Fall Mid-Semester 2013
Issue 10
Turning Roadblocks Into Opportunities at North Central State College
“Get to Know Cheryl”
as told by Cheryl Carter
“At the ripe old age of seventeen, I accidently
discovered my passion. Through rather unfortunate
circumstances, I learned that disparities in educational
opportunities absolutely infuriated me. You see, in
junior high and high school, I had the opportunity to
attend a world class private school; my brothers did
not. And although they attended well respected public schools, they did
not experience the same academic rigor, classroom engagement, arts,
culture and leadership development afforded to me. In fact, no one in
their high school ever spoke to them about going to college. As a
teenager, this reality struck me as completely unfair; here I was with a
world of possibilities opening up before me and my brothers being
relegated to a narrow band of opportunity without a college education.
Inside this Issue
StrengthsBuilder........................................ 2
Trivia Question .......................................... 2
Get to Know Cheryl (cont.) ........................ 3
Anatomy of a First Aid Kit.......................... 3
Scholarship Recipients .............................. 4
Best Websites for Scholarship Searching .. 4
Top Ten Tips for Scholarship Search ......... 4
Scholarship Essay Writing Workshop ........ 4
Kick Off to Fall ........................................... 5
Fall Bucket List ........................................... 5
Hearty Beef Stew Recipe ........................... 5
Upcoming Events ...................................... 6
After high school, I attended The Ohio State University and earned my
degree in Computer Science Engineering. Upon graduation, I began my
professional career in technology sales at IBM Corporation in Columbus,
MISSION STATEMENT
Ohio. As a marketing rep I was responsible for…wait for it… selling
personal computers and educational software solutions to K-12 schools, The TRIO Student Support Services program
provides and coordinates a variety of
colleges and universities. Can you believe it? Talk about your life’s
educational support services for students
purpose opening up before you! It was just the beginning. After working
who are first generation, low-income and/or
with schools for a number of years, I began to feel strongly that access
students with disabilities. The purpose of the
to quality education was a basic human right that no one should be
program is to increase college retention,
denied. It is one universal factor that can dramatically transform lives.
graduation and transfer rates to four-year
Eventually, I transitioned to executive recruiting with Management
institutions for eligible members.
Recruiters International. Every day was about matching industry
executives with their next great opportunity. Every decision to change
companies was precipitated by an unanswered need for growth,
development, mentoring or increased income. Ultimately it came down
to clients needing top talent and individuals endeavoring to maximize
their potential. It was within this context that I discovered my purpose,
helping people tap their potential and unleash their greatness! Now
THAT gets me
excited! And it is
the very essence of
what I do at North
Central State
College.”
(continued on page 3)
VISION STATEMENT
Our vision is to encourage college degree
attainment by cultivating and inspiring
personal and academic excellence in
participants.
STAFF
Ashley C. Benson
Project Director
Monica Durham
Project Advisor
Jill Kubasek
Administrative Assistant
Page 2
StrengthsBuilder
by Monica Durham
The TRIO Student Support Services program is committed to helping each TRIO student explore the unique talents
and abilities that make student success possible. To this end, the TRIO program has developed a series of
workshops called StrengthsQuest. This interactive and dynamic four-part series focuses on helping students
discover, develop, and apply their Top 5 Signature Themes.
Students identify their top five talents or signature themes through completing a web-based assessment called the
Clifton StrengthsFinder©.
Clifton StrengthsFinder© — A Positive Assessment
Numerous students in the TRIO program have taken the StrengthsFinder assessment and have found it to be a very
enjoyable and positive experience. While most assessments either point out deficits, weaknesses or provide
unclear personality traits, the Clifton StrengthsFinder assessment gives simple descriptions that can be used in all
aspects of life — in the classroom, at home, in volunteer opportunities, during employment/internships, with
friends and family… as well as in a future career!
Signature Theme Report — A Positive Report
Following completion of the Clifton StrengthsFinder assessment, TRIO students are provided with a Signature
Theme Report. This report describes their top five dominant themes of talent based on their responses to the
assessment. The themes are presented in rank order with the most dominant theme listed first. Each of the five
themes is followed by a description of the group of similar talents found within that particular theme. The
StrengthsFinder assessment measures 34 Themes of Talent; however, students are only given the top five most
dominant themes. The reasoning behind this is simple — top achievers focus on their strengths to build success!
