Different Ways to Earn Your College Degree

Right after high school you will be spending the next few years of your life in college. But, not all students are fortunate enough to continue their studies until college without anything to worry about, especially with regards to their finances. These lucky students have their parents to support them all the way. Others do not have any choice but to find means for them to work their way through. 

Here are different Ways to Make Your Dream College Diploma a Reality:

SCHOLARSHIPS and GRANTS

 

Most colleges and universities award scholarships to students who want to pursue their college education. There are different types of scholarships and grants being offered by various universities:

1.  Academic scholarship – Qualified students are usually those who belong to the honor class of the batch and must maintain an average grade.

2. Athletic scholarship – These are given to students who excel in various sports activities. They are the ones who compete and represent the school in various sport events. They are also required to maintain an average grade to keep their scholarship grant.

3. Working scholarship - Work scholarships are given to students who does not qualify for the first two scholarship grants but equally deserving as well. They are required to work on a part time basis in the different departments inside the university as clerical staff and their salaries will be used to pay for their tuition and other miscellaneous expenses.

Scholarships are given or awarded to the most deserving students and most of the time students are required to apply and will have to go to a selection process.

PART TIME JOBS

Another good opportunity that you can take advantage if you really want to go to college is to work outside school, also on a part time basis so that you can still have time to attend classes and fulfill other responsibilities related to school.

Here are some of the most common part time jobs that you may find interesting and somehow suits your capabilities.

·         Office Staff

·         Fast Food Crew

·         Promotional Assistant

·         Pre-school Teacher / Tutor

·         Online Jobs

Just think of the many benefits these programs can give you. For scholarship grants, you will learn to value the importance of education. You have to study hard to maintain a good grade or else you might lose your scholarship and won’t be able to continue your studies anymore. For part-time jobs, you’ll get to prepare yourself with the ins and outs of having a career. Aside from that you’ll get to meet a lot of people, from your co worker to your customer/client. You should bear in mind that these people can be your potential contacts when you enter the real world after college.

Working your way through college by means of a scholarship or a part time job is not easy. It is quite stressful and gives a lot of pressure actually. By now, you probably have already realized what your priorities are. And to achieve these, dedication, a positive outlook in lifeand proper time management is the key to succeed. 


by: Irene Nepomuceno

Top 5 Time Saving Shortcuts for the Working Moms

I am a very organized person.  I have a planner where I write my schedule for the week.  I use the Outlook calendar to check my kids’ homework and other school activities.  I have a cork board for mails and b ills to make sure they are paid on time.  On top of those, the fridge is covered with piles of post it notes and magnets.  Why do I do all these? To make sure that I never miss any errand at home and still beat all my work deadlines.   My life is fully booked with family and work demands, so an extra hour for just for me is crucial to keep my sanity.  

If you are a working mom and a housewife like me, getting your ‘me time’ is very important to keep you recharged and ready for action every day.  If you already feel burned out, then it’s time to switch off the mommy button and re-energize.  You can do this by taking a few shortcuts.  Here are a few tips you can follow.  It may sound very simple but you will be amazed at how much time it can give you back after you have applied some of the tips to other chores you have at home.  

•  Pre-cut ingredients that you will use to cook for the whole week.  You can do this right after you have unpacked the groceries.  Cooking is a tough job, but it’s something I do to make up for the packed lunches and cafeteria food my family eat during the day.  Most of the food I cook includes onions so I make sure to get a food processor for this which you can also use for chopping celery, carrots, potatoes and more.  

• Assess your daily routine to find your time wasters.  Make a list of all the activities that waste your precious time.  Do you spend a lot of time doing the grocery? List down the items you need each time your stock is up.  Then you’ll just have to bring the list when you do the groceries.  Do you spend at least 15 minutes looking for your car keys? Use an all-in-one catch tray to put your keys so it will be easy for you to pick it up when you go.  

• Sort your laundry right away.  Keep the light colored ones in one hamper and the dark ones in another.  Ask your kids to do the same in their room so you just have to throw them in the washer and dryer.  

