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.