Women, your men are safe. Safe from what you might ask? Believe me, I asked the very same thing this past December when I was in a variety of retail outlets shopping. Wal-Mart, Sears, Harbor Freight, Books-A-Million; I seemed to be everywhere and yet I noticed the same thing in every single store I went in. There were men - many, many men searching for the perfect gift for their wives, mothers, girlfriends, secretaries etc. All were wearing the same perplexed look on their faces as they struggled to find “the” gift. But that is not the thing that assured me that they were safe. It was the fact that most, if not all, had a child tagging along or a woman on their arm. I bet I did not see a single man shopping singularly. After noticing this for a spell, I started to really take notice (being a single girl myself) and ask “What is going on?”

One day I finished with my shopping and, while waiting for a friend to finish, found a chair and sat down squarely in the middle of the tool department of Sears at the Macon Mall. You know, you can’t be more ensconced in a testosterone-laden atmosphere than the Sears tool, lawn and garden section. Over the course of one hour I counted 38 men wandering around;: 29 were armed with at least one child, although many traveled in packs, and the other 9 were accompanied by a female who appeared to over the age of 21.  It was then that I formulated my theory that women are fearful of their men’s safety and therefore if they cannot accompany them on dangerous shopping trips, they are sure to send a sweet little reminder of home - the one thing guaranteed to keep single stalker females at bay – the child.

So now I have proof positive that gone are the days of chatting with handsome men in the produce department of Kroger, forget talking about the bestsellers at Barnes and Noble, and don’t even wait for the hunk in Starbucks to offer to buy you a cup of coffee; it ain’t gonna happen sweetie. They are all gone: all the single men. And the rest, well girls “they are safely guarded as only a woman can… .”

‘Til next time, oh and just in case the handsome hunk that was recently in the K-Mart in  North Fort Myers is reading, you know, the one who was looking at automotive books while telling his significant other on the cell phone that he was at the perfume counter picking Mom up something, don’t worry sweetie: your secret is safe with me!

-Dr. Oreta Samples is the lead veterinary technician in the Department of Veterinary Science at Fort Valley State University.

The year I graduated from college, my life as I had planned it went away. I had planned a career, but from the moment I entered the classroom I felt grossly underprepared and unqualified to handle high school juniors only three years younger than myself. So I graduated without a solid career plan. In February of my final semester, my husband took a job in another city, leaving me to finish school, sell our home and prepare to join him after graduation. When I arrived in my new city, knowing no one, I discovered he had begun another relationship in my absence. So all of a sudden my marriage was also on rocky territory. By October, I was in such a bad place mentally that a friend I hadn’t spoken to in years asked what was wrong with me. It was that obvious.

By January 1, I had planned a new life for myself. I was moving back home, taking an internship with the local newspaper, and ending my marriage. New Year’s resloutions were a huge part of 1999 for me. I resolved to become independent. I resolved to get counseling so I could figure out where it all went wrong and avoid the same mistakes. I resolved to form stronger relationships with my family and friends, so I would never again find myself alone when my personal train derailed.

I did all those things. I checked off my New Year’s resolutions one by one, and when I rang in 2000, it was surrounded by family and friends who loved the stronger, healthier me.

And I’m sharing this personal story to remind you that resolutions have their place. When life just isn’t going the way you want it, when you’ve somehow gotten off track, resolutions can help you make the necessary adjustments to get your train moving in the right direction again. Don’t be afraid to tell everyone about your resolution - they can help you keep it. Don’t be afraid to post it on your mirror, write it on your notebook cover, stick it to the radio in your car. Remind yourself daily that you are deliberately making a change in your life, and those resolutions are less likely to be broken by February.

–Misty Cline works for the Office of Marketing and Communications at Fort Valley State University.

