WestFest offers free fun for all

Sure, pumpkin patches are fun. What kid wouldn't want to visit one this time of year? But they can also be pricey. If you are watching your wallet like I am, you might want to take your kiddos to WestFest this week. WestFest is a fall festival at TCC's West Campus that includes a free concert, free hot dogs, chips and water for the first 500 people, and free carnival games for the kids. And, costumes are welcome.

There will be a few things at WestFest that charge a fee, and proceeds go to student organizations.  Veterinary Technology Student Organization will have pumpkin decorating for kids with each pumpkin costing $1; Phi Beta Lambda will hold a $1 cake walk; and there will be a Haunted Trail that costs $2.

The concert will feature Michael Boggs, a nationally known Christian music artist and songwriter. Michael is from the Berryhill area, which is near the TCC West Campus.

WestFest is 6-8 p.m. today, Oct. 24, in the Student Union on the TCC West Campus, 7505 W. 41st Street South.

http://www.tulsacc.edu/westfest

Art makes its way to TCC Metro Campus

If reverse vertigo is real, I think I experienced it Monday when I looked high above a two-story home and saw 2 tons of artwork dangling in the air. With heart racing and brow sweating, I carefully protected my face with a Canon Digital Rebel. I hid behind the lens, pretending that I was witnessing something happening on TV. After taking several snapshots, I raced to the front of the house to snap photos of the art being placed safely on a trailer. When the stressed straps relaxed, I took a cleansing breath.

Witnessing the removal and installation of three pieces of granite art was quite an experience. For any of you who were there for the installation of "Heart and Soul," "Spirit Las Mesas" and "Broken Earth" at the Center for Creativity, you know. Those pieces are huge....and beautiful.

Why did TCC purchase $200,000 of art? Well, it was purchased in accordance with the Oklahoma Art in Public Places program. Oklahoma Art in Public Places, signed into law in 2004, requires 1.5 percent of the cost of construction or renovation of state owned public buildings to be incorporated into public art. And, since TCC is a state agency, it is required to comply with this law.

What do you think about the art? See more pictures and/or comment at Flickr.com

Are you True Blue?

With inspiration from recent awesome events, such as Paint the Zoo Blue, TCC is encouraging students, faculty and staff to wear blue on Fridays. Even though we don't have a sports team, we can still have school spirit by sporting blue on Fridays. To watch a video that promotes True Blue, click here.

Giving back on Day of Caring

TCC employees volunteered to paint, clean, pull weeds, sweep and more during the Day of Caring held in Tulsa on Friday. The Tulsa Area United Way organizes this annual event, and TCC provides full-time employees with eight hours of community service leave to participate in either this event or another community service event of their choosing. Enjoy the photos!

Remember: TCC is tobacco free

I have been on all of the TCC campuses since fall classes have begun, and I want to remind everyone that TCC is tobacco free. I saw TCC Campus Police talking to people on the campuses who weren't following the policy, and I saw students on campus wearing electronic cigarettes, or e-cigs, which are also prohibited.

TCC became tobacco free in 2012 after Gov. Mary Fallin signed an Executive Order to make all state-owned and state-leased properties tobacco free. Consequently, TCC Board of Regents supported the governor's order by approving a tobacco-free policy on all TCC locations.

To report violations of the policy, contact TCC Campus Police at 918-595-8888.

To read details about the TCC policy and the health benefits of quitting, visit http://www.tulsacc.edu/tcctobaccofree

Dental Hygiene student Bethanie Baird shares her experience of cleaning teeth in Nicaragua

Bethanie Baird, TCC Dental Hygiene student, visited Nicaragua this summer where she and other students cleaned patients' teeth. Below, she shares her experience with us.

After arriving in Managua, Nicaragua's capital city and the location of the airport, my first emotion was shock. Seeing so many buildings and homes with only two walls and dirt floors was so unthinkable to me. The massive amounts of trash and debris on the side of the roads were unbelievable. The most heartbreaking sight was the animals, or walking skeletons. I had never seen anything like this in my life. I admit, I was very nervous and I never thought I would survive a whole week there. After meeting our driver, Juan Pablo and the dentist we would be working alongside, Dr. Sampson, I soon realized the people were nothing as I expected.