StrengthsQuest — A Positive Journey
The TRIO program has developed a workshop series called StrengthsQuest. The goal of this interactive, dynamic,
and research-based workshop series is to help students identify their talents and build upon them to create
strengths — abilities to provide consistent, near-perfect performances in specific activities. This journey or quest is
an opportunity for TRIO students to gain a clearer vision of their self-identity and personal values and as a result
obtain an increased level of confidence, optimism, and motivation. Topics covered during the 4-part workshop
series include: Developing Academic Strengths in College, Strengths and Career Development, and Relationships
from a Strengths Lens. TRIO students who complete StrengthsQuest continue on a lifelong journey of self-discovery
and applying their greatest talents to aspire towards greater achievements.
Future issues of TRIO Central will include a section called StrengthsBuilder. This special section will be
dedicated to highlighting tips and suggestions on how TRIO students can continue to build upon their
strengths and in turn maximize student success!
Trivia Question: Why do students in the
StrengthsQuest workshop only focus on
their top five most dominant themes of
talent?
Six TRIO students recently completed
the StrengthsQuest workshop series.
Pictured: students preparing and
presenting vision boards.
“Each person's greatest room for growth
is in the areas of his or her greatest
strength.”
Donald O. Clifton;
Now, Discover Your Strengths
121 Kee Hall | 419.755.9015 | [email protected] | http://www.ncstatecollege.edu/student-services/trio
Page 3
“Get to Know Cheryl” (cont. from page 1)
Anatomy of a First Aid Kit
“After more than twenty years in sales, marketing and
executive recruiting, I joined North Central State
College as an Adjunct Faculty member in the Fall of
2009. I started out teaching the First Year Experience
course and absolutely loved it! I knew I had found my
place. Ten months later I was named the Director of
our Urban Higher Education Center in downtown
Mansfield. As Director, I have the privilege of reaching
out to the most underserved in our community and
inspiring them to strive for a better life. In the Summer
of 2012, I picked up additional responsibilities as the
Director of Outreach and Recruitment Services for the
College. And this past February I accepted the role of
Interim Dean of Student Services. Today I serve in all
three capacities and it has been quite a journey; one
that I owe to passion, purpose and persistence.
A well-stocked first aid kit is a handy
thing to have. To be prepared for
emergencies:
1) Keep a first aid kit in your home
and in your car.
2) Carry a first aid kit with you or
know where you can find one.
3) Find out the location of first aid kits where you
work.
Whether you buy a first aid kit or put one together,
make sure to include any personal items such as
medications and emergency phone numbers. Check
the kit regularly to make sure flashlight batteries work
and any used or out-of-date contents get replaced.
The Red Cross recommends that all first aid kits for a
family of four include the following:
 2 absorbent compress dressings (5 x 9 inches)
 25 adhesive bandages (assorted sizes)
 1 adhesive cloth tape (10 yards x 1 inch)
 5 antibiotic ointment packets (approximately 1
gram)
 5 antiseptic wipe packets
 2 packets of aspirin (81 mg each)
 1 blanket (space blanket)
 1 breathing barrier (with one-way valve)
 1 instant cold compress
 2 pair of nonlatex gloves (size: large)
 2 hydrocortisone ointment packets (approximately
1 gram each)
 Scissors
 1 roller bandage (3 inches wide)
 1 roller bandage (4 inches wide)
 5 sterile gauze pads (3 x 3 inches)
 5 sterile gauze pads (4 x 4 inches)
 Oral thermometer (non-mercury/nonglass)
 2 triangular bandages
 Tweezers
 First aid instruction booklet
Please don’t think my journey has been one of
privilege and ease. That couldn’t be further from the
truth. Nothing in my life has been easy. I have had my
share of personal tragedy, heartache, discouragement,
depression, disappointment and despair. The list also
includes betrayal, financial and relationship difficulties
as well as physical and emotional setbacks. If you’re
saying to yourself ‘Wow. TMI!’ Then this wasn’t for
you. I wanted to ‘keep it 100’ for those of you who
know greatness is trapped on the inside but life keeps
coming at you hard. This is for YOU BABY!
