To gift or not to gift: That is the question

Every year, I struggle with whom to buy for and whom not to buy for. For years, my husband and I didn't buy gifts for each other because we bought for our parents, nieces and nephews. Even though we now have a child of our own, we have continued to buy for everyone but ourselves for years. I say, "No more."

When I was a child, I barely got presents from my grandparents, much less aunts or uncles. My grandparents had so many grandchildren that we usually got something from a garage sale or a pair of socks. Why, then, is our generation expected to give extravagant gifts to nieces and nephews? I can see wanting to buy stuff for them when they are young and you don't have children yourself, but when they get around 10 and you have children of our own, I think we should be done. I'm done.

And, like most of you, I am going to college. Need I say more on that subject?

In lieu of buying for nieces and nephews, of which I have 12, I am spending my hard-earned cash on my parents, my precious daughter and husband. These are the people I should be spending my money on, right?

For this holiday season, I say give to the ones closest to you. If you don't have an extra $600 or so lying around to spend on a dozen nieces and nephews, be comfortable with your decision. So when your sister-in-law asks "Was this present for little Jimmy from you?", you won't feel guilty in replying, "No, we just bought for our immediate family this year." If they are rational, they will understand.

Dr. Spencer talks biotechnology with Tulsa World

Have you heard of biotechnology? It sounds complicated, and it is, but TCC Professor Dr. Diana Spencer puts it into layman's terms in a recent article published in the Tulsa World. If you have had a class with Dr. Spencer, you know how completely dedicated she is to her students and her area of expertise. Not only is she brilliant, she's also a genuinely nice person. Snaps for Dr. Spencer!

Free holiday game guarantees fun not faux pas

In my family, there have definitely been some homemade holiday games that we would like to forget. At least, I would like to forget. In hindsight, I shouldn't have asked the couples in my family that personal question when we played a mock "Newlywed Game." It sounded funny when I was writing the question which was based on old episodes I found on YouTube, but when the question came out of my mouth all I wanted to do was hide. I did not need to know that about my parents. Ugh!

Well, my mother-in-law found a non-embarrassing, free "game" to play during the holidays that really isn't a game at all. It's all about getting to know your family better, but not in an over-share kind of way. It's called "50 Thanksgiving Story Starters," but you could use this for any holiday. It asks things like who were you named after, what was your first pet, how do you remember your grandparents, etc. You don't have to do all 50--you can pick and choose which ones to ask.

But if this holiday game seems lame to you, at least promise me that you'll run any and all made-up games by a friend of the opposite gender before presenting them to your family. It could save you from an embarrassing faux pas.

Inside Out visits Chelsea at Volunteer Central

Chelsea makes goodie bags for volunteers across Tulsa as part of her volunteer hours for Tulsa Achieves.

Tulsa Achieves is going on its sixth year, and this week I had the opportunity to meet one of our TA students who is putting in her volunteer hours at Volunteer Tulsa. Chelsea took some time away from filing and answering phones to pose in some photos that will be used in an effort to promote the wonderful things TA students are doing throughout Tulsa.

If you are a TA student and would like to be a "volunteer model," let me know. I will make arrangements to meet you at your volunteer organization and take your picture while you are helping others. Let's show Tulsa the value of our great TA students!

Secure your spring enrollment: Don't get dropped!

When you enroll for the spring semester, if you haven't already, don't ignore the red, italicized message that pops up. You have to hit "I agree" just like when installing a software program or adding an app on your phone. But unlike that info, this information is VITAL in ensuring you aren't dropped from your classes.

TCC has a new enrollment process that requires you to either pay in full at the time you enroll, choose a payment plan or have approved financial aid. If you do not select one of these three options, then you will be dropped from all your classes by midnight that same day.

I have heard students say on the campuses that they were unaware of this requirement. I think it may be because they are clicking "I agree" without reading the information when they add classes. I can't blame them because if I were enrolling, I might do the same thing, thinking that the info wasn't important. But it IS actually important. I hope this helps!

One more thing on your plate means one more thing on theirs

As things are winding down this semester, I am doing everything I can just to keep up with school, work and family (as I'm sure you are, too). It seems difficult to imagine putting anything else on my plate. But people across TCC are taking on extra responsibilities to make sure those less fortunate have something on their plates by collecting and buying food for those less fortunate.

