Back to School Tips
Posted by Sprott Shaw in 
Here are some useful tips from Steve Pavlina to help you create a productive and memorable college experience… and most of all, to deeply enjoy this time in your life.
1. Answer the question, “Why am I going to college?”
Many college students really don’t have a clear reason for being there other than the fact that they don’t know what else to do yet. They inherit goals from family and peers which aren’t truly their own. That was how I started college. Is this you as well?
2. Imagine your ideal college experience.
Once you know why you’re going to college, imagine your ideal outcome. Let it flow outward from the reason you’re there. Whether you’ve already started college or not, stop and simply write down some attributes of your ideal experience. Describe it in as much detail as you can.
3. Set clear goals for each class.
Decide what you want out of each specific class. Is this a subject you’re eager to learn? Do you want to target this teacher for a letter of recommendation? Is this a required class you must take but which doesn’t otherwise interest you?
4. Triage ruthlessly.
You don’t need to put an equal amount of effort into every class. Inject extra effort when it’s important to you, but feel free to back off a little from classes that are a low priority based on your specific goals. For me this was an important way to conserve energy. I couldn’t play full out in every class, or I’d burn out, so I invested my energy where it mattered most.
5. Get an early start to each day.
[G]etting an early start each day helped me get a lot more done, not just in the morning but throughout the day. I began each day with a 25-minute run followed by a shower and breakfast. This simple morning routine got me out the door feeling alert and energized.
More tips are available at www.stevepavlina.com.
Not all schools are created equal
Choosing a post-secondary institution is no different than choosing any new investment, it is buyer beware. Not all schools are created equal, especially since most schools do not screen all applications for eligibility to complete their studies. In fact, not all schools will focus on the quality of your education and outcomes. Treat your education like you would any other kind of investment when doing your research.
Sprott-Shaw Community College has been in operation since 1903, making us the oldest post-secondary institution in British Columbia. With 12 campuses to serve you in your own community we are virtually at your doorstep. We are registered and accredited with the Private Career Training Institutions Agency of BC (PcTiA), have Education Quality Assurance (EQA) designation, we are rated “A+” by the Better Business Bureau of BC, we are members of the BC Career College Association (BCCCA) and the National Association of Career Colleges (NACC).
Instead of spending your tuition dollars towards direct marketing campaigns offering free iPads, laptops, or computers we focus on your experience and graduation to employment. Just because something is free, doesn’t make it valuable. Train with a college that is a proven and dedicated college with the highest standards in; Admissions criteria, Quality Learning Experience, Lifetime Career Upgrading and Job Placement Assistance.
Your admission to Sprott-Shaw also grants you: Lifetime Alumni Membership and lifelong learning.
Study, Work, Succeed, at Sprott-Shaw today!
Kelowna Campus celebrates Positivity Day
Our Kelowna campus is celebrating Positivity Day today! Tammy, one of our Career Advisors at the campus told us what it is all about; “Positivity Day is a day designated for all students and staff to be positive. Everyone is encouraged to think, interact and communicate positively. Kelly, our fabulous admin assistant, is the judge on who has really put an effort in to be positive, and that student will win a $25 Starbucks card.
The aim is to promote positive attitudes in the work place. We may have the skills, but without a great attitude, we may be overlooked for that dream job we have worked so hard to get!
So far, its been a really fun day!”
You can see some photos on Flickr or visit the campus today and join the fun!
Views and Voices – July 2011
ABBOTSFORD
The month of July has gone by very quickly. On Saturday, July 16, Abbotsford Campus held an Open House sponsored by RED FM. We had students and instructors come in to talk about their programs and what we have to offer. Our CSW class is heading up 50/50 draws this month with the proceeds going to our Christmas Family. The first draw was over $75 for the winner and the family. Great work CSW class and Shirley! We are looking forward to our annual BBQ, hoping we will have some nice weather for this. We will be doing it a little bit different this year and holding a potluck. Stay tuned for photos next month.
EAST VANCOUVER
East Vancouver has started a fundraising campaign where staff and students alike can wear casual clothes, including jeans, on Fridays for only a $2.00 donation. Staff will choose a different charity to donate the funds to every two months. For July and August, the charity elected was the Vancouver Food Bank.
On July 27, 2011 East Vancouver is having a Student Barbeque. Hotdogs, chips, deserts, and drinks will be provided. It will be held in our parking lot. Bring on the students and bring on the sun!
HEAD OFFICE
The month of July was not as hot as other summers but as long as it’s not raining in the lower mainland it is still classified as a good day!
The Lower Mainland Fall Grad will be on Wednesday October 19, 2011. The GSR’s are already busy planning the big event. The GSR’s would like the Fall grad to be as successful as the Spring Graduation Ceremony.
Please remember to “Like” the Sprott Shaw Community College – Canada page on Facebook, follow us on twitter and check out all of our social media sites and support
our pages 
KELOWNA
Summer in the Okanagan has seen a lot of cloudy days….but that does not mean the sun doesn’t shine at the Kelowna Campus!
