A Photo Tells a Tragic Story

Mimo Khair captured a haunting image of a young Syrian girl at a refugee camp in Lebanon. The girl had lost her family only days before the picture. This picture/article was shown on "Yahoo" on 9-6-14.

Forgiving Murder

Author's Note: Azim Khamisa and Ples Felix appeared at San Diego City College's "Passport to Life" recently. This article first appeared in Asian Fortune in 2010.

Foundation of Forgiveness 

pic by Bangin

Imagine the devastation of losing a son. On January 21, 1995, Azim Khamisa came face to face with this reality. His twenty-year-old son, Tariq, was murdered in a gang-related robbery over two pizzas worth $27.24. Tariq worked for DeMille’s Italian Restaurant in San Diego and went on a delivery to a North Park apartment. Four members of a youth gang known as “The Black Mob” had staged a phony call to steal pizza from a delivery driver.

Tariq refused to comply and attempted to drive away from his assailants. The gang leader ordered a fourteen-year-old named Tony Hicks to shoot the delivery driver. Hicks pulled the trigger of a stolen 9mm semiautomatic handgun and killed Tariq Khamisa.

Tariq was Azim Khamisa’s only son. He was a San Diego State University student who planned to marry a young woman named Jennifer Patchen. They shared a passion for art and thought of moving to New York together. They had been going out for a year and engaged for two months. They were in love.

When Tariq was a child, Azim worked as an international investment banker and spent a lot of time away on business travels. Then Azim and his wife divorced and he was absent from his son’s life. As adults, father and son were learning to reconnect. They frequented a neighborhood restaurant called the Hobnob for breakfasts of steak and eggs or corned beef hash. They reminisced, told stories, and discussed Tariq’s future. Azim wanted his son to go into business. Tariq was interested in photography. Three months before he died, Tariq wrote a letter to his father. The following excerpt from that letter was published in Azim Khamisa’s book, Azim’s Bardo: From Murder to Forgiveness:

Does College Choice Matter?

pic by Fastily

Before you apply to that elite university, check out this U-T op-ed about whether college choice really affects your earnings and job satisfaction. Will Your Choice of College Affect Job Prospects? appeared in the U-T San Diego on April 14, 2014. The article was forwarded by Steve Schommer.

Reducing Stress 3

pic by Lennyostrovitz

The following stress info from J. David Forbes, MD, an expert in stress management operating out of Nashville, TN, was forwarded by Emily Bartel:

Get emotional support. Adjusting to college can be difficult, and venting your frustrations to a trusted friend can go a long way in fighting stress. “It’s a way to empty out tensions and make them lower,” Forbes says. Choose a friend or family member who won’t be judgmental or try to give lots of advice. Or seek the help of a professional counselor or psychologist. To find a trusted practitioner, check with your student health center for recommendations. (Note: At City, we have mental health counseling available for students in A-221, 619-388-3539).

        Don’t give up your passions. Your schedule may be filled with lectures and study groups, but try to find at least a couple of hours each week to pursue a hobby or other activity that you enjoy. “Do something that feeds the peace of your soul in some way and stay connected with it,” Forbes says. “It promotes the anti-stress physiology of your body.” 

Inventor Saved Lives

Stephanie Kwolek from Chemical Heritage Foundation

You might not have heard of Stephanie Kwolek, but this inventor saved countless lives. Kevlar Inventor Stephanie Kwolek Dead at 90 was published on "Yahoo News." If  you are a college student thinking of going into math/sciences, this is a story of how one woman who loved chemistry made a difference. Strive to make a positive impact with your education. Isn't that why we go to school?

Reducing Stress 2

    

pic by Earl McGehee

The following stress info from J. David Forbes, MD, an expert in stress management operating out of Nashville, TN, was forwarded by Emily Bartel:

Exercise. When you’re stressed, moving around may be the last thing you feel like doing. But as little as 20 minutes a day of physical activity can reduce stress levels. Forbes says just three or four half-hour sessions can lighten stress considerably. As for what type of exercise, try something that you enjoy doing, like swimming or yoga. “You’re not going to continue something you don’t like,” Forbes notes.

