2012 Pick of the pics

Here are a few of my favorite pics from 2012. Look around and let me know your fav.

Parent and child in Nicaragua waiting to be seen by

TCC Nursing students.

Flowers soaking up the morning sun at
TCC's Northeast Campus in the spring.

Goose on the loose at TCC Southeast Campus.

High school FFA student at Northeast Campus

in her fashionable kicks.

TCC employees showing off their team spirit before making phone calls
 to encourage students to file for graduation.

Grads from TCC's Physical Therapy Assistant Program say "hi"
to a skeleton in the new PTA clinic.            

                           

A horse head at the Veterinary Technology Building
on the West Campus. Reminds me of a certain
scene in a certain film.....

I love this picture of the people in Nicaragua getting care
from TCC Dental Hygiene students. Students said even
though it was terribly hot, they had limited equipment,
and patients sat in lawn chairs, none of the patients complained.
Even though their teeth were severely neglected. Even the children. 

Reminds me of the holidays......

FinanciallyFit reveals two-year degree programs that lead to strong pay, solid careers

Thinking about enrolling at TCC this spring? Yahoo's FinanciallyFit reveals great-paying, in-demand careers that require two-year degrees and/or certificates, many of which are offered here at TCC. To get one-on-one academic advisement regarding any degree program, visit any of the Academic Advisement located on the four TCC campuses.

USA Today says medical interpreters in demand

Thinking about a career in the health field but don't want to be a nurse? This article in USA Today says that the need for medical interpreters is growing. Professor in TCC's medical interpreting program Tina Peña is quoted in the article. 

You can find out more about TCC's medical interpreting program here.

Winter break movie bucket list

As the semester winds down, I can't help but start planning my down time. During the break between semesters, I hope to catch up on some recently released movies and get out to see the holiday blockbusters.

On my list are, in no particular order:
1. "Lincoln" : This movie looks educational and entertaining. It has Daniel Day-Lewis and Sally Field, and if loving them is wrong then I don't wanna be right.

2. "Les Miserables": Wow. What can be said about this movie other than that? This is probably the film I'm most looking forward to seeing. Cannot wait!

3. "The Hobbit": How can a prequel possibly go wrong? I'm excited to watch the story of Bilbo Baggins brought to life.

4. "This is 40": This movie looks insanely funny, and a little too familiar. The trailer alone made me laugh so hard I cried.

5. "West of Memphis": This documentary unravels the story of three men who wrongfully spent 18 years in prison for crimes they didn't commit. Although it will be hard to watch, I think it deserves my time.

I probably won't get around to watching all five movies during the next month. In fact, I'll be lucky if I get to see two of them. But perhaps you will watch the ones I don't and let me know how they are.

On an end note, am I missing some upcoming films that have potential for being awesome? Let me know!

Playaways: Audio books without the fuss of CDs

Photo courtesy http://www.playaway.com/. 

With the holidays approaching, I'm preparing my entertainment for road trips. I love listening to audio books, but my family doesn't always love listening to them as we drive to grandma's house. Well, I've found an alternative! Have you heard of a Playaway? It is a great way to listen to an audio book as an alternative to messing with four or five CDs. It is a little electronic device (about the size of a deck of cards) that comes preloaded with an audio book. You just plug in headphones, and you are set! I discovered them this weekend while browsing at the TCC Library on the TCC Northeast Campus. The Tulsa City-County Library has Playaways as well, for your listening pleasure. Enjoy!

Students say Honors Program is fun!

Have you ever thought about taking a TCC Honors Course? Or maybe envisioned yourself walking in your graduation garb accompanied with a scholarly gold medallion around your neck? Don't just dream it---do it! The Honors Program at TCC is one of the best secrets of the College. Scholarships, camaraderie, support and fun await you......Just listen to these students!

In the words of The Lorax, let's 'speak for the trees'

Yes, summer is over. But the drought that has plagued us isn't over. In fact, the effects of this year's drought are still crippling our trees, shrubs and wildlife. But there is something you can do! TCC's John Kahre, who I like to refer to as "The Tree Whisperer," is offering free advice on how to revive your thirsty yards and bring pep back to your pines. John's "Landscape CPR" session is 7 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 13 at the Tulsa Garden Center. It's free, but seating is limited so call to register (918-746-5125).

