self -doubt as I waited to hear from my top choice school. In those dark mo- ments when anxiety got the better of me, I couldn’t help but wonder, “Did I do enough to earn it? Should I have stud- ied harder, volunteered more, joined a few extra clubs? How will my achievements stack up against the competition? What happens if I get rejected?”

It seems like high school is completely focused on college prep these days. (Some would argue that grooming begins as early as preschool!) Those with the desire to earn a degree labor under the weight of almost impossible requirements in hopes of earning a desirable undergrad slot. Students spread themselves thin, trying desperately to make themselves appear to be a well -rounded student on paper. But really, they’re just exhausted and stressed to the point of breaking down.

As demanding as the college prep and application process is, I’d argue the waiting for your results is far more trying. You’ve done everything you can to get into your favorite school, and now the outcome is completely out of your con- trol. The ball is in their court. All that’s left to do is pray and obsessively check the mail, waiting to learn your fate.

Too often, your self -worth gets wrapped up in the contents of that acceptance or rejection letter. You’re terrified that not getting into your top school somehow means that you’ve failed and your entire future is ruined. Christians and non - Christians alike struggle with the anxiety and self -consciousness that plague college hopefuls. In some ways, I think believers have it worse because they believe that God has a big plan for their lives, and now is the time to determine what that is. Consequently, it’s easy to fall into the trap of believing that being rejected from their college of choice means they’ve somehow derailed God’s plan for their life. Instead of simply being a disappointment, that cold form - letter that opens with, “We regret to inform you…” can cause an identity crisis in some, and profoundly shake the faith of others.

Whether you are one of the thousands of seniors (and their parents) waiting for God to reveal what school colors you’ll be sporting this fall, or if you’re simply a reader who is stuck in your own tough season of waiting, I want to share some of God’s truth with you. I pray that these verses will encourage you as you anticipate the end of this process and prepare for all God’s got in store for your future. Look these verses up in your Bible. Underline them. Copy them down and post them on your bathroom mirror or carry them in your wallet. (Make a sweet lock screen for your phone!) Do whatever it takes to internalize the truth you needed to hear today, and let those verses serve as a talisman against fear and anxiety in the weeks to come!

• First, remember that your value is not determined by a college admissions board, or any human institution, but by the God who made you ( Psalm 139:13 -16) and who paid the ultimate price to redeem you and make it possible to have a relationship with you ( John 3:16; Ephesians 2:4 -9). • Jesus never expected you to work for and earn that freedom and forgiveness. He chose you and died for you, even when you didn’t deserve it, simply because He loves you ( Romans 5:8; Titus 3:4 -7). • You may not understand what He’s doing in you life ( Isaiah 55:8 -9; Proverbs 2:5 -6), and it can be very hard to wait. But you can trust that He’s got a plan for your life (Jeremiah 29:11 ) and that He is always working for the good of those who love and follow Him ( Romans 8:28 ). • You don’t need to worry about the future, for God will provide for all your needs ( Matthew 6:25 -34; Philip- pians 4:6 -7). Even if the outcome is unexpected, you can trust that your Good Father always gives good gifts to His children ( Matthew 7:11). • You may have a grand plan for your future, but I can guarantee that His plans are so much more exciting and fulfilling than anything you’ve dared to ask for or could ever imagine ( Ephesians 3:20). • No matter what, believe that God loves you and delights in you ( Zephaniah 3:17 ).

So while you wait, say a prayer of thanksgiving and ask Him what He wants from you today . The answer you’re wait- ing for will come soon enough. Those acceptance letters will arrive before you know it! Until then, don’t let the ene- my’s lies, and the fear and doubt he seeks to plant in your brain, rob you of the joy you’re meant to have at all times — even when you’re a stressed out high school senior counting down to graduation! “The Lord your God is in your midst, a mighty one who will save; He will rejoice over you with gladness; He will quiet you by His love; He will exult over you with loud singing” (Zephaniah 3:17).

Article Adapted by: Kimberly Wentzel; www.ahighereducationbook.com Page 4 SPOTLIGHT ON CAREERS Public Relations Specialist https://www.bls.gov/ooh/media -and -communication/public -relations -specialists.htm

Work Tasks: Public relations specialists create and maintain a favorable public image for the organization they represent. They craft media releases and develop social media programs to shape public perception of their organiza- tion and increase awareness of its work and goals. Public relations specialists typically do the following: • Write press releases and prepare information for the media • Respond to information requests from the media • Help clients communicate effectively with the public • Help maintain their organization’s corporate image and identity • Draft speeches and arrange interviews for an organization’s top executives • Evaluate advertising and promotion programs to determine whether they are compatible with their organ- ization’s public relations efforts • Evaluate public opinion of clients through social media

Salary, Size & Growth: • $60,000 average per year (in May 2018) • Projected to grow 6% from 2018 to 2028.