Avoid unnatural energy boosters. Artificial stimulants like caffeine pills or prescription meds may help you stay awake for that all-night study session, but putting off your body’s need to sleep will ultimately result in an energy crash, resulting again in a greater susceptibility to stress. “It’s like clipping the wires to your fire alarm while the house burns down,” Forbes says. “Just because you didn’t hear it doesn’t mean the house didn’t burn.”

Reducing Stress

The following stress info from J. David Forbes, MD, an expert in stress management operating out of Nashville, TN, was forwarded by Emily Bartel:

No one is immune from stress, but those entering the ivory towers of college are particularly vulnerable to it.

“When you get to college, it’s usually a fairly sizable life change,” says J. David Forbes, MD, a Nashville, Tenn., physician specializing in stress management. “It’s the first time you’re off on your own. You’re out from any kind of adult jurisdiction. That can bring an overwhelming number of choices.”

Stress occurs when your tension level exceeds your energy level, resulting in an overloaded feeling. “As long as our available energy exceeds our tension level, then we’re in an okay state,” Dr. Forbes says. “But if energy is low and tensions are higher, then that can result in a state of anxiety, depression, and feeling overwhelmed.”

College: Stress Management

If you feel like your brain is melting under the crush of books, classes, and papers, don’t freak out. Follow our stress-management tips to help relieve the pressure.

1.    Get enough sleep. It may be tempting to hit the hay at 4 a.m. and then attend an 8 a.m. class, but shortchanging yourself on rest can increase your stress level. “Winging it on not much sleep has a profound effect on how we experience the stressors of the day,” Forbes says. Plus, insufficient sleep can put you at risk for serious illnesses, such as diabetes, obesity, and depression. Adults typically need seven to nine hours of sleep a night for best health. Forbes also recommends that you align your sleep schedule with normal resting hours by getting to bed before midnight, rather than staying up until dawn and sleeping until mid-afternoon. “The more that our internal clock is closely aligned with the clock of the sun, the better it is,” Forbes says.

2.    Eat well. A steady diet of pizza and vending-machine fare can decrease energy levels in the body, leading to a lower threshold for stress. “You end up feeling very tired and looking for the same [junk food] to kick you back up,” Forbes says. “It’s a lousy cycle of hunting for short-term comfort food or sugar highs that actually keep you feeling worse.” Follow a diet rich in vegetables, fruits, and whole grains.

To be continued . . . 

SDSU Initiates Student Fee Increase

pic by Nehrams2020

Get ready to pay $50 more for your classes at SDSU in the fall. The university will charge students a "student success fee" to hire faculty and offer more classes. SDSU Will Impose New Fee was published in the U-T San Diego on March 15, 2014.

Give and Take

Are you a "giver," a "taker," or a "matcher?" According to author and professor, Adam Grant, "givers" try to help others. "Takers" want a bigger piece of the pie for themselves, and "matchers" try to make sure one hand washes the other. In his fascinating book, Give and Take: A Revolutionary Approach to Success, Grant shows that "givers" prosper in business and success, and that "nice guys" can finish first. If you're in business or you want to be successful in life, check out this book. It's backed with extensive research and examples of people who have gotten ahead by helping others succeed. Find out more by going to www.giveandtake.com.

Educating Students About Breaking a Barrier to Education

You might not have heard the name "Carlotta Walls LaNier," but she is an important and courageous figure in our country's history. In 1957, she was one of nine people to become the first black students to stand up to angry mobs and National Guard troops to attend Little Rock's Central High School in Arkansas. LaNier is now 71, and she is helping City College and other students to appreciate the Civil Rights movement and what it stood for. "My intent is for them to understand why they sit in a classroom with other people who don't look like them, to understand some of the historical piece that they don't necessarily get from their history class or civics class . . ." she said.

Woman Shares Insights As Little Rock Nine Figure appeared in the U-T San Diego on March 7, 2014. The info was forwarded by Heidi Bunkowske.

Student Clubs!

pic by ProtoplasmaKid

Interested in joining a club on campus? Here is a list of clubs at City. Want more info on clubs? Here are some other clubs/organizations to check out at City. This info was provided by Alma Nava.

