Personal Trainer Course

Have you ever considered being a personal trainer? The Department of Labor says there is a shortage of Health and Fitness Professionals. The Vol State Division of Continuing Education is offering a personal trainer course coming up soon. Here is an advertisement:

You like to workout, and it shows. But are you ready for something new? Are you interested in a more challenging, secure and financially rewarding career? A career that will make you smile every time you clock in? You can become a nationally certified personal fitness trainer.

Some of the benefits: Full & part time careers, flexible hours, supplemental income, personal fulfillment and entrepreneurship.

The course will be offered Saturdays, April 10th through May 22nd, 2010 from 9am to 4pm

Course Cost: $559.00

To register call 615-230-3358 or visit http://registration.xenegrade.com/volstate/

For details contact WITS at 888-330-9487 or visit www.witseducation.com

In just six weeks you will acquire scientific knowledge and hands on skills in this highly recognized and academically approved certification class. A 30- hour internship, adult CPR & AED are all required prior to issuance of national certification.

Saturday Classes Still Meeting April 3

Even though Friday, April 2nd is a holiday and there will be no classes, we will have classes as usual on Saturday, April 3. TBR only allows for a one day holiday. We have had some students asking, so we wanted to clarify.

Snacks for NTSA

The Non Traditional Student Association (NTSA) will be accepting snack donations March 31, 2010 in the courtyard to benefit Ashley’s Place.

“It is for our community project. Ashley’s place is in need of snacks. They give therapy to the children and families that are victims of sexual abuse. We are making home baked goods. You can bring Capri Suns and Little Debbie type snacks,” said Jennifer Barber, NTSA President.

The NTSA will be set up in front of the Warf Building in the courtyard from 9:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m.

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Campus Closed Friday April 2

Just a reminder...Vol State is closed on Friday, April 2 for the Good Friday holiday. This includes all offices and all classes.

The Hunt Is On

A sunny day paved the way for Easter eggs and carnival rides at the annual Vol State Easter egg hunt this past Saturday.

Vol State student Wendy Nabors brought her granddaughter, Elyzabyth Harrington, 3. “We bring her every year. This is my third year as a Vol State student,” she said.

Among those who enjoyed the festivities were students as well as faculty and staff.

“It’s wonderful. It’s awesome! They get lots of candy. I teach here part time. I came to support Vol State and have fun for the kids. It’s a safe environment for the kids,” said Connie Martin.

Betty Williams brought her grandchildren Brenay, 5, and Brenez, 6. “I teach health and fitness. I’m doing the grand kids today, and it’s a free activity,” she said.Williams said she was enjoying herself with her grandchildren. Her grandson Brenez pulled out his favorite piece of candy and said, “I like it. It’s a crabby patty!”

Student volunteers came to put in time as well. “I’m a student worker here for Delta Psi Omega. It’s been a crazy morning, but it was fun. The kids all had fun,” said Steven Cox.

Vol State alum came out to enjoy the hunt. Alicia Frye brought her twin grandsons and said, “I went here many years ago. These are my grandchildren Preston and Brady Clawson.”

If you were unable to make it this year, don’t hesitate to make it out next year.

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Prom Dress Drive

What does the downward economy mean for high school students who are going to prom and need to purchase tickets as well as a dress?

The Phi Theta Kappa organization at Vol State is taking donations of prom dresses, and having the event Friday March 26, from 10:00 am until 1:00 pm in the Wood Campus Center.

“We are doing a prom dress drive to get as many dresses for girls attending prom. We are giving to Gallatin and Station Camp High School. We won’t turn away any dress.” said Stacy Jones, President of Phi Theta Kappa.

Jones said, “I’m working with a counselor at both the schools. The girls that need them (dresses) can pick them up. We have at least 30 that we got in today.”

Allison French said, “I think the idea is that times are really tough financially. Most girls spend years dreaming about their prom, so if we can help just one girl fulfill that dream, then our project has been a success.”

