My Life: Blog Form

Managing Your Email February 15, 2010

Posted by GJ in Uncategorized.
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To some, using e-mail may be time consuming, but using more than one e-mail account may not be worth your time. Since TWC has given every student their very own e-mail account, many students are not checking it as often as they should. A new policy implemented by Wesleyan is that any and all college related correspondence through e-mail is to utilize the my.twcnet.edu e-mail addresses.

What if there was an easier way to check all of your e-mails in one mailbox? Luckily, there is! Microsoft has a great way of helping its consumers merge multiple e-mail mailboxes into one account. For many Wesleyan students, they’ve already set up their accounts to forward their e-mail to their personal account.

Forwarding your my.twcnet.edu mail is quite a simple task to complete! The Outlook Live e-mail client that TWC uses has a very simple step-by-step process to help you set up forwarding:

1. Log into you’re my.twcnet.edu account by going to http://www.twcnet.edu and clicking on the ‘Student E-mail’ link

2. In the upper right-hand corner, click the link that says ‘Options’

3. On the left-hand side, click ‘Organize E-mail’

4. Once the page loads, there will be a tab that says ‘Inbox Rules’ that will open up. Click the ‘New’ icon.

5. A new window will open up asking you how to configure the Inbox Rules. You can select the options you think are right for you, but it is recommended that in the ‘*When the message arrives, and:’ option, you select ‘Apply to All Messages’ from the drop-down menu.

6. In the ‘*Do The Following:’ drop-down list, select ‘Forward the Message To:’

7. A new window will open up asking you where to send the e-mail. The new window that opens is the TWC student e-mail address book. At the bottom of the window, in the blank field under ‘Message Recipient,’ type in your personal e-mail address and click ‘Ok.’

8. The window will close, and you will be taken back to the previous New Inbox Rule window. Once all the information is correct, click the ‘Save’ button.

Your student e-mail is now being forwarded to your personal e-mail address! That means there is one less inbox to check and more free time to do homework and reading. If there are any questions regarding your student e-mail account, don’t hesitate to contact Campus Information Technology, or CIT.

Educational Success November 18, 2009

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Education is what college is all about. Students arrive at colleges and universities to further their education in a field of their choice. Classes are chosen based on what the student is wishing to study, enabling them to further their studies in the subject area they are interested in. Attendance and class participation are two key components of education because they show professors that students are truly interested in learning and completing their education. Without having a student’s attendance and class participation combined with their overall score, students wouldn’t have the incentive to attend class and to participate in discussions or to do the necessary out of class reading that professors request.

From my past experiences, I have come to realize that class participation and attendance are very important to my success. It is very important to utilize the books and materials we have spent money on to prepare for class; but, it is even more important that we actually show up for class. Showing up to class without prior knowledge of the topic on hand is useless. Students are confused, they haven’t the slightest clue of what is being discussed, and it is almost like they are not even attending. Using the materials purchased and the resource on hand, as well as attending class allows students to further their knowledge and obtain a greater insight of what they are learning.

As professors begin to introduce students to the class during the first lecture, they normally hand out a syllabus explaining the rules, procedures, grading policy, and expectations of the students. The majority of professors utilize attendance as a factor in determining a student’s final grade. Understanding that attendance to a class is partly responsible for the final grade, a student is more likely to show up to class. Knowing that missing a class or lecture could cause the final grade to drop is enough incentive for me to attend class daily and make every attempt possible to not miss a class, no matter what the circumstance may be.

Knowledge of a subject is valuable when attending class. Reading before a lecture begins to gain further understanding of the topic on hand is an important factor of comprehending what the professor is lecturing on. Class participation is an excellent way to add points on to the final grade of a class. It is a wonderful feeling to know that I understand what the professor is lecturing about because I took the time to read before class and gain comprehension of what is being discussed in future lectures. Having class participation as a part of the final grade is enough of a reason for me to know that I will need to do out of class reading, almost as if it were homework.

Being able to make the appropriate grade or grade point average in college is very important to students; at least it is very important to me. By having the incentive of knowing that my final grade is based on my attendance to class and my class participation, I am more likely to show up to class and to read outside of class to be able to discuss the topic on hand. Professors enjoy knowing that their students have some knowledge of what is going on in the class. If a student does not show up for class or is not prepared for class, chances are the student is not doing their part to stay in college.