Resolutions - losing weight, saving money, making better grades - have become things to be broken. So what if this year, before 2009 begins, we all vow to make a restitution to someone we hurt in 2008? Maybe it was an unkind word, or being too busy to listen when someone needed a friendly ear. Maybe it’s pushing something to the back burner because it wasn’t important to us, even though it was vital to someone else? Maybe we “borrowed” something and haven’t yet returned it - months after we’re done with it. Or even borrowed something and lost it.

Sometimes making restitution for our wrongs is easy - return or replace the item borrowed, wrap up those projects that got pushed to the side. Sometimes it’s hard - having an open conversation and admitting we were wrong in our words or actions. But the repair to a relationship can make all the difference to starting 2009 with a fresh attitude, a clean slate, and a weight lifted off our shoulders.

So maybe we don’t need a “resolution” to lose weight after all. Just make Tigger’s “restitution” to lose 10 pounds of mental weight.

–Misty Cline works for the Office of Marketing and Communications at Fort Valley State Univeristy

What is it that causes a college student to not pick up the phone if the caller ID says “mom?” There are a few things I can think of, and ways for you to combat them.

1. They think they’re in trouble. Kids, even my 6-year-old, automatically think that when mom calls, they must be in trouble. “What did I do now?” is the first thought my sister has, and she’s 27! So have some casual conversations when your college student is home this winter. Let them know you just want to say “hi” sometimes - you actually miss them being under foot, in the fridge, and sprawling all over the couch.

2. They don’t want you to know what they’re up to. If they haven’t been going to class, didn’t turn in that term paper, or have been spending evenings partying with their friends instead of studying, yeah, they’re going to dodge your calls. Guilty conscience and all that. So what do you do about it? Check the grade report. If it’s not up to par, it’s time for a conversation. (See my post from yesterday.) College costs money, and if they are going to waste their four years of scholarships, maybe they should postpone the experience. Of course, first-semester freshmen are also often simply tempted by all the extracurriculars offered by university organizations, and maybe they just need time to buckle down and focus. You know your kids best, so you know which is more likely.

3. They are enjoying the freedom of not having mom checking up on them. This is by far the most likely scenario. They are out of mom’s house, they don’t have a curfew or parental rules to follow. They LIKE it. If that’s what is going on, go back to yesterday’s post and read Laura’s story. Read it with your student. Let them know THIS is why you check up on them. Not because you’re hovering, but because you worry. Not because you don’t trust them, but because you love them.

–Misty Cline works for the Office of Marketing and Communications at Fort Valley State University.

I encourage parents to spend some time talking to their college students when they are home on break for the holidays. Find out how your student likes college: is dorm life what they expected? Have they made new friends? How did classes go? What unexpected challenges did they face while away from home?

These conversations, I think, are vital to helping new college students return for the second semester, then the second year, and so on. Many freshmen find they are not up to the challenge of being on their own and return home after only one semester. If there’s not a community college close to home, these young people may give up on their dreams of higher education. So parents, please spend some time, maybe over a football game or while cooking Christmas dinner, to find out how your kid is really doing. There may be a reason they haven’t been returning your calls all semester.

But more about that tomorrow.

–Misty Cline works for the Office of Marketing and Communications at Fort Valley State University.

 

This past Friday, December 5, 2008, I spoke at Josephine Neal Academy, an Alternative School in Macon, Ga. It is a program for the students who excel in the classroom, display good behavior, and aspire to become college students. During this event, the Men of Omega Psi Phi fraternity Inc, Upsilon Sigma Chapter performed a great 6 minute Hop Show that included a few encouraging words from Mr. FVSU, Alexander Little Jr. and SGA President, Byron Doyle. The Men of Kappa Alpha Psi Inc, Gamma Zeta Chapter were also in attendance and performed a nice 6 minute step show. The students were elated to view such special performances. They were even more inspired by our words of encouragement to continue heading toward academic success.

PJ Peterson is employed at Fort Valley State University in the Campus Life and the First Year Experience program.

