Panel set to explore issues of young blacks
In celebration of Black History Month, Trinity River Campus will hold Perspectives on Young African-Americans, a panel discussion, Feb. 16.
Dr. Dreand Johnson, Jinnell Killingsworth and Chad Wooley will discuss various topics, including politics, the hip-hop culture and other contemporary issues.
The panel members also will answer any questions students may have.
“The discussion will focus on the younger crowd and help them get information about voting, historical perspectives, and family structure,” Killingsworth said.
The panel discussion is not only for younger students, said Johnson, TR mathematics and science dean. It is for all students of all ages.
“This is neither a black or white issue. It is a ‘human’ issue,” he said. “All of the topics we will discuss affect everyone, and it will help us all gain an understanding of each other.”
Wooley, the third panel member, teaches history on TR Campus.
The panel discussion runs 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m. in TRTR 3901.
— Megan Carradine
South Campus offers test-taking strategies
South Campus has help for students who frequently wonder at test time, “Did we even go over this?”
Annie Dobbins, a counselor from the center for academic success, will present How to Take a Test and Pass 12:30-1:30 p.m. Feb. 16 in SSTU Forum Room.
A TCC counselor since 1986, Dobbins will lay out all the tools and tips needed to prepare for that next test.
Dobbins said this presentation will teach the things that must be done before, during and after a test to achieve better scores.
With an undergraduate degree in social work and her master’s degree in counseling from Prairie View A&M, Dobbins will show how to overcome failure during the test-taking presentation.
“Failure is something that we do,” she said. “Failure is not who we are.”
Students who find that good homework grades are often wasted on poor testing scores can learn from Dobbins how to prepare those problems away.
— Bonnie Thornal
NE Campus answers financial aid questions
Students with financial aid questions can find the answers at Financial Aid 101 12:30-2 p.m. Feb. 18 in NSTU Center Corner on NE Campus.
Bill McMullen, NE financial aid director, and Trenton Price, NE administrative office assistant, will host a presentation focused on helping students to better understand the financial aid process.
“I hope to dispel many of the myths about financial aid and hopefully answer questions regarding financial aid opportunities for our students,” McMullen said.
The cost of college can be high, and many students can feel the pressure. Financial aid can help cover the costs of tuition or books.
Kristen Cannon, a current TCC student, said she will attend the event.
“With the economy the way it is, anything will help,” she said. “You never know what you might qualify for until you check it out.”
The seminar is free, and students from all campuses are welcome to attend. For more information, contact william.mcmullen@tccd.edu.
— Barbie Farley
TR holds story time for Nash Elementary
Faculty, staff and students from Trinity River Campus will take time from their busy schedules to read to young children during Nash Elementary Literacy Week, Feb. 15-19.
Participants will read from books that focus on Black History Month themes.
Volunteers are still needed on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday with a variety of 30-minute shifts available starting at 8:45 a.m.
Those who would like to volunteer later in the day can choose shifts between 12:05 and 1:30 p.m.
This volunteer activity is being coordinated by the student life center.
For more information, contact Laura Escamilla at 817-515-1194.
— Andrea Conley
Career coordinator dishes out job advice
Students who wish to receive advice about choosing a career can attend NW Campus’ 4 Steps to Choosing the Career That’s Right for You seminar 11 a.m.-12:20 p.m. Feb. 24 in WACB 1123.
The seminar, presented by Tracy Williams, NW career and employment services coordinator, will present some basic steps to make the decision of choosing a career easier.
“The first step is assessing themselves. The second step is looking at your career options and what careers have been identified.
“The third step is research, and the final step is exploration, whether by looking at the educational requirements or by trying the job itself on,” Williams said.
The seminar might allay some students’ fears about their future as well.
“Students come in all the time because they don’t know what they want to do with their life, and most of them don’t have a clue where to begin,” Williams said.
“And a lot of students are having to change careers or rethink their plans.”
Refreshments will be served, and all students are welcome.
For more information, contact the NW Campus career and employment services center at 817-515-7785.
— John Garces