• Delegate simple tasks to kids.  Five and six year old kids are old enough to be trained with chores at home.   You can delegate putting away the garbage before going to bed, placing used plates and glasses inside the dishwasher after dinner, folding the clean laundry, or even fixing their own beds.  Treat this as one of their early childhood education.

• Designate errands each week.  Choose the perfect time to go to the bank, pay the bills, do the groceries, and yes even the gym.  Once you’ve done this, stick to your scheduled task for the week to clear your mind with stress.  

These are just a few of my time saving rituals that may help you as well to save time which you can use for your personal activities.  You will see that soon you can have your own time to watch the television, read a book or even just pamper yourself with an afternoon jog or a trip the spa.  Believe me, even an hour for yourself is just as important as the whole week.




By: Cleo Capili

Earning Your Masters Degree While Working

Immediately after I finished my bachelor's degree, I got hired in a telecommunications company in another city. I was so excited, for that was my first formal job. After several months of working, I realized that I could still do some more. I should not be contented for what I already have when I can still further my career by ‘running’ the corporate ladder rather than taking many years in ‘climbing’ it. Instead of working from one company to another, I contemplated that a master’s degree will lead me to a better position within the company I was working for. And so, I enrolled to a 2-year post graduate study. Since I work from Monday to Friday, I chose the Saturday classes. Many people are going back to school these days. These people have common objectives in their minds. First, they wanted to re-tool their skills. And another thing is, they wanted to upgrade their academic credentials in order to better compete in the job market.
As a professional, a master’s degree is an important addition to your resume. Many schools have developed their graduate level programs catered for working professionals who either are working full time or have family obligations. Here are some suggestions on how you will obtain your master’s degree while you are working.
1.  Check for your online options. With the changing patterns in higher education, more and more traditional universities are getting into online education. But in case you are a classroom person, you have many options there too. 2.  For a full time student, a master’s degree could be completed in two years time. In your case as a part time student, you will be able to complete it in three years. You can choose your program by attending your classes in the evening, weekend or through online.
		3. Nowadays, most career degree programs have their new class scheduling standards. Classes are in 8-week modules for many online programs and professional part time master’s degree programs.
4.    You can enroll at six different times within a year in an online program with  8-week courses. You don’t have to wait for a fall semester to roll around. This format is very effective because a class work is an all year round activity, which means you can finish six classes in a year time, taken on part time basis. You will be able to finish twelve to fifteen class programs in 2 to 2 ½ years. Makes sense? Well, yes! 5.   One advantage for an online program is that you can watch a lecture or a class presentation anytime and anywhere as long as you have the internet access. Also, you can communicate with your instructors and your classmates.
A good quality of master’s degree under reputable online programs can make a graduate level education an addition to your life without you having to sacrifice family time and work obligations.

Prepared by: Liezel Magno Castro

Managing Your Study

Good study habits begin as early as a child learns her ABCs and 123s. When a child enters a school, she should have the notion that both learning and going to school are fun.
It is the parents’ and the guardians’ role to develop study skills. This is done through regular reading, making learning an enjoyable experience, balancing play and study, and reviewing notes every day.  So when the periodical test days come, you won't need to cram.   Once she understands these things, it will not be difficult for her to manage her studies as she progresses in her schooling, especially when she will go to college. More so if she gets into either a scholarship grant or a foreign exchange study program. Below are guidelines that I made for you. It will direct you to study effectively and achieve success in your university life.
On Procrastination and Distractions Be responsible of your time. Use it well in the most productive way. Don’t create barriers thinking that your study is one obstacle you need to overcome. Take it as a challenge and find motivation. Set a daily study period and stick to it.
When you do this, you will have more time for other chores like paying your bills, going to the gym and making important calls. During your study period, turn off your phone and close your door. On Time Management Each subject you have entails at least 8 to 12 hours per week for you to study and review it. Create a realistic timetable or schedule that will include your study time and your work, and other activities like family and social commitments.
On the Lack of Study Space Aside from the library, look for a quiet place in your home or in your campus where you can be alone and study uninterruptedly.  Bring only the things you need. Keep your desk clear and free from things that may distract you.
On Disinterest All of us have that least favored subject. I never liked Math, yet I still tackled it.  Stay motivated and maintain a positive attitude towards your study. Finish first the least favored subject’s assignments. Treat each topic seriously and accept the uninteresting nature of the subject. Reward yourself if you have spent a productive hour on the subject.
	On Reading Reading is part of our lives. Every day we read manuals, magazines, newspapers, maps, books and others. When you study your lessons, identify your purpose and reasons why you read the text. Highlight words and phrases that are important.
Take notes. Skim by reading the text for main ideas. Review and get that habit of reading your notes and assignments right after your study periods. It is through these ways that you will have better grasp of the subject matter and retain the information. Always remember that there is not just one way to make the best result for each student. It is more about being determined, rather than being greatly intelligent.  Compared to intellectual ability, success has more to do with well developed skills. Strive for success! You can do it. Prepared by: Liezel Magno Castro

