Director's Message

Last night I watched the Film Academy present to Tom Hanks the Life Achievement Award for his wonderful contributions to the art of film. I must say it was without a doubt the most enjoyable two hours of TV I have watched in a long time. I really, really, really like Tom Hanks and continue to be impressed with his humbleness and graciousness and, as noted last night, his ability to transform himself into personalities and causes that leave me speechless and yearning for more. I can see the new commercial ads already, “I want to be like Tom!” Sorry Mike!

Today, I am left with the question, “What shall Tom do the rest of his life since he is now the proud owner of the Life Achievement Award? As Steve Martin stated in the opening remarks, “This is the Mid-Life Achievement Award since Tom is the youngest recipient.” It is the same puzzlement I feel when a 20-year old earns an Olympic gold medal. First I cheer for her, then I think, when in her life will she ever be the best in the world at something (anything) again? Really what do you do after that type of apex at such a young age? One of my colleagues said last week that we should, "Pace our successes. Too much too quickly can leave us non-appreciative and feeling empty." Hum. Food for thought, especially at a time when fast food is the wave and immediate gratification is never immediate enough.

When is the last time I paced my successes- paced myself to have, say, one success a month or a year? I will spend time thinking about this. After all, I don’t want to be receiving my Life Achievement Award at the ripe young age of 36.

Pacefully yours,
Cheryl

Be Proactive in Your Learning
- Tutoring Makes a Difference

Tutoring is available in all subject areas.
The process is easy and it's FREE!
To sign up for a tutor, stop by the SSS Office, 1st floor -
Oaks Hall and ask for Marti Hunter.

Sign up for a tutor today!

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In this Month's Spotlight: Laurie Taylor

This month's spotlight is on Laurie Taylor. Laurie lives in Bryson City and is pursuing an Associate of Applied Science Degree in Health Information Technology. Besides continuing with her education, Laurie is busy raising a 7-year-old son and a 3-year-old daughter.

Laurie loves spending quality time with her family. She also enjoys learning about new and interesting ideas. Although Laurie is very outgoing, reading and walking are some of her more relaxing hobbies.

When asked who has inspired her at SCC, Laurie quickly responds, Marti Hunter.

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Keys for Success - [Study tips to help 'Unlock the Knowledge']

M.U.R.D.E.R. - A Study System
(This will be a 3-part series)

R is for Review:
Go over the material you've covered. Review what strategies helped you understand and/or retain information in the past and apply these to your current studies.

For more study tips check out the following website: iss.stthomas.edu/studyguides/

Car Pool

Please contact the SSS office if you are interested in car pooling from any of the following:
Franklin/Otto
Bryson City/Whittier
Cherokee
Murphy/Andrews/Robbinsville

Congratulations

Cultural Enrichment for July -

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Financial Aid Reminder

FREE applications for student aid (FAFSA) can be picked up at the SSS office or at SCC's Financial Aid office. Don't forget you can now file your FAFSA on the WEB. www.fafsa.ed.gov

Happy Birthday in July to:

Word of the Month

placate \PLAY-kayt or PLAK-ayt\ (verb): to soothe
or mollify especially by concessions; appease

Example sentence: In an effort to placate the angry customer, the store manager replaced the defective product with a more expensive model at no extra charge.

Did you know? To this day, “placate” carries the essential meaning of its Latin parent, the verb “placare,” which the Romans used to describe the process of soothing and changing bitterness or resentment into goodwill. “Placare” also gives us the adjective “placable,” (“easily placated” or “tractable”) and its familiar antonym “implacable” (“impossible to appease”). The earliest uses of “placate” as a verb in English date from the late 17th century (it appeared as an adjective a few years earlier, but that use was extremely rare and now is obsolete). Originally, it was usually an offended deity who needed to be placated, but today it can be anyone who is irritated or offended and in need of soothing.

(The American Heritage College Dictionary)

Something to Think About

"What you set your heart upon, surely shall be yours."

-- Ralph Waldo Emerson

SSS Mission Statement

The Student Support Services Office at
Southwestern Community College is
committed to the empowerment of program participants to achieve success through:

•  accessible and effective programs
•  supportive and caring staff
•  quality advising and teaching
•  responsive counseling
•  student advocacy

We strive to offer new services in the spirit of positive and friendly community.

Cross the bridge to success with SSS.

We’re here for you.

at
Southwestern Community College
447 College Drive
Sylva, NC 28779