Potential employees looking for high profile jobs in the Obama administration are finding out the impact of raunchy, revealing postings.  On the job application, they are asked to include MySpace and Facebook identities and profiles, chatroom and e-mail aliases and chances are, their name will be Googled to find out more information available online.   Soon, our online life may become part of the public presidential record and be on display at the National Archives!  Ouch.

Can something as simple as uploading a picture from a Saturday night of hanging out with friends  damage your chance of landing a job?

Experts advise that students should be extremely careful about personal online postings…

These days, potential employers are not just conducting background checks to find out an applicant’s driving record, credit report and employment history.  Job hunters have to worry about whether their MySpace, Twitter and Facebook pages can hurt the job search.  According to an aftercollege.com survey, 750 employers admitted that they would use an applicants’ blog, social networking page, etc; to determine whether or not to hire a candidate.

According to Careerlaunch.com, students are not aware that their profile — available to the public — can be tracked down by an employer on the internet. The job site says an employer will think twice about hiring job applicants that have racy, questionable profiles online.   

Something to think about when submitting the next job application!

Fort Valley State University president Larry E. Rivers says a degree from the university can take you anywhere in life. Students graduating this Saturday and entering the job market will soon find out if that’s a true statement.  They face a dismal economic climate as companies announce job losses daily.  Despite the bad news, graduates can buck the trend and pursue that dream job says a career coach and consultant.   

In a recent Wall Street Journal Market Watch interview, Jim Ratliff, vice chairman of Career Partners International and Chairman of Cleveland-based Ratliff & Taylor answered the most frequently asked question posed by concerned parents of college students:  Why can’t my child find a good job?

“The reason is not about the degree or work experience, but the lack of fundamental job search skills,” Raitliff said. “They are simply not prepared to compete effectively against more seasoned interviewees vying for those same positions. College degrees open doors, but they do not guarantee a good job — to get that first career job, you must have good job search skills.”

What tips can FVSU students follow to become expert job hunters? FVSU’s Career Development Center Director Romelda Simmons shares the following advice that’ll work for all job seekers:

I. Beginning Your Job Search

·         Prepare Your Resume: Make sure your resume is professional-looking, on resume paper and proofread to spot errors.

·         Visit FVSU’s Career Development Center: Many colleges, like FVSU, offer career development centers. The centers can help you find job positions, polish your resume and interviewing skills.

·         Attend Career Fairs: Here, you can network with potential employers and others.

·         Network with People you know: Simmons says that sometimes it’s not what you know, but who you know that lands a job.

·         Use the Internet: Many job search sites are available at the click of a mouse!
“I would suggest that FVSU students tap into the Georgia Department of Labor web site,” Simmons said. “Those majoring in the fine arts and humanities, should try the Georgia Merit System web site.”

Other Job Hunting Sites

·         Georgia Department of Labor

·         GeorgiaHire : FVSU’s password “getajob.”

·         Georgia Merit System
Government Job Listings: www.usajobs.gov, www.usajobs.opm.gov, www.studentjobs.gov

·         Diversity Working

II. Before the Interview: You’ve sent in the resume, and have gotten a call back for an interview? Now what should you do?

·         Research Companies Before the Interview: Simmons advises students to research organizations before the interview. Interviewees should undertsand the job description, as well as the company’s key products and services.

·         Practice Interviewing: Prepare for the interview ahead of time.
College students should translate their school, work and life experiences into a conversation that explains how they’ll contribute to the company’s bottom line. Job hunters should always have a concise two-minute response to the question: “Tell me about yourself?”

III. The Day of the Interview

·         Be Early and On Time for your Interview: Simmons suggests that students arrive to an interview 15 minutes ahead of schedule.

·         Dress Conservatively for your Interview: Wear blue, black and gray suits on interview day.

Simmons advises students to consider all options if the job hunt is unsuccessful.  For many students, graduate school is the way to go.  Enhancing the bachelor’s degree can’t hurt.  Students can check out graduate schools and job possibilites at FVSU’s Graduate/Career Expo ‘09 on March 11.