My first experience cleaning teeth was that following day. I had seen pictures and a video of the working conditions prior to the trip, but it is nothing one can imagine until it is experienced firsthand. The patients sat in lawn chairs, and we stood either behind them, or we would squat beside them to see inside their mouths. We worked outside in the blistering heat, and after every patient we would have to wipe the sweat from our faces. The amount of decay and tartar these patients had was unbelievable, even on children as young as two. Some of the patients had never even owned a toothbrush, something we don't think about in the United States. We traveled to different cities and "sectors" as they are called, and after four days of cleaning teeth and applying fluoride to children, we counted approximately 360 patients we treated.  We also had the opportunity to visit a nutrition center -  this is where parents sent their children if they were malnourished and could not afford to feed them. I think we all left in tears that day. A total eye-opening experience.

These people were the kindest individuals I have ever met. They were so appreciative of our services to them and did not complain at all, even though they were in obvious pain. The procedures we performed on some patients would require local anesthesia in our clinic, and these patients did not have anything to numb them. They had a whole attitude of "my house is your house" and welcomed us everywhere with open arms.  I fell in love with the culture while I was down there. Family is very important to them, and they are so trusting of one another. It was amazing to me to see people who have so little, be so grateful and so proud of what they do have.  After spending a whole week without things I never thought I could live without (air conditioning, hot water, flushing toilets, technology), I started looking at things from a different perspective once I arrived back to the U.S. I wish everybody could have the opportunity to travel to Nicaragua and learn from the people and their way of life. 

Pictured above: Dental Hygiene students clean teeth in Nicaragua during summer 2012.

A virtual 'meet the teacher' awaits

In elementary school, it was great because you always got to meet your teacher a couple of days early at the highly-anticipated "Meet the Teacher" night. You got to see your new classroom,  pick out a spot where you'd like to sit, and check out your classmates. But in college, it doesn't quite work that way, for better or for worse. You may not meet your instructor until the actual class starts, and you may not even know where your classroom is unless you put in some prep work for locating the class.

Even though you might not "Meet the Teacher" officially before class starts, there are ways to get familiar with the instructors at TCC on the TCC website and through Blackboard. Many areas of the College have faculty web pages, including Full-Time Faculty in the Business and Information Technology Division on the Southeast Campus. And, check out this great introduction of Suzanne Reese, associate dean of allied health on the Metro Campus.

No, not every instructor has a detailed profile page, but you can learn more about your instructors before that first class by doing some digging on TCC's website or Blackboard.

Happy browsing!

Congrats to the people making a difference

People are what make TCC great. Students eager to learn and build their resumes. Faculty prepared to share their expertise. Staff positioned to help students enroll, find their classes, apply for scholarships, etc. Again and again, when people talk about TCC, they talk about, well, the people.

Employees from every area of the College gathered yesterday on TCC's Southeast Campus to kick off the new academic year. At this event, several employees were selected as TCC Excellence award winners. These winners were nominated by their peers for the excellent work they do with and for students. Since many of you may know the winners, I'm thinking you might want to tell them "congrats," either by leaving a comment on this blog or telling them in person, so here are their names:

Lynnda Brown, Kara Ryan-Johnson, Jim Elder, Mary Ellen Sullivan, Patty Smith, Glen Jones, Tom Rowe, Jerry Rhodes, Larry Bittick, Becca Floyd, Pam Lucas, Keilah Deatherage, Lyn Kent, Lindsay Fields, Gornie Williams, James Price, Cheryl Lindle, Peter Kovaleski and Dianne Kirk.

'Community College Times' reiterates that connections are key

We don't live on an island. Although some of us may wish at times to isolate ourselves from the rest of the world, it is our relationships with others that make us who we are. Same goes for colleges. Stacy Collett writes about the importance of community colleges making local partners in a recent article in "Community College Times," a publication of the American Association of Community Colleges.