If you haven't seen the old version of "The Lorax," check it out on YouTube. It was always one of my favs!

Sweet Son Wi

Tse Son Wi and PTA students in the current PTA clinic.

I got to meet a pretty amazing family recently: Amy, Larry and their little girl Tse Son Wi, or Son Wi. The little girl is only 2 years old, but Son Wi has already triumphed over more challenges than some people face in a lifetime. How did we cross each others' paths? The Physical Therapy Assistant clinic at TCC.

Jeff Hammontree, PTA professor at TCC, has been working with Son Wi and her parents since she was born. He and his PTA students have helped Son Wi learn how to do various things, from swallowing to walking.

Son Wi, and numerous others of various ages and abilities, have received physical therapy while helping PTA students get hands-on learning experience for decades. In fact, the PTA program at TCC celebrates its 30th anniversary this Friday with a sneak peak at the future PTA Clinic facility. The new clinic will enable Jeff and his students to help even more people like Son Wi.

To hear Son Wi's story, click here for a video.

To read Lora's story, another PTA patient, click here for the Tulsa World article.

Pharmacy Tech: Cool career, great pay in 16 weeks

When you are fresh out of high school, it sometimes takes a while to decide "what you want to be when you grow up." Even after I graduated with a bachelor's degree at 23, I wasn't sure. But, I have a new concept. Instead of trying to decide what you want to be someday, how about deciding what you want to be right now? That is, what if you could train one semester and be ready for a career that has the potential to pay between $25,000 and $42,000 per year?

Students can qualify to take the exam to be a nationally certified pharmacy technician after only 16 weeks of training at TCC. And, 99 percent of students who train at TCC pass this exam. Graduates of the program can work at pharmacies and/or hospitals and make a good living. They can also work while furthering their education in pharmacy, nursing or another career. No matter what they decide to do, becoming a nationally certified pharmacy technician will only enhance their resumes. 

And, if you are Native American and a member of a tribe, you have even more options and earning potential.  

Get more details by contacting Teresa Foster, coordinator of TCC's Pharmacy Technician program (918-595-7002).

Check out statistics: http://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/pharmacy-technicians.htm

Do you 'bleed' blue or white?

No, TCC doesn't have a sports team, but you wouldn't know it from the Grad Blitz tailgate party that employees came to on Saturday afternoon. People whom I've seen sit quietly behind a desk were doing cheers and sporting TCC gear all in an effort to get more current students to file for graduation.

The tailgate party was a kickoff event for the phone calls that TCC employee volunteers will make on Tuesday and Thursday evenings this week to remind current students approaching degree completion that they need to see an academic advisor.

Why? Well, some students do not realize that they need to actually file for graduation. They think that if they finish the recommended courses in their degree plan, an associate degree will arrive in the mailbox. This simply isn't the case. If you are finishing your degree plan this fall, you have to visit an academic advisor no later than Oct. 26 in order to file for graduation. If you plan to finish your degree plan in the spring, you have to visit an academic advisor no later than the last Friday in March.

For complete details, visit tulsacc.edu

Safety reminder: Use the crosswalks

In the rush to get to class on time, we sometimes don't take the safest route in crossing the street. But darting across a busy highway or street without using the crosswalk just is not safe. It is important to cross the street in the designated pedestrian walkways at all TCC campuses, especially at TCC's Metro Campus. I am on the campuses a lot, and I cringe every time I see someone walk across a street with cars zooming toward them. Yikes!

Yes, it takes some time and more effort to go to the crosswalk, but it's worth it! That's my public service announcement for the day.

Gov. Mary Fallin visits TCC

Gov. Mary Fallin was in T-town today, and as part of her visit she toured the Center for Creativity on the TCC Metro Campus. She saw the television production studio, radio studio, visual art/drawing studio and event space. She also spoke in a public service announcement that will be released to local media and posted on YouTube. The PSA addresses Oklahoma's effort to get more people to finish their college degrees, which is part of the Complete College America federal program.

