32-Day Commitment

I can do it. I’ll lose weight this semester. I won’t fall off the wagon again. I am strong willed. I can do this. I’m not really sure if this positive affirmation stuff is really doing any good, but it can’t hurt, right? I’m taking human biology this semester, and one of the projects we’re doing is a “32-day commitment”. For 32 days I have to change a bad habit of mine, or gain a new positive one. My first thought was to try, one more time, something that’s already failed once; “being vegetarian” for 3 days of the week has had a positive effect on me before, when I stick to it. Not only did I lose weight, but I also had elevated moods, more energy, less stomach pain, and an over-all healthier me. I feel like this is a good start, but as I’ve learned in Psychology class, activities that are intrinsically motivating are far more likely to be done. Lucky for me, there are going to be Zumba classes on campus this semester! If you don’t know what Zumba is, I highly recommend you look into it! It’s a Latin-inspired dance that also incorporates hip-hop, salsa, mambo, martial arts, and some belly dance moves. It’s going to be offered twice a week, in the bottom of the brand new fitness center, at 6:45 in the morning. Voila! My new positive habit! I will drag myself out of bed at five a.m. twice a week to come to campus and dance my butt off… literally! Wish me luck, people!

Thoughts from a Non-Traditional Student

Being a non-traditional student, and by that I mean an older student, going back to school after being out for over twenty years, was a bit overwhelming. Even though I was excited for my new adventure, there were a lot of decisions that needed to be made and questions to answer. For instance, “What would I go to school for?”,“Where will I get the money to go to school?”, “Am I too old to go to school?”, “Will I fit in with the other students?”  The answers I found for myself were: 1) CCC has a program for almost every interest and what you thought you wanted to do may change. 2) There are financial aid programs to assist with the financial aspects of schooling. 3) No, I’m not too old, and, 4) There is so much diversity at the college it’s hard not to find somewhere to fit in. If I can go back to school and be successful, anyone can.

CCC offers so many opportunities and provides so many resources to be successful, even if you need to change your original plan. The options are endless so failure doesn’t have to be one of them. I’ve discovered college isn’t high-school, the learning centers are for everyone, and because it is a smaller college the CCC instructors are very approachable and willing to help you succeed. As an older student I find I am more focused and ready to make the money I’m spending for my education work for me. Going to school when you’re older does have its advantages.

Throughout the semester I would like to offer tips and suggestions to help make your semester a successful one at CCC, and to help those who are deciding if college is right for them, to possibly see returning to college at CCC is the opportunity they have been waiting for.

Welcome all students, particularly “non-traditional” (older) students. Best of luck in your studies this semester.

Tammy VanVleck    tvanvlec@corning-cc.edu

Thoughts from DISNEY WORLD!

I’ve been postponing my blog because I’ve been overwhelmed with awesomeness. I’ve checked in, I’ve completed my training, I’ve started my job, I’ve gotten home-sick, I’ve had family visit and I’ve adjusted to living in Florida (for the most part.) Life is good.

I am working in Magic Kingdom at Tomorrowland. More specifically I‘m working at Buzz Space Ranger Spin, The Laugh Floor, and Carousel of Progress. The Laugh Floor is by far my favorite attraction at the Magic Kingdom so needless to say, I’ve been thrilled to work there!

http://disneyworld.disney.go.com/parks/magic-kingdom/attractions/buzz-lightyears-space-ranger-spin/

http://disneyworld.disney.go.com/parks/magic-kingdom/attractions/monsters-inc-laugh-floor/

I realized today that I’m only here for about 3 more months. There’s so much I have left to do. I haven’t even gone to the Disney Water Parks or Universal yet! I still need to take a day to explore Downtown Orlando! And let’s not forget a beach trip! My all time favorite band is going to be down here in November so I bought 3rd row tickets! And more of my family will be visiting in December!

A lot of exciting things are happening down here and I’m loving my experience. I think I’m pretty decided that I want to come back home after my program. I’m loving this program, but small-town life is definitely something I enjoy more. And I miss my family! I applied to Keuka's ASAP program for Organizational Management. I think I would love to work at a college campus in an Admissions or Student Life office! But, I'm so indecisive, we'll see if I change my mind before I come home.

I hope all is well back at home! I hope no one was harmed or suffered too harshly from the flooding that I had heard about. Enjoy every minute of your beautiful trees changing colors! And please, please... carve a pumpkin for me. I'm not entirely sure I can do that down here...

Kate Schiller

Sweat the Small Stuff

Most of you have probably noticed a tab on MyCCC about Dignity & Respect. This is a new campaign that we’re (the admissions office team) trying this semester; every week this semester there will be a different promotion, quote, idea, etc. For example, last week’s promotion was “sweat the small stuff”. This could be anything from smiling at a peer as you pass them on campus, to holding open a door, or maybe it’s asking a friend how their day is. The purpose of this campaign is to promote a friendlier campus, and make EVERYONE feel respected. You never know how it will impact someone else, and don’t you want to be respected too? “The 30 tips of Dignity & Respect challenges us to be mindful of others and to commit to treating them the way they want to be treated. By following these daily recommendations we can all work to achieve a more inclusive community.” If you’d like to get involved you can take the pledge at www.DignityandRespect.org, or text RESPECT to 94253!