This year’s commencement addresses are packed with humor, hope and life lessons. GradSpot.com writer Christopher Schonberger lists seven addresses as the best Graduation Speeches for 2008. Decide for yourself!

1. J.K. Rowling, Harvard University: In a speech entitled “The Fringe Benefits of Failure, and the Importance of Imagination,” Harry Potter author, Rowling stressed the importance of taking risks, living creatively, and learning from failure rather than fearing it.
2. Barack Obama, Wesleyan University:
   Obama drew upon his life story and the Kennedy legacy as he urged students to be engaged in public life.

3. Barbara Kingsolver, Duke University:
   The Poisonwood Bible author talked about hope and sustainability, urging students to be community-oriented and avoid the allure of success that is purely selfish.

4. Randy Pausch, Carnegie Mellon: Nine months ago, the celebrated professor of computer science was told that his cancer had metastasized and he only had 3-6 months to live. Standing against the odds, he shared his beliefs on what gives meaning to a life with this year’s grads.
5. Michelle Nijhuis, Reed College: Environmental writer Michelle Nijhuis graduated from Reed in 1996. She spoke about “weirdness” and the importance of responsible rebellion.
6. Tony Blair, Yale University: Blair urged students to have a purpose in life, explaining: “There are great careers. There are also great causes.”
7. Stephen Colbert, Princeton University: Colbert visited Princeton to accept “The Great Princeton Class of 2008 Understandable Vanity Award” and asked graduates not to try to change the world—“ Some of us like the way things are going now.”

• The Feed Center Toy Drive
  FVSU’s Plant Operations is holding a toy drive for a local outreach organization, The Feed Center. Employees can donate toys or any other charitable items. For more information, contact Loria Dewberry at (478) 825-6200.

• Houston County DFCS Toy Drive
  FVSU’s Center of Career Development is joining forces with Houston County DFCS this year by holding a toy drive for a family of seven. Employees can purchase individual toys from the children’s wish lists, or buy gifts from the wish list of other DFCS young people. For more information, contact Louvenia Parks at (478) 825-6350.

• The State Contributions Fundraising Drive
  The State Contributions Program is going strong. Employees can send in donations earmarked for their favorite charities such as the American Cancer Society or the Boys and Girls Club. Donations must be received by Dec. 15. For more information, contact Brenda Jones, director of environmental safety at (478) 825-6280.

                I believe the idea to merge Historical Black Colleges and Universities with non-Historical Black College and Universities to be illogical and senseless. HBCUs were founded upon the initiative of educating black Americans at a time when the education of blacks was feared and almost forbidden!  To break the separation would be to erase the entire history of what HBCUs are about.  I have friends who attend predominately white schools and the differences in the experiences we are receiving are vast. For example, I know it is okay if I decide to speak my mind about the slave trade and how it makes me feel, while my friends’ education of the slave trade is probably ten minutes long.  Attending an HBCU is about more than the money, it is about a university or college I can attend in order to be a part of my own history. To take that choice away would be like violating a person’s substantial right.

– Karin Vinson is a student in Dr. Meigan Fields’ Comparative Politics class at Fort Valley State University.

Looking at this question from an economic stand point, I must agree that to merge these schools is a good idea. It reduces the amount of administration needing to be paid and, in essence, saves federal money. Several schools that are in the same county offer the same programs. By merging these programs, money can be saved.

However, black colleges have provided the opportunity for students to gain higher learning without the strict regulations of test scores. White universities are known for being harder to get accepted into compared to black universities. This is not always good. Many students are not good at standardized tests, such as the SAT, used to get admission into colleges. This does not mean that they are not fit to be there. Some people are not good test takers. Black colleges provide an opportunity for such students to gain higher learning.

If we merge black universities with white universities, the students who would have not go to college if it weren’t for the black universities accepting them and giving them a chance may never be able to go. This will only widen the education gap between African Americans and whites. Fewer African Americans will be able to go to college and receive a higher education. Therefore, more African Americans will lack the skills and knowledge needed for better jobs.