TCC has ties with numerous organizations, agencies, K-12 public schools, and higher education institutions both locally and regionally. These connections help TCC fully engage students and the community in dozens of learning activities and outreach programs.

To name a few:
Launch
TCC StartUp Cup
EcoFest
Signature Symphony at TCC
Veterans Services
Continuing Education/Professional Development
EXCELerate
Global Education
OSU
OU
TPS
UPS
And much, much more.

TCC has partnerships with so many organizations it is nearly impossible for me to have a list that includes them all. Do you know of a partnership to add to the list? If so, please leave a comment.

Students & classes relocate after Metro fire

(Pictured is an area that was affected by the electrical fire)

We are almost finished with this first week of classes in which some students who previously took classes at Metro Campus locations are now taking classes on other TCC campuses. The change is due to an electrical fire in the main academic building on the Metro Campus on June 17. I would like to hear from you and how your experience is going during this transition. Were your classes easy to find on the new campuses? Are your classes going smoothly (considering the circumstances) despite the relocation? To read details about the fire and continue to read updates, visit tulsacc.edu.

It's here! TCC Mobile 2.0

Want to look up the email address of your professor on your smart phone? Or find out where the Administration building is? Or access Blackboard? You can do all of these in the new, revised TCC Mobile 2.0 app that is available for download in the App Store and Google Play.

TCC reps are visiting all four campuses this week and next week to give students a one-on-one demo of the revised app. The women in this photo were on Metro Campus this morning downloading the app.

Catch the remaining demos on: June 5, Seminar Center lobby, Northeast Campus; June 10, The Hub, Southeast Campus; and June 12, Academic building, West Campus. All visits are from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Give your career a 'shot in the arm'

Lets face it--no one likes getting shots, but everyone needs them. That is why becoming a Medical Assistant is a great idea! TCC's Medical Assistant Program gives students hands-on training and prepares them to enter the workforce. And, TCC is one-third of the cost of other local medical assistant schools.

After completing TCC's program, graduates are eligible to apply for and take the national certification exam administered by the American Association of Medical Assistants through the National Board of Medical Examiners. (This is important because most, if not all, employers will want a medical assistant with a Certified Medical Assistant credential.)

Medical Assistants may choose to work in clinics, hospitals, health agencies, etc. In addition to giving shots, they may perform other clinical duties such as taking vital signs, drawing blood and collecting specimens. They also perform office duties such as scheduling appointments.

TCC's program accepts a new class each August--so now is a great time to contact the division office to get information. Call 918-595-7321 or visit tulsacc.edu.

(Pictured are two current Medical Assistant students practicing giving shots to each other during a recent class.)

Animal Planet star to speak at TCC

Need a fun night out amidst all the end-of-semester stress? Check out Dr. Kevin Fitzgerald, from Animal Planet's "Emergency Vets" at 7:30 p.m. tomorrow at the VanTrease PACE on the TCC Southeast Campus. This event is a fundraiser for the Dr. Jan Weaver Veterinary Technology Scholarship that TCC students are eligible to receive. Tickets: adults $20; students $10.

TulsaTech article highlights young women in engineering

(Photo courtesy TulsaTech)

Engineering isn't a career just for guys, regardless of the fact that men outnumber women in this booming, lucrative industry. I love this article from TulsaTech that talks about young women who are studying engineering and planning to enter the field. Very inspiring!

And if you choose to study engineering at TulsaTech, remember that TCC offers numerous engineering associate degree opportunities. And, many (if not all) of your TulsaTech classes qualify for college credit at TCC. For information about TCC's engineering programs, click here.

Give a 'shout out' at Graduation 2013

Are you graduating from TCC in May? Give a "shout out" to your friends and family on the big screen on the night of graduation (May 10) during the pre-graduation PowerPoint presentation at the ORU Mabee Center. I'm looking for quotations from graduating students about their experiences at TCC, how their families have supported them, how faculty have helped them, etc. Your name will be included so that all your family and friends at graduation can see it! :)

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 12

Example:

“Graduating from TCC is allowing me to not only tell my seven children, but also to show them, how truly valuable an education is. With my husband's support, and all the help I have received from the great instructors I've had at TCC, I feel like there isn't anything I can't achieve once I set my mind to it.”

