Month: January 2015

Teen Teaches Against Violence Through Art

By Tatiana’s Tails, December 9, 2014 at 6:47 pm
Teen Teaches Against Violence Through Art

Twice a year, The Anti-Cruelty Society offers an anti-violence after school program for Chicago teens. The program culminates in a Showcase for the youth to present something that they are passionate about. On Thursday December 4th,  17-year-old Agnes Parzygnat from Lincoln Park High School presented a beautiful painting during the Showcase.

The painting depicted a faceless image with a gorgeous flowing mane of vibrant hair. Agnes stood before an auditorium of approximately 50 people and spoke about her inspiration.

Agnes was inspired to create a piece that would speak against suicide. The articulate young woman stated that she had been impacted by suicide during

Agnes presenting at the Showcaseher freshman year in high school when two of her classmates took their own lives. Agnes saw the aftermath of hurt and pain in her friends and teachers and she told me that she still sees many of them struggle with their loss today. Grief never truly goes away; it merely softens as the survivors learn to cope.

As a result of her experience, Agnes “wanted to bring awareness and resources and ways to help those struggling through it or affected by it. [She] chose to do a painting because [she] loves art and painting, it is the easiest way to show [her] passion for the subject and believe it would get the message across to all those who would see it.”

Her is what Agnes had to say about the imagery in her piece:

The person sitting in the corner represents those who took their lives and the dog on the other [represents] all animals who have been abused and neglected. Through that I wanted to show the link between animal abuse and child abuse. The black background I chose to represent all the awful things that have to do with suicide, such as bullying, and domestic violence. I chose not to cover the person and dog in order to show that those who took their lives and were hurt cannot be forgotten. For the hair I chose bright colors to show happiness and hope and so that when people look at it that is what they see first and [are] hopefully struck by. All the strands are to show the resources and help out there. The hair looks like a lion’s mane to show strength in getting help and giving help. I chose not to paint a face in order to show that it can be anyone and everyone affected by it as well as being someone who can help another in need of help.

Agnes is an extremely intelligent young woman. Expect to see more wonderful things from her future. If a 17-year-old is able to so strongly see the connection between violence in all its forms and is inspired to advocate against violence – that is hope worth sharing.

Agnes in process

The Anti-Cruelty Society’s after school program, “Exploring the Link”, is designed to teach youth about the researched and documented connection between animal cruelty and other form of violence. Teens meet potential mentors, explore caring careers (veterinarian, social worker, humane educator, etc.), and gain self esteem as they learn how to advocate against violence in their communities. The program is currently accepting teen applicants for the spring semester.

Share this link with any interested teens you may know.

Meet The Blogger

Tatiana’s Tails

Tatiana grew up with dogs, cats, hamsters, parrots, rabbits, guinea pigs, and an iguana… just to name a few pets. She began her professional career with animals in 1995 at Brookfield Zoo. Tatiana has studied wild dolphins in Australia and rescued wildlife in Florida, but she always says that people are truly at the heart of her work. The welfare of people and animals is connected through a shared environment and the same traits of empathy and compassion that make someone a good pet owner also simply make people better neighbors and citizens. If it walks, hops, or slithers, Tatiana cares about it. She currently oversees the Humane Education programs at The Anti-Cruelty Society, hosts “Chicago Tails” on Watch312.com, and is a Guest Blogger for Tails Inc.

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Encourage Teens to Experiment… with Career Options

By Tatiana’s Tails, November 13, 2013 at 10:30 am
Encourage Teens to Experiment… with Career Options
Over 300 students attended Disability Mentoring Day 2013 at Malcolm X College

 

On Friday I presented to CPS high school students attending the Mayor’s Office for People with Disabilities’ “Disability Mentoring Day.” My presentation was on “Animal Careers,” but my message to all the students (whether or not they like animals), was to get out there and experiment with LOTS of career options in order to find fulfillment.

Confucius said, “Choose a job you love and you will never have to work a day in your life.” Teenage years should be about gaining as many experiences as possible to learn about what sets the heart aflutter. Photography, writing, working with people, studying animal behavior—the possibilities are endless. There are far too many people that invest multiple years and thousands of dollars in pursuing a career only to find out that it is not something they are well suited for. Passion pursuits could lead to less apathy in our workforce.

