th Annual COLLEGE 8NIGHT

Thursday, Sept. 26 Meet representatives from over 60 5:30-7:00 p.m. colleges Building 3, upper gym and universities!

Get answers to your questions! Admission requirements | How to apply | Tuition and financial aid Housing options | Majors | Transfer options And much more!

Start your college search now! For a list of colleges attending visit bhc.edu/collegenight Annual College Night 2019 at College VISIT WITH REPRESENTATIVES FROM THESE COLLEGES* Augustana College Bradley University Missouri University of Science Capri College & Technology Career Cruising Morrison Tech Carl Sandburg College Carthage College Central College Palmer College of Chiropractic Chicago State University Rockford University Clarke University Saint Francis Medical Center Coe College College of Nursing Columbia College Saint Mary’s College, Notre Dame Dominican University Drake University Southern University Eastern Illinois University Carbondale Eastern Community Colleges St. Ambrose University Trinity College of Nursing Graham Hospital School of Nursing University of Dubuque University of Illinois – Chicago Hawkeye Community College University of Illinois – Springfield Holy Cross College University of Missouri – St. Louis Indian Hills Community College University of Notre Dame University of Wisconsin – Platteville Illinois State University Upper Iowa University Illinois Wesleyan University Wells Fargo ISAC Western Illinois University Kirkwood Community College WIU Army ROTC Lawrence University WyoTech Air Force Loras College United States Army MacMurray College United States Marines McKendree University United States Navy Methodist College United States National Guard Michigan Technological University Midwest Technical Institute *List of colleges registered as of 9/5/2019 2 2019 College Night TH CComommuniunity’s CollegeCollege

Seamless transfer to four-year colleges Career-ready training in more than 30 areas Reduced tuition for Carroll, Henry, Mercer, Rock Island and Whiteside Counties

11-888-336-3907-888-336-3907 eeiciccc.edu.edu

Discover. Succeed.

Community.2019 College Night 3 Why Am I Here? 10 REASONS WHY ATTENDING A COLLEGE FAIR IS A GOOD IDEA BY ROBYN MORETH 1. IN-PERSON RESEARCH. College Most keep track of student contact — fairs are an excellent opportunity to do attendance at high school visit sessions, some in-person research. You will get College Fairs, and campus visits are all immediate feedback to your questions key contacts to make that will show the and the schools will start “to come alive” colleges you are serious about wanting to for you as you talk with the admission attend. and/or alumni reps at each booth. 7. FIND OUT ABOUT SUMMER 2. SAVE MONEY. Assuming you have a PROGRAMS/OPPORTUNITIES. Many fair amount of schools already on your radar, colleges now offer pre-college summer it is too expensive to visit all of the colleges programs and experiences on their and universities you are considering. College campus. They will have information at Fairs give you the opportunity to visit a large their booths about these programs. number of schools all under one roof. 8. ATTEND SPECIAL INFORMATION 3. EXPLORE NEW OPTIONS. You may SESSIONS. Sometimes a College Fair will discover a new college(s) that isn’t on feature an info session on a specialized your radar until now. topic like Financial Aid or Athlete Recruitment. 4. FREE ADVICE. Admission representatives are often referred to 9. PRACTICE YOUR INTERVIEW as admission counselors; go ahead — SKILLS. Talking to college admission ask them any question you may have. reps will help you when it comes time to Perhaps you are wondering if you should interview. You will need to think of what take AP Psych next year or another year of questions you want to ask and then think science instead. Ask them their opinion. “quick on your feet” to any questions asked of you in return. 5. NARROW YOUR LIST OF POSSIBLE OPTIONS. You will be able to identify 10. GREAT PREPARATION FOR which schools you are likely to make the THE CAMPUS VISIT. If you can survive commitment to go visit in person and the College Fair — which is loud and which ones you may end up deleting somewhat overwhelming — the campus from consideration. visit will be a piece of cake. You’ll also already have practice for what questions to 6. DEMONSTRATE INTEREST. Colleges ask and have an initial feel for the college want to know that they are wanted. before you even step foot on campus.

