Winter Quarter 2012
Issue 2
Turning Roadblocks Into Opportunities at North Central State College
Inside this Issue
Vampire Power ..........................................2
StrengthsQuest is a program that works with students to help you
identify your individual talents and strengths. The goal of this
program is to help students improve academic performance and
prepare for a successful professional career by helping you learn
how to identify your greatest talents – in essence, your most
natural abilities.
Students, you can advance your own development and growth by
thinking, reflecting on, and applying your talents and strengths.
The StrengthsQuest workshop series will help you to identify your
talents and strengths, train you on how they can be used, and help
you to discover more about yourself. College is the place where
you can discover, develop, and apply your strengths to realize
your capabilities and become who you are meant to be. Donald O.
Clifton, author of Now, Discover Your Strengths, stated: “Each
person’s greatest room for growth is in the areas of his or her
greatest strength.”
If you would like to discover your potential for growth, contact the
TRIO office to register for the upcoming StrengthsQuest workshop
series. This will be offered on three Tuesdays: January 10,
February 7, and February 28 from 3-5 p.m. Participants will need
to attend all three sessions.
Source: Edward C. Anderson and The Gallup Organization, Princeton, NJ; StrengthsQuest™
and StrengthsFinder® are trademarks of The Gallup Organization.
Pictured left to right:
Jonathon Schrack,
Melody Pearles, and
Robert Zapior
discovering their
strengths during
the Fall Quarter
workshop series.
Hidden Trivia: Find a sample of one student’s five signature strengths
listed somewhere in this Newsletter. The first student to call the TRIO
office, 419.755.9015, with the correct response will receive a surprise gift.
The Benefit Bank Helps Students ...............3
Student Snapshot .......................................4
National Writing Award .............................4
Dean’s List ..................................................4
National TRIO Day ......................................5
Did You Know? ...........................................5
Resource Room ..........................................5
Upcoming TRIO Events ...............................6
(Be sure to check out “Hidden Trivia” at the
bottom of this page.)
MISSION STATEMENT
The TRIO Student Support Services program
provides and coordinates a variety of
educational support services for students
who are first generation, low-income and/or
students with disabilities. The purpose of the
program is to increase college retention,
graduation and transfer rates to four-year
institutions for eligible members.
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
Vampire Power
Household appliances and electronics contribute to a significant portion of the
expenses seen on monthly electric bills. What consumers may not know is a
large part of that expense could be a result of items that are not even used.
According to energy experts, about 5 to 10 percent of a home’s electricity is
used by appliances that are in standby mode. In Ohio, that means approximately
$55 to $110 per year could be saved on your electric bill if you knew which
electronics and other household items have standby modes and took action to
lower this power use. This electricity “loss” also is referred to as vampire power.
Some products that are not in use but still plugged into an electrical outlet may
be using vampire power, also referred to as standby power. Items that use a
remote control, have an external power supply such as an AC adaptor, digital
display, battery charger or soft-touch key pad are examples of vampire power.
Examples of some of these appliances include:
Clock radios
Satellite/cable boxes and Digital Video Recorder (DVR) equipment
Televisions
DVD and VCR players
Video game consoles
Computers and monitors
Printers
Microwaves
Rechargeable vacuums
Room air conditioners
With more knowledge about what causes vampire power, consumers can make
simple adjustments to control their energy use and save money. Tips to help
control the amount of power being wasted by commonly used appliances
include:
Monitoring the charging of products such as cell phones and digital camera
batteries to ensure their AC adaptors are only plugged in when they are
recharging. Many products have a light or power bar that indicates when the
batteries are fully charged (for example, a red light may change to green);
Shutting down a computer instead of only logging off. Turn off the monitor
instead of letting it set in sleep mode;
Unplugging electronic products that have a standby mode when away from
home for several days or more; and
Using power strips as a convenient alternative to help eliminate vampire
power coming from multiple appliances. Be sure to first properly shut down
any computers plugged into the power strip.