I love my work, but my 18-year career with animals wasn’t a childhood dream. When I was 12 years old, if you asked me what I wanted to be, I would reply, “an international corporate attorney.” I remember the conversation with a 6th grade teacher that led me to recite that answer on cue. A teacher with the best intent remarked that I was good with debate so I should be an attorney. I replied, “I would never want to defend someone that was a murderer.” The teacher countered me by saying that I could be a corporate attorney and not deal with murder cases. I recoiled with a final protest, “that sounds so boring.” “Well, be an international corporate attorney and you can travel the world,” was the teacher’s final reply that melded into my mantra, but thankfully the career never came to fruition for me. The teacher was trying to foster a student’s talent into the pursuit of what she thought was a well-suited career, but she was quite unaware of the multitude of non-traditional opportunities.

Growing up, my mom and grandmother spent a lot of time taking me to Brookfield Zoo. We had nearly every pet imaginable and my mom was sort of the neighborhood Dr. Doolittle – giving advice and helping animals (some of which were literally left on our doorstep). The love for animals was there, but no one talked to me about careers related to animals. When most people think of “animal careers” a veterinarian is the first, if not only, that jumps to mind, but there are dozens of other options.

At 16, a summer job at Brookfield Zoo ended up turning into my 18-year career working at nonprofits that help animals. I couldn’t be happier and I want to help other kids experiment and explore different organizations and jobs because there are so many more options than one could possibly learn about in a classroom.

On Friday I also explained the importance of building up essential job skills such as reliability and dedication. Pursuing passions doesn’t mean a life void of hard work; something Confucius’ famous quote doesn’t mention. Truly rewarding careers come through real labor and sacrifices. I started off my career only making $4.25/hour (minimum wage in 1995) and didn’t have health care for the first 8 years of full-time work. I balanced work, studies, and waiting tables to make it all possible. Every opportunity and promotion came from drive and putting in extra effort beyond the job requirements. In general, attitudes of entitlement don’t take people very far – they only lead people to create imagined lists of things they think they should get.

Personally and professionally, everyone chooses his or her own attitude. All jobs have work and undesirable aspects, but our focus and emphasis defines our attitude. When I worked as an attendant to the dolphin trainers, most of my days were spent cleaning up after people that visited the building – cleaning bathrooms and scraping gum off the floor filled a lot of my time. I chose to focus on the fleeting moments of public education, animal interaction, and fun with coworkers. Every person has the ability to choose an attitude of gratitude; it makes work much easier for everyone.

In addition to cultivating experiences and a positive attitude, I encouraged youth to stick with their academic studies – (even the ones they may find tedious now) because you never know what you will use later. Zookeepers need math to calculate the weights and measurements of animal diets. Many animal-related careers (my current job included) involve a lot of writing. I hated writing in school. I was assigned to do so much of it and I always saw it as a laborious task. Today, I see the true power in writing. I told the teens how powerful animals’ stories are in helping them find forever homes. Writing can change the world and save lives.

If you know of any teens that occasionally find themselves struggling and seeking direction, encourage them to think about the things that make them happiest and help them seek out a variety of work experiences that will allow them to learn about possibilities. Guide them in cultivating a positive attitude and support them in building a strong academic foundation.

Meet The Blogger

Tatiana’s Tails

Tatiana grew up with dogs, cats, hamsters, parrots, rabbits, guinea pigs, and an iguana… just to name a few pets. She began her professional career with animals in 1995 at Brookfield Zoo. Tatiana has studied wild dolphins in Australia and rescued wildlife in Florida, but she always says that people are truly at the heart of her work. The welfare of people and animals is connected through a shared environment and the same traits of empathy and compassion that make someone a good pet owner also simply make people better neighbors and citizens. If it walks, hops, or slithers, Tatiana cares about it. She currently oversees the Humane Education programs at The Anti-Cruelty Society, hosts “Chicago Tails” on Watch312.com, and is a Guest Blogger for Tails Inc.

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Veteran’s Best Friend

By Tatiana’s Tails
Veteran's Best Friend

Jacob and Kaizer

 

I received a story from a Navy veteran, Jacob. His original words are beautiful and need no editing. Too often people allow misconceptions to drive their opinions. Some think of soldiers and the military as robotic and cold, ignorant to the compassionate humans that make up the corps. Some think of animals as being messy or dirty and fail to think of the power they have to uplift the human spirit. The story of how Kaizer, the bulldog, saved his dad, the veteran, is a great reminder of the healing power of animals and just how many challenges are faced by our men in women in the armed forces.