If you have questions or want to donate, email Stacy Jones at sjones84@volstate.edu.

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Pecha Kucha Wednesday

The Campus and Cultural Activities Committee cordially invite you to its Pecha Kucha Event on Wednesday, 3/24/2010 at 12:15 p.m. in the Rochelle Center of Thigpen Library.

Pecha Kucha, usually pronounced in three syllables like "pe-chak-cha", is a presentation format in which content can be easily, efficiently and informally shown, usually at a public event designed for that purpose. Under the format, a presenter shows 20 images for 20 seconds apiece, for a total time of 6 minutes, 40 seconds. Pecha Kucha means “Chit-Chat” in Japanese.

For more information about Pecha-Kucha, please visit the following links:
· http://www.pecha-kucha.org/
· http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pecha_Kucha
· http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9NZOt6BkhUg

Refreshments will be served.

The Campus and Cultural Activities Committee look forward to seeing you there.

Pam Carey

Music Students Perform in Ireland

Vol State students are taking their talents international this spring as part of travel-study programs. Music students just got back from Ireland where they performed in all sorts of venues across the country. The trip was hosted by the staff and administration of the National Guarda College. This facility is the training location for the Guarda, the world famous Irish National Police Force.

We'll have much more on this exciting trip coming up soon!

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Volstate Student/Professional Wrestler

Vol State student Phillip Dixon is an independent professional wrestler. Here is a personal interview as well as footage from one of his matches.

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Passion: Her Driving Force

Passion comes in various forms, and for Vol State student Lydia Yau, this is in the field of Human Services.

“It is like social work. Human Services is a big umbrella,” said Yau.

Yau is recently divorced and is a single mother of two. “My children are age 21 and 15,” she said. Both of her children live at home with her.

Speaking with Yau was a breath of fresh air, and her focus and drive is impeccable. “I have to work really hard to keep my GPA up so that I can get scholarships. After going through life, I really understand the importance of an education; I soak it up like a sponge,” she said.

Yau grew up in Malaysia and went to a missionary school. “I had monks and nuns that taught me,” she said.

“My goal is to become an international social worker. I have been active and volunteering for the past 30 years; in church, the community, and schools. I’ve volunteered in Malaysia, Singapore, and Nashville. I love children and have been in children’s ministry,” Yau said.

“I never realized that volunteering was social work. I do it with a passion. I love people and I genuinely want to help people,” said Yau.

Yau and I talked a little about Nicholas Kristof’s book “Half the Sky" which focuses on the oppression of women worldwide.

Yau had the opportunity to see him speak when he came to Vol State as well. “This second chance at an education is all the more valuable to me because I have seen the other end of the spectrum,” she said. She went on to say that she has seen those going through hard times not only in Malaysia and Singapore, but also in Nashville, Tenn.

Yau is a member of Phi Theta Kappa which is an honors program for students with an above average GPA. Yau currently has a 4.0.

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A Bit of Dutch History

Travel study trips have an academic focus. Currently Vol State students are in the Netherlands studying Dutch and international law. However, there is plenty of time for students to immerse themselves in the history and culture of the country. Loretta Calvert, the coordinator of the paralegal studies program, shows a bit of what her students have been seeing:

My students at the Escher Museum which was the winter palace of the queen. Escher is a famous Dutch graphic artist who lived from 1898 to 1972. The art of M. C. Escher is by itself extremely impressive; however, the lighting above proved to be a wonderful surprise. In every room, there were chandeliers designed by Hans van Bentem from Rotterdam.

http://sharing.theflip.com/session/676815084c2f6a3a0f20999ba8e36d51/video/11504837

The Knights' Hall is used for meetings and conferences. and a special ceremony on Princes' Day. The opening of the Dutch Parliament occurs the third Tuesday in September. The queen arrives by a golden coach with footmen and delivers her speech from the throne shown in the video.

http://sharing.theflip.com/session/c65fe0a290191d7a97d4024dbf52a68f/video/11505110

We had a really active discussion with our guide about Dutch history, diplomatic relations, and the current crisis in the Dutch government. The Dutch involvement in assisting the U.S. and other countries in Afghanistan was the reason that the Dutch government recently failed and will have to hold new elections in September for the legislature.