Consumers also can contact their local utility company for more information
about currently available energy efficiency programs. Many electric utility
companies provide incentives, and when combined with steps used to control
vampire power can reduce the amount of electricity used monthly.
Source: http://pickocc.org/publications/electric/Vampire_Power.pdf
Earned Income Tax
Credit
Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) is
a financial boost for working
people in a recovering economy.
Enacted by Congress in 1975,
EITC is a federal income tax credit
for workers who don't earn a high
income and who meet certain
eligibility requirements. The
amount of the credit is based on
several factors. Except in the case
of some disability retirement
income, people who do not work
and do not have earnings
generally do not qualify for the
credit.
EITC is for workers whose income
does not exceed the following
limits:
$43,998 ($49,078 married
filing jointly) with three or
more qualifying children
$40,964 ($46,044 married
filing jointly) with two
qualifying children
$36,052 ($41,132 married
filing jointly) with one
qualifying child
$13,660 ($18,740 married
filing jointly) with no
qualifying children
Workers who qualify for EITC must
file federal income tax returns—
even if their income is below the
filing requirement—and
specifically claim the credit to get
it.
Last year, over 26 million workers
received nearly $59 billion in EITC.
The average credit was $2,100,
but can be as much as $5,751.
Anyone with earnings under
$49,078 should see if they qualify
at www.irs.gov/eitc.
Source: http://www.eitc.irs.gov/central/main/
121 Kee Hall | 419.755.9015 | [email protected] | http://www.ncstatecollege.edu/student-services/trio
Page 3
The Benefit Bank Helps Community College Students
Consider this: an estimated $70 billion in work supports goes unclaimed by eligible households in the United States
each year. Unbelievable, right? Community college students are often eligible for federal work supports beyond
financial aid, yet lack of knowledge and barriers to access result in federally apportioned dollars going unclaimed.
Most notably, many community college students may be eligible for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program
(SNAP), also known as food stamps. In order to be eligible for SNAP, full-time college students between the ages of 1849 must meet at least one of the following criteria:
They work at least 20 hours a week.
They work any number of hours in a federal or state work study program.
They are a married parent with at least one dependent under the age of 6.
They are a single parent with at least one dependent under the age of 12.
Students must also meet the program’s income and asset limits that vary from state to state in terms of definitions,
exemptions, and deductions.
The Benefit Bank® (TBB) is a partnership with community and faith-based organizations to help clients fill out benefit
applications, e-file taxes, and complete the FAFSA. The Benefit Bank allows individuals to complete multiple
applications in a user-friendly format with simple prompts and gateway questions that determine when more
information is required. With TBB, a client can receive help filling out benefit or tax forms at a familiar community
organization with the trusted assistance of a counselor. With confidence, knowledge of the application process, and
the proper forms in hand, TBB helps to make it easier to connect low- and middle-income households to work
supports. Benefit applications can currently be completed using The Benefit Bank in ten states including Ohio.
The Ohio Benefit Bank is available to help Ohioans, including those that are working, connect to programs and receive
benefits for which they may be eligible. In addition to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, individuals can
find information and apply to programs such as:
Women Infants and Children (WIC)
Healthy Start and Healthy Families
Bureau for Children with Medical Handicaps (BCMH)
Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP)
Child Care Assistance
Ohioans now have the ability to complete all applications that are supported by The Ohio Benefit Bank on their own
from any computer that has internet access. In addition, individuals can check to see if they may potentially qualify for
benefits by using a feature called Quick Check. Quick Check is a one-minute benefit screener that estimates the
likelihood of eligibility for a range of benefits. The Quick Check results are based on a star guided system; the more
gold stars that appear, the more likely an individual will be eligible for benefits.
Applying for benefits may be confusing and overwhelming for some. Trained Ohio Benefit Bank counselors are
available to help those in need with completing applications and filing taxes. Trained counselors will assist in the
process of completing an application, determining which documents are necessary when applying for programs and
help navigate through the follow-up instructions when necessary.
