Fall Quarter 2011
Volume 1, Issue 1
Turning Roadblocks Into Opportunities at North Central State College
Inside this Issue
A Message from
the Director
Welcome to the new TRIO Student
Support Services quarterly newsletter!
The purpose of the newsletter is to
Ashley C. Benson
provide program updates, discuss the
TRIO Project Director
political climate in Washington D.C. (i.e.
TRIO funding), highlight services, celebrate student successes
and much more. On occasion, there will be a Quick Update
which will be used to provide vitally important information
before the newsletter is released.
While preparing for a successful Fall Quarter, be mindful of
the services available to SSS students. Services include: the
Resource Room (121 Kee Hall), tutoring, workshops, Financial
Literacy training and much more. Each of the services offered
will benefit the continued success of our students as they
strive for excellence this quarter and beyond.
One of my favorite quotes is, “Every job is a self-portrait of
the person who did it. Autograph your work with excellence.”
While the author of the quote is unknown, I believe the
message is clear; the work one does is a reflection of who
they are—like looking into a mirror. So as you embark on this
new term, remember to be diligent and never give up. The
level of dedication and efficacy you put into your course work
speaks volumes for who you are.
Ashley C. Benson
Student Scholarships ..................................2
Managing Stress .........................................3
Writing Contest Winners............................4
Dean’s List ..................................................4
Graduates ...................................................4
Student Snapshot .......................................5
Resource Room ..........................................5
“Every job is a self-portrait
of the person who did it.
Autograph your work with
excellence.”
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
You've searched long and hard to find the sources of your
scholarship(s), you've received the awards and now it's time to sit
down and pen some intelligible thank you letters. You need to
know the nitty-gritty of who, what, where, when, and how, right?
First, do NOT overlook this very important component of the
scholarship process. Without generous donors—schools, alumnae,
corporations, professionals, philanthropists—you might not be
able to afford to attend the killer law school you are enrolled in.
Tips for Thank You Letters
Your scholarship thank you letters should be hard-copy, business
letters on professional letter or resume paper stock. Do not use
email to make your thank you. Email is convenient for informal
correspondence, but in some cases, such as this it is inappropriate;
too easy, commonplace and insignificant to prove important. Use
a high-quality word processing program that allows you to use
spelling and grammar correction tools. You should print your
letters using a high-resolution printer—something you would use
to print a resume. Do not make your letter mechanical sounding.
Even though it is a "formal" letter, do not be hesitant to give it
your own unique personality. You should comment on the impact
their generosity has had on your future and even a few short
sentences about what you expect to accomplish thanks in part to
their gift. Offer brief information on your educational and
geographic background up to this point and make sure to explicitly
name the scholarship. In many cases a donor may have given to a
variety of scholarships or sponsor a variety. While this might seem
like a lot of information to cover, you should focus on keeping it
brief and focused, no longer than a couple of paragraphs.
TRIO Scholarship Recipients
NC State Foundation Scholarships
Citizens
Amy Dawson
Cress Family Foundation
Rashid Sewell
Emerson/Therm-O-Disc
Sekina Beasley
Faculty
Valarie Bishoff
Gimbel Foundation
Shaina Botjer
Gimbel Foundation
Melissa Craft
Gimbel Foundation
Kari Eulett
Gimble Foundation
Tara Roberts
Gorman Fund
Therese Backowski
Gorman Fund
Joy Darling
Gorman Fund
Rajan Franklin
Gorman Fund
Crystal Hayes
Gorman Fund
Terri Stephens
Gorman Fund
Brittany Woodruff
Gorman Rupp
Melissa Hall
GR Memorial (GR Civic)
Aaron Butts
Haring Realty
Mansfield University Fund
Ambassador
Mansfield University Fund
Ambassador
Deanna Arnold
Jennifer Campbell
Julian Wilson
Orange and Blue
Shandi Lozier
Who, What, Where and When
Natalie Rizzo
Who do you send your scholarship thank you letter(s) to? It Orange and Blue
depends from whom and where you received your scholarship. Orange and Blue
Jamie Stevens
For example, if you received the award through your college or
Rable Machine
Jacque Hunt
university, chances are either a department advisor or financial aid
Lana Allen
advisor will have the information relative to your thank you Rupp Foundation ADN
Jereese Wilson
letters. In fact, most schools have a protocol in place to make sure Terry Coleman Scholarship
students complete this aspect of the process and give credit and
thanks where due. This ensures that generous alumnae and donors are acknowledged for all they do to promote
their alma mater's future. If you received the scholarship from a private or charitable organization, you will want to
make sure you ask for all the names of individuals/donors associated with the award so you can thank each
accordingly. And, yes, if there are more than one named, it is proper to send a thank you letter to each. Also make
sure you have double-checked names and addresses, as well.