 

This is Jacob’s story:

I wish I knew where to start.  Since I’ve been home, back here in the States, that’s been the summary of my story, “I wish I knew where to start.” You see, when you’re in, you’re told how to start.  When, where, how, it all.

But here, no mas.

I used to hate dogs.  I used to think that they were dirty, dumb animals. But then my brother-in-law gave my wife and I Kaiser as a wedding gift.  Kaiser is a full bred American Bulldog.  When I first heard about this, I thought I was getting a squat legged snorting goofball.  I was further from the truth.

The first time I laid eyes on Kaiser he was no bigger than my forearm and had barely opened his eyes.  He curled up in the crook of my arm and sniffles once, then quickly fell asleep.  My life changed in that moment. Kaizer

For the first time I wanted to be gentle.  I wasn’t gentle because it
was what was expected of me.  I was gentle because I loved this tiny
creature more than I could ever explain.  He meant something to me.  I
lifted him up and put him back with his mama in her pen and didn’t see
him again for a few weeks.

Since then, we have been inseparable.  He’s no longer the size of my
forearm, but a hundred pounds and up to my hip at his head.  When I take
a nap, he crawls into bed and sleeps wedged up against me.  When I come home, he’s at the door wiggling like a worm to greet me.

I am whole and human again because of him.  I feel like I can give love freely.  I think about life without him and I hurt deep inside. Kaizer is a part of me.

I am guilty of getting kisses from him before my wife when I leave and return.  He knows when I’m hurting and when I’m happy and he takes charge of those feelings like they are his responsibility.  He protects the deepest parts of me that only he knows about, because he understands.  I can never love him as much as he deserves, but I try. What can I say, I’m only human, and he is a dog.  So he forgives me and loves me enough to make it up.

Meet The Blogger


Tatiana’s Tails

Tatiana grew up with dogs, cats, hamsters, parrots, rabbits, guinea pigs, and an iguana… just to name a few pets. She began her professional career with animals in 1995 at Brookfield Zoo. Tatiana has studied wild dolphins in Australia and rescued wildlife in Florida, but she always says that people are truly at the heart of her work. The welfare of people and animals is connected through a shared environment and the same traits of empathy and compassion that make someone a good pet owner also simply make people better neighbors and citizens. If it walks, hops, or slithers, Tatiana cares about it. She currently oversees the Humane Education programs at The Anti-Cruelty Society, hosts “Chicago Tails” on Watch312.com, and is a  Guest Blogger for Tails Inc.

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Violence is a Virus – Pets are Penicillin

By Tatiana’s Tails, April 11, 2013 at 2:44 pm
Violence is a Virus – Pets are Penicillin

 

It’s nothing new to look at the violence epidemic in the same way that public health experts look at virus transmissions. We know the problem spreads like a cold – one violent occurrence triggering another until we see a rash explode across the face of a city. Why can’t the cure be looked at in the same light? Think of everyone carrying an anti-violence antidote that they can disperse unto others as they go about their day.
How do we unlock the empathy and compassion within us all so it can spread like wildfire? I believe wholeheartedly that pets can unleash the human potential to cure violence. Being humane is to be compassionate. You don’t even have to own a pet to garner these lessons. I’ve gone into Cook County Juvenile Detention with dogs and seen incarcerated youth open up by identifying with an animal that had been abused. After some gentle petting and gazing into the eyes of a trusting and non-judgmental dog; imprisoned youth have opened up and engaged in discussions about wrongful abuse of power and the importance of helping children and animals that do not have the power to stand up for themselves. More importantly, I’ve listened to the young men glean inspiration and talk about hope for their futures and things they want to do differently when they get out.

Animals touch the human spirit and unlock some pretty great things. You don’t have to take my word for it – the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention even has an entire page on the health benefits of pet ownership. Studies have shown that petting the soft fur of a cat (or dog) lowers your blood pressure, cholesterol and triglyceride levels and increases the chemicals in your brain that make you happy. Having a furry face to come home to that will give you unconditional love also makes you less lonely. In particular, dogs need to be taken for walks and walking is good for human health. Dogs increase opportunities for socialization and exercise. Not to quote Legally Blonde, but “Exercise releases endorphins. Endorphins make you happy. Happy people just don’t shoot [people]”. Yes, correlation is not causation and people can have pets and still be jerks (and Penicillin doesn’t cure viruses), but the message is that in general – pets help spread empathy and compassion.