4 2019 College Night YOUR 4-YEAR PUBLIC UNIVERSITY

WIU-

2019 College Night 5 “You belong here.” ADVICE FOR FIRST-GENERATION COLLEGE STUDENTS BY EBONY F., TEEN VOGUE, 2016 Going off to college can be intimidating what you love can seem like a luxury for anyone, but when you’re the first reserved for the privileged, but nothing is person in your family to do so, that further from the truth. If you’re passionate pressure is often multiplied. My mom, who about something, you’re going to bring to worked two jobs to provide for my sister it an energy and drive that will make you and I, did everything she could to prepare stand out from the pack and catapult you me for the big leap. She bought every item in your career. Pursuing a field of study on my dorm furnishings list, moved me that you’re not so enthusiastic about runs into my room and told me to do well. What a high risk of career mediocrity. wasn’t included in my send off was a talk on what to expect, how to be successful 5. EMBRACE THE BROKE or where to go if I needed help. As a first- If your parents can’t afford to break you generation college student, there were off a little extra change every month, so some lessons I would have to learn on my be it. Live within your meager financial own. For all my fellow higher education means. Seriously, it’s totally acceptable pioneers out here gearing up for the big to be cash poor in college. It might be send off in the next week or so, feel free to tempting to take on extra hours at your benefit from my experience. As a parting job or apply for a credit card in order to gift, I offer you this list of 17 practical stunt with the rest of them, but credit pieces of advice for first generation college balances have to be paid back (with students to ensure success: interest), and you have the rest of your life to work those long hours. I assure 1. IT’S A DIFFERENT WORLD you, when you look back, you won’t You’ve been in school your entire life. even remember the outfit you worked You’re probably familiar with the whole, overtime to flex. It will be those carefree study + exam = good grades formula. moments clowning around in the student What you need to be prepared for is all union that you’ll cherish the most. the noise that gets in the way of that equation. College is about so much 6. HARD WORK > EVERYTHING more than academics. You’re entering a You’re going to be sitting side-by-side new world with its own set of unspoken with students who have been preparing institutional rules and cultural norms. their entire lives for college. There will be some with connections and resources you 2. THE RACE BEGINS NOW! can’t even imagine, but hard work trumps No matter where you come from, everything. Your discipline and work ethic everyone enters their first class of will more than fill in the gap. freshman year with a 4.0 GPA. Your primary job is to do your best to maintain it. 7. YOU BELONG HERE Whether it’s the academic advisor who 3. THEY’RE JUST WORDS mildly insults you at every interaction or the I remember once I got into my major bougie girl in your hall who never misses classes, I was initially overwhelmed by a condescending sneak diss, from time to all the extra words people used. I came time you’ll encounter characters who will to college with a decent vocabulary, make it their business to belittle you. Their but the academic jargon and acronyms goal is to get in your head and convince you were new to me. Once I began noting that you don’t belong in their space. Don’t and understanding each new term take the bait! Those who derive their esteem I encountered, I realized that career from their perceived status go to exhausting academics speak differently, but what lengths to maintain their false air of they’re saying really isn’t that complicated. superiority. This is their problem, not yours. 4. CHOOSE A MAJOR YOU LOVE 8. ASK QUESTIONS As a first-generation college student, This is no time to fake it ‘til you make it. your number one priority might be In fact, this is one of the few times in your choosing a major that yields the quickest life when it’s perfectly acceptable to be return on your post-grad buck. Doing clueless. If you don’t know, ASK!

6 2019 College Night 9. KNOW YOUR BOUNDARIES personal goal to leave college a more well- My college bestie had the admirable rounded individual than when you started. ability to pick up things the first time 13. TAP YOUR RESOURCES she heard them. She could sit through a Go to the career center to get resumé lecture and absorb every concept. With advice, sign up for free tutoring if you her memory, she could afford not to need a little extra help. Take full advantage study. She could go out every night and of every resource at your disposal. Why still ace the exam. I, on the other hand, not? Your tuition is paying for it. needed to review notes, read chapters and make note cards in order to reinforce 14. TALK TO YOUR PROFESSORS what I had learned. I discovered the hard Make sure your professors know who way that I couldn’t do what she did. At you are. Take advantage of their office the end of the day, we both graduated hours. Your visibility could make the with the same degree from the same difference in that half point you need university. It didn’t matter how we got to pass the class. Be genuine, though… there, just that we got there. they’ve seen it all and can detect game from a mile away. 10. CHOOSE YOUR FRIENDS WISELY At this point in your life, your friends 15. FIND A MENTOR will have more influence on you than your Major key alert! Finding a mentor is professors, mentors and family combined. probably the most important thing you Choose your squad wisely. Live life, have can do. In my opinion, these relationships fun, wild out (a little), but be mindful to should grow organically. My mentor was surround yourself with positive, goal- a grad student with a similar background oriented people who encourage and as me. Not only did he provide practical motivate you. coaching and advice, but he was a walking example that I, too, could succeed. 11. GET INVOLVED Do as much as you can handle. Join 16. BRING YOUR WHOLE SELF clubs, run for office, pledge if you want. Your background will make you This will arguably be the best time of sensitive to things that other people your entire social life. The networks and miss. Speak up, share your perspectives, friendships you build now will last a bring your whole self to the table. Your lifetime and the leadership experience perspective is valuable. looks great on your resumé. 17. KEEP YOUR EYES ON THE TARGET 12. EXPAND YOUR HORIZONS You’re about to enter a period of Take every opportunity to expand your amazing experiences, accelerated self- consciousness. Make friends with people discovery and even some moments of from totally different backgrounds, attend agonizing pain. All of it is important, but seminars that feature speakers with the key to success is maintaining a balance opposing views from you, apply for free that works for you. Take it all in, but keep in opportunities to study abroad. Make it a mind that your ultimate goal is to graduate.

