Tuesday, May 31, 2011

Secrets for Success

"There are no secrets to success," says Larry Winget in his book It's Called Work for a Reason. Winget is also the author of the Wall Street Journal best-selling book, Shut Up, Stop Whining and Get a Life. He believes you already know the good ideas that will make you successful and that all you need to do is practice what you know.


 
Here are some of the main keys to success according to this professional motivational speaker, bestselling author and television personality.

 
  • Take personal responsibility 
  • Things change, so be flexible 
  • Work smart and work hard
  • Serve others well
  • Be nice to others
  • Be optimistic 
  • Have goals; want something big for yourself 
  • Stay focused
  • Keep learning
  • Become excellent at what you do
  • Trust your gut 
  • When in doubt, take action
  • Earn all you can. Save all you can. Give all you can.
  • Enjoy all you've got 
  • Keep things simple

 

 From It's Called Work for a Reason by Larry Winget

 

Friday, May 27, 2011

Camp Blaze!

(information accessed on May 27th from: http://www.campblaze.com/ )

 
Camp Blaze is a nonprofit organization committed to maximizing women's involvement in the fire service through education, networking, advocacy, and policy development.The mission of Blaze is to develop, support, and implement an annual camp for qualified young women to learn about the fire service and to have a great time while they're at it.

 
Young women will learn, among many other things:

 
  • Rappelling
  • Using self-contained breathing apparatus
  • Search and rescue 
  • Aerial ladder climbing 
  • Teamwork

 
When: July 30 - August 6, 2011 in North Bend, Washington.

 
Applications are now available via the links below. Please fill out the form and email it to us. Please see our application page for more detail. http://www.campblaze.com/
Thanks for your interest.

Monday, May 23, 2011

Sure Ways to Kill Your Chances for Success at Work

"Success in the workplace happens by knowing what pitfalls to avoid," says John McKee, business coach and author of "21 Ways Women in Management Shoot Themselves in the Foot." To avoid becoming the overlooked one when promotions come around, check out four of McKee's deadly career sins.


1. Pride

Put your ego aside and show appreciation to your peers and subordinates who contributed to your success. Taking full credit for a successful project, and ignoring others who worked on it, is a sure way to make enemies. They can undermine your future efforts and slow your way to the top. Remember the adage: "Be nice to the people you meet on the way up because you'll meet them again on your way down."

2. Envy

Envy is a sure path to low self-esteem, and high self-esteem is one characteristic you'll need to keep your motivation up as you drive to the top. Becoming envious of others can make you a whiner, braggart, or excuse-maker--unattractive traits that will cost you relationships and influence on the job, especially with your superiors.

3. Anger

Anger damages your reputation, credibility, and professionalism. If you show anger, you'll be seen as a poor leader who cannot inspire others. Professional disagreement is okay, and good ideas often spring from healthy debate between peers. However, if you show frequent outbursts of anger, the promotions and rewards are likely to go to others.

4. Greed

Wanting "more, sooner" can be self-defeating if your values become misguided and your life gets unbalanced. Selfishness and short-term gains won't prepare you for the next level, but a long-term approach to your job will.

5. Laziness

Expecting your past achievements and successes to carry you forward toward long-term success is a sure route to failure. If your aspirations are high, complacency cannot be in your vocabulary. Treat every workday and every project as if your job, and your future, depends on it. Laziness has no place in the workplace.

Adapted from an article by Rachel Zupek, CareerBuilder.com writer

Thursday, May 19, 2011

Wednesday, May 18, 2011

Summer Tutoring @ New Futures!

Help students improve their English skills over the summer at
New Futures in The Heights


There are Arabic speakers, Burmese ( that's 7 different languages), Vietnamese, Nepali, and Tigrinya along with volunteer interpreters for each language.

New Futures will do a summer tutoring program this year for at least 34 kids - including younger siblings. If you or anyone you know who has good language/writing skills would like to help these young people keep improving their English through the summer - please let Annie know (206-275-1393).


When: July 5th - the end of August, mornings Monday thru Thursday

Where: New Futures and the library.

Contact: Annie, 206-275-1393

Tuesday, May 17, 2011

Summer Programs for High School Students!

1) District Summer School
Credit recovery for students in the class of 2011 and 2012 only. See your school counselor (Ms. Leonardson) to register.