Source: www.collegescholarships.org
121 Kee Hall | 419.755.9015 | [email protected] | http://www.ncstatecollege.edu/student-services/trio
Page 3
MANAGING STRESS
Everyone feels stress. In small amounts, stress may be good for you when it gives you a burst of energy. However, too
much stress or stress that lasts for a long time can take its toll on your body. Stress can make you feel tired, sad,
nervous, angry or irritable. It can cause headaches, muscle tension, upset stomach, nausea, dizziness, and may cause
you to eat more or eat less than normal.
In the long-term, stress can cause serious health issues to arise. Stress can increase your risk of high cholesterol, heart
disease, diabetes and reproductive problems and weaken your body’s ability to fight disease. It can also increase your
risk of depression, which may in turn contribute to heart disease and diabetes. In addition, stress can make it harder
for you to recover from a heart attack or keep your diabetes in check. So managing your stress is very important. Listed
below are a few ideas for healthy ways to reduce stress.
Connect with others. Talking to a trusted friend, family member, support group or counselor can make you feel
better. Spending time with positive, loving people you care about and trust can ease stress and improve your
mood.
Relax your mind. You can relax by listening to soothing music, reading a book or doing a quiet activity. Also
think about deep breathing (see directions below), yoga, meditation or massage therapy.
Exercise. Exercising relieves your tense muscles, improves your mood and sleep, and increases your energy and
strength. You may not even need to exercise intensely to get the benefits of activity. Try taking a brisk walk or
use a stationary bike. See what it takes for you to feel better.
Get Enough Rest. Getting enough sleep helps you recover from the stresses of the day. Try to get seven to nine
hours of sleep every night. (Visit the Sleep Foundation at www.sleepfoundation.org for tips on getting a better
night’s sleep.)
Help Others. Helping others builds social networks, improves self-esteem and can give you a sense of purpose
and achievement.
Know your limits. Let others know them, too. If you’re overwhelmed at home or work, or with friends, learn
how to say “no.” It may feel uncomfortable at first, so practice saying “no” with the people you trust most.
Keep a journal. Writing down your thoughts can be a great way to work through issues. You can also track your
sleep to help you identify any triggers that make you feel more anxious.
De-Stress Through Deep Breathing
Deep breathing is a great way to de-stress. It actually changes your brain’s chemical balance to calm you down.
Here’s how to do it:
1. Lie down or sit on the floor or in a chair.
2. Rest your hands on your stomach.
3. Slowly count to four and inhale through your nose. Feel your stomach rise. Hold it for a second.
4. Slowly count to four while you exhale through your mouth. To control how fast you exhale, purse your lips
like you’re going to whistle. Your stomach will slowly fall. Do this a few times.
If you are feeling overwhelmed, TRIO students can speak further with Monica or Ashley for support and resources.
Help is available for all students at North Central State College. Through the Student Assistance Program (SAP), NCSC
students can receive free short-term counseling, referral services, and additional resources. Students can contact New
Directions Counseling Center at 419.529.9941 or 888.805.1561 to schedule an appointment and visit their website at
www.newdirectionsforlife.com for additional information.
Source: http://www.mentalhealthamerica.net/go/mental-health-month/managing-lifes-challenges
121 Kee Hall | 419.755.9015 | [email protected] | http://www.ncstatecollege.edu/student-services/trio
Page 4
Pictured left to
right: Ashley
Benson, TRIO
Director, Robert
Zapior, and
Therese
Backowski.
Writing Contest Winners
This past Spring Quarter, a North Central State College Writing
Contest was initiated to recognize excellence in NCSC student
essays and research papers. Winning works have been published
as models in the upcoming 2011-12 edition of the Successful
Writer’s Handbook used in all NC State English classes. Two of
the eight contest winners are TRIO SSS students: Therese
Backowski and Robert Zapior.
Congratulations!