-Loretta Calvert
Paralegal Studies

Study Break

Spring break is in full swing this week for Vol State students.

For some this means taking advantage of the extra time and forming study groups. In addition to working and catching up on some rest, this is how I’m spending my week.

As a current Vol State student myself, I think study groups can be very beneficial. It gives students a way to meet outside of the classroom in an environment that isn’t as intimidating as a classroom setting, with the possibility of making friends in the process of learning. Here is what a few other students have to say about study groups.

“I think it is important. The best way to learn something is to teach it, and it is easier to teach your peers than it is your teacher. It is intimidating if you teach your teacher,” said Journalism student Jamie Barto about study groups.

“If done properly it addresses all of the learning modalities because you are speaking, listening, teaching, etc,” said student Gary Parker.

Some may wonder why students would study over spring break. “It’s either this. Don’t study over spring break and fail, or study and pass,” Barto said. “I’m a non-traditional student. I look at school as a job. It’s my on the job training; I treat it as a job,” Parker added.

Julie Stewart said, “I think it is important to get the perspective from other people. I would say that reaching out to other people is the most important.”

My experience in a study group has been positive so far, and I would suggest at least trying it. The way I see it is I have to study anyway, why not do it in a group?

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Vol State Students Visit the Netherlands

A visit to another country is a way to gain a new perspective. That's certainly the case for Vol State Paralegal Studies students this week. They're in the Netherlands studying Dutch and international law. Here is a report from Program Coordinator Loretta Calvert:

Some students are studying Intellectual Property issues here in the Netherlands such as what treaties impact copyright protected images and the licensing of trademark products which are imported to the U.S. Other students are looking at the laws dealing with prostitution and the tolerance of drug use. Does legalization minimize other crimes?

Yesterday, the group visited the Peace Palace with is part of the UN. The Peace Palace houses several international tribunals including the International Court of Justice. The Peace Palace was created primarily out of a donation from American Andrew Carnegie. Other countries donated items such as marble from Italy, stained glass from England, paintings from France, vases from China, statutes from Argentina.

One of the most exciting visits we did yesterday was to visit the International Criminal Court in the Hague where the trial of a war criminal is happening. We saw the portion of the case dealing with the defendant's argument. A witness for the defense now claims that the ICC investigators pushed him to testify about the enlisting of children in the military and were drunk the first time they met.

-Loretta Calvert, J.D.
Paralegal Program Coordinator

This is just one of several trips our students are taking this year. We have another group in Ireland as we speak, and they have an entirely different emphasis. More on that soon.

TCCAA Region VII tournament results

Vol State men and women’s basketball teams fought hard this weekend in the TCCAA regional tournament in Columbia.

The Lady Pioneers defeated Dyersburg State on Friday. They lost in the championship on Sunday 62-48 to Walters State.

The Pioneer men beat Motlow State on Thursday. They made their stand on Saturday versus Southwest Tennessee in a semifinal game. They lost that match up 100-81.

Congratulations to both teams.

Go Pioneers!

Basketball Tourney Update

Here's an update on the 2010 TCCAA Region VII Men’s & Women’s Basketball Tournaments at Columbia State Community College.

The Vol State Men’s Basketball Team won 81-76 against Motlow Thursday. They will play at 2 p.m. Saturday in the semi-finals.

The Vol State Women’s Basketball Team will play Dyersburg, Friday at 2 p.m.

Go Pioneers!

Cash Prizes for Public Speakers

If you are an excellent public speaker and could use some extra cash, the Hal R. Ramer Memorial Oratorical Contest is for you.

The first place winner will receive $100 cash, second place, $75, and third place, $50.