2) Puget Sound Skills Center (PSSC)
2011 summer school dates June 29th-July 19th
8am - 3pm daily
All PSSC CTE programs
$35 program supply fee
0.5 elective credit

Free bus transportation provided. Programs include: Applied Math, Culinary Arts, Dental Assisting, Healthcare Basics, Engineering Design, Translation and Interpretation, Automotive Technology, Auto Body, Criminal Justice, and more.

Website: http://www.hsd401.org/PSSC/

Please note: District summer school is only for juniors and seniors but freshmen and sophomores can take the PSSC summer classes for Occupational Education or elective credit or Applied Math for math credit.

3) White Center Library
King County Library System
11220 16th S.W., Seattle, 98146
206-243-0233
Hours:
Monday-Thursday 11am-9pm
Friday 11am-5pm
Saturday 11am-5pm

Go the library to read, check books out and play games! Improve your reading skills for the fall and enjoy reading! 

4) YMCA Summer Programs
Matt Griffin YMCA
3595 S. 188th St.
SeaTac, WA 98188
206-244-5880
Website: www.ysummer.org/mgn

5) 5th Avenue Theatre
Summer Musical Theater School
1308 5th Avenue, Suite 735
Seattle, WA 98101
http://www.5thavenue.org/
Monday-Friday 10-6
Two sessions, you pick one or two:
July 25-Aug. 5
Aug. 8-19

A number of partial and full scholarships are available! Ask!

6) Stone Soup Theatre
SummerStage 201: outdoor acting and theatre camps
Weekly, full and half-day programs
June 27-Aug. 26
Seward Park Amphitheater, Seattle
http://www.stonesouptheatre.org/

Ask for tuition scholarships!

7) One World Now: Summer Language Camp
When: July 11 to July 29, 2011, 9am-3pm, weekdays only
Where: Seattle University
Cost: FREE!

- By registering high school students will be eligible to participate in an amazing language and cultural immersion camp that includes three-weeks of Arabic or Mandarin Chinese language study and the opportunity to experience the traditions, customs and beliefs of these cultures!

To register, go to: http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/BQSKXVF

8) Computer Game Development Class
Academy of Interactive Entertainment
When: One week, July 5-Aug. 12 (you pick the week); 11-5 pm
Where: Center House, Seattle Center
Cost: $295
For more information: http://www.theaie.us/

Here are a few other things to check out:

Art:


The Vera Project: affordable art classes, learn sound systems for shows, become a board member (http://www.theveraproject.org/)

Reel Girls: film editing, paid apprenticship program (http://www.reelgrrls.org/)

Youngstown: art, dance, crafts (http://www.youngstownarts.org/)

Writing:

Young Urban Authors: get paid to write your story and publish it

PonderLounge: teen blogging site with many projects for you to contribute to (http://www.ponderlounge.org/login/index.php)

STEMS:

Seattle Aquarium: (internship program) (http://www.seattleaquarium.org/page.aspx?pid=260)

Pacific Science Center: (internship program) (http://www.pacificsciencecenter.org/Discovery-Corps/discoverycorps)

Woodland Park Zoo, ZooCorps: (internship program) (http://www.zoo.org/page.aspx?pid=396)

Youth Health Service Corps: volunteer and training program (http://www.swctahec.org/education/youth-health-service-corps/)

Helping Fields:

Habitat for Humanity: building projects every Saturday (http://www.seattle-habitat.org/)

Nature Consortium: restoration projects every Saturday (http://www.naturec.org/volunteer.htm)

Earth Corps: planting projects every Saturday (http://www.earthcorps.org/)

Burien Botanics: Internship opportunity

Life Long AIDS Alliance (http://www.lifelongaidsalliance.org/volunteer)

Youth Venture: after school program at HHS, create a social change project and apply for up to $1,000 in grant money (http://www.genv.net/seattle)

Monday, May 16, 2011

South Seattle Host College Night Open House!

“Interested in College?! Come to the College Night Open House @ South Seattle Community College! You and your families are formally invited to come to come join us at the SSCC campus on Wednesday, May 25th from 5:30 to 7:30 PM. Learn about what programs you can study and what resources are offered at South. Talk to Instructors, Advisors, and Student Leaders. Find out about resources that could help you pay for school, S.A.T. Prep classes, and even Math Tutoring for high school students, and much much more! This is a FREE event, so bring your families and friends. Prizes will be given throughout the night.


You interested? For more information check out COLLEGE NIGHT at http://www.southseattle.edu/  on the homepage.

See you at COLLEGE NIGHT, Wednesday May 25th at SSCC!!!!”