--Sabrina Hall, 2012 TCC Graduate

Culpepper promotes Poems for Peace competition

Do you fancy yourself a poet? Does alliteration, blank verse and haiku make you want to carpe diem? TCC is now accepting submissions for Poems for Peace Student Poetry Contest. The deadline to enter is 5 p.m. April 1.

All enrolled TCC students are eligible to enter. Poems should include content that relates to peace and/or tolerance. Poems should be no longer than 50 lines. Submissions should be emailed to Dr. Allen Culpepper at allen.culpepper@tulsacc.edu with "Peace Poem" in the subject line.

The competition will culminate with poetry readings and prize distributions from 10-11:30 a.m. Thursday, April 18 in the Student Union Auditorium on the TCC Southeast Campus.

Goose on the loose

Beautiful day to get out on campus!

Tunes for a stress-free study weekend

For me, weekends mean study time and family time. Oftentimes, I like to listen to new-to-me music when I'm doing homework so that I don't get distracted by singing along. A station I found this week is going to help me (hopefully) get through the process of writing an introduction to an APA style paper. What is this station, you ask? It's none other than NPR Music. I didn't know NPR had music until I looked at the station's website to find out more about a topic I heard on the radio. But they do have music and it's great, especially if you're looking for something that is atypical of Top 40 stations. And, even better--It's mobile! :)

Former TCC student Nicholas Graham talks to The Oklahoma Daily about being a transfer student

Are you a TCC student who is planning to transfer to a university soon? Are you nervous, excited, etc.? Nicholas Graham, a former TCC student who transferred to the University of Oklahoma, talks to The Oklahoma Daily about adjusting as a transfer student, and the publication gives tips to those who are on the transfer path.

Budget-friendly healthy foods do exist!

Photo: Courtesy American Heart Association.

Life is hard. If there is one thing I've learned in my adulthood, it is that life as an adult isn't any easier than it was when I was a child. Some of the hardest things are what should be the most simple--such as making healthy meals that are also affordable that an entire family can enjoy. Typically, "healthy food," "delicious," and "affordable" seem to be polar opposites. But I've found a few websites that may help you cook meals on a budget that will appeal to your whole family.

1. Top 10 Healthy Foods on a College Budget This website has some great ideas for eating healthy on the cheap. A few of my favs listed are eggs, beans (add salsa to keep them interesting) and spinach.
2. American Heart Association Even though fresh fruits and veggies may be more expensive than junk food, remember that canned and frozen fruits and veggies can be just as nutritious and they have more of a shelf life in case you don't eat them right away.
3. EatingWell tacos Cooking tacos at home is so much healthier than eating them at a fast food place. You can control the salt by using half of a taco seasoning packet and stuff them with things like corn, lettuce, tomatoes and beans. Great for a busy weeknight.

If you have a healthy, budget-friendly recipe to share, please leave a comment.

Textbooks: Rent or buy?

How are you getting your books this semester? Do you rent them used? Do you buy them new? Do you e-read? Do you rent them new and then sell them used? I'm curious as to what is popular among TCC students. I, for one, love the invention of book rentals. It makes sense to rent the books you think you won't need in the future. But on the flipside, if it's a book that I think I'll reference later down the road I don't mind buying it.

There is a little mystery associated with buying or renting a used book. I remember when I was in high school, it was always fun to read the list of former owners on the inside front cover of a standard, school-issued textbook. If I saw that someone older whom I admired had once owned the book, it made me feel as if I had seen a movie star. It was as if somehow having their autographs in my possession made them my best friends, if only vicariously.

There is also something a little disturbing about used books. I heard something on TV about a research team that was studying the chemicals, fingerprints, fluids, etc., that readers have left on historically significant books. I can't find anything about it online at the moment, but the research intrigued me; this thought that books connect people, both with the thoughts they have going forward and the skin cells they leave behind. Kind of weird and kind of cool. Does this mean that we could theoretically clone a Founding Father from an old papercut?