Don't get me wrong. When my department said "Let's adopt two children from the Salvation Army Angel Tree," I was eager to buy the 5-year-old girl a pair of Sketchers Twinkle Toes. But that didn't take a lot of effort or time. And, I was happy to do it. I could just imagine the look on that little girl's face on Christmas morning when she opens a pair of the coveted Twinkle Toes tennis shoes. Precious!

But my department isn't the only one. Some students and TCC employees have collected literally thousands of pounds of food (Yes, I'm talking about you Phi Beta Lambda at TCC's West Campus!) And, they have donated toys to give to children who have been treated at one of the Shriners Hospitals for Children (I'm taking that photo Thursday!). And there are probably a dozen other similar stories out there.

To all of the givers, I say "Way to go!" Even though money is tight this time of year and many are without jobs, it gives me a warm and fuzzy feeling to know that so many people are thinking of others this time of year. If you have the chance to give to someone, even if it is as simple as putting an extra can of corn in your shopping basket and dropping it off in a food donation box, do it. Those little things add up, and they take very little time and effort when everyone pitches in.

Bypass boring attire with these Thanksgiving outfit inspirations

Photo credit

Hey girls: Are you wondering what to wear during Thanksgiving break? College Fashion has some cute outfit ideas inspired by Disney Pixar's "Up." Whether you want to dress comfortably to grab a coffee with friends or get glammed up for the big T-Day, these styles will give you some inspiration! I especially like the "Kevin"-inspired outfit. The dress has vivid colors and a flattering shape. So pretty.

Looking to get out & about this week? Check out TashaDoesTulsa

Are you looking for something fun to do this week in addition to eating turkey and spending time with the fam? Check out what's happening around town from Tulsa's blogger Natasha Ball at TashaDoesTulsa. She has plenty of things to choose from if you want to get out, even if that just means moving from your comfy couch to a cinema seat. Between the laundry, cooking, cleaning and homework-catchup, take some time to have fun this week. You deserve it!

Candy, turkey and pies: Oh no!

I asked my pal and fitness guru Amy Leach to give us some tips on how to stay healthy during the tempting holiday season. Read below for her awesome advice!

Amy Leach is the Fitness Center Manager at TCC's Metro Campus

 Does the holiday season get you just as excited about food as it does for me? It’s that time of year when it’s "OK" to go off your diet or workout regime because this time only happens once a year, right? Well, as many of you know, this once-a-year-eating-fest usually turns into two to three months of binging on all of your grandma’s favorite recipes. Let’s see, there’s candy corn at Halloween; turkey, green bean casserole and pumpkin pie at Thanksgiving; and anything sweet and fattening around Christmas!

With all this said, and likely known by you already, what is a person to do – stay on your diet throughout the holidays and be miserable or let the diet slide during the holidays and be miserable? It’s almost a lose-lose situation, especially in regards to your workout regime. I personally find it extremely hard to get motivated to workout when it’s 20 degrees outside and I am sleeping all comfy in my warm bed. And let’s not forget the crazy Oklahoma weather! It might be 60 out one day and then a blizzard may hit the next day. With weather like this, no wonder it’s hard to stay on track with any healthy lifestyle. The last time we got snowed in last year, the only thing to do was nap, bake cookies, nap, eat cookies and eat more cookies! Sound familiar?? So let’s start our strategizing now BEFORE all these wonderful and not-so-wonderful things occur.

I am extremely active and in decent shape, but I, too, struggle with these everyday situations. Here are my tips to get you motivated to stay on track while still enjoying everything pleasant about the holiday season.

·         Remember, family is one of the best parts of the holiday season. Focus on family, friendship, and laughter – not solely on food. Life is too short - wouldn’t you rather spend quality time with those you love as opposed to pulling up a chair to the buffet table? Think about it…

·         As all the magazines and popular health websites suggest, moderation is key! One thing I did last year at Thanksgiving was filled my plate with tons of veggies (and I didn’t mind if they were covered in butter or not), then I added some white turkey and a few samples of the other side dishes. Lastly for dessert, I made an apple pie with a can of lower sugar apples (of course natural would have been better but who has time to cut and peel them) mixed with Truvia (a natural sugar substitute), cinnamon and apple pie spice, and for the crust I used fat-free butter, whole wheat flour, oatmeal and a few graham crackers. That way I knew what was in it and didn’t feel as guilty about over-indulging.

