Author: MARTIN J

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Volunteer Vitality

I had more time to volunteer before college. When I get a job, are many companies supportive of volunteering?

We always appreciate a question that is motivated by a desire to help someone else. Volunteers complain about a college gap, where studies overwhelm their schedules and leave little time for community involvement. You should not be surprised to learn that companies both small and multinational often have direct ties to volunteer activities. The media concentrates on corporate financial pursuits, rather than recognizing charitable ones.

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And Baby Makes Two

I feel a bit isolated and ignored, because I have child at college. Do I qualify for any help from the school?

We want to discuss your question, because over 26% of U.S. undergrads are raising a child. You are hardly alone in your struggle. Learning from other campus moms, we found the main issue is lack of recognition from colleges to provide: student health services, childcare and financial aid. Finding out what resources and benefits are available will reconnect you to campus life.

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Street Smart

My father sells insurance and my brother equities. I am learning zero about salesmanship in college. Why are there no courses that teach anything useful?

You are a step ahead with your question. When you get your first job, that is when you realize much of your coursework did not teach useable skills. Take the bigger picture, you did learn to think and write. If you enter the sales field, you have the education to help you master it. However, many argue that almost all work entails sales, communication and persuasion. Salesmanship should be taught at college, just like English Composition 101. This is why we think your question deserves an answer.

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Data Dilemma

I completed some forms when I visited student health. The reason for my treatment is confidential. Now, I am wondering are my records completely private and secure?

This question reveals a disturbing truth about privacy in medical records held by school health services. We must inform you that your privacy rights depend on which law governs the health service provider. Even then, there are notorious loopholes in the law.

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Varsity Blues

I am happy to be in college, but felt better with my mother taking care of me. Really, why do I feel more run down at school?

Your question could be asked by anyone who is no longer living at home, whether you are 18 or 81. The phrases ‘mother’s home cooking’ and ‘there’s no place like home’ should make you realize your life has permanently changed. You now have more freedom, but, like all freshman, you abuse your body and mind. Here is a list of rookie mistakes when living at college. These should be distributed with your freshman class schedule.

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Haunted House

Like many others, I am living off-campus. I got stuck with a bad situation. What can I do?

This problem is a common one, which reappears each school year. Even though many have written about this, it needs to be repeated for each incoming class. Colleges vary widely in the number of students choosing to live in off-campus housing. For some, it is well over 50% of students. Here are some housing horror stories. Our advice is to learn from these and ask more questions before you rent.

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Buyer’s Remorse

Don’t tell me to buckle down, I realize I am an average student here. I could save myself and my parents a fortune, by dropping out. Is it better to be stay here or leave and start working now?

This question, or decision, confronts many students, with different motivation. I cannot advise you to spend money on tuition, that you may not have. You do not need a cheerleader urging college graduation. Studies show you will have plenty of company. Only 56% of students starting college will graduate. The graduation rate in Soviet Slovakia is higher, at 63%.

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Scholarship Scavenger Hunt

I am looking to get more financial help for college. After the government and my school, is there anywhere else?

The audience for your question includes 2 out of 3 college students, who receive some sort of financial aid. Your search is divided into 2 categories. There is money you have to repay, and scholarships and grants you do not. You are not thinking about it now, but the government loans are going to be a large burden to repay.

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Aching for Knowledge

I remember high school was less stressful than college. Now, I have bouts of aches in my head, stomach and back. I am not going back home, so what can I do?

Your question gets a classic response… welcome to adulthood. Our answer not only applies to students, but to all adults. Stress in college is a precursor for what to expect in the workplace. It can be a problem and health concern when it persists for long periods.