If pets can truly be a catalyst to unlocking compassion; thereby acting as a violence vaccine – what can we do with this knowledge to work against violence?
• Spread Positive Stories – The media is full of tales of violence. Make a conscience effort to spread the positive stories (like this one) more than you share the negative ones. Media outlets can easily see which stories are viewed the most and if there is more of a demand for “feel good” stories that herald good deeds – more positive tales may make headlines.
• Encourage Youth – There are lots of youth out there that aren’t dealing drugs and being bullies. Whether it’s your kids, nieces, nephews, or a teen in your neighborhood; offer words of encouragement and praise the good deeds that children do. The Anti-Cruelty Society offers an anti-violence after school program for Chicago high school kids. Refer teens to programs like that or support a program yourself by being a mentor, volunteer, or donor.
• Adopt a Pet – Now you know why it’s good for your health, bring home a furry forever friend. If you adopt a dog, consider working your way up to Canine Good Citizen certification and then volunteering to bring the positive effects of pet contact to those that cannot have a pet (hospitals, hospice care, incarcerated youth, and more).
• Be Nice! – Empathy can spread just as quickly as violence so choose to infect others with kindness. I’m not endorsing the insurance company, but Liberty Mutual created a couple commercials that show some simple ways kindness can be infectious.

Meet The Blogger

Tatiana’s Tails

Tatiana grew up with dogs, cats, hamsters, parrots, rabbits, guinea pigs, and an iguana… just to name a few pets. She began her professional career with animals in 1995 at Brookfield Zoo. Tatiana has studied wild dolphins in Australia and rescued wildlife in Florida, but she always says that people are truly at the heart of her work. The welfare of people and animals is connected through a shared environment and the same traits of empathy and compassion that make someone a good pet owner also simply make people better neighbors and citizens. If it walks, hops, or slithers, Tatiana cares about it. She currently oversees the Humane Education programs at The Anti-Cruelty Society, hosts “Chicago Tails” on Watch312.com, and is a Guest Blogger for Tails Inc.

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15 Easy Ways to Help Animals

October 29, 2012 by Tatiana Garrett in Blogs, Featured, Home, Rescue, Tatiana Garrett

By Tatiana Garrett

Animal lovers know that adoptions save lives. But what if you love animals and are allergic or simply cannot take anymore in at the moment? Here are 15 easy ways to help animals.

1. Post. Social media is a great way to spread the word about animal issues. Repost an article that you believe in (like this one!), share an invite for a pet-related event, or post photos of adoptable animals. You never know who may log in, see the call, and help.

2. Collect. Hold an item drive for your local shelter or just collect the items in your own household. Shelters are always in need and some of the items are things you may just throw away: Towels (pets don’t care if it looks a little worn), newspaper, and unopened pet food and toys. Even used cell phones are popular items because many nonprofit organizations participate in technology recycling programs that also act as fundraisers. Check with the shelter first to see exactly what is on their wish list.

3. Film. If you are a gifted photographer or videographer, you could volunteer at your local shelter to capture great images and video stories of animals. A pet may sit in a shelter for months (especially if they are a little older and get passed by for kittens/puppies), but once the public sees his/her personal story people may flock in to offer a loving forever home.

4. Speak-Up. Public perceptions can be a huge problem for animals. Someone may hesitate to adopt a cat for fear of being labeled a “crazy cat person” or someone else may not adopt a Pit Bull because of a misconception. Speak up for animals without a voice and herald the benefits of adoption, breeds you love, and the human-animal bond. If you change someone’s mind, it may save a life.

5. Clean. From scrubbing kennels to collating documents to washing pooches…shelters can always use a helping hand. Know that every shelter is different though and some larger urban facilities may have hundreds of volunteers and require some form of a training procedure for volunteers in any role.

6. Foster. There are many reasons to foster a pet. Some animal rescue groups are so small that they don’t have a physical space. Instead, they rely on a network of foster volunteers. Other times, people foster for a shelter and provide temporary housing for an animal that is too young or ill to be placed up for adoption. It’s a wonderful and rewarding way to help out.

7. Plant. Have a green thumb? Volunteer to do some gardening at your local shelter. If the shelter doesn’t have an outdoor space, they may still welcome small indoor pots for home-grown catnip. If wildlife is more your thing, you could volunteer for a local park to clear invasive species or help with plantings. You could even just plant local vegetation in your own backyard.