·         Another tip is to go for a family walk or participate in a game outdoors. Again, last year my sister and I went for a walk after dinner and it was great because we bonded, vented about annoying family members and burned off a few calories in the process.

·         Lastly, don’t beat yourself up if you do over-indulge (which we all are going to do from time to time). Get up early the next day and do some push-ups, squats and jumping jacks at your house. If weather permits, go out for a jog or head to the gym for a quick 30 minute cardio and/or weights session. Christmas shopping is another way to burn some calories. Just remember to park far away from the entrance (probably won’t be too hard to do with all the traffic), take the stairs when possible and drink plenty of water.

Good luck and have a wonderful holiday season! 

Cach for cash at GIS Day

Geographic Information Systems may sound complex, but you can learn how to use this technology in a fun scavenger hunt at GIS Day from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Wednesday at the Student Commons on TCC's Metro Campus.

GIS Day is a free event that invites the community and students to learn about TCC’s GIS Certificate program, to network within the geospatial community and to discover GIS career options. The day includes a scavenger hunt in which participants will use GIS technology to find items, and there is a cash prize.

A GIS, or geographic information system, represents computer software, data and solutions that are used by hundreds of thousands of people worldwide in government, education and business. GIS Day educates people about how geography affects people through GIS technology.

For more information or to register to attend, visit www.tulsacc.edu/gisday or contact Dr. Kelly Allen at 918-595-7085.

Higher ed chancellor to visit TCC

Chancellor Glen D. Johnson speaks to area higher ed leaders in 2008 about goals and initiatives of the Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education.

It's a pretty big deal when the chancellor of higher education visits your college, and that is exactly what is happening this evening. Chancellor Glen D. Johnson, of the Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education, will speak to guests about Complete College America and the budget for the next fiscal year.

You may be thinking, "What does a chancellor do?" Well, Chancellor Johnson provides leadership concerning  the academic programs in our state, and he works closely with our state legislature on budget allocations for colleges and universities. He has a lot of important responsibilities that affect everyone involved in higher education, from students to college presidents.

In case you are wondering: OSRHE is requesting $980 million for FY13, which is a $35.7 million increase from the previous year.

Pulitzer Prize-winning photographer to speak, present work at TCC

If you don't have plans on Friday night, you do now. Jose Galvez, the first Mexican American Pulitzer Prize-winning photographer is coming to TCC to speak and display his photo exhibit, "Somos Mismos, We are All Alike." The photos communicate that people have more in common than they might think. He will talk about his work at 5:30 p.m. Friday in the Cyber Lounge at TCC's Northeast Campus.

"We all share similarities across this great land of ours," Galvez said via email. "We're families, attend celebrations, have faith, are business people and have hope for the future."

As you may have read in my last post, the Hispanic population is booming in Tulsa and TCC. This growth is leading to changes at TCC, including a new class, Hispanic American History. Galvez's visit to TCC is not only to display and talk about his work, but also to support the addition of this new credit class.

To view his work, visit http://www.josegalvez.com/.

Growth of Hispanics leads to new class offering at TCC

With the Hispanic population booming in the U.S. and Tulsa, it makes sense for Tulsa Community College to offer classes that pertain to this population's historical influence on America. TCC is offering a new class this fall and in spring 2012 called Hispanic American History to do just that.

Professor Daniel Chaboya is teaching the class from 5:30-8:20 p.m. on Wednesdays at TCC's Metro Campus. The course call number is 24379.

Here is the rundown from Chaboya:

This interdisciplinary course introduces you to the important historical, cultural, political and social experiences of Hispanic Americans. You will examine the struggles, triumphs and contributions of this multifaceted ethnic group with emphasis on the history of the United States to explain the contemporary status of Hispanic Americans. For more information: 918-595-7544 or dchaboya@tulsacc.edu.


To read an article about the growth of the Hispanic population in the Tulsa World, click here.

Top five reasons to give hand-made gifts this year

We've all been there. The holidays are approaching, and you've got $100 to spend on gifts for 20 people. Life is expensive, so it's difficult to buy something wonderful for every special person in your life for the holidays.