It’s for the ones who think they can’t overcome the
latest series of setbacks that are threatening to derail
their dreams. I say to you here and now, you have one
life. It belongs to you, totally and completely, no one
else. You have one time to live it. Don’t let anybody or
anything steal your destiny or diminish your dreams. If
you do, you’ll regret it for the rest of your life. No
matter how long it takes, stay the course. Keep
pushing. Keep pursuing. Keep fighting for what you
know is right for you! Never give up. Never cave in.
And don’t you dare quit. Quitting is beneath you. Learn
to encourage yourself! Know that you will get there as
long as you keep getting up. Don’t you lie down and
die! Get up and fight for what matters to you. I’m a
living witness. You can make it to the other side. Like
my granny used to say ‘I got a whole lot of mountains
left to climb and plenty runnin’ in my feet.’ And guess
what my friend? So do YOU! Go hard ‘til you make it!
I’m your greatest fan!”
http://www.redcross.org/prepare/location/home-family/get-kit/anatomy
“Go confidently in the direction of your
dreams. Live the life you have
imagined.”
-Henry David Thoreau
121 Kee Hall | 419.755.9015 | [email protected] | http://www.ncstatecollege.edu/student-services/trio
Page 4
2013-14 Scholarship Recipients
NC State Foundation Scholarships
Alumni Legacy
Burton Preston
Cobey
Cobey
College Tech Prep
Donald L. Plotts
Emerson/Therm-O-Disc
Samantha Gonder
Stephanie Brocklesby
Misti Delaney
Morgan George
Quinton Shook
Elisha Compton
Lydia Miller
Gorman Fund
Haring Realty, Inc.
Paula Glasgo
Danielle Rogers
Ralph Phillips E Troop
Russell & Mary Gimbel
Foundation
Russell & Mary Gimbel
Foundation
Russell & Mary Gimbel
Foundation
Russell & Mary Gimbel
Foundation
Russell & Mary Gimbel
Foundation
Russell & Mary Gimbel
Foundation
Russell & Mary Gimbel
Foundation
Russell & Mary Gimbel
Foundation
Sharon Manring Gubkin
Memorial
James Blackford
Sharon Baker
Lori Clark
LaTonya Green
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2) Check with your church, synagogue, or other
religious affiliation for possible financial
resources.
3) Check with your personnel office if employed, or
your parent's or spouse's employer to inquire
about possible scholarships.
4) Contact your local community leaders or
chamber of commerce to determine if the
community is sponsoring students in specific
professions (medical students, engineers,
teachers, etc.).
5) Contact national organizations which may offer
scholarships to individuals with your cultural
background, personal circumstances, interests,
and skills.
6) Read newspapers, school papers, and bulletin
boards for local scholarship opportunities.
Shelly Kiser
7) Contact professional organizations related to
your expected college major.
Teresa Lambert
8) Discuss your scholarship search with University
faculty and staff members.
Tiffany Phillips
9) Meet with faculty, academic advisors, alumni,
and fraternity/sorority members to discuss
possible scholarship sources.
Danielle Roberts
Brittany Surgener
 www.ncstatecollege.edu/cms/financial-aid

1) Contact business and industrial groups that
provide services or products in your major or
career field to determine if they sponsor students
who are entering their profession or industry.
Andrea King
Best Websites for searching for
scholarships

Top Ten Tips for Scholarship Search
(NC State’s Financial Aid Office)
www.ncstatecollege.edu/foundation
(NC State College's Foundation)
www.fastweb.com (registration is free)
www.scholarshipamerica.org
http://apps.collegeboard.org
www.scholarships.com
Source: http://www.kent.edu/financialaid/scholarships/
scholarshiptips.cfm
10) Start your scholarship search immediately!
Source: http://www.kent.edu/financialaid/scholarships/
scholarshiptips.cfm
Scholarship Essay Writing Workshop
Learn how to put together a well-written
scholarship essay!
