Get Work In: Last Chance!

This period is the absolute last time I will be accepting any work from 1st Semester.  If you are missing anything, PLEASE get it turned in.  If anything in the grade book is incorrect, let me know right now.

Looking at College

Today we're going to begin looking at college requirements.  Since we are lucky enough to have two California Community College campuses in our area, we'll focus on those to begin with.

• The Mendocino College web site has a direct link to the "College Catalog" -- the list of classes that are taught, the requirements to get a degree, and the types of degrees they offer.  It can be found here: http://www.mendocino.edu/tc/pg/6286/catalog_2012_2013.html
• The college catalog also details AA/AS requirements as well as "credit transfer" requirements (http://www.mendocino.edu/docs/catalog/2012_Catalog_Pages_1-46.pdf)
• One link lists the AA/AS Degree's and Certificates offered by Mendocino College, although I strongly suggest working through your General Education stuff first (particularly your Math) while it's still fresh.
• Next we can look and see which classes are offered at Mendocino College in the Lake Center [schedule of classes].

Scholarship Essays

Reminder, your scholarship essays are due tomorrow.  There should be 5 small single-topic essays and today's general essay.

Which brings us to today's assignment:  In addition to the short essay questions, I also want you to write a general "scholarship essay" which blends together your short essays into a general "why you should pick me" essay.  Imagine that you find a scholarship online and realize the deadline to submit it is today -- so you go and grab your "general scholarship" essay and simply modify it to fit the specific requirements.

It should include things such as:

• Financial Need
• Life Achievements
• Life Experiences
• Career and/or Education Goals
• Community Service

Remember to watch your spelling, punctuation, and grammar.  Little things make a difference in a scholarship essay.  If it's between you and another applicant and you write "collage" instead of "college" (for example), that may be enough to tip the balance.

This essay should be a full essay -- perhaps a page or two.

Writing Scholarship Essays

When you start researching scholarship opportunities, you will quickly find out that many of the scholarship programs for which you qualify involve writing a scholarship worthy essay. Very few programs are based strictly on an application form or transcript. Scholarship committees like essays because they are able to get a better sense of who the applicants really are from reading their original writing than from simply looking at a form or seeing a listing of completed classes and grades.

When you are faced with the challenge of scholarship essay writing, remind yourself that the effort you put into writing your essay represents the chance to sell yourself to the scholarship committee. A winning scholarship essay is one that truly sets a particular applicant apart from the others. If you tell your story clearly and persuasively, you just might find yourself receiving a congratulatory letter from the scholarship committee!

Tips for Writing Effective Scholarship Essays:

• Read the instructions and make sure you understand them before you start writing.
• Think about what you are going to write and organize your thoughts before you start writing.
• Begin the writing process by writing an outline.
• Make sure your outline touches on every aspect required per the instructions.
• Write your essay by elaborating on each of the points in your outline.
• Use clear, concise and simple language throughout the essay.
• State your accomplishments without coming across as if you are bragging.
• Make sure your grammar and spelling are impeccable.
• Read the question again and then read your essay to be certain that the essay addresses every point.
• Have someone with strong writing and editing skills proofread the essay before you submit it.
• It’s better to be too long than too short. You can always edit down the material you find to be least relevant, but it is much more difficult to add to an essay that is too short.
• Talk to teachers, counselors, and admissions officers and have them read your sample scholarship essays. Doing so will allow them to give you feedback about specific questions as well as suggestions about your writing in general.
• Unless there is a very specific prompt [as you will see below], choose a topic that truly interests you. If you are genuinely passionate about something, it will show in your writing

Today and Tomorrow's Assignment:

The following sample scholarship essay examples have been taken from a number of accredited universities from across the country, including Cal State University Northridge, Purdue University, The University of California, and the University of Washington. All of these questions are somewhat common as scholarship essay prompts—the chances are high that you will see at least one of them on your scholarship application.

1. Where do you see yourself in 1 year? 5 years? 10 years?
2. How would an education from (name of college you are applying to) enrich your personal life and help you reach your career goals?
3. Describe your cultural background and how it has shaped the person you are.
4. If you know what you intend to major in, discuss what led you to choose this area of study and how you hope to contribute to this field upon graduation from college.
5. What is your favorite novel, movie, song, or work of art? What resonates with you and why has it become an important part of your life?

Write responses [up to a page] for each and use them as a general foundation for your written statements —most scholarship essays will require you to answer one of these three questions in some way.  Save these essay prompts do your ThawSpace and back them up to a USB drive and in your email.  You are building a collection of these kinds of documents to use later in life.