I believe with some planning and creativity, you don't have to spend a fortune to give gifts that are insightful and meaningful. Here are some tips to get you thinking.

Top five reasons to give a hand-made gift versus a store-bought gift for the holidays:
1. There isn't a chance that you will give them something they already have.
2. If you put the recipient's name on the gift, you can pretty much guarantee they won't regift the item.
3. Store-bought may make your recipient feel you just grabbed the first thing you saw.
4. Hand-made may make your recipient feel you spent a lot of time, thought and energy into the gift. Even though the gift could be something that took very little time to create
5. It's less expensive, and you are a college student so every penny counts!

Here are some ideas I like:
1. Pour dry ingredients (flour, sugar, etc.) into a Mason jar or paper sack with a little recipe card attached with a ribbon. The ingredients could be for homemade cocoa, cookies, brownies, etc. Use your imagination! Put enough dry ingredients in each jar to make 5-10 servings. The gift recipient just has to add water, eggs, etc., and bake! Example
2. Buy a ceramic plaque and paint the name or initials of the gift recipient on the plaque. Hobby Lobby has some great ones that start at $2.99 a piece, and some of them have holes at the top for hanging. Example
3. For the guys in your life, why not make home-made coozies? These are so cute and cheap, and he will appreciate your thoughtfulness. Example

If you have other hand-made gift ideas, please share!

The magic of music

This morning I had the absolute pleasure to watch about a dozen children play their brand new stringed instruments courtesy of some special donations. What does that have to do with TCC? Well, the Signature Symphony at TCC is the College's orchestra-in-residence, and the symphony has a musical outreach program called Higher Scale.This program sends professional musicians into Tulsa Public Schools classrooms to teach young children how to play stringed instruments. They do this because they know how important music is to a child's education, and research has shown children who play instruments do better in school.

The reorganization of TPS left some students without musical instruments, and that is why the symphony is reaching out to the community for instrument and monetary donations. More instruments are needed, so if you would like to donate that violin you haven't picked up in ages call 918-595-7776.

TCC in the palm of your hand

Happy Monday, everyone! I have been working diligently today making content updates to the TCCMobile app. We are making some cool changes, and more are coming.

I can't give everything away, but I'll give you a hint: 3D.

If there is something you'd like to see on the app, let us know.

Get college credits on your high school campus with EXCELerate

Have you heard about the new EXCELerate program? TCC just finished a video that features students who are in the program talking about their experiences. EXCELerate enables high school students to take TCC college classes on their high school campuses. And one of the best parts? It's practically free.

For more info, click here.

Red Fork Film Festival starts today

If you are a film buff, you have to check out the Red Fork Film Festival starting today on TCC's West Campus. Now in its 13th year, this festival has cultural films that are shown and accompanied with discussions. There is also Native American jewelry, food and arts and crafts.

For a complete schedule,  click here.

To read a related story in the "Sand Springs Leader," click here.

Who would have thought of that?!? They did!

Store-bought bacon fat, small gift items that fit into postage-paid greeting cards and motivational static clings are a few of the items I've come to know and love over the past couple of days. These are all inventions of people from the Tulsa area, and they just happen to be three of the seven finalists in the SpiritBank/Tulsa Community College Entrepreneurial Spirit Award.

The other finalists are inventors of a mobile concussion management software; pressure relief devices that relieve overpressure in industrial processes; DVD and digital series of custom workouts designed for each month of pregnancy; and a website tool for calculating the intrinsic value of most publicly traded companies. Whew! These people are talented!

This is the second year TCC and SpiritBank have partnered in this intense, months-long competition. And just like last year, I am amazed at the talent Tulsa has. And it isn't just talent. These people have drive. I must have invented hundreds (or at least dozens) of things in my head during my life, but I've never actually taken steps to see my ideas reach fruition.

These competitors are proof that entrepreneurialism is alive and thriving in Tulsa. So who will win? The winner, along with the second and third place winners, will be announced Nov. 15.

http://www.tulsaspiritaward.com/

Turn party-planning skills into a business

Have you ever been told that you throw "the best" parties? Do you love choosing event venues, planning the menus and deciding party themes?

Well, if you want to make a career out of event planning, you need to know more than how to arrange a centerpiece. You also need to know the business side, including budgeting and marketing.

