by givebackdv | Aug 11, 2021 | Scholars
We recently spoke with a stellar Give Back alum named Ignacio “Nacho” Rios.
After finishing up at Joliet Central High School in Illinois, Ignacio moved on to Lewis University and recently graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Exercise Science (though Lewis University recently redubbed the program as “Health and Human Performance”).
Afterward, he was accepted into the Post-Secondary Biomedical Program at Lewis and will be returning for three semesters to complete the curriculum. This program will fulfill his prerequisites for a physician assistant program. He’s aiming to apply for a physician program by 2023 which is his ultimate career goal.
After graduating this year, Ignacio has taken more time to reflect on how much the Give Something Back scholarship and organization have impacted his life and that of his family.
“Without this scholarship, my opportunities and experiences would have been much harder to achieve and obtain. I have been very fortunate with this scholarship and remind myself every day to take full advantage of what has been awarded to me. I truly cannot imagine my life without the people and the experiences this scholarship has allowed me to have. I never thought I would be the role model in my family. The first to graduate from a university,” he said.
Ignacio explained that he plans to ‘give back’ by speaking and mentoring through the scholarship, expressing how fortunate he has been to have amazing and motivated mentees so far.
His advice for other Give Back scholars?
“Take full advantage of the resources, connections, and of course the experiences that come with this scholarship. Do not hold back asking for help or questions. The family that is Give Back is here for us.”
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Thank you for sharing your journey with us, Ignacio. We look forward to seeing your hard work impact many young lives with dreams just like your own!
by givebackdv | Aug 17, 2020 | College Success, Scholars
Give Back is committed to supporting and informing students during these times of uncertainty. The COVID-19 Pandemic may make it impossible for colleges and schools to resume in-person learning in the fall. We want you to know that it is okay and normal to experience stress and anxiety. It would be best if you took care of yourself and your mental health. Here are some tips we learned from our successful mental health session, which recently took place at our Mid-Atlantic Summit.
Take breaks from the news and social media to clear your mind. Staying informed is vital. However, information overload can also cause anxiety, fear, and stress. Try to disconnect and relax whenever you can. Instead, talk with people that you trust about your concerns and how you are feeling. In times of disconnect, it is essential to remember to stay connected with your loved ones and friends as much as possible. Send a text message, set up a group video call or create a fun mailing list, and reach out to stay connected.
Try to care for your body by eating a well-balanced meal. What you eat directly affects the function of your brain and your mood. Eat healthily and see how you feel after 2-3 weeks! You can also look after your body by exercising and practicing yoga. Yoga improves balance, strength, endurance, and aerobic capacity in youth. It can help foster creativity, flexibility, self-control, and discipline in academics, career, and interpersonal relationships during early to late teenage years.
Are you still feeling overwhelmed? Breathe and ground yourself. Grounding is a strategy that may distract you from what you are experiencing and focus on your mind, senses, and being kind to yourself. It anchors you and helps you calm down. Grounding creates space from distressing feelings and allows you to readdress the problem that is triggering any unpleasant emotions. If you still feel that you are on your own, giving back can help you feel reconnected to others and the world. Work on your mental health by making a difference. Time with animals boosts feelings of happiness. If you do not have a pet, volunteer at a shelter!
The ongoing pandemic has brought forth challenging times. You are not alone. We are together apart and with you.
These are free online resources to help students focus on their emotional wellbeing and cope with anxiety and stress:
National Suicide Prevention Line: Call the hotline at 1-800-283-TALK if you are experiencing emotional distress related to COVID-19.
Crisis Text Line: Text “Home” to 741741 when you are feeling sad, depressed, or going through any type of emotional crisis, a crisis worker will text you back immediately and continue to text you.
Calm: a free meditation app for beginners, but also includes programs for intermediate and advanced users. Its guided meditations range from 3 to 25 minutes.
DreamyKid: a free app offering meditation, guided visualization and affirmations for children and teens.
Headspace: a free app focusing on mindful awareness, relieving anxiety, and reducing stress.
by givebackdv | Aug 3, 2020 | Scholars
Applying to a job or an internship can be daunting, beginning with polishing a CV, cultivating your online presence, not to mention combing through job listings to see what fits your interests and skills.