Thursday, November 7, 2013
9:00—10:00 a.m.
121 Kee Hall (TRIO Resource Room)
Instructed by Pamela Henney
(Students who attend will receive an advance copy
of the TRIO Grant Aid application.)
121 Kee Hall | 419.755.9015 | [email protected] | http://www.ncstatecollege.edu/student-services/trio
Page 5
Fall Bucket List
Kick Off to Fall
by April Kenison & Jill Kubasek
The TRIO Student Support Services “Kick Off to Fall” Event was
held on Tuesday, August 20, 2013, to prepare students for the
upcoming semester. Some of the topics discussed and the
presenters are listed below:
 Overall benefits of TRIO Program; Ashley Benson, TRIO
Project Director
 Student Government; Danielle Roberts, TRIO SSS student
 Navigating through Canvas; Mike Welker, Distance Learning
Coordinator for NCSC
 22 Financial Tips for College Students; Jenni Paramore,
Directions Credit Union
 Internships & Planning Your Career; Tracy Bond, Internships
Coordinator for NCSC and OSU-M; Troy Shutler, Career
Development Coordinator for NCSC
Students shared
the following
comments:
 “I enjoyed
learning
more about
TRIO.”
 “The Canvas presentation was helpful.” “I learned how to
use Canvas and the neat things you can do with it.”
 “The financial aspect of the program was good.” “I liked
the explanation about how to save money.” “Financial tips
that are good for students of all ages.”
 “The career tips were helpful.” “I liked learning about
career resources.”
 “It was very helpful.”
Thanks to
everyone
who took
part in
this
event!
The 3 C’s of Life: Choices, Chances, Changes
You must make a Choice to take a Chance
or your life will never Change.
rewirethoughts.com
Pick Apples
Bake an apple pie
Create leaf art
Play in a pile of leaves
Take a hay ride
Make fall cookies
Sip on some apple cider
Make a hearty soup
Try a new pumpkin recipe
Take a drive to view fall foliage
Attend a football game
Make gratitude stones
Collect acorns for a
centerpiece
Go for a long hike
Read a book
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Hearty Beef Stew
Ingredients:
makes 4 servings
1 pound cubed beef stew meat
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon paprika
salt and pepper to taste
2 cups beef broth
1 1/2 tablespoons teriyaki sauce
1 onion, chopped
3 carrots, sliced
1 stalk celery, sliced
2 potatoes, cubed
1/2 pound mushrooms, quartered
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 bay leaf
Directions:
Place beef stew meat into a slow cooker. In a
small bowl, mix together flour, paprika, salt,
and pepper; sprinkle over beef stew meat,
stirring to coat. Stir in beef broth, teriyaki
sauce, onion, carrots, celery, potatoes,
mushrooms, garlic and bay leaf.
Cover, and cook on Low 6 hours, stirring
occasionally.
http://allrecipes.com/recipe/hearty-beef-stew/
121 Kee Hall | 419.755.9015 | [email protected] | http://www.ncstatecollege.edu/student-services/trio
Page 6
Final Exams begin
Scholarship Essay Writing Workshop
November 7
TRIO Office; 121 Kee Hall
9—10 AM
December 10
Last Day of Semester
Veterans Day
November 11
no classes
December 16
Semester Break—College closed
December 22—January 5, 2014
Healthy Holidays Workshop
November 15
127 Kee Hall
11 AM—12 PM
Bookstore charges begin
January 7
Thanksgiving Break
November 27—29
college closed
Spring Semester Classes begin
January 13
Study Tables
December 2—6
128C Kee Hall
8 AM—4 PM
Martin Luther King, Jr. Day
January 20—College closed
TRIO Office closing at 3 PM
December 5
To schedule an appointment TRIO students can:
 Call the TRIO office (419.755.9015);
 E-mail us at [email protected]; or
 Stop by the TRIO office, 121 Kee Hall
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NCSC TRIO Student Support Services
Student Support Services
North Central State College
2441 Kenwood Circle
Mansfield, OH 44906
121 Kee Hall | 419.755.9015 | [email protected] | http://www.ncstatecollege.edu/student-services/trio