However, do NOT simply copy and paste your responses on multiple applications. Every written statement you submit should be unique—simply use this exercise as a means to better prepare yourself for the application process.

Begin Scholarship Research

Today we are going to begin researching scholarships for college.  Even if you aren't planning on going to college, do the project.  You may find something that interests you or that inspires you to look further.
Believe it or not, there are scholarships for some very strange things.  If you're a guy over 6'1 or a girl over 5'10 you can qualify for a "Tall Clubs" scholarship.  There's a scholarship for left-handed people.  There's a scholarship for duck callers.  If you're a skateboarder, you can qualify for a skateboard scholarship.  There seriously is free money out there if you're willing to work for it.  (Here are some other strange scholarships)

TODAY: Find a college scholarship that you think you would qualify for and begin the application process.  There is a list below that you can start with.  You may also want to check out "Paying for College Student Resource Guide" for information on scholarships, internships, fellowships, resource books, and websites -- there are a LOT of scholarships in there.  You can also view the Congresswoman's web site here: http://roybal-allard.house.gov/students/

Read about how to apply for the scholarship and begin writing your essay [scholarships generally require an essay wanting you to explain why you deserve the money].  Note the requirements of the essay -- it might be 500 words, 750 words, or 2500 words.  The essay may want specific topics covered, want you to address certain issues, or have you solve a certain problem.  Watch your spelling, punctuation, and grammar.  We will complete these essays tomorrow and turn them in.

We have many scholarships posted on the KHS Web Site -- or you can go directly to the Scholarships page here.

Major Scholarship and Grant Categories

http://www.scholarshipsandgrants.us/scholarships-highschool-seniors/

Major Scholarship and Grant Categories

Note: The most important characteristic of a scholarship or grant is that unlike a loan, the funds never have to be repaid. In essence . . . it’s free money!

The largest category is composed of general scholarships and grants. These are not necessarily limited to any specific major field of study, school, gender, ethnic group or minority. Many of these are based on financial need, and for some, the standard for grades and SAT scores is not set as high as for other awards. There is something to be found here for just about everyone.

Then there are scholarships based on specific major fields of study. The majority of these are directed to college upper classmen who have already locked in on their chosen career paths, but some of these are scholarships for high school seniors, who already have a solid idea of what area they would like to study. They are often awarded to good students to encourage them to enter a particular field that is under-populated by their gender or minority group. This particular category is quite broad, and you will notice that it really doesn’t matter which career path you’ve selected -- you’ll find specific scholarships for just about any career you can think of – and some that you haven’t even heard of yet!

Many scholarships are offered to members of specific ethnic or gender minorities. You’ll find numerous awards designated for those with your ethnic or cultural background. Some of these also require residency in a particular state or region of the country.

Speaking of states, one of the largest categories of scholarships for high school seniors are those based on your state of residence – and some of these are for students residing in particular cities in that state.

Don’t overlook the scholarships for high school seniors at your chosen college or university. These schools are rich in endowments and just looking for likely students to award.

Perhaps you are a woman who plays volleyball – and plays it really well. Football players are not the only athletes who go to school on athletic scholarships. There are just as many categories here as there are sports available.

And what if you’re not planning to attend a university or 4-year college? There are numerous grants and scholarships for high school seniors available for students entering 2-year community colleges and vocational/technical schools. You will find these listings in the same places as you find the others.

Application Process and Eligibility Requirements

Once you take the plunge and start digging, and then decide where to apply, it’s all about doing the work to ensure that yours is the best scholarship application they receive. Here are some of the standard items required in scholarship application packages.

• Scholarship application – It should go without saying that you should double check to be sure you are using the correct application form, and that everything is clearly written and spelled correctly. Pay close attention to application deadlines.
• Letters of Recommendation – Collect these from teachers – past and present, your minister, professional friends of the family, etc. This is not a step to be left until the last minute, especially with your teachers; give them time to reflect on your performance, leadership abilities, and to imagine your future potential.
• Grades - By your senior year, you have already established a track record of academic achievement and leadership ability. You will be required to submit up to date copies of your transcripts.
• College Entrance Exam Scores – An official copy of your SAT or ACT scores are a standard requirement.
• Admission Verification – If you already have been accepted as a student at a particular university or college, you will need to include a copy of the acceptance letter.
• Essays – Write carefully constructed essays based on the subject requirements of the selection committee. As an added measure, work with one of your teachers to review each essay before submission.
• Community Service - Hopefully you started contributing community service hours early in your high school career. Your record as a volunteer serves two purposes. First, it is often looked upon as your first real “job” even though you were not paid in dollars. It also indicates that you are personally capable of thinking of others enough to contribute to their well being.
• Verification of Financial Need – No matter what the financial situation of your family might suggest, you should fill out the FAFSA (Federal Student Assistance) application form on line. You will receive a SAR (Student Aid Report) based on the information you submitted. The SAR can be a very important item in your application package because so many grants and/or scholarships are based on need. You can find the necessary form at www.fafsa.ed.gov . There is no charge for this application. You can find more information on this subject at www.fafsa4caster.ed.gov 
• Verification Documentation – If you are applying for a VFW scholarship, you may have to attach verification of military service. Likewise, if you are seeking a scholarship for Native Americans, you will have to submit verification of tribal membership.