Former Gang Member Makes A Difference

Former gang member is studying to be a substance abuse counselor at San Diego City College. Ex-Gang Member Earns National Honor was published in the U-T San Diego on Feb. 25, 2014. The article was forwarded by John Gradilla.

UCSD and Peace Corps

pic by Amcaja

UCSD is among the top colleges in the nation in students who volunteer for the Peace Corps. UC San Diego No. 12 on Peace Corps List appeared in the U-T San Diego on Feb. 12, 2014. "UC San Diego continues ... producing volunteers who embrace the call to make a difference in communities overseas," said Janet Allen, West Coast regional manager for the Peace Corps.

See the top colleges for peace corps volunteers for 2014.

Social Work

The following info was forwarded by counselor, Roberta Krauss:

What Can I Do With A Degree In Social Work?

Career Opportunities in Social Work include:

Elementary, Middle and High Schools

Public Health Agencies

Family Service Agencies

Community Action Agencies

Child and Adult Care Centers

Private Clinical Practices

Foundations

Armed Forces

Policy Making Organizations

Vocational Rehabilitation Services

Corporate Employee Assistance Programs

Disaster Relief Organizations

Veterans Services

Local, State and National Government

Hospitals

Domestic Violence Shelters

Child Welfare Agencies

Psychiatric Facilities

Rehabilitation Facilities

Emergency Assistance Organizations

Drug Treatment Clinics

Home Care Agencies

Community Mental Health Centers

Senior Citizen Centers

Developmental Disabilities Centers

Youth Development Programs

Jails and Prisons

Colleges and Universities

Career Centers

Legal Service Agencies

Homeless Shelters

Hospices and Nursing Homes

CASE CONSULTANT

Counsels other less experienced social workers, as well as other people involved in some aspect of social work without previous training.

CHILD LIFE SPECIALIST

Alleviates the stress that hospitalization causes for young children and their families through play therapy and other forms of counseling. Acts as an advocate for the child in dealings with the health care team.

pic Army Medicine

CLINICAL SOCIAL WORKER

Offers psychotherapy or counseling services in public agencies, clinics, and private practice. Requires a master's degree.

COMMUNITY ORGANIZER

Identifies needs in the community, writes proposals to address them and evaluates whether these needs were met. Community organizers are usually supported by state, federal and private funding grants.

COURT-APPOINTED SPECIAL ADVOCATE

CASA workers are appointed by juvenile or family court judges to advocate on behalf of the children who are brought before the court. Meets with those involved in the child's life, gathers information to determine the child's best interests, and recommends a course of action to the court. Most often CASA workers are assigned to cases in which a child has been removed from the care of parents.

CSU San Marcos President Touts Progress

pic by Rennett Stowe

CSU San Marcos president, Karen Kaynes: “I’m proud we are a very innovative, agile institution,” Haynes said. “(We) have weathered six years of the worst economic climate for public higher education … and we have weathered it by growing academic programs, by growing our student populations, by building buildings and by moving forward. There is a spirit here that I am very proud to be a part of and help lead.” San Marcos University President Celebrates Progress appeared in the U-T San Diego on Feb. 8, 2014. 

$20 Million Donation to SDSU

pic by Nehrams2020

A philanthropist named Conrad Prebys is giving $20 million to SDSU to develop scholarships for students. "It is wonderful when you know you've done something right. You feel good about it," he said. Prebys Donates $20M to SDSU for Students was published in the U-T San Diego on Feb. 6, 2014.

Lessons From Orientation continued by Kelli Turpin

pic by Tulane Public Relations

Lessons from Orientation (continued):

The Computer is Stupid (or: Look at Your Schedule, Silly)

Computers do exactly what you tell them to do and nothing else. Therefore, it’s up to you to make sure you know what you’re telling it.

During Registration/Before the Semester Starts

After you’ve registered for all of your classes, click on the “View Schedule” button.  This is your moment to make sure that you didn’t accidently transpose a number within the CRN (Course Reference Number) and register for Ceramics at Mesa when you really meant to enroll for Beginning Stagecraft at City.