You can get that training at TCC. Judy Tarpley, Director of Continuing Education, is teaching a Special Events Management course over three weekends, Oct. 28-Nov. 13. This course will give you the tools you'll need if you are asked to put on any kind of special event such as a fair, fundraiser, concert, etc. And, it is a three-hour college credit course. It costs about $300, which is much cheaper than most of the conferences out there on marketing and event planning.

But, if you want some tips right away, Judy offers these:
1. Know your target audience. If you are planning a special event, think about who you want to attend. What is the objective?
2. Have a budget and stick to it. It may not be a big deal at first glance to increase food and beverage by 5 percent, your audio visual by 10 percent and your exhibits by 15 percent, but each of those categories will affect your bottom line.
3. Don't do business with a hand shake. Always get it in writing. Make sure you document all texts, emails and instant messages, noting changes or additions.
4. Marketing and promotion. It's key. Don't forget about it and don't forget to budget for it. If attendees don't see the marketing, how do they know to attend?
5. Get evaluations from attendees. Feedback is so important. The only way to improve is to hear from your attendees about what could have been done better. Then, use that information to help you with your next event.

This course is being offered on the TCC West Campus. For more information, call 918-595-8033.

Live taping!

This is really cool. I am in the production room at the Center for Creativity while TCC is taping "Health Alert." I'm wearing the headphones and everything! I can hear the camera people and the director. "Camera one, take one." TCC has such a learning jewel for anyone interested in journalism. You can see "Health Alert" on Cox Channel 21.

Stealing: The new form of flattery?

Now that the Majors Fair is over, I can't let another moment go by without sharing something funny and a bit strange. Yes, TCC has made some attractive posters and banners in the past but none has been so popular as this year's Majors Fair promotional materials. In fact, some people liked them so much that they took them home! That's right--those posters and banners with the cute dogs, sharks and squirrels have been disappearing from TCC campuses ever since they were hung.

Faculty, staff and students commented about how much they loved the Majors Fair promotional materials, but for someone to take them? Repeatedly? In fact, I heard from a reliable source that one of the full-color posters was stolen and then replaced by the perpetrator with a black-and-white copy. Now there's a crook with a conscience.

I hear that TCC is taking it as a form of flattery. :)

No grades, no pressure! Get creative and have fun in continuing ed classes

Are you bored? Would you like to express yourself through taking artsy photos, playing the guitar, knitting a scarf, blogging or painting a portrait? TCC's Continuing Education department offers affordable classes in these areas as well as in subjects that can help you in your job and in your finances.

And these instructors didn't just fall off the truck. Some of them have photographed, played, knitted, painted, etc. for decades.

Examples?
Bob Cuardrado, Spanish and guitar instructor, 38 years;
Dave East, photography instructor, 28 years; and
Jim Hill, finance and photography instructor, 27 years.

But TCC also has instructors who have gained recent fame. How about learning to blog by Tulsa's own Natasha Ball of Tasha Does Tulsa?

Pick your passion in the Continuing Education schedule. Classes are still forming for fall.

Filmmakers visit TCC class, prepare for Tulsa Int. Film Festival

Filmmakers Harry Dawson and Meighan Maloney, left, led a discussion in Professor Phoebe Baker's (third from left) class on Thursday. Rachel Peweitt, far right, is one of about 50 students who participated in the discussion.

Students in Phoebe Baker's Developmental Psychology class had the chance to hear from professional filmmakers regarding their film which is being shown in the Tulsa International Film Festival today and Saturday. Harry Dawson and Meighan Maloney, of Dawson Media Group, spoke to students on Thursday about their documentary "Paskenta: Nomlaqa Boda" which tells the story of the Paskenta Band of Nomlaki Indians.

They showed only clips during the discussion, but here is the synopsis from what I saw: The U.S. government terminated the tribe in 1959 even though tribal members were very much alive. The Nomlaki persisted for decades to regain their tribal status, and most importantly, preserve their culture and history. In 1994, the government once again recognized them as a tribe.