The single most important thing to remember about applying for scholarships or grants is to apply – and apply – and then apply again! Apply for every award you even think you may qualify for. There is a lot of competition out there, but keep in mind all of the unclaimed scholarship dollars each year – and all because no one made the effort to apply for them.

Contacting Your Landlord

What can you do if your landlord doesn't take care of a problem for you?

Most problems can be taken care of with a quick telephone call to the landlord or the person designated as the apartment caretaker.  Sometimes a polite letter can be written to tell of your problem.  If there is no reasonable response, further action can be taken.

Laws in each state differ.  Check with your local agencies for specific details.  You can contact a representative from your local housing authority, social service welfare agency, legal aid service, or the Landlord-Tenant Court to talk with you about the laws in your state regarding rental problems.  You could also look up information on the Internet.  If you have a problem, you can:

1. Write a polite letter to your landlord to let him know your problem (Give specific details).
2. If you don't get a response within a reasonable amount of time (30 days), do two things at the same time:
1. Make a formal, written complain to local housing authorities, asking for an inspection.
2. Try to personally contact landlord and come to an agreement.  If you do get a response, call off the inspection.
3. Remember that you should:
1. Keep copies of letters you send and send the letter to the landlord by registered mail for proof.
2. Talk directly to the landlord about the problem if you don't get an answer to your letter.  (Document the date and time in your records)
1. If this direct contact is successful, contact the housing authority to cancel the inspection.
4. If all else fails, you can contact an experienced local agency for help or sue in a small claims court.

Today we will be writing a polite letter to your landlord stating a make-believe problem.  In a standard block letter format, include the following:

• State that you live in their apartment building (Shady Acres Apartments) at 123 Main St., Kelseyville, CA 95451.
• A paragraph letting your landlord know what the problem is.  For example, "I know that you would like to know that the roof has begun leaking over my bed in my bedroom.  I have placed a bucket under the leak and have moved the bed to protect it.  The heavy storms are causing much damage in the neighborhood."
• You can include another paragraph letting the landlord know about other issues -- especially if they are problems you have reported previously.  For example, "The broken window in the bedroom that I mentioned to you last week could be fixed at the same time.  If you remember, it was broken by falling branches in the last storm.
• Conclude with a sentence letting them know you are awaiting a reply.  For example, "I'm looking forward to hearing from you right away so my bed can be put back and my room will be safe again."
• Remember to conclude with "Sincerely," and then leave a few spaces and type your name.  Don't forget to sign it.

Reminder: Bring Portfolios Next Week

Next week is the END OF THE FIRST SEMESTER!  AAAAHHH!!

Use today to get caught up and turn in ANYTHING that you want credit for.  After next Friday, we move forward and don't look back.

As we have been discussing since the beginning of school, your final project will be a professional portfolio.  I recommend a nice 3-hole binder (preferably leather or imitation leather).  They can be found at office supply stores or online.  A solid-color binder (i.e. black) can also be used, but remember that you will be bringing this to job interviews so it should look as professional as possible.

You will also need several sheet protectors to hold documents.  I recommend the heavy duty sheet protectors because the "cheap" ones tend to wrinkle up as you flip through your portfolio.

You will keep résumés, references, job search tips, typing certificates, awards, etc. in your portfolio. Portfolios will be something you can use to assist you in filling out applications, provide you with a place to keep extra résumés, and help you prepare for interviews.

I have your typing certificates ready and will give them to you when you have your portfolio and a sheet protector to hold it.  When I do a portfolio check next week I will be giving you credit for having a typing certificate in there.

If you have questions or concerns, please let me know ASAP.

Where should I live?

