TECHNICAL COLLEGE IS FUN!

Technical college seems to be the right fit for students who do not have the time or financial resources to attend a four-year institution.  Many students are single parents.  Others are facing personal illness or they may have family members who are ill.  Financial hardship is another consideration.  But most are determined to succeed.  After 18 months, they are able to obtain jobs as medical assistants, massage therapists, hair dressers, nail technicians, chefs, bartenders, web designers,  or computer experts.  The focus is on preparing students for the work place, so every course they take is relevant and necessary for their careers.

Why is College Fun?

 Every Thursday is Fun Day! Students can get their hair done, get a massage or a facial, or get their nails done by their colleagues.   The culinary students have a small cafe where they create great dishes for very low prices.  All of this is available to the public and students get to use their skills.  Learners take pride in their work and increase their confidence. I love coming to a place where everyone wants to succeed.  My administrators are professional, positive, and proactive.  When I make a suggestion, they seem interested in what I have to say and they take my ideas into consideration.  My colleagues are helpful and never hesitate to collaborate.  Everyone is generous and shares information freely.


I love teaching technical college! I really feel as if I am part of a community of learners.  My students are respectful and motivated.  I heard that they could get suspended if they made an angry face, so I don't know if that has anything to do with it.  Disrespect is not tolerated.  I was surprised to hear instructors from other universities complain about disruptive students.  One instructor even told me that a fight broke out at her institution of higher education.  I have not seen that happen at my college.  Everyone is generally friendly and cooperative; however, no place is perfect.

How to Succeed in Community College

Here are a few suggestions to help students increase their professionalism in your course:

1. Be present every day of class and arrive on time.   When I took attendance, there was no way to mark a student tardy; students were either present or absent.  If students were tardy, they missed credit for the first hour of class.  Do not leave early unless you have a medical emergency.  The less time you spend in class, the less direct information you are getting.  Some students expect to be released early because they've had a long day.  Instructors may do that if all of the information has been given; but they are not obligated to release you early from class.  One student complained to the dean because her instructor never released students before 10 PM; however, that was the time the class was supposed to end. 

2. Do not throw temper tantrums.  When children throw temper tantrums, they fall to the floor, kick their legs, and scream at the top of their lungs.  When adults throw temper tantrums, they give hateful stares, make rude comments, or complain incessantly.  Students must be proactive and use problem-solving skills.  Speak to instructors about concerns.  Many students go to the wrong person to complain about the wrong thing.  Go to the person who can correct the problem.  Ask yourself: "Do I need to see the registrar?"  "Do I need to email my instructor?"  "Do I need to see the Dean of Students?" 

3. Do not demand a passing grade.  One student told me, "I need an A in this class!"  I said nothing, assuming that he needed to bring up his GPA and was under a lot of pressure.  Understand that grades are earned.  Everyone would love to come to the table and get an A, but it does not work that way.

4.  Procrastination and time management are the biggest killers to student success. If you have an emergency, contact your instructor and make sure you do not fall behind with assignments. Make up missing work right away. If you don't feel like doing the assignment, don't focus on your feelings!  The more you think about how you don't feel like doing the work, the more difficult it is to complete. If you ignore your feelings (which are always temporary), it is easier to complete the assignment and pass the course.   Many students face many personal challenges while attending community college.  It's easy to become overwhelmed or shut down when so much has to be done.  Students succeed when they set aside at least one hour to catch up on missing work, read, or study.  Use your time wisely.

5. When you are in class, turn off your cell phone.  Also, do not text and do not play video games on your iPad during class.

6. Professionalism is necessary for your college success.  Community college is not extended high school.  Whatever you did in high school may not work in community college.  Instructors will not make excuses for you, give you detention, or call your mother to make sure you do all of your work. You must be an independent learner who takes responsibility for his or her own success.  I give students extended time because I am kind and compassionate; however, I expect the work to be complete on the agreed-upon date. A student who had missed three days of school, returned and asked me, "Am I in trouble?"   I said, "This is college.  I didn't know college students got in trouble."  Stay focused on your career goals and do not go back to high school mode.  No one is going to reprimand you or scold you for missing work or excessive absences.  Your college instructors will expect you to behave like adults because community college is an adult environment.


Resources to Help You to Succeed in Community College

Consider these sites when making your decision to attend a technical or community college:

Isa Adney is beautiful, intelligent, and inspiring!  Her information is valuable and timely.  If you are interested in going to community college, read this book.

http://www.amazon.com/Community-College-Success-Scholarships-Internships/dp/1935254626/ref=sr_1_14?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1333913845&sr=1-14


This site has a checklist that can help you make an informed decision.
OSAC. (2012). Oregon Student Access Commission. Community College Checklist. Retrieved from
 http://www.oregonstudentaid.gov/aspire-students-community-college-checklist.aspx