This is really a remarkable film for anyone interested in history. It is showing at 3:45 p.m. today and 6 p.m. Saturday at the Hyatt Regency. And, bonus! Andy Freeman, chair of the tribe, will be at the screenings available for discussion along with Dawson and Maloney.

http://www.nomlaqaboda-thefilm.com/ 


http://www.tulsafilmfestival.org/

Acts of kindness

Have you ever been helped by someone whose generosity changed your life? I have. When my husband and I first moved to Tulsa, we didn't have jobs or vehicles. I had never felt so helpless. We were in a new city with nothing except a crummy apartment.

Then, someone reached out to help us. My sister's teenage son had a car that needed work but ran. She let me borrow it so I could drive to a job interview. I got the job, and because of her, I had a car to get me there each day.

I'm not saying the car was perfect. In fact, far from it. It was a standard and got stuck in gear, a lot. Plus, I had never driven a standard before. And it died at more than a few intersections. But it always got me where I needed to go (eventually).

I am grateful for my sister's generosity as well as those who give to others they don't even know. And the reason for this warm, fuzzy blog post? The TCC Foundation, which provides hundreds of scholarships to students and funds faculty innovation projects, are awarding Lynn and Stacy Schusterman with the Vision in Education Leadership Award tonight. The Schustermans have given so much to Tulsa and TCC, and I know each student affected by their generosity is grateful.

If you would like to say "thank you" to the Schustermans or someone else who has been generous to you, post a comment.

TCCMobile now available in Apple App Store

It's here! The new TCCMobile app is ready for your downloadable enjoyment. This app is so great, it may just change your life. OK, maybe not change your life but definitely make your life easier. You can go to the Apple App Store right now and download TCCMobile for FREE. This app has MyTCC, Blackboard, TED, academic schedules and phone numbers at just a tap away. It has TCC news, calendars, maps to TCC locations and more. Check it out.

Slave ships, 'Indian Warriors' and more revealed in Civil War series

If you learned everything you know about the Civil War from “Cold Mountain,” then you should attend one (or, let’s face it, all) of the sessions at TCC devoted to this infamous war. Experts on the subject will present and show films throughout the year on topics such as the role of Native Americans in the war, British reactions to the war and slave ships.

• 7 p.m. Sept. 15: Donald Bellows - “British Reactions to the American Civil War”in Center for Creativity Event Space at TCC Metro Campus;
• 1 p.m. Oct. 4: “Ken Burns’ Civil War Documentary” film in the small auditorium (room 1603) at TCC Northeast Campus;
• 1 p.m. Oct. 5: “Ken Burns’ Civil War Documentary” film in the film/lecture room at TCC Metro Campus;
• Oct. 15: Battlefield Tour of Pea Ridge National Battlefield, Pea Ridge, Ark. (Contact Ken Blankemeyer for details at ext. 7122.)
• 1 p.m. Nov. 8: “Indian Warriors: The Untold Story of the Civil War” film at TCC Northeast Campus;
• 1 p.m. Nov. 9: “Indian Warriors: The Untold Story of the Civil War” film in film/lecture room at TCC Metro Campus;
• 7 p.m. Nov. 17: Ric Powell- “The Slave Ship Henrietta Marie” in the Philips Auditorium room 110 at TCC Metro Campus; and
• 10 a.m. Nov. 18: Ric Powell-“Ghosts of the Trade: The Recovery and Interpretation of the Slave Ship Henrietta Marie” in the large auditorium room 1470 at TCC Northeast Campus.

For more information, click here.

This just in: KJRH donates news desk to TCC journalism dept.

TCC journalism students (sitting) Michelle Feliciano, Scott Davis, (standing) Patrick Quiring and Priscilla Adams check out the news desk in the studio at the Center for Creativity this afternoon.

TCC journalism students now have a kickin' new news desk thanks to the team at KJRH. Students are using the desk in the television studio at the Center for Creativity on the TCC Metro Campus.

When TCC Professor Ed Taylor toured KJRH's studio this summer with his journalism students, he learned that KJRH was getting a new studio. Then he noticed that their weather desk would make a perfect news desk for his students to use in class. Taylor asked Production Manager Ross Greenawalt if TCC could have the desk, and Ross made it happen.

"This donation has saved us thousands of dollars in set construction costs, not to mention it looks very cool in the studio," Taylor said. "We had been using a computer table prior to the donation."

Thank you, KJRH!