As we all know, life can sometimes interrupt our plans to finish college. We start all excited and starry-eyed, dreaming of the future. But, life happens. Complete College America is an initiative to help and encourage people to finish those college degrees and certificates, and Oklahoma is one of the 29-member Alliance of States that has pledged to make college completion a top priority.

Have you ever had to pause your education because of one reason or another? What encouraged you to return to college and finish?

Honoring: Dr. Keith Ballard

The TCC Foundation will honor Dr. Keith Ballard, superintendent of Tulsa Public Schools, Thursday night with the TCC Vision in Education Leadership Award. Ballard is receiving the highest honor that the TCC Foundation bestows upon an individual. He and hundreds of guests will attend the dinner that is also a fundraiser for the TCC Foundation, which provides scholarships and funding for special projects. To read more, click here.

TCC is You

TCC is flexibility. TCC is fun. TCC is learning. I could go on, but I'd rather you take it from here! I will be out on the campuses this week asking people to fill in the blank of "TCC is______" If you see me wandering around campus with a funny sign (see above), come tell me what TCC is to you. I'll take your picture and share it on Inside Out and on Facebook. What is TCC to you? See our new "TCC is" TV spot.

Around T-Town with TCC

To start off this week right, we are beginning the unveiling of a series of images that have been taken across Tulsa. These images will change periodically to show off stores, restaurants, parks, entertainment venues, walking trails and other places that make Tulsa a great place to live, work and study. The images will appear on TCC's home page throughout the 2012-2013 academic year. When you see a favorite place you've been, an icon you have admired throughout your life or a restaurant you love, share your memories and thoughts here on Inside Out or post them to the TCC Facebook page.

Update: TCC students also to premiere documentary Thursday

As I posted last week,  Professor Ed Taylor is showing a documentary on Thursday. I just learned that TCC students in Taylor's Documentary Filmmaking class will also show their documentary, "Cathedrals of Downtown Tulsa," making Thursday's event a Documentary Double Feature! This is a great opportunity to sit inside a comfy, air-conditioned building and learn more about our world and our awesome city!
When: 1 p.m. Thursday
Where: Event Space, Center for Creativity
Why: To learn about study abroad, service learning, documentary filmmaking, cathedrals in Tulsa, etc.

Professor to debut documentary about students helping Nicaragua community

Caption: Professor Ed Taylor, whose hand can be seen holding his camera on the far right, will premiere a documentary about TCC students in Nicaragua on Aug. 2. 

A 40-minute documentary that follows Dental Hygiene and Nursing students on their recent service learning trip to Nicaragua will premier next week. The premier showing of "TCC in Nicaragua....An Excellent Adventure" is 1 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 2 in the Event Space in the Center for Creativity on TCC's Metro Campus.

If you are thinking about taking a class that requires a service learning component, thinking about ways to volunteer, or thinking about taking a study abroad class, this is a great opportunity to hear directly from students.

For more information about any of these subjects, visit http://www.tulsacc.edu/

Want to quickly figure your summer grade? Here's a website to help

After making a not-so-wonderful grade on my mid-term, I decided I needed to figure out what my current grade is in my summer class. I'm not a whiz at math, and so I googled to find a website that would figure my letter grade for me quickly. Sure, I could have done it myself if I wanted to invest some time, but I wanted to figure it out fast so math.com was my answer.
All you have to do is enter the number of points you received and the number of points possible. Then, the calculator figures the percentage. Obviously, you can see from that percentage if it is an A (90 & above), B (80 & above), C (70 & above), etc.

The website gives you a couple of different options of figuring your grade. I used the second one, BTW. Good luck with the rest of your semester!

Chronicle: Ex-offenders less likely to return to crime if educated

Why should we care about educating incarcerated offenders? Because one of these days they are going to be released, and research shows they are less likely to re-enter the prison system if they get an education. This article published today in The Chronicle of Higher Education explains: Ex-offenders prepare for work, and life, at community colleges.

Note: TCC has a Corrections Education Program in which incarcerated offenders can take TCC classes in their correctional facilities. Since many of them don't have money or families to pay for tuition, TCC has established the Second Chance Scholarship to provide funds so that they can take classes. Learn how you can help here: Give someone a second chance

Save time & money by taking TCC 1st Class (for free)

TCC students share information about TCC with first-time students last year at 1st Class.

