Organized Resistance

"Most of us are motivated by a moral outrage at what's happening." -- Peter Brown.

Migrant Advocates Organizing Resistance was published in the San Diego Union Tribune on March 3, 2017.

www.sanctuarysandiego.org

A Drive to Protect

"Jerry has a very caring heart and he's a man of action. When he sees something wrong, it's like instead of cursing the darkness he lights a candle. He has unlimited energy and an unlimited desire to respond when someone needs help." -- Mike Poyner, Koi Club volunteer, on Jerry Myers.

Homeless Fish Find Shelter at Koi Show appeared in the San Diego Union Tribune on March 3, 2017.

Scholarships

Nordson Builds Scholarship
http://www.nordson.com/en/our-company/community/nordson-builds-scholarship-program
Nordson Corporation provides three categories of scholarships: Career & Technical, University Scholars, and Creating Equity in Industry. These manufacturing industry scholarships are targeted at individuals whose permanent residence or college is near a Nordson facility, and are pursuing majors in manufacturing, engineering-related STEM disciplines, or business leading to a career in industry and corporate America. Scholarships ranging from $2,000 to $10,000 will be awarded to students planning to enroll or already enrolled in an accredited public or private not-for-profit postsecondary institution.
Deadline: May 15, 2017

Protecting CSU Students

What can students threatened with deportation at California State Universities do if they are approached by immigration officials? The Chancellor of the CSU system says to call the campus police, who will provide the students with resources for help. The campus police will not take part in deportation efforts as the CSU colleges work to protect their students.

CSU Chancellor Advises Students Contacted by Immigration Officials to Call Campus Police appeared in the Long Beach Press Telegram.

15 Ways to Save

These 15 tips to save are sound: Buy used (or pre-owned if that sounds better to you), especially when it comes to a car. Buy in bulk (this is why Costco is always busy). And make a list when you shop to keep yourself from bringing home that frivolous accent table or sheepskin mittens you have no use for. 15 Golden Rules for Saving on Every Purchase appeared on MSN Money.

Do you eat out a lot? It's costing you big-time. What about that gym membership you don't use? Drop it and see how much you save each month. I Learned 5 Ways to Be Better With My Money and I've Already Saved $400 appeared on CNBC.

Housing for Homeless Vets

"The cost involved is high, but if we can house and help 50 veterans, it would be worth (it)." --
Councilman Keith Blackburn.

Housing for Homeless Vets Approved in Carlsbad was published in the San Diego Union Tribune on Feb. 17, 2017.

5th Grade Team Forfeits for Female Players

Okay, this post has nothing to do with saving money for college, reducing expenses, or finding the right career but when I read it, I had to put it up. I salute the St. John's 5th grade co-ed basketball team in New Jersey for sticking up for their female players. They might forfeit their games this season, but they've won my respect forever. 5th Grade Co-ed Basketball Team Chooses To Forfeit Season Instead Of Kicking Girls Off The Team appeared on MSN Sports.

Cutting Cable

If you're thinking about cutting your cable TV, the San Diego Union Tribune is running a column called Digital Life by Jennifer Van Grove to help you.

An Overview of Cable TV Alternatives was published on March 4, 2017.

Cord-Cutters Who Love Sports Not Totally Out of Luck appeared on Feb. 25, 2017.

Can You Live Without Cable TV for a Week? was published on Feb. 18, 2017.

An Intro to Streaming Sticks and Boxes appeared on Feb. 11, 2017.

A Beginner's Guide to Cutting the Cord was published on Feb. 3, 2017.

It's Not Me, It's You: Breaking Up With Cable appeared in the San Diego Union Tribune on 10-19-15.

Food Pantry at Mesa

"It means so much knowing that the student government really cares about the students, knowing it's something for the students, by the students." -- Student Jenn Burkhead.

Mesa Opens Food, Clothes Pantry For Students in Need was published in the San Diego Union Tribune on Feb. 10, 2017.

City's Food Pantry is now open on Fridays in the Spring 2017 semester.

Saving $1000

In a previous post on getting out of debt, I cited author, Dave Ramsey, in urging you to start an emergency fund of $1000 asap to help you through life's unexpected expenses such as a car repair. You might be asking how to do that. Well MSN Money has provided 15 Painless Ways to Save $1000 by Summer. One suggestion is to get a cheaper cell phone plan. And remember that if you cancel your gym membership, we have lots of fun exercise classes at San Diego City College such as yoga, kickboxing, and dance.

Save On Movies

Movies: I like going to the movie theater, but by the time I've paid for tickets for our family of four and made it back from the concession stand, I have gone through a boatload of cash. So is it possible to go to the movies without taking on a second job? Here are 15 ways to save at the theater from MSN. Hint: you might miss the popcorn, but you'll survive.