College is based on academic success. There may be parties, extra-curricular activities, and sports, but students attend college to further their knowledge. Missing class or not being prepared for class makes a professor’s job much more difficult, causing them to take time from the lecture to explain what students were supposed to read. Interacting through class participation is a wise decision for students, enabling them to discuss the topic and see other views on the subject. Without attendance, students would not be able to see other students’ views on the subject and would only have a single perspective, rather than seeing the entire picture.

Factoring in attendance and class participation on a student’s final grade is an exemplary way to persuade students to come to class. Missing class or not speaking up is not helping a student express their opinions or comprehend the subject. Past experiences and current experiences have helped me realize that it is crucial to have those two aspects factored in to the final grade. Professor’s have the final say in a student’s grade, so showing them that attendance and participation in class lectures has caused you to gain knowledge and insight in the subject can make them proud, help you to achieve a better grade, but most importantly benefit your knowledge and educational success.

Ford and the Economic Downturn November 16, 2009

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‘Cash for Clunkers’ was a government implemented program to help boost the economy for automakers and to help rid U.S. roads and highways of vehicles whose fuel consumption was subpar. Although there are still many people who are for the program and an equal amount that are against it, the program did help boost sales to automotive companies in America, both foreign and domestic.

Ford Motor Company, based in Dearborn, Michigan, was one company in particular who saw an increase in sales from the Cash for Clunkers program. As one of the truly American automotive companies, Ford has seen a decline in profits since 2005. In the third quarter of 2009, when the Cash for Clunkers took place, Ford finally saw itself coming out of the red and into the black, boosting sales up to $357 million. They claim it was due to higher car and truck prices, less expensive parts, and increased market shares in stocks.

Unfortunately, Ford did have to drastically cut back on costs to finally achieve a profit. Namely by cutting retiree benefits, healthcare costs, and making a vast amount of layoffs throughout production facilities in North America and Europe. By cutting back on things, Ford was able to save around $1 billion to help pay off debts and to offset the drop in revenue.

Despite cutting back on costs, Ford is still trying to recover back from the economic downturn. Recently, Ford introduced the Taurus SHO, a more powerful version of the Taurus, one of the best selling cars in America. The Mustang has also seen a redesign, as well as other trucks and SUVs. By adding and redesigning cars, it means that cutting cars is also necessary. Low sales have prompted Ford to end the production of a few cars, most notably the Taurus X wagon, introduced as the Freestyle.

As Ford endeavors into the future, they have new plans of introducing new more fuel efficient automobiles and continuing to grow their line of hybrid cars, trucks, and SUVs. Those plans, however, are always restricted by their factory workers. Since Ford is a member of the United Auto Workers union, they are subject to protest from their workers whenever they please. In a recent offer by Ford, their workers denied the company’s attempt to freeze salaries, saying that they were sufficient enough to not have to fall back on limiting employees’ salaries.

Despite the recent increase in sales, Ford is still in debt for around $26.9 billion, yet they refused government aid, as reported by MSNBC. As production rises for some of their most fuel efficient vehicles, Americans are still reluctant to purchase a new car because of the economy around them, no matter what make they may be. Unless Ford can dig its way out of debt and the economy to finally resemble some sense of consistency and equilibrium, the American public will continue to stray away from purchasing new cars and place automakers in a difficult position.

Social Networking: The Do’s and Don’ts of Life Online October 31, 2009

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In January of 2004, Tom Anderson launched the extremely popular Myspace.com, one of the very first social networking sites to gain mass appeal to both the young, old, and young at heart. Following the launch of Myspace was the development and launch of Facebook, developed by Harvard student Mark Zuckerberg as a hobby. Now, Facebook is one of the most popular social sites online.

Facebook, Myspace, Xanga, Twitter, Friendster, and many more social networking sites gain even more popularity as days pass; but, is it really furthering friendships or exposing the hidden side of the users? Log in to any social networking sites and you will usually see something that tells you how to keep safe while using the social networking site. Will the safety sheet really keep you safe? Will it really help you further your career? Most likely, no, it won’t help your career. Users’ every day are becoming victims of internet predators. What are things we, the users of such social sites, can do to protect ourselves, our images, and how people view us as individuals?

When developing the context behind this article I posed a couple of questions to several successful people within the business world. Most were from TWC, but some weren’t. Their insight to the social networking sites gave great ‘unlisted rules’ for the do’s and don’ts of using social networking sites and how to keep our personal images clean.