Are you attending TCC for the first time this fall? Or would you like to get some personalized guidance in navigating through TCC? Then I suggest attending TCC's 1st Class. This is a non-credit class that takes an hour and a half, but it will save you many, many hours of frustration by introducing you to all things TCC. You'll learn how to get the most from your TCC advisor, important details about financial aid, how to enroll using TED, how to use the MyTCC Plan for Success and a lot more. Plus, you will get a planner to take with you that has all this information in it. The planner also has a "College Terminology" mini-dictionary, that explains things like "academic suspension," "credit hour" and "open-door institution."

For a complete schedule, visit http://www.tulsacc.edu/orientation. 

Stats:

• 94 percent of students who attended 1st Class in summer 2011 successfully completed the fall semester 2011
• 81 percent of students who attended 1st Class in summer 2011 enrolled in the spring semester 2012
• Students reported increased knowledge and understanding of TCC processes by attending 1st Class in summer 2011

You can be in pictures!

Hi, everyone. I will be out on campuses taking photos in the next few days. If you see two men and a woman roaming on campus with a ginormous camera, that's us! Come say "hi" and we might just take your photo and put it on the TCC website. :)

West Campus: June 7 (tomorrow)
Southeast Campus: June 11 (Monday)
Northeast Campus: June 12 (Tuesday)
Metro Campus: June 14 (Thursday)

And if you have a TCC T-shirt, wear it! I would love to get photos of students sporting some of the cute TCC shirts they have in the campus bookstores.

Speaking of Second Chances.........

Since joining the College in 2005, I've had the pleasure to hear some pretty famous people speak at TCC: Bill Nye The Science Guy, Gloria Steinem and Temple Grandin. And this summer the list grows with the addition of someone who is famous for being infamous: Frank Abagnale. The author of the best-selling book "Catch Me If You Can" will speak at a fundraiser dinner for TCC's  Corrections Education Program on July 25.

If you haven't read the book, maybe you saw the movie "Catch Me If You Can," which was directed by Steven Spielberg and starred Leonardo DiCaprio. Anywho, if you've ever wanted to meet the man who successfully conned companies out of millions of dollars before his 19th birthday, this is your chance.

BTW, Abagnale paid for his crimes by serving time and working for the FBI.

http://www.tulsacc.edu/secondchance

TCC team runs in OKC Bombing Memorial Marathon

TCC team members hung their medal on the chair that bears Rigney's name at the Oklahoma City National Memorial and Museum, along with their team number tags.

Even after all these years, thinking about April 19, 1995 gives me chills. I recently heard that a group of TCC faculty and staff have been running in the Oklahoma City Bombing Memorial Marathon for the past three years to honor a TCC graduate who died in the tragedy: Trudy Rigney. To read more about this story, click here.

TCC grads going on to do great things

It is so much fun to see the great careers that people have after graduating from TCC. I have been out and about yesterday and today taking pictures to present in the upcoming Best of TCC event on May 31. It is one of my favorite things that I get to do! Meeting the people who have graduated, learning about their particular companies and professions and simply seeing the successes that people have because of their hard work in pursuing their degrees--it's inspiring.

This year, Best of TCC honorees include a police chief, case manager, architect, firefighter, minister, nurse, professor, biomedical engineer, web designer and more. In fact, today I met one of the architects who worked on the TCC Center for Creativity on the TCC Metro Campus. Very cool! After the Best of TCC event, I'll post their names, companies and photos. I hope that these successful graduates inspire and encourage you in the same way they have inspired me.

Minding your manners around the world

Guest blogger Steve Aston, of the TCC International Language Center, tells us the dos and don'ts of table manners overseas by sharing information he found on various travel websites.

Traveling to another country is exciting, adventuresome, and sometimes rude - if you are not familiar with the culture, that is. These are some etiquette tips to help travelers prepare for overseas trips. Below are some lesser-known formalities in various countries.

In Thailand, don’t put your food in your mouth with a fork!

In Japan, never stick your chopsticks upright in your rice!

In the Middle East, India and parts of Africa, don’t eat with your left hand.

At a traditional feast in Georgia, it’s rude to sip your wine during a toast.