There comes a time in everyone's life when they decide to move out of their parent's home and get a place of their own.  Some people move into apartments in the city, while others rent a home in the country.  Then there are the few that actually purchase their own home.  Any way you look at this time in your life is a scary experience and one that takes research, understanding and organization.  In this assignment, you will be researching several different options of renting a home or apartment:

1. Renting an apartment in a large city
2. Renting an apartment in a small city
3. Renting a house in a large city
4. Renting a house in a small city

It is your job to research real estate online and find (a) low range [cheapest you can find] and (b) mid range [the most you could afford with a good job at your age] rentals for each of the four options above.  Using Microsoft Word you will create a fact sheet on each of the above options listing:

• The location of the apartment/home
• A description of the property
• The price
• A photo and/or floor plan
• The Realtor
• Any applicable fees/dues associated with the property such as Association Fees or asking fees on the property.
• Are utilities included?
• What amenities are provided (i.e. swimming pool, laundry, clubhouse, etc.)
• Estimate the monthly rent based on the found information.

We will be working on these today and tomorrow.

Getting a Roommate: Pro's & Con's

Moving out on your own can be a financial nightmare.  One way to cope with the extra bills (rent, utilities, and even transportation) is to get a roommate.  But having a roommate is not always what it's cracked up to be.  Friendships can be tested [and lost] over trivial things that you didn't think were a big deal.

A couple things you can do to prevent problems is to do a serious consideration of your compatibility (we will be working on a compatibility chart) and to work out an informal roommate contract.  The compatibility chart will bring up issues you may not have thought about and the informal roommate contract will help to settle disputes that will undoubtedly arise during your shared housing period.

The Roommate Compatibility Chart should include sections on personalities, sleeping habits, eating habits, housekeeping attitudes, social habits, etc.

The Informal Roommate Contract is not legally binding -- it's more of a guide to help you resolve little problems that come up (who is paying for what, who is in charge of taking out garbage, who is responsible for dishes on a certain day, what time visitors are allowed to stay, etc.).

In this example, Leonard meets Sheldon to discuss renting the room and Sheldon gives Leonard a compatibility questionnaire.  Although this is a parody, the idea was to prevent an incompatible person from becoming a roommate.  This is important to do even with people you have known for many years.

Understanding Rental Agreements / Move-In Checklist

Today we will be looking over a sample apartment rental agreement and answering some questions about where to find specific pieces of information.  Questions include:

Click to Enlarge

1. Is the gas and electricity included in the rent?  Explain.
2. When is the rent due?
3. What is the amount of rent you will have to pay?
4. What happens if you make nail holes in the walls while hanging pictures or paint the  woodwork white? Explain.
5. What can happen if you allow your friend to repair his motorcycle in your garage or parking space?
6. Who pays the water bill?
7. Who is going to clear the sidewalks and driveways during the winter?
8. Will your security deposit always be returned in full?  Explain.
9. Can you keep a dog in the apartment?
10. If you have to leave town because of a job change, can you sublet the apartment?  Is it possible under any circumstances?
11. If there is a hail storm and the roof is damaged, who is responsible for fixing it so it doesn't leak?
12. Can your sister come into the apartment and stay indefinitely?
13. Can you run a mail order business from your apartment?
14. When can the landlord raise the rent?
15. Under what circumstances can the rental agreement be ended by the landlord?

IF YOU DON'T UNDERSTAND ANY TERMS OF A RENTAL AGREEMENT, TAKE IT TO SOMEONE WHO WILL EXPLAIN IT TO YOU.  DON'T SIGN ANYTHING YOU DON'T UNDERSTAND!

We will also look over a standard "Move-In/Move-Out Itemized Statement" from the California Apartment Association.  It's the standard form that landlords go over in the move-in "walk-through" for new tenants -- and it's where prospective tenants should write down every flaw they see (dirty items, scratched floors, dented walls, nail holes, cracked glass, etc.).  The same form will be used when the tenant moves out.

(Here is a similar online example of this form.)

A Modern Allegory of Hansel and Gretel

Getting Out On Your Own

Sometimes when we get out on our own we find that things are harder than we thought they were going to be.  The freedom to do what we want doesn't measure up to our expectations.  But for some, the promise of getting what you want whenever you want is too enticing to pass up -- so we go into debt [usually by credit cards].

So we get a little here... and get a little there... and we don't really pay attention to the looming financial burdens that we are facing for our future.  

Eventually the credit card industry has us so indebted to them that there is no escape.  We get so deep into debt that we find it difficult to make a payment.  We end up missing a payment and suddenly our 2% APR credit card becomes 18% APR. 