8. Socialize. Shelters are meant to be temporary places for animals to live until they find a warm and loving forever home. The environment has to be safe and easy to clean to cut down on disease transmission among animals—this can translate to loud and scary environments for pets. I work at a large shelter in Chicago and know many volunteers who come by on their lunch break to sit with a kitty or walk a dog. Socialization will help animals be less stressed while in the shelter environment, and allowing them to have a calmer demeanor can lead to a speedy adoption.

9. Give. Everyone has something to give: A helping hand, a disposable camera that a Humane Investigator could use, etc. And every shelter can always use funds. Know that adoption fees do not cover the costs of what it takes to care for the animals—shelters need your donations. Peruse the website of your favorite local shelter or ask someone in their Development/Administration department about what you may be able to give.

10. Trap. Cats should be kept indoors to keep them safe from traffic, disease, wildlife, and other potential hazards. Many cities have feral cat populations and if you have property that these cats visit, you may find a local trap-neuter-release (TNR) program that will help you spay and neuter the cats to prevent future generations.

11. Bake. Retro is in! Host a bake sale or lemonade stand (work with your church, school, or scout troop to increase your impact) and donate the funds to your local shelter.

12. Build. A Champaign County Humane Investigator told me about Eagle Scouts that built some amazing dog houses. The local Humane Investigators were then able to give the houses to dogs in need. We’ve repeated the program in Chicago. Even a carpentry project can help animals!

13. Craft. The shelter I work at in Chicago, The Anti-Cruelty Society, has a volunteer club called “Busy Fingers” that meets to sew cat and dog beds and dog bandanas for animals in the shelter. You can find instructions here on how to make items that you can donate to your local shelter.

14. Run. Coordinate a sporting event and collect pledges to support the animals. Check in with your favorite shelter because they may already have a fun event that you can join, and you may even be able to participate with your dog.

15. Think. This list can go on and on. Whatever your skill set may be; everyone can make a difference for animals.

There is no excuse to not take action for animals. What will you do today?

Tatiana Garrett grew up with Borzoi, a rescued Standard Poodle, cats, hamsters, parrots, rabbits, guinea pigs, and an iguana… just to name a few pets. She began her professional career with animals in 1995 at Brookfield Zoo. She has studied wild dolphins in Australia and rescued wildlife in Florida, but people are truly at the heart of her work. If it walks, hops, or slithers, Tatiana cares about it. She currently oversees the Humane Education programs at The Anti-Cruelty Society and hosts “Chicago Tails” on Watch312.com.

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How College Differs from High School