In Mexico, never eat your tacos with a fork and knife.

In Italy, drink cappuccino only before noon!

In Britain, always pass the port to the left!

In France, don’t eat your bread as an appetizer before the meal!

In China, don’t flip your cooked whole fish!

In Italy, don’t ask for Parmesan for your pizza-or any time it’s not explicitly offered!

In Chile, don’t eat anything, even fries, with your fingers at a meal!

In Korea, if an older person offers you a drink, lift your glass to receive it with both hands!

In Russia, never mix, or add ice or turn down vodka!

When drinking coffee with Bedouins in the Middle East, shake the cup at the end.

In Brazil, lay your table token down wisely, green side—get more meat, red side—no more!

In Afghanistan, guests who accidentally drop their bread should pick it up, kiss it, and raise it to their foreheads before setting back down.

In Korea, it’s OK to spit your fish bones on the table or ground during dinner.

In rural Zambia, when eating dried mouse, start with the head, but do not eat the tail, that would be bad manners!

In Mongolia, manners dictate that the woman of the family gives the first bite, to the head of the family.

In Switzerland, Luxembourg & France gum-chewing in public is considered very vulgar.

Children, teachers build blue ribbon tree to raise awareness

A student in the Fireflies class at the TCC Child Development Center ties a blue ribbon onto a tree, a symbolic representation of child abuse prevention awareness.

Children who attend school at the TCC Child Development Center on the TCC West Campus tied blue ribbons onto a tree with help from their teachers and families on Friday as a reminder to help keep children safe by preventing child abuse. Children also paraded across the campus. Last week marked the conclusion to the national Week of the Young Child.

Tragically, child abuse is not absent from our society. The Tulsa World published an article yesterday on child abuse from a child welfare worker's perspective who works in Tulsa County.

Every year TCC's Child Development Center conducts activities throughout the Week of the Young Child to raise awareness of the importance of early childhood and promote child abuse prevention.

Ever wanted to be in a focus group? Here's your chance!

Would you like to experience what it's like to be in a focus group? TCC's Marketing Communications department wants to hear from TCC students of all ages to get input on an upcoming marketing project. We want to know what you like, what you don't like, what you love and what you hate concerning marketing efforts. And, we will give you free pizza for participating!

TCC Focus Group: 12 p.m. - 1 p.m., Friday, April 27 at Center for Creativity on TCC's Metro Campus.

To register, let me know at mcommunications@tulsacc.edu. Please register before coming so that I can make sure there is enough pizza. Deadline to register is Wednesday.

Student film festival 'Short Shorts' set for April 27

  Have you ever dreamed of going to the Sundance Film Festival? I have. While I will probably never get to go, I've found a film festival right here at TCC that I can go to for FREE. And what's really cool is that the films are made by students, and students star in the films. "Short Shorts" is the TCC Student Film Festival. It is presented by the TCC Southeast Campus Film Department, and it is 7 p.m. April 27 in the VanTrease PACE Studio Theater on the TCC Southeast Campus.

In addition to films, the festival also features Yeast Lords musical mash-up and homage to Gentleman Broncos performed by DKO.

Here is a "Short Shorts" teaser: http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?v=149579325073409&set=vb.100000640271566&type=2&theater

Remember Titanic (and maybe buy a new dress)

I couldn't resist buying a new dress at lunch today for the Titanic dinner tonight. Don't know what I'm talking about? Well, the Signature Symphony at TCC is having a fund-raising dinner tonight commemorating the 100th anniversary of the sinking of the Titanic. They are going to have an 11-course meal, and I will be there to take photos of all the glamour. I suppose I didn't need a new dress, especially two, but I bought them anyway. :)

Although the dinner tonight is sold out, you can enjoy/commemorate/remember the Titanic with music and buy a fancy dress (or two!) for a special concert tomorrow night. The Signature Symphony at TCC is having a "Titanic Concert" at 8 p.m. Saturday, April 14 at the VanTrease PACE. The symphony will play music from the era as well as music from James Cameron's "Titanic" film. To read more about the concert, read this related article from Tulsa World in the Scene section.

And one of the best parts? Tickets are affordable, starting at $20.