Give Back is helping its scholars get launched on their career paths by connecting them to professionals who can help talk them through the process and look at their application materials. Before you sign up for an individualized consultation, be sure to check out the resources below on how to get your CV and cover letter in shape!
Cover Letters
A cover letter is a document sent to hiring managers to provide additional information on your motivations, experience, and skills. We suggest using one of the two main types of cover letters: letters of application for specific open positions or letters of inquiry to ask about vacancies within an organization or business. Regardless of the kind of cover letter you use, keep in mind that a good letter helps employers learn why you are qualified for the job you are applying for and why you would bring special passion to the role. As our partner, Mercy College, notes, a cover letter should also clarify any doubts they might have after reviewing your resume.
Writing a cover letter for each job or internship can be burdensome. But a well-written cover letter can make you stand out from other candidates. If you’re unsure where to start, learn the cover letter basics. Before you write your first drafts, review the best practices and the do’s and don’ts. For example, you should investigate the organization’s mission and goals and evaluate your skills relevant to the employer’s needs. If you’re looking for some guidance on formatting, make sure your letter has all the essential parts. Our partner Queens College suggests reviewing templates.
Resumes
A resume is the most essential job-hunting document to market you to a potential employer. It helps highlight your professional experiences, accomplishments, and skills relevant to the position. We suggest using one of the three main types of resumes: chronological, functional, or combination. A chronological resume is the most common and organizes information within each category beginning with your most recent job or accomplishment. Whereas a functional resume focuses on your skills, qualifications, and accomplishments rather than dates, a combination resume combines the chronological and functional resume types. Try to utilize the resume type that best suits you and your skills—it is essential to put your best foot forward so as to secure a follow-up interview.
If you are struggling to get your resume started, Mercy College suggests organizing your information using sections. Try to emphasize aspects of your background that are the most relevant to the position(s) you seek. Binghamton University recommends using bullet points! Each bullet point should answer one of more of the following: ‘Who? What? When? Why? How? How many? How often? Results?’. As with cover letters, before you write your first drafts, review the do’s and don’ts or examples to get ideas on how to organize the essential information about you.
Social Media
Social media is a ubiquitous part of everyday life—but it also matters as part of your professional profile. Before you send out your first job or internship application, look at your social media accounts. Are there any posts that portray you in a negative light? Are there posts you would be embarrassed for an employer to see? If it is embarrassing for you, it is likely also embarrassing to your employer and team. Remember that hiring managers and colleges may search for you on social media to determine your candidate eligibility. You also want to emphasize your professionalism in your personal branding. You can do this by creating great professional accounts on LinkedIn and Twitter, which connect you with others and show off your industry expertise. If you’re unsure about your LinkedIn profile, check out this checklist that provides insights on how your photo, headline, summary, and experience sections should look. Rather than seeing social media as recreation alone, use social media as a professional tool. A polished and thoughtful social media profile may catch a recruiting hiring manager’s attention.
Before networking with professionals in the field, evaluate potential jobs you are interested in and look at each position’s responsibilities. Launching your career may seem insurmountable at first, but with the right preparation, you’ll be prepared to take the first step!
Ready to schedule a one-on-one consultation with a professional? Get started.
by givebackdv | Jul 17, 2020 | Partners, Scholars
Give Back’s partnership with Binghamton University provides our scholars with support in the form of tutoring, mentorship, and connections with students and faculty on campus. We do not doubt that our students will have a seamless transition to higher education because of our great partners. We work with an excellent trio that makes it all happen, Michelle Gardner, Craig Broccoli, and Steve Rebello. Michelle helped start our partnership and set up our pre-paid scholarships. Craig will guide our students through the University’s application process, and Steve will ensure our students receive supports on campus. Let’s learn more about their work and vision.