Sick and Far Away from Home

My  first time to be away from home was during my university days. For four years, I lived in a ladies’ dormitory within the university campus. I grew up in the lowlands and when I moved to the mountains, my system adapted the colder climate. As a student and an intern, I did all my chores. After school, among many other tasks, I did my laundry, I cooked my own food, grocery shopped, and others. I got tired and exhausted and sometimes, I got sick. Since there were twenty four of us  (interns) in one room, there was a great chance that I might pass my colds and flu to my roommates.
Here are a few tips to stay healthy and avoid getting sick with the changes in temperature:   Keep Yourself Hydrated Drink lots of water. Not soda, not even iced tea and definitely no alcoholic beverages. Alcoholic beverages are diuretic in nature that makes you pee, not a liquid laxative. This can drain your body of vital fluids.
Visit your University Physician Do this the moment you don't feel well. Have your university physician or medical assistant check on what you have and what medications are needed to get rid of it. Do not go after a couple of days, for you may have struck infections by then. And that means, you will miss your classes while you wait for the medicines to kick in.
	Email your Professor Should You Need to Miss your Class Secure for a medical certificate from your university physician, scan it and email it to your professors. Tell them that you will miss your classes. This will give your professors the impression that you care about being in their class.
Take Your Daily Cs and Other Supplements Aside from hydrating yourself by drinking water, it is also important that you take your daily vitamins and supplements. If you suspect or you feel you have a fever, take paracetamol.  If however, your system is too weak to battle the virus, visit your physician immediately. If he gives you some medicines to take, make sure that you complete the entire dose. It is possible that an infection could recur because you did not finish the dose. One thing worse than being sick is being sick AGAIN. Take the Needed Rest How well can you study for a test when you are sick? If you feel that you are under the weather, get some rest. People who take off when they are not feeling well live longer than those who don’t.
Eating Right Eating right is the key. But if you live in a dormitory like I used to, this is really difficult   to do. For the fact that we don’t have a full kitchen and a stove in our room, microwaving our food won’t give any healthy options. Even the foods served in the university’s cafeteria are not much better. The best thing you can do is get some fruits and stuff like that and store in your personal fridge. The minerals and vitamins will help you feel better.
A final tip to stay healthy is to practice prevention. Don't wait until you get sick and search for a cure. Do the things listed above. Practice prevention. Remember, an ounce of prevention is better than cure.

Prepared By: Liezel Magno Castro

7 Must-Have Items for College Students

Sending our children to college is quite stressful; Imagine how much money we will need to finance our child’s college education. I am not just talking about tuition fees and other miscellaneous expenses here. There are also some items that college students need and should have since they will be living away from their families. That is why I thought of writing what I think are the most important things our children will need once they entered the campus dormitory or  stays in an apartment near the school.

For college freshmen who are away from home for the first time, items like gadgets, medicines, and some of the most taken for granted items top my list. Being in the same situation years ago, I feel that I am qualified to give college students out there some helpful tips on what to bring with them when they go to college. 

Here is My List of 7 Must-Have Items

1. First Aid kit – Generally, every household should have one. For freshmen students who are usually the clumsy-nervous-kids eager to try everything, you should have this. Alcohol, antiseptic, bandages and cotton balls are some of the most important items that must be found inside your first aid kit. This should come in handy so you can easily dig it from your closet.