Congratulations to Promise Mengesha

Promise Mengesha (AAA) participated this past year in the Future of the Law Institute! Because of her participation in this program she had the opportunity to apply for a paid summer internship. Last Wednesday she interviewed for an intership at the King County Prosecuters Office. I am pleased to share that Promise will be spending her summer interning at the King County Prosecuters office! Way to go Promise:) 

CAREERS THAT REQUIRE LESS EDUCATION

Can you make big bucks without years of education? The answer is yes - but not in many fields, according to Rachel Farrell who researches and writes about job search strategy, career management, hiring trends and workplace issues for CareerBuilder.com. Here are a few of those careers.


1. Air traffic controller

You can become an air traffic controller a couple of different ways without a degree. The first is to have experience through the Federal Aviation Administration or the Defense Department, as a civilian or veteran. The second is to complete an FAA-approved education program.

The highest 10% of air traffic controllers earn $161,650, 25% earn $142,430, and the group in the middle (the median) earns $109,850.

2. Fashion designer

This is one career where you've either got it or you don't. About 25 percent of fashion designers are self-employed. If you're a real creative genius, you might be able to get by with only a high school education. But if you're smart, you'll at least get an associate degree. It's also smart to get training in color, textiles, pattern making and computer-aided design.

The highest 10% of fashion designers earn $130,900, 25% earn $90,020, and the group in the middle earns $64,260.

3. Fire chief

Most firefighters have a high school diploma. Community college courses or an associate degree is a better option. Once you're accepted into a fire department, you'll train at the department's academy, where you'll obtain classroom and practical training. To get to fire chief status, you'll definitely have to work your way through the ranks.

The highest 10% of fire chiefs earn $109,750, 25% earn $87,190, and the group in the middle earns $68,250.

4. Network systems and data communications analysts

Training requirements for network systems and data communications analysts vary. Some organizations require a bachelor's degree, but often an associate degree, professional certification and work experience can do the trick.

The highest 10% of Network systems and data communications analysts earn $116,120, 25% earn $73,250, and the group in the middle earns $55,900.

5. Police and detective supervisor

You won't join your local police squad as a supervisor without having a few years of experience under your belt. Some squads require a year or two of college-level course work, but in most places you just need a high school education plus experience. Much of this career is learned on the job or in a training academy.

The highest 10% of police and detective supervisors earn $116,340, 25% earn $94,560, and the group in the middle earns $76,500.

6. Radiation therapists

At the very least, an associate degree or certificate in radiation therapy is required for this position. Many states also require radiation therapists to be licensed. There is also the option of completing an associate degree in radiological imaging and then finishing a 12-month certificate program in radiation therapy.

The highest 10% of radiation therapists earn $107,230, 25% earn $90,650, and the group in the middle earns $74,170.

Wednesday, May 11, 2011

Linda Ba Recieves White Center Chamber Merit Award!

  
Please congratulate Linda on recieving the White Center Chamber of Commerce Merit Award. She is planning to attend University of Hawaii in the fall and this scholarship will definitly help her in pursuing her college education.

Tuesday, May 10, 2011

Class of 2012! How are you spending your summer?

Get a head-start on the college and financial aid application process this summer so that you can focus on enjoying your senior year to the fullest.

Pre-registration for Summer Mentor2College is now open!

The program is open to “rising” senior high school students (class of 2012). The program is free, as are all NELA Center services. http://events.nela.net/
When is this happening?: 7 weeks, July 11 – August 25 ; Mondays through Thursdays, 1:00 – 5:00 pm. (Students are not expected to attend every day of the program.)

Contact Juan Gallegos with any questions: juan.gallegos@nela.net , 206-461-5366

UW Dream Project BBQ

 AAA Dream Project kids!
 HS3 Dream Project kids!
 TEC Dream Project kids!


Monday, May 9, 2011

PSSC is hosting Summer School!

PSSC is having Summer School! If students need a math credit, including Seniors who need it for the HSPE requirement, this is a great opportunity for you. Some students were denied last year due to late registration. Some vocational programs also fill up quickly. Don't delay check out the website now! Cost is $35 per .5 credit. There is more information on the PSSC website.

http://www.hsd401.org/PSSC/

Degrees That Employers Want

Trying to decide what to major in during college? In 2010, Challenger, Gray & Christmas, a large consulting firm, asked 100 human resource professionals which degrees have the best chance of helping students find employment. Here are the six degrees that rank highest in terms of employment.