2019 College Night 7 Using Social Media in Your College Search Social media is a big part of everyday life. You use it to bond with friends, keep in touch with family, and even learn more about brands or products you like. So why shouldn’t your college search benefit from social media, too? Checking out a university’s website and visiting campus are critical in helping you make a decision. But what you see may not be a full representation of what day-to-day life in college is actually like. And what if you’re thinking about going across the country to school but can’t afford to visit in person? Open up your Facebook, • The opportunity to connect with other Twitter and Instagram pages, because it’s relevant pages, like a school’s Greek time to connect with the schools you’re scene or sports pages. considering. TWITTER FACEBOOK Sure, tweets are meant to be short and Facebook has been around for some sweet. But that doesn’t mean following time now, so it’s pretty likely that your college Twitter accounts won’t be useful. top schools have a page with useful Look for the following in your feed: information. A school’s profile will give • Updates about scholarships, you all sorts of valuable updates to help departments or majors you’re you decide if you want to apply: considering. • Photos of campus so you can get a • Links to pages with information about feel for the area. deadlines or university changes. • Updates about clubs and groups, • Live tweets giving updates about which will help you get an idea of campus events, lectures, or seminars. what campus life is like. • Updates about current events or • Information about events, like newsworthy stories. application deadlines, to help you stay on top of your application. INSTAGRAM Snapshots are the perfect way to get an idea of what a campus is like, how active a student body is and what people do in their spare time. Follow a school’s Instagram page for some great shots including: • Student posts, which give you a real view of the campus. • Study sessions, volunteering or off-campus trips. • University photos froAm events like graduations, campus events, or lectures.

8 2019 College Night Make a Difference. Be the Future of Health Care.

OPEN HOUSE Tuesday, October 15 @ 4-6 PM

Now offering guaranteed entry to qualified high school students!

Scan this QR code with your phone to learn more about our EDGE program.

Apply online: trinitycollegeqc.edu Campus/Shadow Visit: 309.779.7700 2122 25th Avenue | Rock Island, IL 61201

2019 College Night 9 An Introduction to Financial Aid DIANA STROM, DIRECTOR OF FINANCIAL AID, BLACK HAWK COLLEGE “How do I pay for college?” It’s a simple • Some financial aid is “first come, first question with a complicated response. serve”, so students should file their FAFSA Going through the financial aid process as soon as possible beginning October 1st. for the first time can be confusing, so • The FAFSA may take approximately students (and parents) are encouraged one hour to complete, so be patient and to ask questions about financial aid early prepared. Because the 2020-21 FAFSA will and often. But where should you start? ask questions about 2018 tax information TIPS FOR GETTING STARTED: and current financial statements, collect those documents in advance. • The first step is completing a Free • Students can list multiple colleges Application for Federal Student Aid on the FAFSA, and each school listed will (FAFSA) at www.fafsa.gov. The FAFSA receive the submitted application. It is for the 2020-2021 school year can be important to know how each school will submitted beginning October 1, 2019. contact the student regarding the FAFSA • In order to submit a FAFSA online, and any other requirements – often this the student will need to create a will be through a college email address or FSA ID username and password at online portal. www.StudentAid.gov/fsaid. If parent • Students will receive financial aid award information is required on the FAFSA, packages from each college listed on the parent will need their own FSA ID their FAFSA. These award notifications are username and password as well. The FSA typically sent to the student’s college email ID confirms your identity, serves as your or online portal. If you need assistance electronic signature, and should not be understanding the award package shared with anyone else. information you receive, contact your • Most students are required to use school’s Financial Aid Office for assistance. their parent’s income and tax information unless they meet specific criteria, WHO CAN HELP? such as being 24 years old, Sometimes it’s not knowing what to married, a veteran, etc. ask, but who you should ask. Here’s a list If a student is homeless of resources you should reach out to as or has other special you begin the financial aid process: circumstances, please • Your high school counselor is a great contact the Financial Aid place to start – they can provide local Office for assistance with support as you evaluate colleges, submit proper documentation. applications, apply for scholarships, and start your journey towards college! • Illinois students can also reach out to their regional ISACorps representative (www.isac.org/isacorps) – these are near- peer mentors who can provide assistance as you navigate the college-going process, including financial aid. • Federal Student Aid (www.studentaid. ed.gov) can provide great information about the financial aid process, including many instructional videos and infographics. • Finally, never be afraid to reach out to your college’s Financial Aid Office! Once you’ve submitted your FAFSA, they should be your go-to for help in understanding where you are in the process and what your next steps are.