Michelle Gardner is the Senior Director of Foundation Relations and Campaign Gift Strategies, and also a Binghamton alumna. She describes her work as more than fundraising for the University. She brings together people who want to change the world through academic quality with those who can. Michelle works with Binghamton’s alumni network each day to support students who wish to make the world a better place. Before her work in higher education, Michelle worked in politics and public relations. Now, she cannot imagine doing her job for anything but public higher education. “Your work is easier if you care about what you do and worthwhile if you have a passion behind it,” Michelle says.
Michelle has a witty sense of humor that will make you laugh for minutes at a time. She holds that if you spend too much time with her, she will ask for a donation to the University. She wants the best for Binghamton University and its students. When asked about her hopes for Give Back scholars, she yearns for the scholars to find success and themselves in whichever form that means. “I want them to be successful and give to students like they were given to or share a wealth of experiences with students,” Michelle noted.
Craig Broccoli is the Associate Director of Admissions. He describes his work as engagement with students wherever they are in their application process. Craig reviews thousands of applications a year. He also helps students navigate their selected academic programs and get to the next step on campus.
Craig guides students through the EOP program and the Binghamton Advantage program. The EOP program provides support and advocacy for students who meet academic and financial criteria from the time of admission through graduation and beyond. The Binghamton Advantage Program is a joint admissions program that allows students to live on Binghamton University campus while taking SUNY Broome classes with the opportunity to transfer to Binghamton after one or two years. Students in the program have access to smaller classes and receive advising from SUNY Broome and Binghamton.
Craig is a Binghamton alumnus and an Engineer with a passion for solving problems. His admiration for Binghamton empowers him to connect high school students to the University because it is a low-cost academic platform making palpable changes in the world. Craig is energetic, kind, and dedicated. During a virtual information session for our high school juniors, he engaged with our students. He had them asking question after question for over 90 minutes! He hopes that Give Back scholars realize they are capable of so much. “Meet students from all over the world and find your team with a drive to make a change,” Craig notes.
Steve Rebello is the Director of TRIO – Student Support Services. He works to bring students up to speed with the University’s level of academics. Once students commit to the University, they are invited to TRIO and the Summer Bridge program. Both programs ensure students connect with each other, TRIO staff, and the campus community. Steve always knew he wanted to work with youth. He worked as an Orientation and a Biology Teacher, before joining Binghamton University. However, Steve yearned to help students overcome obstacles as a counselor. He realized he could enable many teachable moments outside of the classroom.
Steve is passionate and wise. His passion for education equity becomes evident through his insights and descriptions of Binghamton’s support services. He hopes that Give Back scholars “avoid preconceived ideas of who they are going to be and are open to changes they experience while on campus.” Whether by meeting new people or taking courses outside of their majors to explore areas of interest, “open your eyes to all the university and world has to offer,” Steve says.
Michelle, Craig, and Steve would love for a Give Back, and Binghamton alumnus to reach the White House, return to campus for commencement, and tell the graduates that they could achieve such a goal. Where will they be? All three agree that they will likely be cheering loudly in the audience.
Thank you, Michelle, Craig, and Steve, for opening doors for access to education. It is an honor to work with you.
Photo Credits: Binghamton University/ Jonathan Cohen ©
by givebackdv | May 18, 2020 | Partners, Scholars
Our partner colleges are working hard to accommodate and support current and future students affected by the coronavirus. All colleges extended enrollment deadlines, facilitate virtual academic advising, and share coronavirus resources. In part two of this blog series, we will examine the different measures implemented by partner colleges in Illinois and Kansas to guide and assist students while they are at home.
ILLINOIS
Lewis University
Most university employees and offices are open virtually in response to the global Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. Students are advised to review the updated schedule for university administrative office hours: https://www.lewisu.edu/covid-19/businesshours.htm. Students and staff on campus for essential business must display a student, faculty, or staff ID to the Lewis University Police Department at the front entrance.
Lewis University is committed to supporting students as they transition to online classes and online learning. As a result, peer-to-peer tutoring is available online, and students can access Brainfuse, a service of real tutors in a wide range of subjects, including English, Math, and Science. The University also set up general email inboxes for questions, concerns, and accommodations. Students can email academicservices@lewisu.edu or learningaccess@lewisu.edu. More details on academic support and resources for students can be found at www.lewisu.edu/academicsupport.