Students, grads featured in new TV spot

Hi, everyone! I am excited to tell you that the new TCC commercial is now airing! I recruited everyone in the spot right here using "Inside Out," and they did an amazing job. Thank you to everyone who volunteered to be in the spot! Here it is for your viewing pleasure: TCC: Reach Higher.

If you would like the chance to be in a TCC commercial, print advertisement, etc., keep a look out for my posts recruiting volunteer models. It is a fun and educational experience, especially if you are interested in journalism or a related field.

Turning 18? Protect your online reputation

I am so glad that Facebook wasn't around when I was a teenager. There is no telling what inner thoughts I would have openly shared with the world simply because I am a communicator. I like to talk (and write)!

It seems teens today are sharing info that would perhaps be better left "unposted." Certain posts and photos might be considered funny by friends, but beware! When you turn 18 and start looking for jobs and applying to colleges, these seemingly innocent posts could hurt your chances when potential employers and college admission representatives Google you.

If you are unsure how your social media presence could affect your future, consider attending a free workshop offered by the Tulsa Public Library. The workshop, "OMG! I'm turning 18," is from 10 a.m. to noon Sept. 17 at Hardesty Regional Library. You can register here.

Immerse yourself in other countries, cultures with TCC



Students visit Madrid, Spain as part of their Elementary Spanish Conversation and International Work/Spanish International Seminar classes in a past study abroad course. Pictured are, from left, students Karen Farrand, Jordan Farrar, Nicholas Mendez and instructor Gloria Kirkpatrick.


Have you ever considered taking a TCC "study abroad" class? Next summer, TCC faculty will lead students in international educational experiences like no other. Classes will be held in England, Greece, France, China, Japan, Nicaragua, Netherlands, Turkey and more.

The trips are anywhere between eight and 14 days.

If you are interested or just want to see some amazing photos from previous trips, click here.

The fruitcake formula: Semester countdown, fruitcake comparison

So, it is finally Friday! The first week of classes is complete, and you only have 15 left if you're taking traditional 16-week classes. It isn't as long as it seems.

It may seem like forever, but when I think back to the 12 months my grandma used to let her fruitcake "age," 15 weeks seem relatively short! I never ate the fruitcake, but I longed for the moment when I could watch the grownups eat something that had been sitting for a year. Fascinating. If you have never heard of letting fruitcake age, you have to read this. I laughed out loud when I read that some people don't even consider eating fruitcake until it is three years old!

Anywho, I digress. The point is that this semester will be over before you know it. Work hard, stay focused and in no time you too can be eating fruitcake. I mean, graduating.

First day fashion fun: West Campus

I visited all four TCC campuses yesterday to see what everyone was wearing for the first day of classes. Here are the looks I found in the hallway runways. Let me know which looks you like!

West Campus:

First day fashion fun: Southeast Campus

I visited all four TCC campuses yesterday to see what everyone was wearing for the first day of classes. Here are the looks I found in the hallway runways. Let me know which looks you like!

Southeast Campus:

First day fashion fun: Northeast Campus

I visited all four TCC campuses yesterday to see what everyone was wearing for the first day of classes. Here are the looks I found in the hallway runways. Let me know which looks you like!

Northeast Campus:

First day fashion fun: Metro Campus

I visited all four TCC campuses yesterday to see what everyone was wearing for the first day of classes. Here are the looks I found in the hallway runways. Let me know which looks you like!

Metro Campus:

What are you wearing the first day of class?

It's a dilemma we face every day. We look into the closet wanting comfort and style, carefully weighing both before we select the perfect shoes and outfit. (For you guys out there--an "outfit" is the pairing of pants and a shirt.)

The first day of school is especially important. On Monday, Aug. 22, what will students be wearing on TCC campuses? Will the excitement of wanting to make a good first impression drive students to wear cute skinny jeans and name brand graphic tees? Or will the classic college just-rolled-out-of-bed fashion statement be seen in the hallway runways?

Either way, you are taking a fashion risk. Too cute and people think you tried too hard. Too slouchy and people think you don't care.

I will visit all four campuses on Monday to see what students are wearing on the first day of school. I will also be taking names and snapping photos. The best looks will be featured here on "Inside Out" Tuesday, Aug. 23. Let the fashion (and classes) begin!