10 2019 College Night FINANCIAL AID October is FAFSA month! The FAFSA is the Free Application for loans may be appropriate. The first step Federal Student Aid and will be available in applying for federal student loans in October 1, 2019. Students who will plant to completing the FAFSA. Students should attend college need to complete this form check with their college to determine if each year to determine their eligibility for borrowing is right for them and what other federal and state grant programs, federal steps are required. student loans, and work study job program, • Many scholarships will require that which can help pay for their education and you submit your FAFSA to be considered, training. Please keep in mind this application regardless of the family’s financial need. is FREE — if you need assistance completing • Unfortunately, financial circumstances in your FAFSA, contact the Financial Aid Office! a family can change during the school year. Completing the FAFSA for the first time If that happens, the FAFSA can be reviewed can seem a little frustrating, but there are to determine if adjustments should be made many resources available to help students for special circumstances. and their families complete this step. • If you are unsure about your status Places like Black Hawk College or your (DACA or undocumented), please contact local high school often host FAFSA events the Financial Aid Office at the school where students and their families can bring you are attending. They can assist you in their documentation and get assistance understanding your options and next steps. submitting their FAFSA application. Events hosted at Black Hawk College are FREE & START HERE: FSAID.ED.GOV OPEN to the community, regardless of what Before starting your FAFSA, both 2 or 4-year college you are attending. students and parents will need to create The Illinois Student Assistance their own individuals FSA ID usernames Commission (ISAC), isac.org, also has and passwords. This unique identifier will representatives that visit Illinois High confirm you identify and serve as your Schools to assist students with their financial official signature verifying that your FAFSA aid and other concerns. The state of Iowa information is correct. offers this program through ICAN (Iowa NEXT GO TO: FAFSA.GOV College Access Network), icansucceed.org. Complete your 2020-21 FAFSA as soon as WHY FILING THE FAFSA IS IMPORTANT possible beginning October 1, 2019. If you FOR EVERYONE: run into issues, please contact your college • The FAFSA determines eligibility for or the state organizations mentioned above state and federal grant programs you may for assistance. You may also visit studentaid. qualify for – these funds are considered “free ed.gov for more information. money” or “gift aid” that does NOT have to *Black Hawk College is hosting a FAFSA be paid back. Completion Night on October 8th, 2019, 4-7 p.m. • College is an investment in your future, This event is FREE & OPEN to anyone attending so for students who need additional college regardless of the college/university you financial assistance, federal student are attending.

2019 College Night 11 College is Expensive, but it doesn’t have to be! A SIMPLE GUIDE TO HELP YOU JUMP START YOUR SCHOLARSHIP SEARCH BY GABRIELLA HURTADO, RECRUITING MANAGER, BLACK HAWK COLLEGE

WHEN SHOULD I APPLY FOR SCHOLARSHIPS? THE SCHOLARSHIP WANTS ME TO Apply early and often! Scholarships are WRITE ABOUT MYSELF, WHAT DO I DO? available throughout the year and have Tell them your story! We all have 1. different deadlines so it is important to keep Personal statements give you an opportunity searching. The beginning of your senior year is to tell the scholarship committee about a great time to stop by your Counselor Office yourself. Remember the person reading your and ask about any specific scholarships offered statement, doesn’t know you personally. In to seniors at your school. this case, more is less! WHERE DO I SEARCH FOR SCHOLARSHIPS? • Are you involved in your community or at Consider starting your search in your own school through sports, clubs, churches or community. There are several businesses and after-school groups etc? organizations that offer scholarships. • What are some accomplishments you are • Local banks & credit unions proud of? • Employers • Why do you want to go to college? • Community organizations • Do you help your family or are you 1st in • School websites (Colleges and high school your family to attend college? Talk about websites) that. • City Foundation Offices such as the Moline • Highlight your goals and how you would or Rock Island Foundation or the Davenport like to give back to the community if you Schools Foundation are just a few examples. could. • Churches, local businesses and civic groups • Why is school important to you? • Local news stations such as KWQC, • If you don’t have the best grades or test WQAD and WHBF often have listings of scores, talk about that and explain why. scholarships. • Talk about any role models in your life that have pushed you to go to college. HOW DO I APPLY? • Identify any barriers you’ve faced in life Many scholarships are available online and how you’ve overcome those. or may require you to print and mail the application. Be sure to read the details of the I DON’T VOLUNTEER IN THE scholarship you’re applying for carefully so you COMMUNITY, IS THAT BAD? don’t miss any deadlines. Not necessarily, you may be busy working Scholarships may require 1-2 letters or have other commitments like family, of recommendation or references. Begin athletics, no transportation etc. However, reaching out to your teachers, counselors, it’s never too late to get involved. Consider supervisors or mentors and ask if they would helping out at an animal shelter, after school be willing to write a letter of recommendation. program or join a club that does volunteer Give them enough notice so they have time. hours in your high school. Volunteering is