Tickets: 918-595-7777.
www.signaturesymphonyattcc.org

Attention guys graduating May 4: I need to hear from you

OK, I have heard from nearly 20 females who would like to thank their family and friends for their support on graduation night, but I've heard from only ONE guy! Come on, guys! It only takes a minute. Please send a sentence or two that I can include in the TCC graduation slide show. Here is what I'm talking about: http://tulsacc-blog.blogspot.com/2012/03/graduating-in-may-get-seen-and-heard-on.html.

MathPath returns! Refresh skills, save time & money

Has it been a while since you were in a math course? Do you need to refresh your skills this summer before the fall semester? For the second year, TCC is offering MathPath to boost your college math skills and help you score your best on the TCC math placement test. Scoring higher may allow you to skip TCC math review courses (developmental math courses with no college credits), and prepare for that first college level math class. Taking fewer or zero developmental math classes would save you time and money.

In MathPath, a continuing education class, instructors work one-on-one with students to address each student's need. 

Last year's MathPath students had this to say about the experience: 

1. Going at my own pace.

2. Telling me which problems i did wrong

3. It really helped to remember what I needed to, Iv been out of school for 2 years now and I had forgotten a lot and this math class really helped me

4. There was a math site available when you got home. So you could learn outside the course.

5. The study plan and being able to study from home as well

6. Once you took a test, it automatically knew what you needed to work on most to improve your score, and retake the test again. It also had an option where you could ask for help on any problem, and you could also ask your instructor. It has helped me understand the math that I didn't understand in high school!!

7. It took you step by step in each question if you needed it.

8. The tests told you what you needed to study

9.The instructor is really nice & helpful.

10.My situation was unique in that I have been out of the classroom for an extended period and needed a boost in my self confidence.

The cost of the two-week class is $50. Info: 918-595-7200.

When & Where:

Metro Campus

July 23-Aug. 2

1:30-3:30 p.m. (CRN# 90845)

5:30-7:30 p.m. (CRN# 90846)

Northeast Campus

July 16-26

3-5 p.m. (CRN# 90852)

July 30-Aug. 9

5:30-7:30 p.m. (CRN# 70003)

Southeast Campus

June 11-22

11:30-1:30 p.m. (CRN# 90847)

5:30-7:30 p.m. (CRN# 90848)

West Campus

May 14-24

9:30-11:30 a.m. (CRN# 90854)

July 30-Aug. 9

9:30-11:30 a.m. (CRN# 70004)

Graduating in May? Get seen and heard on May 4

Are you graduating from TCC in May? Do you have everything ready to strut your stuff across that stage? Well, here is your chance to be seen and heard at the graduation ceremony May 4. I'm looking for quotations from graduating students about their experiences at TCC. Your quotation could be chosen to be on the "big screen" May 4 during the pre-graduation photo slide show. Your name will also be included so that all your family and friends at graduation can see your quotation! :)

Here are some ideas to help you in writing a quote (in one or two sentences, please):
1. How does it feel to be getting your associate degree?
2. Who would you like to thank for helping you along the way?
3. What does this night mean to you and your family?
4. How did TCC prepare you for your next step?

Please write your quote in a complete sentence. Feel free to leave a comment on the blog or send the quote in an email to mcommunications@tulsacc.edu. Please include your first and last name along with your submission.

Note: Submission of a quote does not guarantee publication.

DEADLINE: APRIL 9

Tulsa Achieves student organizes St. Jude fundraiser

You know that story I posted earlier this week about things going on at TCC? Well, now I have more details about the TCC Walk for St. Jude fundraiser on April 7. I spoke with the Tulsa Achieves student who has organized the walk as well as a TCC employee whose nephew has been treated at St. Jude. This story will make you want to run, not walk, to the nearest TCC Advisement Office to pick up your donation form!