college

Personal Freedom in High School Personal Freedom in College
High School is mandatory and free (unless you choose other options). College is voluntary and expensive.
Your time is usually structured by others. You manage your own time.
You need permission to participate in extracurricular activities. You must decide whether to participate in extracurricular activities. (Hint: Choose wisely in the first semester and add later.)
You need money for special purchases or events. You need money to meet basic necessities.
You can count on parents and teachers to remind you of your responsibilities and to guide you in setting priorities. You will be faced with a large number of moral and ethical decisions you have not had to face previously. You must balance your responsibilities and set priorities.
Guiding principle: You will usually be told what your responsibilities are and corrected if your behavior is out of line. Guiding principle: You’re old enough to take responsibility for what you do and don’t do, as well as for the consequences of your actions.
High School Classes College Classes
Each day you proceed from one class directly to another. You often have hours between classes; class times vary throughout the day and evening.
You spend 6 hours each – 30 hours a week – in class. You spend 12 to 16 hours each week in class.
The school year is 36 weeks long; some classes extend over both semesters and some do not. The academic year is divided into two separate 15-week semesters, plus a week after each semester for exams (not including summer school).
Most of your classes are arranged for you. You arrange your own schedule in consultation with your academic adviser. Schedules tend to look lighter than they really are.
Teachers carefully monitor class attendance. Professors may not formally take roll, but they are still likely to know whether or not you attend.
Classes generally have no more than 35 students. Classes may number 100 students or more.
You are provided with textbooks at little or no expense. You need to budget substantial funds for textbooks, which will usually cost more than $300 each semester.
You are not responsible for knowing what it takes to graduate. Graduation requirements are complex and differ for different majors and sometimes different years. You are expected to know those that apply to you.
High School Teachers College Professors
Teachers check your completed homework. Professors may not always check completed homework, but they will assume you can perform the same tasks on tests.
Teachers remind you of your incomplete work. Professors may not remind you of incomplete work.
Teachers approach you if they believe you need assistance. Professors are usually open and helpful, but most expect you to initiate contact if you need assistance.
Teachers are often available for conversation before, during, or after class. Professors expect and want you to attend their scheduled office hours.
Teachers have been trained in teaching methods to assist in imparting knowledge to students. Professors have been trained as experts in their particular areas of research.
Teachers provide you with information you missed when you were absent. Professors expect you to get from classmates any notes from classes you missed.
Teachers present material to help you understand the material in the textbook. Professors may not follow the textbook. Instead, to amplify the text, they may give illustrations, provide background information, or discuss research about the topic you are studying. Or they may expect you to relate the classes to the textbook readings.
Teachers often write information on the board to be copied in your notes. Professors may lecture nonstop, expecting you to identify the important points in your notes. When professors write on the board, it may be to amplify the lecture, not to summarize it. Good notes are a must.
Teachers often take time to remind you of assignments and due dates. Professors expect you to read, save, and consult the course syllabus (outline); the syllabus spells out exactly what is expected of you, when it is due, and how you will be graded.
Studying in High School Studying in College
You may study outside of class as little as 0 to 2 hours a week, and this may be mostly last-minute test preparation. You may need to study at least 2 to 3 hours outside of class for each hour in class.
You often need to read or hear presentations only once to learn all you need to learn about them. You need to review class notes and text material regularly.
You are expected to read short assignments that are then discussed and often re-taught in class. You are assigned substantial amounts of reading and writing, which may or may not be directly addressed in class.
Guiding principle: You will usually be told in class what you needed to learn form assigned readings. Guiding principle: It’s up to you to read and understand the assigned material; lectures and assignments proceed from the assumption that you’ve already done so.
Tests in High School Tests in College
Testing is frequent and covers small amounts of material. Testing is usually infrequent and may be cumulative, covering large amounts of material. You, not the professor, need to organize the material to prepare for the test. A particular course may have only 2 or 3 tests in a semester.
Makeup tests are often available. Makeup tests are seldom an option; if they are, you need to request them.
Teachers frequently rearrange test to avoid conflict with school events. Professors in different courses usually schedule tests without regard to the demands of other courses or outside activities.
Teachers frequently conduct review sessions, pointing out the most important concepts. Professors rarely offer review sessions, and when they do, they expect you to be an active participant, one who comes prepared with questions.
Mastery is usually seen as the ability to reproduce what you were taught in the form in which it was presented to you, or to solve the kinds of problems you were shown to solve. Mastery is often seen as the ability to apply what you’ve learned to new situations or to solve new kinds of problems.
Grades in High School Grades in College
Grades are given for most assigned work. Grades may not be provided for all assigned work.
Consistently good homework grades may help raise your overall grade when test grades are low. Grades on tests and major papers usually provide most of the course grade.
Extra credit projects are often available to help you raise your grade. Extra credit projects, generally speaking, cannot be used to raise a grade in a college course.
Initial test grades, especially when they are low, may not have an adverse effect on your final grade. Watch out for your first tests. They are usually wake-up calls to let you know what is expected – but they also may account for a substantial part of your course grade. You may be shocked when you get your grades. If you receive notice of low grades (Academic Warning), see your professor.
You may graduate as long as you have passed all required courses with a grade of D or higher. You may graduate only if your average in classes meets the departmental standard – typically a 2.0 or C.
Guiding principle: Effort counts. Courses are usually structured to reward a good-faith effort. Guiding principle: Results count. Though good-faith effort is important in regard to the professor’s willingness to help you achieve good results, it will not substitute for results in the grading process.

 

Dominion University with funding from the Virginia Department of Education

Revised by the Southern Methodist University with collaboration with colleagues in the Dedman College Advising Center and faculty from the Provost’s Commission on Teaching and Learning and the English Department’s First-YearWriting Program.

Further adaptations made by the Office of Academic Support Programs, Baylor University.

Reference: http://www.baylor.edu/support_programs/index.php?id=88158

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What your mother never told you about college

 

imgslideshowbanner_0The follow are excerpts for The Tennessean, August 9, 2001  Mary Hance Staff Writer

Going away to college can be an anxious time. And anyone  experiencing it for the first time can always use some friendly advice from people who have survived it.