“We do it every year. It has been a tradition that has been going on at least 20 years. It is a student public speaking contest for all enrolled students,” said Leonard Assante, Associate Professor and Chair of the Department of Communication. Assante will be moderating the contest.

Students wishing to participate must be currently enrolled at Vol State, and must submit their topic of interest and outline by March 29.

“It is supposed to be a persuasive speech. We have celebrity judges that come in to judge the students,” said Assante.

The contest will be in the auditorium of Caudill Hall Monday April 5, from 12:15 pm. to 1:45 p.m.

For a copy of complete contest rules or additional information contact Dr. Judi Truitt, at 230-3781, or 230-3202.

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Dr. Michael Dyson Speaks at Vol State

Dr. Michael Eric Dyson, speaker, author, and Professor of Sociology at Georgetown University in Washington, DC, spoke to Vol State on the subject of race titled “Obama: One Year Later” on Monday March 1^st.

“As a moderate democrat he sought to overcome some of the left over issues from the sixties. Barack Obama certainly wanted to find a way to link himself with the founding fathers as a black man. He wanted to be judged by the content of his character, not the color of his skin. He had to convince America that he was not obsessed with race,” said Dyson.

Dyson is a controversial speaker, and talked about issues that many people wouldn’t even think about unless they are African American. Dyson talked about scientists and how “some black folks don’t want to donate their organs.” He jokingly said, “Don’t take my heart! I’m still breathing!” He said that African Americans aren’t afraid of science, just some scientists. “Remember the Tuskegee Air Experiment? Can black people get the same treatment as animals?” he added.

Dyson said, “Rich, white people run America. We don’t speak our mind about how we feel about race issues. Mr. Obama knew he had to address this issue.”

Dyson went on to say that, “I don’t want white brothers and sisters to stop being white, black people to stop being black, Asians to stop being asian, etc. I want people to be who they are. Be accepting of who you are. When we look at race in America, I don’t want to live in a post-racial society, I want to live in a post-racism society. We have to accept who we are.”

Deondra Moore, student, said she thought his presentation was great and really enjoyed it. “I’m hoping that we can have a lot of speakers in the future.”

“It will definitely take some time,” Moore said of the challenges of racism. “As far as challenges racially at college, I haven’t run into any,” she added.

Moore is a light skinned African American woman and said she deals with racism due to the color of her skin. “It’s not so much white people. It’s black people that tease me about being light-skinned,” she said.

While the issue of racism is a touchy subject, it is still prevalent in America, even a year after Obama’s election into the presidency.

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Get Connected With VISA

You don't have to travel abroad to meet people from different cultures; getting involved in the VISA club can help get you connected.

“The club is for international students; we want our international students to join,” said Tonya Daniels, Spanish Instructor at Vol State. Daniels is the co-sponsor of the VISA club, and said that everyone is encouraged to join. She said that the main goal is to promote cultural awareness.

The VISA club has several events throughout the semester. On Thursday, February 25, they hosted a cultural mixer in the Ramer Great Hall. Students were able to pair up with others from different cultures and ethnicities and have a conversation.

“The turnout is amazing. Not only are you allowing international students to use their English speaking skills, but also allowing foreign language students to practice French or Spanish,” said Maggie Homolya, secretary of the VISA club.

Student Saimir Dervishi said, “I’m from Albania, and one of my favorite things about the VISA club is meeting people.”

Rohan Brizan is from Grenadia, an island in the Caribbean, and has been in the United States for three years. He says that it is nice meeting different nationalities.

“It’s cool to learn where everyone is from,” said Jerika Shrum.

“I’ve been a member for two years. I’m graduating this semester and I’m going to be a little sad leaving the club due to graduation,” said Homolya.

If you are interested in joining the VISA club, contact Kay Grossberg at kay.grossberg@volstate.edu or Tonya Daniels at tonya.daniels@volstate.edu.

The next meeting is scheduled on Thursday March 18 in Ramer 164.

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