OHPCC Adult Education Student Services

10 WAYS TO SAVE MORE, WASTE LESS

2009-09-15T12:08:00.000-07:00

Try some of these tips to stretch your dollars, save time, and conserve natural resources. Can you add to this list? Let us hear from you and we will include your suggestions in a future blog.
1. Drought-proof the landscaping. Slow-growing, water-efficient plants require less resources and maintenance.
2. Power down. Plug electronics into a power strip, and turn off everything before bed with a single switch.
3. Use smart products. Look for plant-based soaps with baking soda to use for laundry detergent. You can save up to 50% per load.
4. Recycle greeting cards. Remove the message portion and use the front panel as a postcard or a gift tag on a present.
5. Become your own handyman. Invest in a home repair book and learn to fix simple things yourself.
6. Deodorize your sneakers. Use a product such as baking soda or dryer sheets to deodorize smelly sneakers and gym bags. You won’t feel the need to replace them so soon.
7. Start a garden. Grow your own vegetables. They taste better and cost less than store-bought produce. Freeze or can extras and enjoy them all winter.
8. Plan a clothing swap. Have friends exchange clothes, shoes, and accessories they or their family members no longer wear.
9. Check out your local library. It has many books, movies, and music CD’s to borrow at no cost.
10. Share experiences. Research shows that creating experiences like going to the movies or meeting friends at the park brings a person more joy than spending money on material possessions.

Ace Your Interview .. or Not!!!

2009-09-15T12:02:00.000-07:00

These real life interview bloopers, as reported by CareerBuilder.com, actually occurred. Be forewarned, these are ways not to get the job.
The candidate answered his cell phone and asked the interviewer to leave her own office because it was a “private” conversation.
The candidate told the interviewer he wouldn’t stay with the job long because he might get an inheritance if his uncle died – and the old man wasn’t “looking too good”.
The candidate said she couldn’t provide a writing sample because all her writing had been for the CIA and it was “classified”.
When the applicant was offered food, he declined, saying he didn’t want to line his stomach with grease before going out drinking.
The candidate flushed the toilet while talking to the interviewer during a phone interview.
Seriously, here are some tips that might help you on that interview.
Use the “hire me” handshake. Interviewers do base their initial impression of you on whether your handshake is strong or wimpy. In fact, your handshake makes more impact than your clothing or hairdo. The reason is that most people polish up for an interview but your handshake is more of a quick reaction. Remember, a strong handshake shows you are extroverted, confident and friendly – all qualities employers look for.
Sound like a leader. Employers want to hire leaders. Be sure to say “I”, not “we”. Saying “I did this” instead of “We did this” shows that you have the ability to head up projects on your own.
Grow a few inches. Stand up straight, wear heels and try to V-neck blouse. All of these tips will help you appear taller, which makes you look instantly more in charge.
Be watching for our next blog. We’ll give you some more job seeking tips.

Don't Fall for Fake Check Scams

2009-06-02T07:45:00.000-07:00

You have probably heard through the news of fake check scams. Don’t get caught in this illegal activity. Fake check scams are clever ploys designed to steal your money. There are many variations of the scam. It could start with someone offering to buy something you advertised, pay you to work from home, or request you help them cash a sizeable check. They are very convincing in leading you to believe the offer is legitimate.
The scam works when the fraudster sends you a check or money order for your goods or services. The check is for more than the purchase price of goods or service. The fraudster asks you to send the difference back to them as "change" or to cover "taxes" or "administrative fees". After you send the money, your bank informs you that their check or money order has bounced.
Because the counterfeit check or money order looks so real, even bank tellers may be fooled. Although you receive the money immediately, it may be weeks before it is discovered to be fake.
At that point the check bounces and you are left holding the bag. The bank will deduct the amount that was originally credited to your account, and if you don’t have enough funds to cover the counterfeit item, you will still be responsible for the funds.
Remember…there is no legitimate reason for someone who is giving you money to ask you to wire money back. If someone you do not know wants to pay you for something, insist on a cashier’s check for the exact amount from a bank that has a branch in your area.
If you would like more information on this topic go to www.fakechecks.org.