We’ve put together tips from a variety of ”expert” sources, including area college students who were more than willing to share some of the things they wish someone had told them before they packed up and headed out to life on their own

Gayle Walters, University of North Florida:

  • ”Make sure the instructor knows you are interested in doing good work, not just in good grades. Learning to please your instructor is part of your education and will be useful in learning to please your future boss.
  • ”Sit in the front row, in the middle. This has several benefits, including fewer distractions. You’ll have to get there early the first week or two, but then the seat is yours.
  • ”Get a study buddy and quiz each other. With your text books, read the introduction and check to see if your instructor wrote the book. Don’t be the first to finish a test. Nobody likes the (wise acre). Do your papers well ahead of time and let them have a few days to cool, so you can make last minute changes if you have to.”

Srijaya Reddy of Brentwood, recent Emory University graduate:

  • ”When scheduling classes, pick the professor, not the time of day. The person teaching can make all the difference.
  • ”There’s a lot of cool stuff on campus, but you may have to look for it. Don’t get so caught up in making friends and writing papers that you don’t take time to look around. Join a club affiliated with your major. You’ll meet faculty and make contacts that you will need in the future
  • ”Don’t leave your clothes in the dryer longer than they should be there. Things will get stolen or disappear. The ‘freshman 15′ isn’t just from dorm food. It’s from alcohol and ordering pizza when you’re trashed at 3 a.m.”

Sarah Snyder, junior nursing major at Belmont University:

  • ”Never buy new books. Used books are usually much cheaper and have notes and highlighted passages as helpful hints.” (But be sure to check them thoroughly to be sure there are no missing pages or other problems.)
  • ”Take advantage of free concerts and lectures. After all you are paying for them.
  • ”If you are required to have a freshman meal plan, use it. Looking back, I can’t believe how much money I wasted on buying food when a hot meal was at my fingertips.”

Shelby Lloyd of Goodlettsville, Winthrop University:

  • ”Take advantage of all of the academic resources on campus. In high school, I thought I was a great writer, but reality set in when I received my first F on a paper. After a few trips to the writing center, my grades improved by three letters. I encourage all freshmen to use their writing or math centers before it is too late and to ask upperclassmen for help with classes.”

Jamie Justice of Springfield, University of Tennessee Knoxville:

  • Jamie took eight concrete cinderblocks to UT with her. ”I covered them with some cheap contact paper and I set my bed in my dorm room on top of them. Not only is it cheaper than buying a loft for my bed, but it gave me extra storage space.’

Naoko Fukushima of Murfreesboro, law student:

  • ”Please be cognizant of underage drinking, date rape, drugs, overdose, STDs, etc. Amazingly, these are not other people’s problem any more. Keep this in the back of your mind and take appropriate action as necessary.
  • ”You need to have a goal which you can actually write down on a piece of paper. If you do not have a goal, you may be lost throughout your college years.
  • ”Keep your mind open when you are meeting people. Use this opportunity to meet people from all walks of life and to learn from them.”

Tomarrow Molsberry of Dickson, Austin Peay University:

  • ”Don’t room with your best friend if you want to stay friends with him/her.
  • ”Ask upper classmen for advice on which professors to take. You’d be surprised at how much of a difference it can make if you have a good professor.
  • ”Go to class!”

These tips come from Bed Bath and Beyond:

  •  You can postpone doing laundry ’til you run out of underwear and socks. Bring lots of each.
  • Because you will be living on your bed, your comforter needs to be washable. Check the tag.
  • Put a dry erase message board on your dorm door so others can leave messages for you.
  • Be sure to have an extra set of room and car keys.
  • Make two copies of everything in your wallet. Keep one copy in your dorm room and the other at home.
  • Memorize your social security number. You will need it more times than you can imagine.
  • Rolls of quarters are a college commodity. Also batteries. You can never have enough.
  • Put the school decal on the back window of your parents’ car. They will think of you every time they look in the rear-view mirror

Classroom clues from Been There, Should’ve Done That II

  • Sitting in a classroom is the easiest part of college and it cuts the study time in half. Why make it hard on yourself? Go!
  • You are basically screwed if you miss a math class.

Another place to look is CollegeClub.com, a college-oriented Web site, where advice includes:

  • Don’t accept drinks from strangers at parties. You never know what’s in them.
  • Get an internship to gain real world experience.

These tips were featured in an article by Jen Miller in The Minaret, a campus newspaper at the University of Tampa.

