Quick pop quiz! Can any of you guys tell me what the Dual Credit program at Northwest Vista does? Can anyone even tell me what dual credit is? If not, that’s ok; you’re in the right place!

First off, what is dual credit? It is a program Northwest Vista, as well as all of the Alamo Colleges, offers to eligible high school juniors and seniors (and in some cases sophomores) to give them the opportunity to earn college credit and high school credit at the same time. Let’s say you need to take economics in high school to count towards graduation. If one were to take dual credit courses here at NVC, he or she would earn not only high school credit, but also college hours as well.

If any of you all have 16- or 17-year-old students in your classes, they are more than likely dual credit students.

I’m sure by now most of you all are thinking, “Why should I care about this? I don’t have to worry about high school I already made it to college!” This may be true, but I’m sure many of you have bright brothers or sisters, or children or even grandchildren who are eligible for this program. The possibility of graduating from high school with up to 24 hours of college credit really shouldn’t be taken lightly. Not only does it reduce your course load once you enroll as a regular student, but the program is free! Your child/sibling/young loved one could save well over $1,000 if they take advantage of the program! Plus the need to take a student development course is eliminated. (For more information click on the link http://www.alamo.edu/nvc/students/learning/dualcredit/eligibility.htm)

Last off, graduation within two years is definitely possible. Most people attend community college thinking they’ll only finish their basics and that’s it. While that is still feasible, it is also easy to just take a few more classes and earn an associate’s degree (which makes the transition to a four-year university much easier). Plus if one were to apply for a scholarship or some kind of student society, having a dual credit completion on their resume doesn’t hurt one bit.

If you know an academically gifted high schooler (or have one of your own), please don’t hesitate to take advantage of NVC’s dual credit program. I graduated high school in 2009 with nine college hours and I’m scheduled to graduate with an Associate of Arts in the spring, so I’m proof that the dual credit program works.

Hope this piece of information helps!

Marisa Luna
NVC Ambassador

The Northwest Vista College Ambassador Program, which started a couple of semesters ago, has really improved and enhanced the lives of the applicants and the ambassadors. I am very fortunate and privileged to be re-elected so I can serve Northwest Vista College.

It all started when I was called via the phone, asking me to come in for an interview. I asked myself when I applied for this program, maybe it’s not true. But on the day of the interview, I was told that Mr. Eddie Bishop, one of the best math instructors, had nominated me to serve the school. That was how my journey to leadership started, and ever since then, I have not looked back.

This program is a life-changing program, of which at the end, you see your life changing so positively towards people around you and the society at large. During the course of this program, I volunteered a lot for different school activities, had a few tours, such as showing high school students around our beautiful campus and going to several high schools giving speeches. Also at the end of each semester, there is a huge stipend to be given to each student and a wonderful plaque thanking the student for serving the school and their community.

I also got exposed to school authorities. Most of the time we dined together with the school president and visitors to the school, such as John Phillip Santos, the first ever Mexican-American Rhodes Scholar.

– Harrison Ohiri
NVC Ambassador

Hey Wildcats! And you FUTURE Wildcats scoping out our website! Have you visited our Recreation Sports page? Wow, if you don’t know, then you’ll know!

Here’s a list of a few extracurricular activities that NVC offers:

– BINGO!
– Bowling
– Fitness Challenges (for you buff, competitive students!)
– Hiking (this is SO relaxing and fun. Ever climb Enchanted Rock or bigger and better?)
– 5K walk/run (plug in the mp3 player and GO!)
– Healthy cooking/eating session (YUM!)
– Kayaking
– Ping Pong
– Pool-Billiards Tournaments (where are you sharks?)
– Wii Tournaments

*Click on the linked items above to see pictures of the events*

Did you know that NVC participates in the South Texas Club Sports League that offers these teams sports?

– Basketball for Men & Women (a personal favorite)
– Volleyball for Women
– Soccer for Men
– Cross Country for Men & Women
– Tennis

*Check out NVC’s page about STCSL to see if you’re eligible to offer your skills in one of these indoor or outdoor sports and represent NVC! GO ‘CATS!

Not interested in playing any of these sports but would like to sign up for an extracurricular activity or cheer on your ‘Cats at a match? Alrighty then, just click on this Calendar link, find an event, bring other students and have fun!

For any forms and/or contact information go to: http://www.alamo.edu/nvc/students/sports/contact.htm

Ah, yes, and one more thing… what sport or activity would you like to see at NVC?