For COVID-19 information, students can visit this website: https://lewisu.edu/covid-19/index.htm.
Blackburn College
Blackburn College’s Biology department has donated 1,200 medical examination gloves and 10 high-grade respirators to Illinois hospitals in efforts to assist with the health crisis.
The faculty and staff are supporting students over email and phone and giving them tailor-made individual advice for how to continue forward. Refund and emergency relief checks for unused housing and food charges will be coming to many students. Also, students will receive full credit for their Work Program tuition credit despite not working in the last eight weeks. This is a $1250 benefit to each student in the Work Program.
A staff member opened her home to a student with nowhere to return to when the campus closed. The student will stay with the staff member throughout the summer. Virtual counseling is also available by scheduling an appointment with Counseling Services at tim.morenz@blackburn.edu or jenny.langley@blackburn.edu.
Students are grateful for the college’s hands-on approach to this unprecedented challenge. A current Blackburn student expressed the following appreciation to her professor:
“I just wanted to reach out to express how extremely grateful I am for your understanding, and just for you really care about your students. Going through what we all are right now, I have learned a lot about people, my professors especially, and I just want you to know that I really do appreciate how you’re doing this class … thank you for being nice and knowing that we’re all struggling in our own ways right now.”
For COVID-19 information, students can visit this website: https://blackburn.edu/coronavirus/
KANSAS
Wichita State University
Wichita State University has allocated half of its CARE act awarded funds – approximately $4.4 million – to emergency financial aid grants for eligible students. The Wichita State Foundation also set up a fund for COVID-19 related expenses for students. See more information here: https://www.wichita.edu/about/wsunews/news/2020/03-march/shockers_up_wichita_state_5.php.
Undergraduate students struggling with the academic transition can adjust course grades from the assigned letter grade to a credit/non-credit option, and an unsatisfactory/unsatisfactory option is available for graduate students. Frequently asked questions are answered on this resource page: https://www.wichita.edu/about/public_information/wsu_topics/topicscovid-19/index.php.
Pittsburg State University
The Pittsburg State University Student Success team is offering student success workshops twice a week. Topics include stress management and tips on learning in an online environment, and program updates can be found here: https://twitter.com/PSUSuccess.
The University also provided laptops for students that needed them to continue with online classes at home. Frequently asked questions are answered on this resource page: https://www.pittstate.edu/office/health-services/coronavirus/index.html#undefined16.
Baker University
Baker University set up its Outreach Network Student Concern form. Faculty, staff, and students can request assistance for themselves or others based on concerns with both academic and personal issues due to online learning here: https://bakeruniversity.formstack.com/forms/cas_faculty_outreach.
Students at the College of Arts and Sciences also had the opportunity to request that courses for the spring 2020 term be graded Pass/NC. Peer tutoring and the writing center are available online. Information on how to access tutors and the writing center are detailed on this resource page: https://www.bakeru.edu/coronavirus/coronavirus-faq/.
Kansas State University
Recognizing the financial challenges many students experience due to the COVID-19 crisis, Kansas State University is significantly reducing online fees for summer school undergraduate and graduate courses this year. For more information, visit the Division of Financial Services, https://www.k-state.edu/finsvcs/cashiers/costs/summer-2020/.
The University also developed resource pages and videos to assist students with the transition to online learning:
– https://www.k-state.edu/keeplearning/
– https://www.k-state.edu/its/helpdesk/
– https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tPR00vcOlrk&feature=emb_logo
– https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o–H2Put0Ds&feature=youtu.be
Kansas State University enacted a K State Today Student Edition for current and potential students to find all virtual events, local news, and publications in one place. This update releases Monday-Friday and can be accessed here: https://www.k-state.edu/today/students/.
For KSU COVID-19 resources and updates, students can visit: https://www.k-state.edu/covid-19/index.html.
We here at Give Something Back are proud to call all these outstanding colleges our partners!
by givebackdv | May 17, 2020 | Partners, Scholars
The COVID-19 pandemic has caused hardships and uncertainty for many students around the United States. Most of our partner colleges have transitioned to distance learning for the remainder of the spring and summer 2020 semesters. In New York, the epicenter of the pandemic, our partner colleges are making great strides to ensure students start and continue their education. Our partner colleges are making great strides to ensure students start and continue their education. In part one of this blog series, we will note the different measures implemented by partner colleges in New York to guide and assist students while they are at home.