Our first ray of sun came in the form of Andy D….the SSCC Super Student of the month! Andy is a Practical Nursing student who exemplifies what leadership and team
work really is. Andy is so excited to be here and consistently expresses gratitude for this opportunity. His love for learning and his classmates has created an environment of teamwork, mutual respect and academic expectations that all want to aspire to.
KELOWNA
We would like to say a big CONGRATS to Frank F. and Candy A. for receiving a $100 referral fee!
We just enjoyed our 2nd annual SSCC BC Summer Games! I think the word to describe the event was BIG SILLY FUN! We had students compete in our Curling Event, Torch Relay, Figure Skating and Hockey! Lots of laughs, giggles and fierce completion lead to a very emotional medal ceremony where winners were able to enjoy a rather big chocolate chip cookie! (The things we do for COOKIES!)
So the clouds may be out, but the sun is shining brightly within the walls of our Ktown campus. On behalf of the Kelowna Campus, we would like to wish everyone a very happy and healthy summer!
NANAIMO
Congratulations to HCA grads Sherry and Felicity! Both students recently completed the Healthcare Assistant Diploma and, along with the rest of their HCA classmates that finished on June 24/11, secured employment within only two weeks of graduating! Felicity shared with us her experience of bringing her resume to her current employer who offered her an interview on the spot and then phoned her within an hour to offer her a job. Sherry is loving her new job as well. Sherry was completing information interviews with employers while she was still a student and was offered a position to start as soon as she finished her program.
Congratulations to Community Support Worker/Assisted Living graduate Gerry M.! We are very proud of Gerry for landing what he says is his “dream job” . Gerry was especially thankful of the support he received from Sylvia (our Graduate Services Representative) as he was told that he had the best resume package the interviewing officer had seen so far. Gerry recently completed the CSWAL program with honors and was recognized at the Spring graduation ceremony with a Spirit Award recognizing his contributions while completing his program.
On June 22/11 we celebrated our Practical Nurse students success with our semi annual pinning ceremony at the German Cultural Hall. We are so proud of our newly
minted PN’s!
On June 20/11 our guest speaker was Gord Fuller (Youth Housing Co-ordinator with Nanaimo Youth Services).
During the May long weekend we celebrated Empire Days in Nanaimo with a parade and fireworks and other community celebrations.
NEW WESTMINSTER
Amy and Angel, ECE students were winners of the World Dance tickets. Wilfredo our PN students took his son to the Baseball Game at Nat Bailley Stadium. Thank you Head Office for the tickets. Sarah and Shvonne 3rd semester PN students practiced their butterfly insertion in preparation of their 3rd clinical. Our HCA July grad class celebrated not only with their grad roses but with Dairy Queen ice cream for themselves and the staff. Thank you and best wishes!
PENTICTON
Well it’s another lovely month here in Penticton. Are we as hot as we could be? No. Are we getting more rain than usual? Yes. A we still lovin’ summer in the Okanagan? You betcha!
July started off with a bang! No, not the July 1 fireworks, but with the graduation of our first class of PN’s. We are so proud of this group and we know they will go on to do great things. Over half of them are already working in their field and we know the rest are not far behind.
Campus is a bit quiet right now with our other PN group out on their clinical, and many of our HCA’s will be heading out soon for their first clinical placements, and it will get a bit quieter soon as the CSW students are all scheduled for practicum placement for the month of August. The campus will, however, become a hub of activity on August 29, when our newest group of PN’s heads into the classroom.
Our HCA satellite class at Mariposa Gardens in Osoyoos is filling up fast and we are expecting to have a full complement of student by the Aug 15 start date. This has been an amazing opportunity for individuals in the south of the valley to go to school without having to spend an hour and a half on the road each day. And we can’t say enough about the management and staff at Mariposa, they have welcomed us, and our students with open arms. Most of the graduates from this class now work at Mariposa.
Love it!
Employee of the month is our Career Advisor, Darla. She has been working very hard to keep enrolment up during the lazy hazy crazy dayz of summer, while promoting the PN program for our August 29 start date. Congrats!
PHILIPPINES
Sprott-Shaw Philippines has gone through some amazing accomplishments this month. It has successfully launched new programs in Advanced Business Management and E-Commerce, Hotel and Tourism Management, and International Trade, boosting the growing unit’s student body to 192 students. In addition, Sprott-Shaw Philippines has moved in to a brand new office with its partner, Treston International College. The new office is located in Global City, one of the most prestigious and developed areas in the Philippines.
Sprott-Shaw Philippines would also like to express its sincere gratitude to its two amazing Directors, Violeta J. and Gloria Y., who will be moving on to other
endeavours. Violeta will be moving to Australia to take care of her grandchildren, while Gloria is continuing on to finish her PhD and become senior nursing faculty at FEU. Both will remain close to our hearts for their incredible dedication and contribution.
To prepare for the school’s massive growth, the school has also made new key staff appointments. Ms. Noemi C. will head the unit’s Academics and Operations
department. With over 30 years of teaching and leadership experience in the education industry, Noemi is a key asset to the Sprott-Shaw team. Mr. Dan M., our new
Manager for Institutional Development and Partnerships, will head the school’s business development. Dan brings in valuable marketing experience from multinational
corporations such as the WWF, Unicef, and Fitness First. Last but not least, Sprott-Shaw Philippines new Career Support Centre for graduates is now headed by Mr. Santini O. Santini is one of our founding faculties in Sprott-Shaw Philippines and contributes his knowledge of the Philippine healthcare sector and recruitment industry.