Dean Scott Mashburn, Vice-President for Student Life at TWC, declared that Facebook was neither a good thing nor a bad thing, but that it is what it is- a social networking site. Although Mashburn has never really utilized Myspace or Twitter, he does have a Facebook account which he uses on a regular basis. The utilization of Facebook is for connection purposes. Mashburn stays connected with past and present students from TWC, past classmates, fellow colleagues, and family.

As a TWC student, I did pose one important question to him that I was very curious about- If he, or any other school official, see anything that breaks the rules of TWC in photos from around campus, could students get in trouble from the photos posted online? The answer- Yes. Although Mashburn did state that this is a very rare case, it can happen. So what can you do to avoid getting into trouble with questionable photos? Don’t post them. “A good question to ask yourself is if Grandma or Grandpa would approve of what you’re posting online,” he said. Quite frankly, that is a good rule of thumb to remember, no matter what you do.

One of the newest additions to TWC’s staff is Thema Nicholson, Director of Career Development. I felt it was important to question Nicholson because of the fact that she helps students of TWC to find jobs and develop resumes. One of the most important questions posed to her was if job recruiters searched online for social networking sites of job candidates. “Yes. Many recruiters do view profiles and photos on social networking sites. It is estimated that 50% of employers screen candidates via online technology…” stated Nicholson.

There are many things we can do to review our online activity and see what is and isn’t appropriate to have online. Nicholson provided a list of steps which we could take to do to make sure our profile is acceptable and what isn’t. 1. Immediately restrict who can and who can’t see your profile. 2. Google your name and see what comes up. Is your email address professional? How does your profile, tagged photos, wall posts, etc. portray you? 3. Remove any pictures or comments from friends or yourself that suggest indecent behavior. If you don’t want your personal life revealed to your parents, spouse, or church, then it probably shouldn’t be included in your profile. 4. Don’t upload or post anything that may be inappropriate. Information on your profile can be made available to anyone with internet access.

Despite the fact that social networking sites can be inappropriately used, they can also be used for decent and helpful purposes, too. Angie Watts, Assistant Dean of Students at TWC, operates the Facebook page for the Student Activities Board at TWC. Watts said that there were many positives to using social networking sites, such as the fact that “Social networking sites can be very helpful in the promotion of the school or organization as a whole.” However, there is always a negative, saying, “The downside is that we tend to rely on Facebook a little too much. I have seen Student Organizations plan events and only advertise it on Facebook, thinking that everyone will see it and that is not always the case.” Always keep in mind that life online may be connected to actual reality, but nothing is more important than human contact.

Finally, I spoke with Stacie Werfel, Human Resources Executive Team Leader at Target in Chattanooga (T-1302). I felt it was necessary to speak with someone in the Human Resources field to get their take on the issue. Werfel, like Nicholson, noted that Facebook and other social networking sites were useful for business recruiters because they can help to promote job listings. As an interviewer during the hiring process at Target, she had an interesting insight on what to post on profiles and what not to post, stating that “If a question came up about something on your profile, would you be embarrassed in an interview?” Although Target does not directly review social networking profiles, she did say that for upper-level management positions, they do view your profiles online, once again making it imperative that profiles stay modest and appropriate.

Social profiles can be used for good or bad, and just about anyone can create one. How to portray yourself and the image you project to others about yourself is up to you, but just keep in mind that whatever is posted online will always be out there somewhere. Be smart, be sensible, and use caution when posting a status update or uploading photos. Is that something you would want your parents, preacher, grandparents, or even your kids to see?

References:

http://www.myspace.com/pressroom?url=/fact+sheet/

http://mashable.com/2006/08/25/facebook-profile/

Consumption at 18? Yes, Please. October 27, 2009

Posted by GJ in Uncategorized.
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The following entry is a speech I wrote for my Speech class. It is property of me, GJ, and should not be used or copied without my consent.

 

Drink. What comes to mind when someone says, ‘Hey, let’s go grab a drink.’ You think alcohol, don’t you? Studies show that the majority of Americans do think of alcohol when asked about a ‘drink’. It is pretty interesting when that happens. If you can make the right friends, a drink is easy to come by, and by drink, I mean alcohol. Underage consumption has always been a common thing, but is becoming more and more common day by day. It is almost becoming accepted by individuals. The drinking age has not been taken seriously for many years and needs to be lowered to allow for more profit for the government as well as companies across the United States.