No. 1 - Health Care Degree

Graduates with recession-proof degrees in health care could find great success. More than one in four (26.3 percent) human resource professionals picked health care as the best bet for job security. Nurses are receiving the most employment offers in this category.

Desirable Degrees: Nursing, Physical Therapy, Pharmacy, Medical Technician

Average Starting Pay: Nursing: $52,178, Health & Related Sciences: $35,869

No. 2 - Business Administration Degree

A business degree is the most popular bachelor's degree in the country. Graduating with a degree in business administration puts job seekers in the second strongest position overall, just behind health care, according to the Challenger survey.

Desirable Degrees: Business, Business Administration, Business Administrative Support

Average Starting Pay: Business Administration: $44,171

No. 3 - Computer Science Degree

Graduates who study computer science are indispensable, so computer science ranks as the third most valuable degree in today's employment market.

Desirable Degrees: Computer Science, Technology Support, Information Technology and Systems

Average Starting Pay: Computer Science: $61,783, Information Sciences & Systems: $49,318

No. 4 - Accounting/Finance Degree

Finance and accounting graduates can expect more jobs to be available as the economy improves. Graduates with this degree have a bright future.

Desirable Degrees: Accounting, Finance

Average Starting Pay: Economics: $53,453, Finance: $50,535, Accounting: $49,022

No. 5 - Engineering Degree

Eight of the top 10 best-paid majors are in engineering according to a survey by the National Association of Colleges and Employers. In terms of employment, engineering is ranked fifth in number of jobs.

Desirable Degrees: Biomedical Engineering, Civil Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering

Average Starting Pay: Petroleum Engineering: $90,000, Computer Engineering: $59,298, Mechanical Engineering: $60,598

No. 6 - Marketing Degree

Demand remains strong for marketing graduates in the business world. A more general business administration degree, ranked number two overall, gets the edge in today's tight job market because of its broader application.

Desirable Degree: Marketing

Average Starting Pay: Marketing: $41,948

All salary information from the National Association of Colleges and Employers' Winter 2011 Salary Survey, which looked at starting salary offers for new Class of 2011 college graduates.

Adapted from a Yahoo! Education article by Chris Kyle

Monday, May 2, 2011

Hit the Road Running

In his best selling book The Employee Handbook of New Work Habits for a Radically Changing World, author Price Pritchett identifies 13 ground rules for job success. His ground rules are condensed below so you can get yourself ready for work in a changing world.


Rule No. 1 Become a quick-change artist.

Work changes to fit the world. You may spend time on several different project teams for the same employer or in the same job.

Rule No. 2 Commit fully to the job.

Expect your employer to expect more of you. Today's workers must be able to move faster and do better-with less.

Rule No. 3 Speed up.

Work with a sense of urgency. Don't get caught up in endless preparation and details, trying to reach perfection before making a move.

Rule No. 4 Accept uncertainty.

Shifting priorities will be normal. Your task may be defined vaguely, and you probably will not get all the answers you want before you have to get started.

Rule No. 5 Behave like you're in business for yourself.

Your employer wants you to assume more personal responsibility for the success of the company, rather than focusing on the boundaries in your job description.

Rule No. 6 Stay in school.

Protect your career by continuing to learn all your life. Today's world takes no pity on the person who gets lazy about learning.

Rule No. 7 Hold yourself accountable for outcomes.

Responsibility is being pushed to the lowest levels. For this to work, all employees have to be accountable for their results.

Rule No. 8 Add value.

Make sure you contribute more than you cost. Employees often mislead themselves by assuming they should get to keep their jobs as long as they are responsible and do good work. More is expected.

Rule No. 9 See yourself as a service center for customers.

The better you serve customers, the more you protect your career.

Rule No. 10 Manage your own morale.

You are responsible for your attitude. Expecting your boss or someone else to keep you content and upbeat is out of date. You have to bounce back from low morale on your own.

Rule No. 11 Practice looking for a better way.

Reach and stretch to outdo yourself. Small, continuous improvements may come bit by bit, but they eventually add up to a competitive advantage.

Rule No. 12 Be a fixer, not a finger pointer.

Problems are an offspring of change, so you'll see plenty of them. Build a name for yourself as a problem solver. Own your problems and find a way to fix them.

Rule No. 13 Alter your expectations.

Some people think their education and experience entitles them to employment. Companies do not think this way. The best thing you can do is upgrade your skills, stay flexible and never con yourself into believing that you deserve a good job.