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!