12 2019 College Night LOCAL & NATIONAL SCHOLARSHIPS STOP BY YOUR GUIDANCE OR COUNSELING OFFICE bhc.edu/foundation (For students attending Black Hawk College) qccommunityfoundation.org Quad Cities Community Foundation ihmvcu.org/scholarships projectnow.org lulac10.org mhscounselingblog. wordpress.com/scholarships/ jaheartland.org fastweb.com molinefoundation.org rimef.org/scholarships.php uths.net/counseling/ general-scholarships/ iacac.org/scholarship/ icansucceed.org isac.org collegeboard.com scholarships.com important because it gives you opportunities to meet new people, learn a new skill or work SAMPLE PERSONAL alongside STATEMENT INTRO I DIDN’T DO WELL ON THE SAT AND To whom it may concern, my MY GRADES AREN’T THAT GREAT, name is ______and I am WHY SHOULD I BOTHER? a senior at ______In your personal statement, be honest and High School. I am applying true to yourself. If you struggle with homework for the ______or have a hard time studying or taking notes, scholarship and am planning maybe you get test anxiety or need additional to attend ______assistance. That’s perfectly normal and ok! Tell College/University to study us about that so we know your struggles. This ______. may also be an opportunity for you to explain why it is time to get your goals together and how a scholarship may give you the GREAT TRANSITIONS motivation you need. • I chose this major because I AM GOING TO A COLLEGE OR UNIVERSITY; ______. HOW DO I APPLY FOR THEIR SPECIFIC • I want to attend college SCHOLARSHIPS? because______. Contact the school you are attending and • I believe I deserve this award ask! It’s important that you ask these questions as many schools handle scholarships differently. because______. Some institutions may package awards based • I am involved with or volunteer on your SAT scores & GPA automatically. Others ______. may require a separate application.

2019 College Night 13 Don’t Just Get a Degree… EXPERIENCE IT! BY JASMINE BOZEMAN Not many things in life compare to areas easier, because you are already on your college years. Perhaps this is why campus! It’s said that the best way to any mention of “the glory days” prompts a learn a new language is to fully submerge gazing stare and overflow of memories as yourself into the new culture. Well, the college graduates reminisce on their time same is true for college and living on- in a faraway land of professors and classes campus! and books… oh my! I attended four different colleges in EAT IN THE CAFETERIA. For the record, my attempt to earn a Bachelor’s Degree. the lunchroom during high school is a (Don’t worry, I’m okay! ) It was not completely different world compared necessarily because things “didn’t work to the lunchroom in college. (Insert sigh out,” but it was honestly because I wanted of relief here.) Not only do you typically to try new things: community college have a larger variety of eating and sitting during high school, summer classes options, you also can usually choose at the local university, predominately from a few different meal plans. “Breaking white institutions, and historically black bread” with others is one of the most colleges! Each of these schools taught natural acts of getting to know someone me a lot, but if I had to say I learned one in a relaxed environment. Eating in thing, it’s this: YOU HAVE TO DO MORE isolation may seem more comfortable, THAN JUST GO TO CLASS IF YOU WANT TO or like a safer route, but socializing with SAY “IT WAS ALL WORTH IT!” friends during this time can help feed After four years of your own college your mind and spirit at the same time you “glory days”, when you walk across that feed your body! graduation stage, you will want to have STUDY IN THE LIBRARY. Now, hear confidence that the investment you my heart on this one: there will be times made into your education prepared you when you absolutely should go into for the next stage — the entry level of “hermit mode” and study by yourself your career! The best way to do that is by to increase focus and concentration. forming a game plan during freshmen However, during finals week or at times year: start with the end in mind. Stretch when a massive research paper is due, the your studies outside of the classroom library can be a productive setting for you. to get the fullest experience and reach Not only could you possibly collaborate your maximum potential! Don’t know with classmates during brainstorming how? Here’s a list of ways I describe in my sessions, but studying as a group also book “The Degree Experience: If We Can keeps you accountable. Sharing the College, SO CAN YOU!” GOING TO COLLEGE VS EXPERIENCING COLLEGE LIVE ON-CAMPUS. If at all possible, try the “dorm life” at least once during undergrad. It may be intimidating at first, but Resident Assistants (R.A.s) and the Director of Residential life live in your building to keep order and offer support. Sometimes you can pick your roommate ahead of time and other times they are randomly assigned. SURPRISE! Now is the chance to exercise your freedom as an independent entity! This version of living on your own creates a semi-forgiving environment to practice adulting. Another plus is that you can get to and from class, school events, and other

14 2019 College Night “achiever mode” energy amongst friends do the work that you are passionate keeps you alert, intentional, and AWAKE! about! If there aren’t opportunities that I remember once trying to study in line up with your interests and hobbies, my dorm with a few friends: we kept create them! Get familiar with the Student getting distracted, were sprawled out on Activities department and make it your the bed, laying on the floor, and quite personal responsibility to be informed frankly, we weren’t getting things done. about the opportunities that are available We decided to take a trip to the library to you. (on-campus, wink) and voila! We were more productive there in one hour than See EXPERIENCE on page 16 we had been in three hours in our room! It’s also encouraging to look around and see other people working hard to achieve their dreams like you are.