  • Homesickness is a normal thing and almost everyone around you is feeling crappy, too. If you’re feeling lonely, look on the bright side and realize that you fit in.
  • Be careful about who you date. Remember, you haven’t known these people since kindergarten and, quite frankly, most people on this campus don’t give a damn if someone breaks your heart.
  • Piercings and tattoos may seem cool, but think of what your mom will say. Better yet, think of what your kids will say.
  • Credit cards and check cards can be dangerous.
  • So can fake IDs.
  • The No. 1 one cause of plunging GPAs is putting partying before studying.
  • Don’t be pressured into sex. There’s more respect for virgins out there than you think and many students wish they could still be one.
  • Try to schedule some exercise time. It is a great stress reliever.
  • ï Check the attendance policy before skipping a class.
  • Have your favorite movies with you. They’re great comforters when you’re feeling low.
  • Not everyone will like you.
  • Stick with people who do.
  • You’ll do things in college you never dreamed you would do.
  • Don’t feel pressured to do anything though.
  • Stay away from drinking games.
  • Never go to parties or clubs alone or with someone you barely know.
  • Call your parents at least once a week.
  • Always have a designated driver or enough money for a cab.


Check out www.makingitcount.com. This Web site is packed with advice. You’ll find tips on getting organized, on developing good study skills, on finding a good study spot and on figuring out professors. And that’s just for starters. Mary Hance is a staff writer and columnist for The Tennessean.

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Going Green with Pets

By Tatiana’s Tails, March 6, 2013 at 11:30 am
Going Green with Pets

Going Green with Pets

It’s cool (and easy) to be green, but there are some specific things that pet parents can do to be more eco-friendly with their fur babies. Consider these simple tips and add your own in the comment section below.

  1. Poo Power!  Whether you have cats, dogs, or bunnies – pet waste generates a lot of waste so consider making a little change here that could have a big impact. If you have a dog, use biodegradable poop bags instead of plastic grocery bags. There are 365 days in a year so this can make a huge impact. Leaving waste behind is NOT green as it spreads disease and attracts rats. If you have yard space, you can also look into septic and compost systems for pet waste. For cats and other pets that use litter, use options that contain fewer chemicals and mined materials. Some options are even flushable – which leads to fewer garbage bags.
  2. Green Grooming  Look at the ingredients in your pet shampoos and grooming products and choose environmentally-friendly options. This includes using washable towels instead of disposable wipes. Natural ingredients are also likely to be better for your pets’ skin and decrease allergic reactions.
  3. Go Big!  Buying litter, food, and treats in larger quantity bags is usually a great cost-saver, but it also means less packaging waste. Think about the bags you’ll stop from ending up in a landfill over the course of a year. Get a refillable container with a good seal to keep food from going stale.
  4. Save the Birds!  This tip is mostly for cats, but can also refer to dogs left out in yards unattended. Keep your pets indoors – unless you’re walking them safely on a leash. Need a reason to convince a pet parent not so keen on this responsibility: leash laws are in effect in most cities, loose pets are at such high risk for being hurt in traffic (which can also lead to human injury), and it also keeps beautiful birds and other furry woodland creatures safe. If you don’t care too much about birds, then think about the mites, lice, and diseases that wildlife can carry.
  5. Ingredients Matter!   Whether you’re talking food for Fido or treats for Tabby – read labels and make better decisions for your pets and the environment. Look for products that contain more whole foods and less chemical preservatives and by-products. Go certified organic if you can, to ensure pesticides are staying out of the environment and your loving forever friend. Local options are also better for the environment because less fossil fuels are burned in transportation. Consider the large amount of pet food and treat recalls that have also occurred recently – buying high-quality food and treats can help pets live longer healthier lives.

Meet The Blogger

Tatiana’s Tails

Tatiana grew up with dogs, cats, hamsters, parrots, rabbits, guinea pigs, and an iguana… just to name a few pets. She began her professional career with animals in 1995 at Brookfield Zoo. Tatiana has studied wild dolphins in Australia and rescued wildlife in Florida, but she always says that people are truly at the heart of her work. The welfare of people and animals is connected through a shared environment and the same traits of empathy and compassion that make someone a good pet owner also simply make people better neighbors and citizens. If it walks, hops, or slithers, Tatiana cares about it. She currently oversees the Humane Education programs at The Anti-Cruelty Society, hosts “Chicago Tails” on Watch312.com, and is a Guest Blogger for Tails Inc.

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