Winter Quarter Dean’s List:
Spring Quarter Dean’s List:
Summer Quarter Dean’s List:
Aaron Butts
Kari Eulett
Rajan Franklin
Leanna Hershey
Mandy Joy
Staci Lohr
Maya Pearce
Pokhai Preedeewong
Katherine Pry
Tara Roberts
Therese Backowski
Aaron Butts
Jennifer Campbell
Sue Chandler
Rajan Franklin
Natasha Gingery
Sylvester Ginn
Keith Goossens
Melissa Hall
Leanna Hershey
Melissa Hofmann
Jason Massie
Kenneth Moore
Pokhai Preedeewong
Katherine Pry
Alexis Rollins
Terri Stephens
Jereese Wilson
Ryan Christie
Jason Massie
Jereese Wilson
“All our dreams can
come true...if we have
the courage to pursue
them.”
—Walt Disney
NC STATE GRADUATES
“All of us do not have equal
talent but all of us should
have equal opportunity to
develop our talents.”
~ John F. Kennedy
The TRIO staff would like to congratulate the following TRIO students on
their recent graduation:
Spring 2011
Sue Chandler — AAB/Paralegal
Maya Pearce — AAS/Human Services
Pokhai Preedeewong — AAS/Electronic Engineering
Burton Wolf — AAB/Business Management
Summer 2011
Jereese Wilson — AAS/Education Paraprofessional
121 Kee Hall | 419.755.9015 | [email protected] | http://www.ncstatecollege.edu/student-services/trio
Page 5
TRIO
Student
Snapshot
Student: Destiny Karsmizki
Major: Digital Arts, Graphic Design, Video Animation &
Web Design
What are three words which describe you? Hard-working,
stubborn, persistent
What is your dream vacation? Travel the world with my
family.
Who is your role model and why? My mother because she
has always been there for me and taught me to never give
up.
Favorite Quote/Saying: “Life may knock you down, but you
choose whether you get back up or not.” “The day you stop
trying is the day you die.”
If you were a cartoon character, which one would you be
and why? Speedy Gonzales because I never stop moving.
Favorite Book: Anything by Stephen King and Rachel
Vincent.
“Others would be surprised to know that I”. . .
procrastinate a lot.
Destiny Karsmizki
provided office
support to the TRIO
program beginning
in June. She has
been a valuable
asset in organizing
files and data entry.
11 Ways to Succeed in Class
Attend every class
Don’t TEXT during class
Be on time
No side conversations
Sit front and center
Do assigned readings
Participate in class
Complete weekly assignments
Take thorough notes
Ask questions when unclear
Know the syllabus
Reprinted with permission from Dixie State College of Utah TRIO SSS program.
Resource Room Available
for TRIO Student Use
The Resource Room is now open. The center has
seven computers available to students for school
purposes. Also, there are several resources
located in the center to better prepare you for
success in your classes and future careers.
Students can sign them out for use only in the
Resource Room. Examples of resources include
the following:
Best Résumés & Letters for Ex-Offenders
Enhanced Occupational Outlook Handbook
The Ex-Offenders Job Hunting Guide
Job Seekers Magic Package (Job Searching, Cover
Letter Writing, Résumé Writing & Interviewing)
New Guide for Occupational Exploration
Peterson’s Guide to Four-Year Colleges
Peterson’s Scholarships, Grants & Prizes
TEAS Study Manual
Did you know?
Talk show host, author, and journalist,
Oprah Winfrey, is a TRIO Upward Bound
program alumna. She became a member
at Nicolet High School in Glendale, WI, a
suburb of Milwaukee in the 1960’s.
121 Kee Hall | 419.755.9015 | [email protected] | http://www.ncstatecollege.edu/student-services/trio
Page 6
StrengthsQuest
Friday, September 30
Friday, October 14
Friday, November 4
Morning Session: 10 AM—12 PM
Afternoon Session: 1—3 PM
Mid-Term Mixer
123 Kee Hall
127 Kee Hall
127 Kee Hall
English/Writing Workshops
Every Friday beginning September 30 thru December 2
Sessions: 10 AM—12 PM and 1—3 PM
121 Kee Hall (TRIO office)
By appointment only!
Thursday, October 20
3—6 PM
Kee Hall, 128 A&B
Campus Visit:
Central State University
Saturday, November 5 (Space is limited!)
Résumé Workshop
Wednesday, November 9
2—3:30 PM
123 Kee Hall
Résumé Writing Workshop
Wednesday, October 5
10—11:30 AM
123 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
Finals Lounge
November 28—December 1
Monday—Thursday
Time: TBD
121 Kee Hall (TRIO Office)
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