Queens College
To navigate the academic transitions, students can connect with advisors virtually through FaceTime, Google HangOut, Skype, and Zoom. To make a virtual appointment, students can call the Academic Advising Center at (718) 997-5599, email advising@qc.cuny.edu, or download the QC Navigate app from the Apple Store or Google Play.
Queens College is also loaning Chromebooks and iPads through the Spring Semester to provide students with vital technology for distance learning. Students can request these loaner devices through the Office of the Provost, which mails the devices directly to the students’ preferred mailing addresses. Additionally, remote library access is available using live chat with a librarian or the QC ID.
Students seeking socio-emotional support and assistance with academic-related stress may access free services of a licensed mental health professional through the Counseling, Health, & Wellness Center. Students are encouraged to call (718) 997-5420 and leave a message with their contact information. Callbacks take place during regular business hours, Monday through Friday, from 9 AM to 5 PM.
To prevent food insecurity in the lives of its students, Queens College established the Knights Table Pantry in 2018. The Pantry continues to provide enrolled students with access to non-perishable food items for themselves and immediate family members. Students can access the Pantry via appointments only. Students are advised to email KnightsTable@qc.cuny.edu or call 718-997-0393.
Mercy College
In response to the pandemic, Mercy College changed its grading policy. Each student can select the credit earned or the no earned credit option for any individual Spring 2020 course starting Monday, April 20, 2020. The deadline to complete this request is Thursday, May 7, 2020. However, once a student selects the credit earned or the no earned credit option, they are unable to change back to a letter grade. Students struggling with the transition to online learning can also secure tutoring services. The Tutoring Center is offering online tutoring services on a revised schedule and by appointment only through the Mercy Campus EAB platform.
Mercy College’s Student Counseling Center is offering all appointments through the virtual platform, Doxy.me. To schedule an appointment, students must email CounselingCenter@mercy.edu. Students facing technical issues with their Blackboard platform, emails, or computers can connect with Mercy’s IT Helpdesk. The Helpdesk is available 24/7 at helpdesk@mercy.edu or (914) 674-7526.
Mercy College is committed to keeping its students informed and safe. It has developed the resource pages below to aid in this task:
Hunger Relief & Social Services: https://www.mercy.edu/student-affairs/mav-market/resources
Emotional Wellbeing: https://www.mercy.edu/student-affairs/counseling-services
Career & Professional Development: https://www.mercy.edu/about-mercy/coronavirus-information/career-and-professional-development-resources
Online Support: https://www.mercy.edu/about-mercy/online-student-resources
Binghamton University
To navigate the academic transitions, students have the option of connecting virtually to academic advisors via email, phone, and Zoom. The Student Services webpage includes information on how to contact and set up appointments with each of Binghamton University’s schools. A Pass/Fail policy was also implemented for the Spring 2020 semester, which applies to most undergraduate students, except for those in academic programs with licensure or accreditation regulations.
Binghamton University created a website with information for students on how to use technology successfully, communicate in an online environment and remain motivated when taking classes online. Students lacking devices necessary for online learning can submit a request for a laptop, Wi-Fi HotSpot, or other electronic equipment through the University’s Center for Learning and Teaching (CLT).
Students with food insecurity can still access the campus Food Pantry via an online ordering process. The online ordering form asks for a student’s first name, Binghamton University’s ID number, and a choice of day/time for pickup. The Pantry’s staff bag the items and have them ready at the requested pickup time. The form is available each week at 3 PM Friday for the following week’s orders.
Binghamton University remains committed to keeping its students physically and mentally healthy. It has set up the resource pages below to aid in this task:
Academic Continuity website
BFirst
B-Healthy
The CARE Team
Health Promotion and Prevention Services
Meditation labyrinth
Services for Students with Disabilities
Stay tuned for more details on what our partner colleges in the Midwest are doing to support current and prospective scholars!