2. Medicine – I’m sure you don’t want to run to the nearest drugstore in the middle of the night or chill to death in case a medical assistant is not available and you have no one to ask favor to buy a medicine for you. Vitamins and pain relievers must always be present. 

3. Flashlight & Whistle – These items are usually taken for granted but these are equally important in case of emergency. You need a flashlight to guide you in case of power outages and whistle to call someone’s attention in case you get into trouble. 

4. Cell Phone – We are already in the gadget era and cell phones are more of a necessity rather than a luxury. You and your family will have easy access with each other when you miss them or when you run out of cash!

5. Electric Air pot / Kettle – Well, what is this exactly for? Students are usually tired when they come home from school and a glass of hot chocolate or hot water for instant noodles will do to keep them going.

6. Groceries – Never run out of grocery items in your locker. You should stock food for your snacks or chips and dip while reviewing for exam or some easy to cook canned goods. Just the basic necessities like bread, cereals, noodles, coffee, juice or chocolate drinks. 

7. Cash – This is the most important. Remember, you are very far from your parents, although these days, transferring money from one place to another is not a problem anymore. Everything can be done online so you can ask mom to send you money in a click. But, on the other hand, why don’t you try saving your money so it will last until the next scheduled allowance arrives.


By: Irene Nepomuceno

Top 10 Ways to Deal with Finals Week Stress

Everyone has stress while attending school. It doesn't matter if your goal is to be a  medical assistant or a registered nurse, the last few weeks of the semester is going to be stressful with everything wrapping up. Here is the top 10 ways to cope with your stress. 

1. Avoiding Procrastination! 

Sure it's easier said than done for some people, but it's truly a way to hinder yourself from being successful. Compile a list of tasks that need to be finished, even little things such as preparing for a presentation. Once you have your list of everything to get done, put it in order of what makes the most sense by when things are due. Obviously you need to complete research before writing a paper or giving a presentation. These things aren't rocket science! 

2. Time Management

Everyone has many things going on besides just school, such as work, family, and friends. The trick is to juggle everything without anything falling apart. You have probably been doing this most of the semester, but you'll need to work harder for just a little while longer as the semester approaches completion. 

3. Music and Dance

Everyone needs a break once in awhile! After I accomplish a small task, I like to celebrate by turning up some music I enjoy and dancing around. It helps to stretch everything out and gets the blood pumping. When I'm short on time, I will also do something, such as clean my apartment. 

4. Walk

A brief walk outside can really be beneficial, even taking the trash out, or walking around the block. You are getting fresh air, blood circulating, and a bit of exercise to counter-act all of the sitting down while studying you've probably been doing lately. 

5. Drink Green Tea

Green tea has many benefits we've all heard of. It also has the important caffeine that helps keep us alert. I personally do not enjoy the taste of green tea, so I have discovered a way that I do enjoy it. I brew a bag of tea, then ice it down and put some drink flavor in it. I prefer to mix some powdered sugar free lemonade powder, or a squirt of MiO. 

6. Reduce Caffeine at Night

Despite being exhausted, you really should think twice about getting that coffee after dinner. Drinking caffeine too late will interfere with getting a good night's rest, we've all heard this before. If you aren't sleeping well during the night, it will only continue the cycle of that exhausted feeling.  

7. Color

One of the most enjoyable activities for me is to color with crayons or markers like we did as a child. I will set aside 10 minutes when I am stressed to color and relax my mind.

8. Mini-Vacation 

Take a hour or two to travel to another town near by and grab lunch at a sit-down restaurant with friends. Not only are you getting out of the library, you are setting aside specific time for friends and getting fresh air. School is important, but so is your health and social life as well. 

9. Night with Friends

Plan a relaxing evening with some friends at home. I would suggest guys preparing a pot luck supper to catch up and enjoy food. For ladies I would suggest planning a spa night, where everyone brings some sort of treatment or ingredients for home-made recipes. Be sure if you are doing nails, everyone has their own sanitized nail file. Offer hydrating facial treatments and paint one another's toes. 

10. Alone Time

Some people just need alone time to relax. I would suggest using guided imagery, watching and participating with a yoga DVD, or even meditation.