Money Matters

2009-06-02T07:19:00.000-07:00

One of the big buzz words these days is BUDGET. For most of us, money is tight. What money we do have needs to go even farther. That may mean establishing or updating a budget. Here are some tips to get you started designing this tool to help you plan, prioritize, and manage your income and expenses.
To create a budget, you must
- Write down your monthly take-home pay. If you are out of work, write down your unemployment compensation. List income you receive from any source, including a part-time job, tax refunds, gifts, child support, etc. Add the sources to determine your actual income for that month. Keep in mind that some of the amounts may fluctuate.
- List how much you deposit in savings each month from your take-home income, even if it’s only a small amount.
- List your fixed monthly expenses . These are the predictable, set amounts for the must-have items and services that you pay for each month. These include rent or mortgage, car payment, and telephone, cable, or Internet access.
- List your variable expenses. These expenses are the amounts that change, as well as the expenses you pay weekly, monthly, quarterly, semi-annually, or every year like groceries, clothing, haircuts, property taxes, auto and homeowners insurance, and gas and electric.
- List estimates for once-in-a-while expenses such as birthday and wedding gifts, or holiday gifts and entertainment.
- Total your fixed and variable expenses and divide by 12 to get a monthly estimate.
- If after paying your bills and putting money in savings, you still have funds, you can carry over the balance for the next month or use it for unexpected expenses. If the month’s balance is negative, look for ways to cut back on the variable expenses.
We have a great budget guide to use for this project. Good luck!

What Does Money Mean to You?

2009-03-16T09:03:00.000-07:00

Who couldn’t use a little financial awareness during these difficult economic times? April has been designated financial literacy month. The Student Services office will be providing you with some timely information and suggestions regarding finances, budgeting and consumer services. Let’s start by thinking about what money means to you.

· If you agree with statements such as there’s no need to budget-either you have enough or not, or it’s not important to save a lot of money, then it may be that money is not important to you and you don’t worry about it.
· If you agree with statements such as success is a fancy car and a good-looking house, buying brand names is important, or it is important to have nothing but the best, then it may be that money is seen as a status figure. You are not interested in bargains and want only name brands.
· If you agree with statements such as there are a lot of things more important than money, money doesn’t buy happiness, or it’s silly to try to keep up with what other people have, then it may be that how you use money is more important, comparison shopping is important, and you tend to save and invest.
· If you agree with statement such as happiness is buying something new, it’s hard to wait for something you really want, or credit is great, then it may be that you use money for instant gratification, you shop for the latest tech items and feel your purchases are justified.
· Finally, if you agree with statement such as don’t buy until you really need something, paying cash is the best way, or shop around until you find the best price, then it may be you value money for the security it gives you and you are frustrated with careless spenders.

Think about these statements and see where you might fit. What about your spouse or children? How do they feel about these statements? Differences in money values can result in a lot of friction in a relationship. It can be helpful to have an understanding of your own money values and those of your spouse and children. This might be a great discussion topic around the dinner table.

Special Event Coming Soon

2008-11-24T13:23:00.000-08:00

Ohio Hi-Point Career Center is hosting its annual Career Preview and Open House Thursday, December 4 from 4:00 pm to 7:30 pm. Tours of programs will be offered as well as mini-classes and personal enhancement classes. In addition, relaxation back rubs and a sampler of stress relief techniques will be offered.
Information will be provided on short-term and enrichment courses for adult students, small business development help, financial aid for full-time programs, and local colleges and satellite programs. The high school will feature their programs of study as well.
Several local restaurants will provide taste testing opportunities for $3, with proceeds going to the OHP scholarship fund. Interim Healthcare will provide flu shots for $17 while supplies last and guests are eligible for prizes, freebies and giveaways.
This is a perfect opportunity to invite your family and friends to come see your school and hear about its adult education offerings. In addition, young students can hear about high school offerings and view new opportunities in technology. See you then!

One in Five Employers Uses Social Networks in the Hiring Process

2008-11-12T10:35:00.000-08:00

According to a survey released by CareerBuilder.com , of more than 31,000 employers , more than one in five employers search social networking sites to screen job candidates. Of the hiring managers who use social networks, one-third said they found information on such sites that caused them to toss the candidate out of consideration for a job.
Some 22% of employers said they already review social networks to screen candidates, while an additional 9% said they are planning to do so. Only 11% of managers used the technology in 2006.
The top areas of concern found on social networking sites include:
ü Information about alcohol or drug use
ü Inappropriate photos or information posted
ü Poor communication skills
ü Bad-mouthing former employers or fellow employees
ü Unprofessional screen names
ü Notes showing links to criminal behavior
ü Confidential information about past employers
On a positive side, the survey also found that 24% of hiring managers found content on social networks that actually helped convince them to hire a candidate. The managers stated that profiles showing a professional image and solid references can boost a candidate’s chance for a job.
Recommendations to make your social networking site work to your job seeking advantage include:
§ Remove pictures, content and links that can send the wrong message to potential employers.
§ Update social networking profiles regularly to highlight latest accomplishments
§ Consider blocking comments to avoid questionable posts
§ Avoid joining groups whose names could turn off potential employers
§ Consider setting profile to private so only designated friends can view it