JOIN CLUBS & ORGANIZATIONS. Sure you could graduate from college without participating in a single club meeting or getting involved with a single organization. It’s not required to lend your skills and talents to the world around… but how much better could things be if you did? Your unique perspective and place of origin (college is a melting pot with students pouring in from all over the country and globe) will add value to the mission, vision, and decision making to whatever cause you connect yourself with. Future employers look for leaders who have exercised their skills in leadership roles during college. Being a general member is good – but being on an executive committee is great – and being the President is even better! Use your influence to make an impact on the environment around you. The best way to leave an institution better than how you found it (which is also something you should naturally want to do) is to Visit us and VISIT DAYS: be a decision maker and follow through find out why OCT 14, 2019 with action. Take your seat at the table, you'll want to NOV 11, 2019 let your voice be heard, and go out and Make it Millikin. JAN 20, 2020

2019 College Night 15 EXPERIENCE from page 15

EXPLORE CAMPUS. Go on adventures friends; impress your professors — you and leave no rock unturned around will need them before they need you; your new campus! Get a campus map do things now that you won’t be able to (easily found on the college’s website) do when you are no longer a student; and navigate your way through the USE YOUR STUDENT DISCOUNT — unchartered territory! This will be your new EVERYWHERE!; don’t let discouragement home for the next four years, so becoming keep you down — pressing PAUSE is familiar with important landmarks will acceptable, but pressing STOP is not! ease the stress of uncertainty and give you a greater peace of mind. This will especially Whew! There you have it — how to be helpful to do before your first day of actually have a full DEGREE EXPERIENCE, classes so you know where you are going as opposed to just going to college. and how far you need to travel to get Doing these things will help make college there. Don’t forget the Buddy System. Also, WORTH IT! Just like anything in life, travel is best during daylight J. higher education can be an exciting roller coaster, or a boring train ride — it is what you make it. So make it great! A FEW FINAL QUICK TIPS: Meet at least one new person every day; apply P.S. You don’t have to wait to get for and participate in as many internships to college to start experiencing your as possible (they give you hands-on education. You can practice many of these experience, could lead to a job, and look tips right now while you are in high school great on a resume); study aboard; attend working toward your diploma. If could do it, special workshops and professional SO CAN YOU! development events; visit the school counselor; get a job on campus; visit Jasmine Bozeman is a motivational speaker, your professors during their office hours published author, and Founder & CEO of at least three times per semester; visit Degree Experience, LLC — an affordable a department where your major is NOT education consulting company. She resides housed; introduce yourself to each faculty in Quad Cities with her family. To get her member in your department and find college prep book or to learn more, visit out their area of expertise; TRY to make jasminebozeman.com.

16 2019 College Night How to Choose Your Dream Job ADVICE FROM A CAREER COUNSELOR BY MEGAN HASSELROTH something and hate it, that is okay! The best way to decide what you want to do is to whittle down the options. 3. “NAME THE BEAR.” What is holding you back? Give it a name. Own your barriers. Once you identify what is keeping you from moving forward, you can address it. Whatever it is, identifying it allows you to have an honest conversation with Deciding what you want to be when yourself about what you need to do to you grow up can be hard. We are often overcome the challenge. told that to be happy in a career you must 4. SET GOALS. Sometimes big changes have a passion for it, and once you find feel overwhelming, and the outcomes that passion you will love your job every feel so far away. Remember that nothing day. In reality, some people do not enjoy worth having comes easy. Try to think their job and never find their passion. about your immediate goals while also To find these things in your own life, keeping your long-term goals in mind. consider the following advice. Sometimes you have to make sacrifices in 1. DEFINE SUCCESS. For most people your personal life to achieve your goals. success means completing higher Celebrate the small victories and keep education so you can make money. moving forward. If there is a certain lifestyle you want, 5. USE YOUR FAILURES AS FUEL. Plot- you will need a career that pays for that twist: Everyone fails. Become good at it. lifestyle. But success is measured in many Use your failures, big or small, to push you other ways. Perhaps you want people forward. Every once in a while, there is a to know your name or you want to help failure so big it feels impossible to move people in your community. Whatever past. I promise you it is not impossible. success means for you, own it and use it A big failure equals a big learning as a guiding force. opportunity. 2. TRY THINGS OUT. People don’t 6. ASK FOR HELP. There are so many know what they don’t know. If you don’t smart, kind, helpful people that who know about a certain career or college have been through the same journey you program, how are you going to make are on. If we don’t have the answers for an educated decision about whether you, we will find them. Asking for help that career or program is right for you? is not a sign of weakness, it is a sign of I suggest trying out as many things as being self-aware enough to understand you can before you make a decision. that some people might be more This could include participating in job knowledgeable than you. You might even shadows, tours, Q&A sessions, or even find that you had the answer yourself the just talking with your friends and family. entire time and just needed to talk it out. You can also take career assessments that I am fortunate enough to have made a will give you a list of areas that match career our of helping students find their well with your personality. If you try direction. Come talk to me.