Good times springing up all over TCC

An emotion I'm feeling this week? Guilt. I have been so busy that I have neglected writing this blog. This is one of the most event-filled times of the year at TCC, and I haven't told you about it! So sorry. Please forgive. Here are some of the events I've been working on.
1. EcoFest: March 31 @ TCC Northeast Campus.Where else can you get a free tree, watch live worms actively composting and grab a healthy snack? www.tulsacc.edu/ecofest
2. Spring break: March 19-25. Holla! All TCC campuses and buildings closed.
3. "Titanic" Aren't you just so excited about the upcoming release of "Titanic" in 3D? Well, TCC is giving you a chance to experience the movie in another venue through a different medium when the Signature Symphony at TCC presents "Titanic Concert" April 14 at the VanTrease PACE. http://www.signaturesymphonyattcc.org/
4. TCC Walk for St. Jude: Tulsa Achieves students have organized a fundraiser for St. Jude's Hospital at 10:30 a.m. April 7 on the TCC Southeast Campus. Want to help? Email will.burnett@cox.net
5. Week of the Young Child Family Fun Fair: Enjoy a free day with the fam at this kid-friendly event from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. April 21 on the TCC West Campus.

I hope you are able to get out and enjoy some of these events between your study breaks!

Temple Grandin tonight at TCC!

Tonight is the night! Temple Grandin, whom I wrote about in an earlier blog, is speaking tonight at 7 at the VanTrease Performing Arts Center for Education on the TCC Southeast Campus. I hear the tickets are almost sold out, so if you haven't bought yours yet, you better call quickly! 918-595-7777.

Belly button biodiversity: What's growing in there?

One of the fun things about working at a college is that you get to constantly learn. And today, I learned about what lives in human belly buttons. Yes, you read right. The TCC Biotechnology Program invited high school students to hear from three science experts today, and one of them explained her research on the Belly Button Biodiversity project.

Nina Roundtree, a research assistant at North Carolina State University, spoke to students about the living organisms she and her colleagues found in samples taken from swabs inside about 100 peoples' belly buttons. She said they found more than 1,400 species of bacteria. Wow! So who are our little belly button neighbors? She explained how she and the team used DNA tests to find out what the bacteria were, but only the scientific names of the bacteria were listed in her Power Point. (I am not a scientist.)

If you want to find out more about this crazy topic, read about it in Discovery News. There is a great interview with the Rob Dunn, assistant professor in the Department of Biology at NCSU. But I'll give you a hint: there are fungi, yeasts and bacteria. Oh, and here are some  pictures.

Happy Leap Day!

Happy Leap Day everyone! To commemorate this day that comes around only once every four years, let me know how you are celebrating. I'm celebrating by working. :)

Celebrate African-American history, learn college prep skills Saturday

Are you an African-American parent of a child who wants to learn more about going to college or connect with your community? Or are you an African-American young person who wants to learn life skills and plan for college? TCC/NAACP will hold the annual Youth Helping Youth conference from 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday at TCC's Northeast Campus. To learn more, watch: Diversity Dialogue.

P.S. Watch more with Tony Alonso, dean of diversity and civic engagement, at 8:30 a.m. on KTUL (channel 8) on Wednesday.

Forbes: Highest paying two-year degree jobs in the US

Check out this article from Forbes about the highest-paying two-year degree jobs in the U.S., all of which you can prepare for here at TCC! It highlights how much money you can make as a registered nurse, dental hygienist, computer support specialist, engineering technologist and more. Good to know!

'Dead Man Walking' story told in new art form: Opera

"Dead Man Walking," a best-selling book and Oscar-nominated film, has been transformed into an opera that our own Tulsa Opera will perform. If you're thinking, "Umm...., opera's not for me," this is a great opportunity to hear something you can understand (it's sung in English) with an inspirational storyline. In case you don't know, "Dead Man Walking" is a true story written by Sister Helen Prejean, a nun who became the spiritual adviser of a man on death row. That experience influenced her in becoming an advocate to end the death penalty.

What's the TCC connection? The composer, Jake Heggie, will discuss his work on this piece during a special "Inside Composer's Studio" event at 6 p.m. Feb. 24 in the Center for Creativity on TCC's Metro Campus. Heggie will take you behind the scenes of this drama that tells the story of a woman's journey to help a convicted murderer find his way to truth and redemptive love.

Tulsa Opera presents "Dead Man Walking" in Chapman Music Hall at the Tulsa Performing Arts Center.
7:30 p.m. Feb. 25
7:30 p.m. March 2
2:30 p.m. March 4

http://www.tulsaopera.com/