You may have noticed that Grad Fest is happening this week. Students are getting ready to walk for graduation in May. Soon, that could be you! How will you get to your goal? The pathway to completing your college education can be a bumpy ride. Listen to what these community college students have to say about staying on track in the YouTube Student Voices video below. Then, keep these things in mind:

• Understand your educational roadmap: Talk to an academic advisor. Having an educational plan is critical. If you are struggling, get help. 440-525-7200
• Psychological Struggles: It is important to keep your balance while in school. Counselors are available if you need to talk to someone about difficulties you are having. Stop by Counseling in A-1027 or call 440-525-7200.
• Academic Struggles: Tutors offer academic assistance and are available to help you before, during or after you experience an academic difficulty! (before is always better!) It’s never too late to give tutoring a try. Stop by the Learning Center in A-1044 for more infor or go to Schedule It in myLakeland to schedule a tutoring appointment.
• Financial struggles: Stop by the Financial Aid Office for
  information on the FAFSA, Scholarships, Grants and Loans. In addition, Cardinal Credit Union is located right here on campus offering convenient banking services.
• Take advantage of resources: Success Coaching and College Success Workshops for help with Time Management, Goal Setting, Test Taking Tips, Study Skills, and Note Taking. Stop by the Learning Center in A-1044 for more infor or call 440-525-7019.

If you have a question as to which resources on campus would benefit you most, please feel free to give me a call or send me an email and I will direct you. Suzanne Speyer, 440-525-7492. Just click on my name to the right to send me an email.

RELATED LINKS:
YouTube: Student Voices

Here are some good reasons to stick with your plan and complete your educational goals:

• By 2020, Ohio will need an additional 1,064,900 COLLEGE EDUCATED WORKERS
• 36% of those additional jobs will require a Bachelor’s Degree
• 27% of those additional jobs will require an Associate’s Degree

It USED to be that 50% of jobs required a Bachelor’s Degree. NOW, as the demand for technical skills increase in the workplace, the need for Associate Degree educated workers has grown! And sometimes, occupational choice can trump degree level—28.2% of Associate Degree holders earn more money than the average pay of someone with a Bachelor’s degree. (See related link for more info and examples) So, what’s the take-away for you?

• College educated workers will always be in demand
• Sometimes, cccupational choice can trump degree level
• A college degree will always trump NO degree

RELATED LINKS:
Community College Grads Out-Earn Bachelor's Degree Holders