Information from computerworld.com

Bridges to Success Revisited

2008-11-03T06:58:00.000-08:00

Several years ago when I was taking a college class, I came upon a book that really caught my interest. It was supposed to be a required book for the course, but the instructor never used it. I kept the book and read it for myself anyway. Maybe that tells how interested I was in the subject. We all know that people who have wealth and resources live differently than those of the middle class and those in poverty. I had never seen the differences described the way they were in that book. I learned the worlds of work and school are based on middle class culture and values. It really helped me understand why students sometimes make decisions that don’t necessarily help them to reach their educational and career goals.
Take a moment to think back to the discussion regarding Bridges to Success and cultural differences. Remember, the culture of poverty refers to the extent a person goes without resources. Resources may include money, emotional support, positive relationships, and coping skills. Keeping this in mind, have you had opportunities to network with others from different cultures? Did you notice anything about the exchange? Have you noticed anyone who seems to have a different frame of reference? Do you have a better understanding of the basis of that reference? How might you reframe your encounter? Also, have you reflected on your resources and how you might use them to assist you in your career goals?
Remember the driving forces for each culture.
Poverty……….survival, relationships, entertainment
Middle Class……….work, achievement
Wealth..........financial, political, and social connections
For more information, look for Bridges Out of Poverty, by Ruby K. Payne.

2008-09-17T11:00:00.000-07:00

Did you know??
Constitution day is September 17. It’s not a date you hear very much about. In recognition of the day, here are some excerpts from the National Constitution Center about this important document.
· Written in 1787, the Constitution was signed on September 17th, but wasn’t ratified by the necessary nine states until 1788.
· In 1791, Americans added a list of individual rights. The first ten constitutional amendments became known as The Bill of Rights.
· Two of the founding fathers didn’t sign the Constitution. Thomas Jefferson was representing his country in France and John Adams was doing the same in Great Britain.
· The first national “Thanksgiving Day” was created by George Washington on November 26, 1789 as a way of “giving thanks” for the Constitution.
· At 81, Benjamin Franklin of Pennsylvania was the oldest delegate at the Constitutional Convention and at 26, Jonathon Dayton of New Jersey was the youngest.
· The original Constitution is on display at the National Archives in Washington, D.C. When the Japanese bombed Pearl Harbor, it was moved to Fort Knox for safekeeping.
· More than 11,000 amendments have been introduced in Congress. Thirty three have gone to the states to be ratified and twenty seven have received the necessary approval from the states to actually become amendments.
What an amazing document that continues to stand the test of time! To learn more go to constitutioncenter.org.

Health Information students test knowledge in mock trial

2008-09-04T10:58:00.000-07:00

This summer, several students in OHP's Health Information Technology program presented a mock trial on the topic of "Feeding Tubes and Family Issues". The mock trial was proposed by the students as part of their requirements for the Medical Law and Ethics course.Students Cindy Schneider, Sandy Henson, and Myra Ross proposed the idea for the mock trial to their instructor Tanya Knief and included members from the community in their presentation, including Ed Dougherty, a local attorney, who took on the responsibility of playing judge."Our topic of pulling the feeding tube with family issues covers the legal consequences, medical ethics, and religious and moral value issues," said the three students. "We are hoping to bring to everyone's attention the importance of having your wishes, at any age, known to your loved ones, your friends, clergy, lawyer, and physician.""As we enter the medical workforce in all kinds of healthcare settings, we will undoubtedly run into some problems of this type," offered the students. "By having the correct paperwork readily available to healthcare workers, there would be no doubt as to what a patient's wishes are, and it would also allow us as healthcare workers to show our compassion to the patient and family members."

Welcome to OHP Adult Ed Students Services!

2008-06-13T12:43:00.001-07:00