For more information about Ohio Benefits Bank and to begin the application process, log onto www.ohiobenefits.org.
Source: Accelerating Achievement; the DEI blog ; Guest Post by Michael Schultz, an AmeriCorps VISTA at MDC and http://
www.ohiobenefits.org/index.php
121 Kee Hall | 419.755.9015 | [email protected] | http://www.ncstatecollege.edu/student-services/trio
Page 4
TRIO
Student
Snapshot
Student: Sharon Baker
Personal/Academic Goal: To
become a licensed counselor, so that I can work with
children who suffer from mental illness.
Major: Human Services
What are three words which describe you? Honest,
empathetic, studious
What is your dream vacation? I have always wanted to go
to Ireland.
Who is your role model and why? Honestly, my children
are my role models. They have been through so much in
their young lives, but they refuse to give up. They are
constantly striving to do better and face every hardship with
a smile on their face. They are my inspiration and
motivation in everything I do.
TRIO Student Wins National
Writing Award
Once again Therese Backowski is being recognized for
her writing skills. Pearson Company, a provider of
curriculum materials for educators, held an essay
contest last Spring called Pearson’s 2010-2011
Writing Rewards.
Therese’s essay,
“Designer Dogs:
Fabulous Fact or
Fiasco?” was selected as
the winner. She will
receive a $750 award
and her essay will
appear in the upcoming
Pearson publication.
Congratulations Therese!
Favorite Quote/Saying: You must be the change you wish
to see in the world. — Ghandi
Fall Quarter 2011 Dean’s List:
If you were a cartoon character, which one would you be
and why? Nala from The Lion King because she was
courageous and a loyal friend. She was also a fierce and
dedicated mom to her cubs.
Amy Fisher
Michael Gadd
Natasha Gingery
Leanna Hershey
Jason Massie
Deanna Roberts
Sherry Scott
Terri Stephens
Jill Von Haase
Favorite Book: Note to Self by Andrea Buchanan
“Others would be surprised to know that I”. . . Am an
ambassador for the Arthritis Foundation and have attended
the Juvenile Arthritis Conference in Washington D.C. and
Houston.
In the Fall Quarter Sharon completed the first series of the
Strengths Quest workshops. She discovered her five
signature strengths: includer, input, developer, empathy,
and restorative.
Sharon was recently selected as the recipient of the
American Association of University Women (AAUW)
Scholarship. This award is presented annually by the local
AAUW branch to one NCSC and one OSU-M student.
Congratulations Sharon!
Congratulations to Ashley Benson, TRIO Project
Director, for being elected as the new Ohio TRIO
President; and congratulations to Monica Durham,
TRIO Project Advisor, on receiving the 2011
Excellence on Diversity Award presented by the
office of Multicultural Affairs at OSU-M.
121 Kee Hall | 419.755.9015 | [email protected] | http://www.ncstatecollege.edu/student-services/trio
Page 5
National TRIO Day:
Showing Love to the Community
According to the 1986 U.S. Congressional resolution, National TRIO Day is meant to focus the nation's "attention on
the needs of disadvantaged young people and adults aspiring to improve their lives, to the necessary investment if
they are to become contributing citizens of the country, and to the talent which will be wasted if that investment is not
made."
Every year, TRIO Day is the last Saturday of February and has been proclaimed a National Day of Service. This year TRIO
Day is February 25, 2012. However, TRIO programs across the country schedule a variety of community service events
during the month of February in observance of the day.
The TRIO Student Support Services program at North Central State College plans to “show the community love” on
Wednesday, February 15, 2012 through a service project with Mansfield Memorial Homes Adult Rotary Day Care. TRIO
students and staff will spend the afternoon with residents engaging in a variety of activities. The TRIO program will also
collect items for residents through Friday, February 10. Boxes will be located at Kee Hall, Urban Center, and Kehoe. The
following items are being collected:
Personal toiletries
Men/Women socks
Women knee highs
Small household items (dish towels, etc.)