In 2003, it was recorded that 2 million people between the ages of 12 and 18 drink 5 times a month. With at least 2 million alcohol consumers under the age of 18, it’s apparent to see that the legal drinking age has become a joke.

This past weekend I surveyed 10 of my friends. I knew some of them drank and I knew some didn’t. I chose 5 people who I knew drank and five people I knew who didn’t to counter-balance the survey. When I asked what the average amount spent on alcohol per month was, I got figures back ranging from $10 to $150 for those who drank. Based on the survey, I concluded that the average teenager between 18 and 21 consumes $30.62 of alcohol per month.

I went to the local convenience store and saw the average price of a 40 ounce beer was around $2.50. With that in mind, I chose to base the following figures on beer since it has the lowest sales tax rates of any other alcohol. I figured out that Tennessee charges a $.14 tax on a gallon of beer and an extra 17% wholesale tax. Based on a $2.50 40 ounce beer, it would cost $8 for a gallon of beer, resulting in the 17% wholesale tax of $1.36, plus the standard $.14, for a grand total of $1.50 for a gallon of beer in Tennessee. If you multiply that by 10, for the survey’s purpose, you have $15 paid in taxes on beer.

In 2008, Tennessee’s population over 18 was 4,735,744. I took the population in 2008, divided it by 10, based on the survey, and then multiplied it by $15. If Tennessee’s drinking habits remain relatively the same, they would earn revenue of around $7.1 million per month, and $85.2 million per year. The next part is tricky. States are allowed to have their drinking age between 18 and 21, but it must remain at 21, otherwise they lose 10% of their highway funding. Based on past increases of about 11% each year, TN should have received around $1.37 billion in funding from the Highway Trust Fund and the Federal Transit Administration. If TN were to lose 10%, they would only be losing $13.1 million per year. With the added $85.2 million per year from beer sales, it would be more than enough to offset the cost of the lost funding from the FTA and the HTF.

A recent petition from 100 college and university presidents, mainly those from Dartmouth, Virginia Tech, and Duke, over lowering the drinking age was sent to lawmakers in Washington. John McCardell, president of Middlebury College, told reporters that, “This law has been an abysmal failure. It hasn’t reduced or eliminated drinking. It has simply driven it underground, behind closed doors, into the most risky and least manageable of settings.” College campuses nationwide are finding that alcohol use is happening, whether on a wet or dry campus.

But the major piece support for lowering the drinking age are statistics:

• 90% have never damaged property, pulled a false alarm, or engaged in similar inappropriate behavior because of drinking
• 93% have never received a lower grade because of drinking too much
• 93% have never come to class after having had several drinks
• 98% have never been in trouble with a college administrator because of behavior resulting from drinking too much

These statistics were taken directly from the website of the Sociology Department from the State University of New York. The statistics don’t lie.

So what can we do to help lawmakers change their minds? The first thing is to write lawmakers and petition them to consider lowering the drinking age. We are their bosses. We pay their salaries through taxes; therefore, they work for us. Contact your legislators any way you can and tell them that you want them to change the laws, but mainly the legal age of consumption. Just think, Jesus drank wine because water wasn’t good enough, so why can’t we?

 

References:

“Federal Grants to State and Local Governments.” US Census 2000 via All Countries. 2006. 25 October 2009. <http://www.allcountries.org/uscensus/1021_federal_grants_to_state_and_local.html>

Hanson, Dr. David J. Underage Drinking & Alcohol Abuse. Alcohol Problems and Solutions. 2007. 25 October 2009. <http://www2.potsdam.edu/hansondj/underagedrinking.html>

Health, Dwight B. “Appendix: Annual Per Capita Consumption of Alcohol.” International

Handbook on Alcohol and Culture. Santa Barbara, CA: Greenwood, 1995. ABC-CLIO eBook Collection. 25 October 2009.

Stahl, Lesley. The Dabate on Lowering the Drinking Age. 60 Minutes. 22 February 2009. 25 October 2009. <http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2009/02/19/60minutes/main4813571.shtml>

“Tennessee QuickFacts from the US Census Bureau.” US Census Bureau. 4 Sept. 2009.  25 October 2009. <http://quickfacts.census.gov/qfd/states/47000.html>

“Understanding Underage Drinking.” Bethesda, MD: NIAAA, Sept 2004. PDF.