2019 College Night 17 Tutoring for Everyone Do you think tutoring only is for Did you know that when Harvard, someone who is failing a class? Do you the first university in the United States, wait until you’re struggling to understand opened in 1630, tutoring was part a concept before you meet with a tutor? of the services offered? Yes — even Do you need a coach to help you through high-achieving Harvard students some of your classes? Do you need a need support in some areas! Tutoring mentor to discuss and formulate ideas? is offered — from small community Do you need to boost your confidence? colleges to major universities — to assist Would you like to catch up or stay ahead? students in mathematics, English and If you would like to get more out of specific content areas such as biology, your classes, if you would like assistance chemistry, economics, history, etc. to become an independent, confident, Almost all colleges in the United Sates life-long learner who can reach your full offer individual and/or group tutoring. academic potential consider utilizing These services are provided to improve the tutoring center at your college or retention rates and to assist diversified university. student populations. Although tutoring According to the Merriam-Webster sometimes has provided a stigma of Dictionary, a tutor is a person charged being remedial, it is recognized that most with the instruction and guidance of college students need some academic another, such as a private teacher or a support. teacher in a British university who gives Tutoring sessions are student-centered, individual instruction to undergraduates. which means the focus is on you and your The verb form is used to describe academics. What you bring to the session the action “to teach or guide (usually determines the content and format. individually) in a special subject or for A tutorial session is not a study hall, a a particular purpose; to coach; to have proofreading service, nor a place to type the guardianship, tutelage, or care and print papers — it is a place to work of a student; for someone to receive one-on-one with experienced tutors on instruction especially privately.” your academic assignments. The purpose

18 2019 College Night TUTORING ASSISTANCE CHECK YOUR COLLEGE OF CHOICE’S WEBSITE FOR MORE INFORMATION AND SPECIFIC TUTORING PROGRAMS Black Hawk College: bhc.edu/tutoring Western IL University: wiu.edu/advising/tutoring Augustana College: augustana.edu/learning-commons/ is not to create perfect papers or other tutoring work, but to support and assist you in St. Ambrose University: becoming a resourceful and confident sau.edu/academics/academic- student. resources/student-success-center Tutors listen, question, comment, Illinois State University: provide feedback, share experiences universitycollege.illinoisstate.edu/ and knowledge, and make suggestions help/tutoring to help you learn to recognize strengths Northern Illinois University: and weaknesses in your work. Tutors niu.edu/academics/tutoring/ work with a wide range of skill levels, index.shtml tailoring each session to the individual student’s needs. There should be some UI-UC: academics.aces.illinois.edu/ attempt at completing the assignment student-resources/tutoring- resources before the session. You should be an active participant in the session by Southern IL University: asking questions, drawing on the tutor’s clss.siu.edu/ experience and knowledge, making Monmouth College: suggestions, acting on suggestions, and ou.monmouthcollege.edu/ taking a sincere interest in your work academics/teaching-learning- and in improving your academics. You center/tutoring.aspx determine the content and format of the Purdue University: tutorial by the ideas and work you bring purdue.edu/asc/index.html into the session. Tutor.com provides one-on-one University of IA: tutor.uiowa.edu online tutoring, 24/7. Many colleges : and universities, including Black Hawk academicresourcecenter. College, provide this service free to their harvard.edu students. According to the website, 98% of the students using the service College survey include: “My tutor and would recommend it to a friend and 95% I work well together, and they are able report they are “improving their grades, to explain the work to me in a way I building their confidence and completing can understand.” “I would recommend more assignments.” Additional statistics attending tutoring sessions because they show: 84% of students who used Tutor. are very effective. I was able to have one- com received a passing grade vs. 68% on-one attention in the material that I of students who did not use Tutor. needed help with.” “The hours are flexible com; 88% of students who used Tutor. and the tutor is basically a one-on-one com reenrolled the next term vs. 70% teacher. This is something that anyone of students who did not use Tutor.com; with needed help should consider.”** and 96% of students reported improved grades and more confidence after a Tutor. It’s never too late to start working com session.* with a tutor but DON’T WAIT — a tutor is Tutoring is free at most colleges and waiting to help you be great! universities, a service to help you become a stronger student in a specific field. There *tutor.com/higher-education is no shame in asking for help. Some **ou.monmouthcollege.edu/_resources/pdf/ anonymous comments from a Monmouth academics/support/tutoring-guidelines.pdf