Cleaning supplies
Trash bags
If you are interested in participating in the service project, please contact the TRIO office at 419.755.9015.
Source: http://www.coenet.us/ecm
Did you know?
Peg Moir, NCSC Vice President of Learning Support and Retention, is a first generation college student. She
received a B.A. from Heidelberg College (University) majoring in Psychology and Sociology and a M.A. in College
Student Personnel from Bowling Green State University. Peg started at North Central (was NCTC) in 1989, just
after finishing graduate school, working in many capacities prior to her current position.
Peg comments, “I understand what it means to have parents who aren't familiar with the rules and expectations of
college. Take the financial aid process. For my first three years at Heidelberg my father refused to fill out the
financial aid application. He said that my parents' earnings were nobody's business. Actually I think now that he
was too proud to admit that our family needed help to pay for the cost of college, and maybe also he was afraid
that the forms would be too complicated and he might not be able to fill them out. To make ends meet, my
father worked two jobs and my mother worked full-time also. My senior year of college, my parents finally gave in
and filled out a financial aid application with the help of the financial aid staff at the college. My younger brother
was starting college also, money was tight, and financial aid forms had to be done so that I could
take out a student loan in order to finish my degree.
My family is a good example of the power of education. Two of us completed college and have
enjoyed challenging careers and financial stability. Our siblings are smart, talented people but
because they do not have college educations, the job possibilities for them are limited and don’t
pay very well. There is an old saying about education that goes something like this, ‘Put your
money in your head, then nobody can take it from you.’ It means that education is a good
investment. In my experience this is absolutely true.”
121 Kee Hall | 419.755.9015 | [email protected] | http://www.ncstatecollege.edu/student-services/trio
Page 6
StrengthsQuest — New Session
Tuesday, January 10
Tuesday, February 7
Tuesday, February 28
Sessions: 3—5 PM
123 Kee Hall
127 Kee Hall
127 Kee Hall
Tuesday, January 31; 3—4:30 PM
128C Kee Hall
Computer Literacy Workshop
StrengthsQuest — Continuing Session
Friday, January 13
Friday, February 10
Friday, February 24
Morning Session: 10 AM—12 PM
Afternoon Session: 1—3 PM
Human Services Majors
Group Advising Session
127 Kee Hall
127 Kee Hall
127 Kee Hall
Scholarship Essay Writing Workshop
Friday, January 20; 1—2 PM
Friday, February 3; 10—11:00 AM
Tuesday, February 21; 10—11:00 AM
121 Kee Hall (TRIO office)
Nursing Majors Group Advising Session
Thursday, January 26; 1—2:30 PM
128C Kee Hall
To register for a scheduled event , 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
Monday, January 30; 9—11 AM,
Wednesday, February 1; 9—11 AM &
Friday, February 3; 9—11 AM
(This is a series and must complete all 3 sessions above to receive certificate)
Tuesday, January 31; 9 AM—12 PM &
Thursday, February 2; 9 AM—12 PM
(This is a series and must complete both sessions above to receive certificate)
123 Kee Hall
The Rivalry—Lincoln-Douglas Debates
Saturday, February 4 at 7 PM
The Renaissance Theatre
FREE ticket to the first 25 TRIO Students to contact the TRIO office!
TRIO Community Service Project in
observance of National TRIO Day;
Wednesday, February 15; begin at 11 AM
Mansfield Memorial Home Adult Day Care
Like Us on Facebook
NCSC TRIO Student Support Services
Student Support Services
North Central State College
2441 Kenwood Circle, P.O. Box 698
Mansfield, OH 44901-0698
121 Kee Hall | 419.755.9015 | [email protected] | http://www.ncstatecollege.edu/student-services/trio