This is also the moment to make sure that the classes you scheduled back-to-back are really at the same campus. The computer requires that you have at least 10 minutes between classes. It will let you register for a class at City that ends at 11:00 a.m. and a class at Miramar that starts at 11:10 a.m. Because the computer doesn’t drive, it doesn’t care that you cannot physically get from City to Miramar in 10 minutes.

While you’re paying attention to details on Reg-E, click on “View/Pay Fees.” Most people have to pay the $19 health fee – even if you have Financial Aid. If you don’t pay your fees, you will be dropped from your classes. Even if you’ve already paid the health fee, click on the Fees button just to make sure (see above “The Computer is Stupid”). I don’t think you’ll be dropped, but better safe than sorry.

If you’re on a wait list for a class, you need to check your e-mail and/or Reg-E at least a couple of times a week. Once you get the notification that you’re able to add from the wait list, you only have a few days to do it. After that, the next person gets the class and you get dropped from the wait list. For some classes, that’s not much of an issue. For others (like English or Biology), it could be critical.

After the Semester Starts

The most important thing to do at the beginning of the semester is to look at your schedule on Reg-E. If you look at your schedule on the second Monday of the semester and find that you’re actually not enrolled in that Art class you love so much, you have plenty of time to make that happen (the deadline is the second Friday -- February 7th for spring 14). If you wait until the third Monday, you’re out of luck. You will not be able to register for any class after the add date.

Make sure that you drop any class you’re not actually attending. Professors are supposed to drop students from their roster who are inactive, or did not show up for class. Usually, they’re pretty good at it. Sometimes, they overlook someone.

pic by Arthur Grigoryan

Pop Quiz: To whom is your life more important? You or the professor?

Answer: You, Silly. Therefore, it is your responsibility to make sure you’re enrolled in classes that you’re attending and that you’re not enrolled in classes you are not attending. 

Lessons from Orientation Continued (Math) by Kelli Turpin

picture by Galaksiafervojo

Lessons from orientation continued: 

Math is one of those subjects that most people either love or hate. If you love it, definitely take it your first semester. Consider majoring in something that requires lots of math – engineering, economics, computer science, physical sciences – because those are majors that are connected with jobs that tend to grow.

If you hate math, you have a couple of choices:

a.       Take it your first semester and plow through until you’re done – once you’ve started, don’t stop. Math builds on itself, so keep building.

b.      Wait a semester. There’ll be flak for this one. Here’s my logic. If you think that you’re going to struggle in math and this is going to be your first semester in college, waiting for a semester to start math will give you the opportunity to succeed in college courses. Once you’ve succeeded, you know you have the study skills and ability to do well in college. At that point, you know that any issues you have with math are with math specifically and not with college generally. Waiting also gives you the opportunity to figure out how much time classes will take without math, so you have a better idea of how much time to budget for math – or how many other classes you can take with math.

Keep in mind that you can’t earn an associate degree without finishing Math 96 (or its equivalent) and you can’t transfer without a class that has Math 96 as a prerequisite. So don’t put it off too long.

Also know that all the baggage you carry around in regards to math is probably from some moment or series of moments in elementary school. You’re not 10 years old anymore – chances are, with the right professor (use ratemyprofessors.com), you’ll actually get it now.

If you need help in math, there is free tutoring available in our tutorial center (room L-205), and you can always arrange to meet with your math instructor during office hours to make sure you are on track.  

SDSU Student Fee?

picture by lo2013

San Diego State University is considering a new student fee to help pay for classes and instructors. "SDSU Considers Student Fee to Pay for Additional Faculty" was published in the U-T San Diego on Jan. 25th, 2014.

Cinema Jobs!

Pacific Arts Movement is a nonprofit formerly known as the San Diego Asian Film Festival. They are hiring for the positions of Marketing and Outreach Director (open immediately) and Development Director (open immediately).

Scholarships!

The San Diego Foundation has scholarship info. There is a list of separate scholarships managed by the Foundation with their own timelines. Another list of external scholarships provides more scholarship opportunities for San Diego County students.

If you want to create your own profile for scholarships, go to www.fastweb.com. This website is not affiliated with The San Diego Foundation.