Entry Requirements: Public relations specialists typically need a bachelor’s degree. Employers prefer candidates who have stud- ied public relations, journalism, communications, English, or business.

Education: Public relations specialists typically need a bachelor’s degree in public relations, journalism, communications, English, or business. Through such programs, students produce a portfolio of work that demonstrates their ability to prospective employers.

Other Experience: Internships at public relations firms or in the public relations departments of oth- er businesses can be helpful in getting a job as a public relations specialist. Some employers prefer candidates who have experience communicating with others through a school news- paper or a leadership position in school or in their community.

Important Qualities: Interpersonal skills. Public relations specialists deal with the public and the media regularly; therefore, they must be open and friendly in order to maintain a favorable image for their organization. Organizational skills. Public relations specialists are often in charge of managing several events at the same time, requiring superior organizational skills. Problem -solving skills. Public relations specialists sometimes must explain how a company or client is han- dling sensitive issues. They must use good judgment in what they report and how they report it. Speaking skills. Public relations specialists regularly speak on behalf of their organization. When doing so, they must be able to clearly explain the organization’s position. Writing skills. Public relations specialists must be able to write well-organized and clear press releases and speeches. They must be able to grasp the key messages they want to get across and write them in a short, succinct way, to get the attention of busy readers or listeners.

Related Occupations: Related Majors:

• Account Executive (Advertising) • Advertising

• Advertising Manager • Communications Technology, General

• Fund -Raiser • Communications, General

• Lobbyist • English Language & Literature, Gen • Journalism, Broadcast • Journalism, Print • Mass Communications • Public Relations/Organizational Comm • Public Speaking Page 5 Podiatrist https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/podiatrists.htm#tab -1

Work Tasks: PODIATRISTS diagnose and treat disorders, diseases, and injuries of the foot and lower leg. They treat corns, calluses, ingrown toenails, hammertoes, bunions, heel spurs, and arch problems. Other conditions treated by podiatrists include ankle and foot injuries, deformities, and foot complaints associated with diseases such as diabetes. Podiatrists order x -rays and laboratory tests to diagnose foot problems. To treat problems, podiatrists prescribe drugs, order physical therapy, set fractures, and perform surgery. They also fit corrective inserts called orthotics, design plaster casts and strappings to cor- rect deformities, and design custom -made shoes.

Salary, Size & Growth: • $176,000 average per year • Expected to grow 6% from 2018 to 2028.

Entry Requirements: Podiatrists must have a Doctor of Podiatric Medicine (DPM) degree from an accredited college of podiatric medicine. A DPM degree program takes 4 years to complete. In 2017, there were 9 colleges of podiatric medi- cine accredited by the Council on Podiatric Medical Education . All prospective podiatrists earn a bachelor’s degree before attending a college of podiatric medicine. Admission to DPM programs requires taking the Medi- cal College Admission Test (MCAT). Courses for a DPM degree are similar to those for other medical degrees. They include anatomy, physiology, pharmacology, and pathology, among other subjects. During their last 2 years, podiatric medical students gain supervised experience by completing clinical rotations.

Training: After earning a DPM, podiatrists must apply to and complete a 3 -year podiatric medicine and surgery residency (PMSR) program. Residency programs take place in hospitals and provide both medical and surgical experience.

Licenses, Certifications, and Registrations : Podiatrists in every state must be licensed. Podiatrists must pay a fee and pass all parts of the American Podiatric Medical Licensing Exam (APMLE) , offered by the National Board of Podiatric Medical Examiners. Some states also require podiatrists to take a state -specific exam. Many podiatrists choose to become board certified. Certification generally requires a combination of work ex- perience and passing an exam. Board certification is offered by the American Board of Foot and Ankle Surgery , the American Board of Podiatric Medicine , and the American Board of Multiple Specialties in Podiatry .

Important Qualities: • Compassion. Since podiatrists provide care for patients who may be in pain, they must treat patients with com- passion and understanding. • Critical -thinking skills. Podiatrists must have a sharp, analytical mind to correctly diagnose a patient and deter- mine the best course of treatment. • Detail oriented. To provide safe, effective healthcare, a podiatrist should be detail oriented. For example, a po- diatrist must pay attention to a patient’s medical history as well as current conditions when diagnosing a prob- lem. • Interpersonal skills. Because podiatrists spend much of their time interacting with patients, they should listen well and communicate effectively. For example, they should be able to tell a patient who is slated to undergo surgery what to expect and calm his or her fears.