Mentors Change Lives

“One time Aden asked me, ‘Do you get paid to do this?’ And I said, ‘Dude, my benefit is, someone did it for me, and I hope you can go out and do something nice for someone else.’ I’m a big believer in paying it forward, and if I have the means and the ability to do it, I’m going to do it. I can’t give money, but I have time to give. That’s what we should all do to make the world a better place.” -- Derek Hegyi, volunteer mentor for Jewish Family Service of San Diego's Jewish BigPals program.

San Diego Mentor Pays It Forward, Tacos Included was published in the San Diego Union Tribune on January 27, 2017.

Volunteer Profile

"To know that just my mere presence brings light to someone’s day is an amazing feeling that can’t be explained in words. To watch these kids grow and regain trust in society, and to achieve what they believe is the impossible, is something that still, after 10 years, surprises me every time it happens." -- Maggie McWhorter, Executive Director for StandUp For Kids

This profile of Maggie McWhorter was published in the San Diego Union Tribune on Jan. 22, 2017.

Student Debt Impacts Women

My opinion is students should avoid loan debt. The surest way to do that is to not take out student loans in the first place. How to pay for school you ask?

• Live at home with parents as long as possible. This might mean you help around the house and contribute to household expenses.
• Apply for financial aid. This goes without saying. Even if you don't think you qualify, submit your FAFSA and indicate "Work Study" if you are interested in a part-time job on campus. Renew your FAFSA every year. 
• Apply for scholarships. Check out the scholarship page on this blog. Also check the San Diego City College scholarship site for resources.
• Take as many courses as possible at the community college before transfer. Work with a counselor on this.
• Set a budget and stick to it.
• Cut unnecessary expenses. By this, I mean buy only what you need, not what you want.
• Author Dave Ramsey says it's imperative to set up an emergency fund of $1000 asap. Whatever your budget can afford, start putting a set amount away each month until you reach $1000. How? Sell stuff you don't need. Work an extra job during school breaks. Take in a roommate to cut the rent. Having an emergency fund will save you a ton of stress when emergencies happen. It will also empower you by showing you it's possible to save.
• Once you establish your emergency fund, then continue saving the same monthly amount or more if possible. Put it in a savings account toward your future college expenses.

Okay, female students, the article below is about you. But don't fret. Do the above instead. College Debt Weighs More Heavily on Women Than On Men appeared on MSN Money.

UC Education Will Cost More

UC Regents Approve First Tuition Increase Since 2011 was published in the San Diego Union Tribune on January 28, 2017.

Protecting Immigrant Students

Sometimes it's hard being a counselor at San Diego City College. We don't have the resources to help students the way we would like to, especially during the peak registration periods. We run out of appointments. We don't have enough educational planning workshops, and it's hard for students to get the help they need. This is frustrating for students, counselors, and staff. During these times, I can feel pretty exasperated and question my purpose in this profession.

There are times, however, when I'm proud to be an employee of the San Diego Community College District. The article below regarding our District's stance in protecting immigrant students is one instance in which I am glad to be a part of our District and community. It's reassuring to know that the District has the backs of our students. Kudos to Chancellor Constance Carroll for taking this stand because it's the right thing to do.

The San Diego Community College District is taking a stand to protect college students who could possibly face deportation. "There are institutions that will provide voluntary assistance (to federal immigration officers), and we will not be one of them." -- Chancellor Constance Carroll.

Community College District Moves to Protect Immigrant Students appeared in the San Diego Union Tribune on January 28, 2017.

Homeless

Escondido Puts Homeless on Priority List appeared in the San Diego Union Tribune on Feb. 19, 2017.

Oceanside Debates Homeless Solutions was published in the San Diego Union Tribune on Feb. 14, 2017.

"This situation is beyond outrageous, but our homeless population is not to blame -- the culprit is failed leadership." City Camp Could Be San Diego's Homeless Solution appeared in the San Diego Union Tribune on Feb. 10, 2017.

How to solve the homeless problem? Homeless Crisis Is Solvable, But Won't Yield to Political Timidity was published in the San Diego Union Tribune on January 29, 2017.

Volunteers helped count the numbers of homeless in San Diego. "It was an eye-opener to see people sleeping under the bridge." -- Natasha Howell of Oceanside, who helped search for homeless near Camp Pendleton. 1,700 Volunteers Hit the Street to Count, Interview the Homeless appeared in the San Diego Union Tribune on January 28, 2017.

Homeless Connect gave services and basic necessities to 1,016 people on January 25. "This is where my life turned around." -- David Hyland, one of the many people who received help. 1,000+ Receive Clothes, Services at 11th Homeless Connect was published in the San Diego Union Tribune on January 25, 2017.

Army Vet Heals Through Loving Her Cat

"I was in such a bad place. I remember thinking, 'How am I going to get out of this?' And then I saw that face, and I just felt something. And when you don't usually feel much and you finally feel something, you kind of have to act on that." -- Army veteran, Karolyn Smith, on seeing her cat, Sophia, for the first time on San Diego Humane Society's Facebook page.

How An Amputee Cat Helped A San Diego Veteran Heal Herself appeared in the San Diego Union Tribune on January 14, 2017.