2019 College Night 19 Most Common Myths About College LYNN F. JACOBS, JEREMY S. HYMAN For many students thinking about the college videos and tours, there are college, the “big U” is one big mystery: plenty of great schools with bad football Will college be just like high school? How teams. And, of course, plenty of bad do I go about picking a college? How will schools with great football teams. Look I do in the new environment? What will beyond the sports teams when judging professors expect of me, and will they be the quality of a college. nice? These questions are compounded MYTH 3 when you suffer from all kinds of myths RESEARCH UNIVERSITIES ARE BAD about college: misconceptions and half- AT TEACHING. truths that you’ve gathered from friends, teachers and parents. In an attempt to REALITY: Although you might think that allay the confusion, we offer the 10 most colleges where faculty devote themselves common myths about college and what full-time to teaching would have better the realities are: teachers than universities that emphasize MYTH 1 research, it can be unbelievably exciting to study with a professor who’s at the THE AVERAGE COLLEGE STUDENT IS 19, cutting edge of his or her field. And MALE AND IN A FRATERNITY. contrary to what you might think, many REALITY: Old stereotypes die hard, but top researchers love teaching as much almost 60 percent of college students as they love their own research. They today are female. The average age of get to communicate what they’ve just college undergraduates now is 26. And discovered. Some bonuses of studying fewer than half of college students with research faculty: They know the field participate in the Greek system. So, the way only someone who practices it college no longer is all about the keg in does, and they can involve students in the closet. their research projects — one of the best ways to learn.

MYTH 4 THE STICKER PRICE IS THE PRICE YOU PAY. REALITY: While prestigious colleges list huge tuition costs (some as high as $50,000 a year, the price of a new Lexus each year), usually financial aid packages are available to reduce these costs significantly. Don’t declare a school out of your price range before you check out all the aid possibilities.

MYTH 5 IF YOU DID WELL IN HIGH SCHOOL, YOU’LL DO WELL IN COLLEGE. REALITY: Just because you (a) took MYTH 2 massive numbers of AP courses, or (b) THE BETTER THE FOOTBALL TEAM, got on the honor roll every semester of THE BETTER THE COLLEGE. high school, or (c) won almost every high school prize, or (d) did all of the above REALITY: While success on the gridiron does not mean that you’re going to find gets lots of publicity and looks great in your route through college paved with

20 2019 College Night gold. The amount of work required and material that’ll show up on the paper or the level of skills needed to do well go test two weeks later. You think, “What up significantly when you transition from difference is one class going to make?” The high school to college — especially if you professor thinks, “I taught just that material didn’t go to a high-powered high school in excruciating detail on Sept. 6; why aren’t (something you might not figure out until you spitting it back on Sept. 20?” you actually get to college and see all the people from those high-powered high See MYTHS on page 22 schools).

MYTH 6 IF YOU WORK HARD, YOU’LL DO WELL AT Brush up on your skills COLLEGE. to mold your future. REALITY: Yes, you need to work hard to do well in college, but working hard isn’t Check out Sandburg’s enough in itself. You also have to produce Dental Hygiene good-quality papers and do well on the tests to get good grades in college. In or college, it’s the product that counts. So, Mortuary Science no matter how hard you worked on that programs paper, if it doesn’t have a clear point, today to begin your career in contains mistakes or doesn’t answer the the health industry. question, it’s not going to get a good grade. Applications open MYTH 7 October 1! YOU CAN CUT CLASSES, AND IT WON’T Visit us today MAKE A DIFFERENCE. sandburg.college-tour.com REALITY: Just because there are no truancy officers at college, or because professors sometimes don’t take attendance or dock your grade for missing classes, doesn’t mean you can cut class without a second thought. Professors typically don’t spend a lot of time reviewing or repeating class material: One shot and you’re done. And the real killer comes when you miss sandburg.edu the class in which the prof explains the

2019 College Night 21 MYTHS from page 21

MYTH 8 PROFESSORS LIVE IN IVORY TOWERS. REALITY: Professors aren’t paid enough for that. But really, the idea that professors are closeted away and inaccessible to students is totally out of date. Teaching is a service profession. Most professors enjoy talking with students — especially about the class material — in office MYTH 10 hours, via e-mail, on course web pages, A COLLEGE EDUCATION IS WORTH or in some cases, by Skype, Twitter or on $1 MILLION LIFETIME. Facebook pages. REALITY: While it used to be thought that MYTH 9 getting a college degree would result in $1 million extra earned lifetime income, PROFESSORS ARE THE ENEMY. compared to a high school diploma, REALITY: Professors are teachers, and, there’s now some thought that it nets as with all decent teachers, their goal you only about $279,893. But even if the is for students to learn. This means that $1 million is a myth, going to college is a when they construct a test, they’re really great experience. Think about the trying to determine if students learned opportunity to study such a wide variety the important points in the class, not of subjects, with, in many cases, world- to trick students by asking about some renowned experts, at a level of depth and unimportant, picky matter. So, too, the sophistication that can’t be matched at papers are meant to see if students have any high school (and indeed in many jobs mastered key analytical or research after college). Priceless. skills, not to play “gotcha” with obscure questions that no one could possibly © 2009 Professors’ Guide LLC. answer. All rights reserved

22 2019 College Night 2019 College Night 23 www.bhc.edu My next step was Black Hawk College. Make it yours! Short-term training, career programs or start your bachelor’s degree. Only at BHC. Follow us on @BlackHawkCollege | @BHCCampus

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24 2019 College Night