Related Occupations: • Osteopathic Physician • Sports Physician • Surgeon For more information about careers, go to:

Related Majors: • Biology, General http://www.bls.gov/ooh/ • Medicine (Pre -Medicine) Page 6 4 Reasons to Consider Community College

If you have a dream school in mind, enrolling at a local community college might not be part of the plan for your fu- ture. But when it comes to paying for college, a two -year school can be a savvy start to your college education.

Community colleges (also known as junior colleges) offer a two –year degree called an associate's degree. If you have a high school diploma or have earned a GED, you are eligible to attend a community college. These schools rarely con- sider standardized test scores when making admissions decisions, though certain classes or programs may have more stringent requirements. A student with a strong academic record at a community college can then transfer to a more expensive state or private college for two more years to earn a bachelor’s degree.

Going this route offers several benefits: 1. Save on Tuition: Community college tuition is usually thousands of dollars cheaper than tuition for private and pub- lic four –year universities. According to the College Board , the average published yearly tuition and fees for a public two -year college is just $3,440 —that represents an outstanding opportunity to save some cash! This total cost is only a fraction of the cost of a private college, and still thousands of dollars less than a four -year program at a state college. Plus, even with the relatively low rates, nearly a third of community college students receive financial aid .

2. Save on Room and Board: There is a community college within commuting distance of 90 percent of the U.S. popu- lation, so convenience is a big selling point. If you have family obligations or just don't feel financially ready to strike out on your own, a community college can enable you to continue your education without breaking the bank.

3. Work While in School: Four –year schools generally require you to be a full –time student. On the other hand, many community college students take classes part -time as they work or pursue other interests. Spending two years at a com- munity college can give you time to work and save up for the four -year college of your choice. For added flexibility, a number of two –year colleges have multiple locations and offer courses online.

4. Get an Academic Boost: For some, community college is a chance to make up for a poor high school record. For others, it is an opportunity to get extra academic guidance and support. Community colleges often have small class sizes, and the priority of the faculty is teaching —not research. Plus, there are generally lots of support services, such as mentoring programs and organized study groups. This support can give students the credentials they need to get admit- ted to, and succeed at, a four -year school. You might even find that you qualify for a scholarship from the school you're transferring to or from an outside organization like Phi Theta Kappa, the honor society for two -year colleges.

Making the Transfer: If you hope to transfer , meet with an advisor both at your community college and, if possible, the school you eventually want to attend. Be sure to find out from the school how many transfer students are accepted per year, what kind of financial aid is available to them, and how many of the credits earned at the old college will be accepted by the new college. Our books Paying for College and College Admission 101 will help you plan strategical- ly. Above all, if you consider this route, take your community college education seriously. College is college, whether it's a two - or four -year school, and getting off to a good start can be your ticket to a great future.

Article adapted and retrieved from: https://www.princetonreview.com/college -advice/community -college (February, 2020)

STEPS TO APPLY TO THE CALIFORNIA COMMUNITY COLLEGES

1. Go to: http://home.cccapply.org/ 2. Select a Community College from the drop -down list 3. Click “Apply” 4. When you come to the college’s Home Page, click on CCCApply (or Apply On -line) 5. You will then be directed to create an account on CCCApply. Then you will... 6. ...Complete and submit an application for the California Community College (or colleg- es) for summer/fall 2020 7. Schedule an appointment with an Academic Counselor 8. Attend Orientation as directed by the Academic Counselor 9. Register for classes for the summer/fall 2020! Page 7 8 Tips for Winning College Scholarships January 24, 2020 by Cheree Liebowitz

Can you make a short movie on the dangers of distracted driving? Are you a leader? Are you tall? There is a scholarship for you! Even if your grades aren’t stellar. Scholarships are specified for students based on grade, ethnicity, religion, personalities, hobbies, choice of majors, family history, types of service projects, organiza- tions, skills, ability to answer essay questions and more. Here’s one offered by International College Counse- lors: https://bit.ly/36drjwQ

Getting a scholarship is equivalent to earning free money. Here are some tips for finding a scholarship and maximizing the power of your application.

1. Sign up with a free online scholarship search. A number of specialized websites ask you to answer a few questions and then will match you with many potential sources for free college money. To make scholarship searches even easier, these sites allow you to save, organize and update your search activity. Specialized sites for free online scholarship searches include: • www.fastweb.com • www.collegeboard.org • www.scholarships.com • www.cappex.com

All clients of International College Counselors receive a monthly list of scholarships. Students should also check with their high school counselor about scholarships.

2. Apply for local scholarships, like the one from International College Counselors. Fewer students will be applying to these.

3. Apply for scholarships with smaller awards. The awards with bigger prizes are the ones that receive the most applicants. The smaller scholarships have fewer applicants. A lot of small awards can add up fast.

4. Apply for scholarships that fit your talents and interests. These will be more enjoyable to enter and, if there is an essay or project you need to complete, you’ll finish them with less contempt. For example, if you like making films, the scholarships that ask for a video will be fun to do.