Because our monthly payments are even higher now, we miss another payment.  This sends our APR rate through the roof to 30 or 40% because we are now a "credit risk."  We find ourselves scrimping and saving just to make the monthly payments on all of our different debt balances.

Luckily we finally figured out that debt was a bad thing and realized that the credit card companies are NOT trying to help us.  We started paying off our debts (using steps like Dave Ramsey's Debt Snowball) and ended up being debt free.


And we lived happily ever after.

Moving Out on Your Own?

(Modified from http://www.selfgrowth.com)

Read the article then follow the instructions at the end:

As we move through your last year of high school, many of you are thinking about moving out on your own.  Moving out for the first time is one of the biggest steps you’ll take in life. It not only represents your freedom, independence and a sense of growing up, it also tests your ability to make it on your own.

Since most of us will be renting our first place, we will begin there. There are usually two ways to go. You can rent month-to-month, which means you are able to move out whenever you want, but it also means the landlord can kick you out or raise your rent almost at will. The other way to go is a lease. The lease locks you into a predetermined number of months. For most apartments and condos, a one-year lease is standard. Landlords will usually charge you less if you sign a lease with them. Keep in mind that if you sign a one-year-lease and decide to move out after two months, you’re still on the hook for the additional ten months. Make sure you really like living under that roof and plan to stay there for the lease period or you may want to stick with a month-to-month.

Whenever you rent an apartment or a house, there will always be a deposit required. This deposit will vary based on:

1. The amount of the rent.
2. Your credit score.
3. Are you signing a lease or renting month-to-month?
4. Is the landlord buying a new car that month?

You can usually expect to pay first month plus a security deposit equal to first month’s rent. If you are renting an apartment or condo, many times there is a reduction or special deal offered by the complex. For example, you may be able to pay first month’s rent plus a small deposit of say, a few hundred dollars. If you have pets, and the landlord allows them, you will be required to pay a deposit for the pet. In some cases, the landlord may require you to pay first month’s rent plus last month’s rent and a security deposit. The important thing to remember is to find out exactly what will be required before you sign anything and what will be required in the end to get your deposit back when you move -- and get that in writing.

OK, moving day.

You’ve taken ten minutes and packed up all your worldly possessions. Mom is standing by the door weeping because her baby is now ready to fly the coop. Even though you needed them to give you 20 bucks to go out last week, you are ready to be an independent adult. Dad is also standing by the door, but he’s got a slight grin on his face. Why you ask? He is planning how to turn your room into his office or new entertainment center! But forget about that for now. You’ve found the apartment, signed the rental agreement, paid your fees and are moving in. Now what?

1. Have the phone turned on [unless you have your own cell phone].
2. Have all the utilities turned on (gas, electric, propane, kerosine, etc.).
3. Have cable activated if you’re using cable [or even have your own television].
4. Move all your stuff in (which is usually a bag or two).
5. Get some furniture in that place (beanbags and milk crates are popular in first apartments).
6. Get some food in the fridge (make sure the place COMES with a fridge!).
7. Make sure you have at least a towel or two and don’t forget the toilet paper.
8. A vacuum cleaner would be nice.
9. Get hooked up for Internet access (might be part of your cable or phone service).
10. Get some plates and silverware and maybe a glass or two (you may get tired of paper plates and plastic silverware).

This is a fun and exciting time in your life. Sitting in your new apartment for the first time is great feeling of accomplishment for both you and your parents!

Assignment:

• Open a new document in Microsoft Word and put your name in the top-right corner.
• Title your page "Moving Out" (bold and center this)
• Write one paragraph about when you plan to move out on your own and describe how you expect to be able to do that.  Will you have help?  Where will you go?  If you are already out on your own, discuss how it went for you and what you have learned.
• Create a section title called "Questions:" (bold this)
• Explain the following items based on your reading above:
1. When would a lease be good for you?  
2. When would a lease be bad?
3. What kinds of "deposits" might you have to pay when moving in somewhere?
4. What does the term "first and last" mean in an ad for an apartment?
5. How does having a pet affect your plans for moving out?
• Create a section title called "Must Haves" (bold this)
• Create a bulleted list of items that you absolutely must have when you move out
• Think about which tools you need (hammer, screwdriver, etc.)
• Which cooking supplies (frying pan, turner, etc.)
• Which appliances (microwave, mixer, vacuum, etc.)
• What do you use every day in your life? (towels, coffee cups, etc.)
• List things you wouldn't want to do without (television, furniture items, etc.)