TCC Metro Campus students appear in 'Tulsa People'

"Tulsa People" magazine came to Tulsa Community College's Metro Campus to talk to students and a faculty member about education in Tulsa. They appear in the August issue of the magazine as well as on the magazine's website.

Check out what Zia, Sean, Professor Derrevere, Meagan, Jeff and Lindsey have to say:

Street talk: School days - TulsaPeople - August 2011 - Tulsa, OK

Veteran coming to TCC? Visit Caroline

Are you a veteran returning to college? If so, check out TCC's Veterans Resources Center for info and support. Talk to Caroline Baker on the TCC Metro Campus--she can tell you all about veteran benefits, GI Bill, etc.

There is proof that TCC's center, and Caroline, rocks. "GI Jobs" magazine has named TCC in the top 20 percent of colleges and universities in the U.S. that are declared as Military Friendly Schools for the past three years, including this year.

So if you need help filling out forms or just need a place to study, visit the office or call 918-595-7279.

TCC Veterans Resources Center

Students reveal top 10 dos for attending TCC

I posted a few weeks ago about TCC's First Class, but I haven't told you what I learned at the orientation. Here are some "dos" that were presented by some seasoned TCC students that I think are very helpful.

1. Do homework on campus. Kids, parents, spouses, TV, dishes. Home equals distrations.
2. Do take classes in subjects you struggle with early. Putting off "hard" classes won't do you any favors.
3. Do wait until your second semester to take an online and/or blended class. Use the first semester to build good study skills, and by next semester you'll be ready.
4. Do ask questions. If you don't know something, ask! TCC staff and faculty are here for YOU.
5. Do find a "notes buddy" the first week of class in every class. Then if you miss class, you've got a backup.
6. Do get involved in student activities/organizations. You'll meet other students who can be great resources, and maybe even friends.
7. Do take advantage of FREE tutoring offered on every TCC campus.
8. Do visit career services if you don't know what you want to be when you grow up.
9. Do visit an advisor asap to make sure you dot your i's and cross your t's.
10. Do enroll in First Class--TCC's new student orientation class offered this fall to get more tips like these.

Note: First Class is in TED under "College Orientation ENGL 1091."

Where were you when 'social networking' happened?

"Social networking." The first time I heard someone use that term was in 2007. A friend of mine had left to go work somewhere new, and she said she was going to a conference to learn about "social networking." I literally thought she meant she was going to the conference to learn how to make friends and acquaintances at social work functions. It wasn't until a few months later when someone told me about MySpace that I realized what she meant.

The way people communicate has changed so much in the past five years. And TCC has been changing its communication strategies to reflect that. A Facebook fan page, a YouTube channel, this blog. It's definitely the social networking age.

Thank goodness I now know what it means, since it has to do with my job and all. :)

Do you remember where you were when social networking happened?

TCC: Back to regular programming

Hi, everyone. This is a reminder that TCC is back to its regular schedule, which means whatever offices are usually open on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays are now open on those days.

TCC kept a summer schedule until just last week. But now, things are back to normal!

Happy Wednesday!

Education is hope

Chef Jeff Henderson speaks to TCC graduates at the commencement ceremony this morning at Dick Conner Correctional Center in Hominy.

I only see them once a year, but in the past three TCC graduations held at Dick Conner Correctional Center in Hominy I can see that the offenders (who are also TCC graduates), have changed. Offenders who didn't look me in the eyes in 2009 smiled and shook my hand today. There is hope in their eyes and their gestures. But that's just a small example of how college has changed, and continues to change, the lives of these offenders.

Chef Jeff Henderson returned to Conner's this morning for the third year in a row, speaking to TCC graduates. He told them about mistakes he has made and how he has worked diligently to turn his life around. From drug dealer to Food Network personality/chef and best selling author, Chef Jeff has set an example for these offenders to follow. He told them there is a better way to live, and education is the road that takes you there.

He went on to say not only is education the key to a better life, it's also something no one can take away from you. He said no matter where you come from, what you've done or what you haven't done, an education is yours forever. So true.

Some of those offenders will probably never leave Conner's, yet they are earning certificates of achievement and associate degrees. Education is not only giving them knowledge, it's also giving them hope. Hope that even though they can't change their own fates, they have the power to influence younger offenders, their children and others to not take the same paths they did.

See what I saw through my camera lens on TCC's Facebook fan page.