5. Don’t repeat the essay prompt. Be original and try to set yourself apart from the others. Writing scholar- ship essays is great practice for writing college admissions essays.

6. Follow the rules. If you don’t meet the eligibility requirements, don’t apply for the scholarship. You’ll just be wasting your time. If a video should be less than 5 minutes make sure it’s under 5 minutes. If an essay is 200 words, don’t write a 250 -word essay.

7. Don’t wait for the last minute. You can never be certain the website, Internet or computer will be work- ing.

8. Apply for as many scholarships as possible. The more scholarships you apply for, the more chances you have to win! Think of it like a job and set aside some time each month to apply. Even when you’re in college, keep looking for scholarships. There are many out there which will give you free money

Scholarships require time and effort to find and apply for, but it’s worth it! Start early! Start now! Article retrieved from: https://internationalcollegecounselors.com/8 -tips -for -winning -college -scholarships/ SCHOLARSHIPS AVAILABLE FOR SENIORS

Flavorful Futures : Sparkling Ice is providing five -$5,000.00 scholarships for students who are graduating seniors, US citizens, and have a GPA of at least a 2.5. The deadline to apply is February 15, 2020 and the application is available at: https://app.mykaleidoscope.com/scholarship/flavorfulfutures

Blue Diamond Growers Foundation Scholarship: Criteria for this scholarship —must be from an almond produc- ing area of California and have the intent to attend a 4 -year college and have a major in selected fields of agriculture. The application is due by March 31, 2020 and can be found at: https://bluediamondgrowers.com/wp -content/ uploads/2019/10/Blue -Diamond -Growers -Foundation -Application -2020_fillable -002 -002.pdf

Cabrillo Civic Clubs of California, Inc. : A scholarship opportunity for a high school senior who is of Portuguese descent, has a minimum, cumulative GPA of 3.5, and is planning to attend an a community college, four -year col- lege or trade school. The application is available at: http://www.cabrillocivicclubs.org/scholarship.asp and is due by March 15, 2020.

California Women for Agriculture Scholarship: Two scholarship opportunities — A $1,000.00 scholarship for a 4 - year university bound students and a $500.00 scholarship for a community college bound student. Students apply- ing for one of these scholarships must have a minimum 3.4 GPA. The application is due by March 6, 2020. It is available at: https://www.centralvalleycwa.org/scholarships

Italian Catholic Federation : Scholarship available for students who are either 1) Roman Catholic and of Italian De- scent or 2) Roman Catholic -but does not need to be of Italian descent. The application can be found at: http:// www.icf.org/scholarships/ and is due by March 15, 2020 .

Kiwanis Division 18 Scholarship Application : Applicant must have specific agriculture -related goals, proof of citi- zenship, and a GPA of 2.5 or better. The application is attached and is due by March 15, 2020.

P.P.A.V.: A $500 scholarship available for a graduating senior with a GPA of at least 3.0 and is of Portuguese de- scent. Application is attached and is due by March 31st, 2020.

Sequoia Visalia Kiwanis Scholarship: Applicant must have at least a 2.5 GPA and U.S. citizenship. The applica- tion is attached and is due by April 1, 2020.

Tos Family Foundation Scholarship is offering a scholarship opportunity for a students who will be attending Cal- vin College. (Those attending another Christian college that also teaches from a Christian Reformed perspective may be considered to receive this scholarship.) Deadline for this application is April 30, 2020 and can be found at: www.bltosfoundation.org **Also available is a scholarship for students who will be pursing a degree in the field of agriculture at one of the following colleges: Fresno State, U.C. Davis, or Cal Poly (SLO)

Tulare County Farm Bureau is offering multiple scholarships available for students pursuing an ag -related major at a 2 -year or 4 -year college. Applications are due by March 1, 2020 and can be found at http://www.tulcofb.org/ index.php?page=formScholarshipIntro

World Wide Sires, LTD is offering a scholarship to a current senior at CVC who will be pursuing an Agriculture - related degree at a 4 -year college or university. The application is attached and is needs to be turned in to Mrs. Reeves by March 20, 2020. *There are several great tools available through Career Cruising – one of those is a Financial Aid Search option. Go to: www.careercruising.com: Username: cvc Password: cavaliers Then log onto your account with your own Username and Password. (If you haven’t taken the time to go through My Matchmaker & My Skills Assessment , this could be very helpful in determining what major you might want to pursue in college.) From there: Click on the Financial Aid tab – complete the Financial Aid Selector to begin looking for scholarships to apply for. After filling out the Personal Information, Career Cruising will provide a list of Scholarships you may be eligible to apply for. (You can also search for scholarships by using the Keyword Search option..)