The Philippines-based Global Career Centre (GCC) has hit its 150th placed Sprott-Shaw graduate this month, an amazing milestone for our institution’s new graduate job assistance department. BC companies have entrusted Sprott-Shaw’s GCC with over 2700+ job postings and counting. In addition, The GCC has a new website and graduate registration service at www.grabagrad.com, which allows Sprott-Shaw students and alumni to apply for the GCC’s career placement service online. Check it out!
SSDC
July was the start of Term 3 at Sprott-Shaw Degree College. Both the new student orientation and the student appreciation awards ceremony were both held in the month of the July. Students were recognized for outstanding performances, perfect attendance and making it onto the Deans Honor Roll.
With the DeVry University partnership now finalized, SSDC is now offering a Pre-MBA program which will see students be able to complete one year with SSDC and move on to DeVry to complete their Masters.
To be more responsive to the needs of the BBA students, two student organizations, the Students-Alumni Society (SAS) and the International Business (IB) Club have been re-organized. All BBA students are automatically considered as members of both student organizations.
The officers of the Students-Alumni Society (SAS) met to re-affirm the list of officers and to create special committees to conceptualize projects and activities that will make the life of BBA students as productive, memorable, and worthwhile as possible.
The IB Club embarked on organizing the 2011 Global Seminar Series with the following schedules:
- Seminar I: Doing Business in Europe (May 2, 2011)
- Seminar II: Doing Business in Africa (August 22, 2011)
- Seminar III: Doing Business in Asia (October 21, 2011)
SURREY
AJ’s Red FM Campaign hit huge this time around – was very successful *knock on wood!
Roberto’s lectures about work life balance have been very interesting. Welcome to new staff members!
Thank you to Ashly and Roxie who are leaving after getting lines of work at local hospitals.
Staff BBQ at Shellie P’s house, our PN coordinator – turned out well even with the thunder and lightning! That’s a Surrey BBQ for you!
Surrey has been approved for Post Basic programs.
VANCOUVER
July has been a busy month as well as a sad month. We are sad but excited to say farewell to our instructor Carmen who got a fantastic job opportunity to go teach in Korea for a year. Congrats to Carmen, but she will be missed by all staff and students.
We are also excited about our Sprott-Shaw summer camp we have going on with about 48 ESL students from all over the world. The students are divided up into three different levels. They are all 11-14 years of age, our instructors Sarah, Angela, and Lupe have been working with these students by combining academics, teaching English and taking daily trips to places like victoria, whistler, and playland (stuff like that). On the last day of this program they prepare presentations, displays and songs for their graduation ceremony.
July has also been busy because our campus is FULL of June and July babies, so there have been lots of birthday celebrations happening.
ECE coming to Vancouver
The Vancouver campus of Sprott-Shaw Community College is now offering the Early Childhood Education Basic program.
Early childhood educators develop daily activities for children. They lead children in activities by telling or reading stories, teaching songs, demonstrating the use of simple musical instruments, preparing craft materials and demonstrating their use, and taking the children to local points of interest. They guide and assist children in the development of proper eating, dressing and toilet habits. They also observe children and discuss, when appropriate, children’s progress or problems with parents and other staff members. They attend meetings and workshops to develop and discuss new teaching methods. They may supervise and coordinate the activities of other early childhood educators and early childhood educator assistants.
To register for the ECE Basic call 310-HIRE (4473) or use our contact form.
Is A Community Support Career Right For You?
An education as a community support worker offers many opportunities for professional advancement. Social work is a dynamic field and there are numerous entry-level positions available to community college students of all majors. If you’d like to learn more about serving your community, then explore the following to learn what a community support career can offer:
Many community support positions, like clinical health assistants, require a minimum level of basic or specialized training. Whether you’ve just graduated from community college or you’re pursuing a long-term career as a social worker, these positions provide hands-on training. You have the benefit of exercising your knowledge inside a working environment, building a stable income and employment history.
Social work covers a wide variety of fields, from child care to public healthcare. No matter your field of study during your time at community college—whether you are taking business courses or studying for a practical nursing certification—chances are there is a position as a community support worker tailored to fit your needs. The community support industry is huge, requiring a variety of workers in many fields to adequately meet the needs of every Canadian citizen.
Opportunities for advancement during your time as a community support worker are abundant. If you’re interested in supervisory or upper-management work, then social workers often advance to such positions. Like many careers, education in social work continues long after you leave the classroom, which is why it’s important to build a strong foundation of knowledge and experience during your time at community college.
No matter what your professional goals are, enrolling at Sprott-Shaw Community College will provide you with the knowledge, skills, and certification to achieve them. With more than 180 degree and certification programs and over 50 campuses worldwide, Sprott-Shaw Community College is your best resource for earning a quality education. For more information, call 310-HIRE (4473) or contact us online today.