– Obreziah L. Beal is a student in Dr. Meigan Fields’ Comparative Politics class at Fort Valley State University.

HBCUs have been apart of African American history since the establishment of Cheyney University of Pennsylvania in 1837. Recently Republican Senator Seth Harp wants the University System of Georgia to consider merging historically black public colleges with nearby white-majority schools to save money. I doubt the board of trustees from any school will allow this to happen. I do not think the senator actually thought about this seriously. He immediately ran into opposition from supporters of the black schools who say they serve an important role as independent campuses.

This is a bad idea on all levels being that black schools have overcome many obstacles dealing with education. Before desegregation, many schools did not accept blacks in white schools. Now that African Americans have built a solid foundation with their Universities and Colleges is it ok to interrupt the HBCU legacy?

If the state is in great need to save money, why are the schools that receive the least amount of resources the very first suggested to be fused and possibly closed? It makes you wonder how much Georgia Tech, Georgia State, and UGAʼs budget are. I do not know the numbers, but I can only assume that it is much higher than Albany State and Savannah Stateʼs budgets. It seems odd that the greatest sacrifices are being asked of the schools that receive the least.

Merging Black colleges with predominantly white schools will cause turmoil. Forcing blacks to assimilate to ways of white-majority schools will take away from their accomplishments. Many people want to say that it is a race thing when the fact is that it is a history matter. This suggestion should be just what it is, a suggestion.

–Courtney Willis is a student in Dr. Meigan Fields’ Comparative Politics class at Fort Valley State University.

Looking back, I think I reaped the rewards of a solid parochial education backed up with a whole lot of home schooling thrown in for good measure. My parents had me late in life, and I don’t think they quite knew what to do with me once I started walking and talking.

Is it any wonder the countless hours I have spent in school over the course of the last forty-five years? First there were the eight years of school in a Catholic school in Warner Robins in the company of some very fine teachers who, being nuns, had dedicated their lives (and possibly their souls) to seeing that I came away learning at least basic mathematic and grammar skills while practicing how to act like a “proper young lady.” I realize that anyone who has seen me wrestling a goat into submission over at the goat center may question the sisters’ immediate success, but God bless them every one; I think of them often. I don’t think “goat straddling” was ever something Sister DeLourdes felt I needed to know, however it has gotten my name on more than a few papers and started me on another path of learning later on.

I spent a couple of years at Macon Junior College, matriculating through the various core classes that are part of any degree, and later earned a diploma as a medical assistant. I went to work for many years before coming to my present academic home, Fort Valley State University. At FVSU I was re-introduced to myself on a new level, as a person who enjoyed agricultural research (i.e. goat wrestling and the fine art of fecal procurement), veterinary science and writing. From 1991 to 2005 I successfully completed a bachelors degree, an associates degree and a masters degree, all while for ten years as the Lead Veterinary Technician (okay, who are we fooling…most of the time the only vet tech) within the Department of Veterinary Science. I had the opportunity to meet and work with many fine individuals, people who have continued to guide and encourage me on the scholastic path.

Now I have come to what I think of as not the end of the journey - since learning is a continuum - but rather the completion of a level. I now can share something else with my father. Even though he is no longer with us he would, I think, enjoy knowing that there is one more Dr. Samples on the planet. That’s right: I have finally finished my doctorate degree. I now hold a Doctor of Health Sciences degree.  The journey was long, sometimes it was hard and occasionally it didn’t seem worth it. But you know what? Every time I hear “Dr. Samples” it  brings to mind the fifty-three year old man who sat patiently with a newspaper in one hand and a child on his knee; I can almost hear him…A-T-L-A-N….

I love you Dad…

–Dr. Oreta Samples is the lead veterinary technician in the Department of Veterinary Sciences at Fort Valley State University.

So don’t forget to vote. Every election is just as important as one for the office of the president.