Tara Torres
NVC Ambassador

We all have problems when it comes to registration…but one way to help yourself from becoming stressed is to plan ahead of time. Don’t wait until the day registration opens up to start looking for the teachers, classes, times you want. Start looking ahead of time!

Choose what/when you want, write down the CRN’s so that the day registration opens up, you will be ready. All you will have to do is add the call #’s you chose weeks ago and you’re done! How easy was that! Check out the NVC schedule for important dates and start planning now so that you won’t be stressed! http://mynvccatalog.alamo.edu/content.php?catoid=65&navoid=1323

Also, another suggestion to be prepared is to start asking for information on certain teachers you would want to take. You can also go to www.ratemyprofessor.com to find out more about the professor that interest you. Once you’ve gathered the professors you have in mind, you can start looking up their CRN’s.

Do you still need an English I and an art class for your core classes? Why not take the two together as one class and receive two credits for it? That’s what I did my first fall semester at NVC. I took English I and Art Appreciation. My teachers were the best! Ms. Duvall and Ms. Colangelo both taught the classes together and boy are they funny!

I enjoyed taking their classes so much that I took them for the spring too! I took English II and Humanities and received two credits for the one class. Ms Duvall and Ms Colangelo were not only fun teachers, but they care about their students. They are always willing to help and are always available even outside of class time. They made the class fun and exciting by not just reading off papers and giving tests. They gave us projects, watched movies, did plays, etc. Everything we did in class kept us interested while still learning about the day’s lessons.

Even if you don’t need all these classes, but still need a few, then consider taking these teachers. Ms. Duvall not only teaches Art Appreciation, but she also teaches many other art classes and I have seen her work, she does amazing art work! Ms. Colangelo not only teaches English, but she also teaches World Literature and other English classes.

– Elizabeth Torres
NVC Ambassador

In our declining economy, there are enough expenses to worry about without having to worry about the cost of attendance and buying the needed supplies. After dealing with the stress of paying tuition most students have the dilemma of pricing books.

Each semester brings a new list of overpriced books, and an extremely low-buy back amount. As a student, I have been frustrated many times with the unavailability of used books and the prices of the new books. To end my frustrations and to save my piggy bank, I have explored my options for obtaining the required texts. If you like to keep textbooks as a reference for your area of study then buying used will still help you save. If you like to get rid of them when you are done with a course then consider renting. Be sure to check with professors because some books may not be required. Here are some tips I would like to share with you!

There are many online sites that will sale used books. This can be an easy choice for most because it is convenient and cost efficient. You will save time and gas by cutting out store hopping and you can shop at any time which is unavailable at stores.

The books are usually previously owned and are priced to move. You will also have the ability to compare many book prices at once. Let’s not forget the unbelievably long lines at the beginning of the semester wouldn’t we all love to escape that? Well there is no line on the internet so feel free to www.Amazon.com or www.chegg.com till you drop! Don’t forget NVC’s bookstore now has rent- a-text so don’t just write them off!

However, everything that glitters isn’t gold!!!! Unfortunately there are some cons to this money saving idea. There is no way to see the real condition and be sure to read the small print there are casual warnings of how a chapter or two may be missing. There may also be light to heavy highlighting depending on the previous owner of course, and maybe even some tearing. Make sure you double check the syllabus and order the correct edition. Allow your books extra time to arrive through the mail because it can take a while and it’s not guaranteed unless you pay for express shipping.

Andrea` Parker
NVC Ambassador

Nearly two years ago, I toured the NVC campus for the first time while on a field trip with my daughter’s school. I instantly fell in love with the natural beauty of the campus. The flora and fauna along with the aesthetically pleasing architecture and layout of the campus amazed me. That was just one of the many reasons why I chose NVC when I was ready to go back to college.

Fast forward two years, and I am still as happy as can be and enjoy exploring our campus every chance that I get. My latest class schedule has me walking from Pecan Hall to Live Oak Hall every Tuesday and Thursday. I enjoy my leisurely strolls past the “lake” and have even been documenting some special residents of our campus. I have been blessed to be able to watch the little duck family of our campus grow and thrive. I have even been allowed to get close enough by the mommy duck to take some very nice pictures. It is always refreshing to see the little duck family and watch the three little ducklings growing up before my eyes.

I love to stop and sit on the benches by the “lake” and just watch the ducks or even just the rippling of the water. It helps me to remember that life isn’t about rushing around and getting everything done in super-speed mode. I must take the time to stop and appreciate all that is around me. In fact, often after my little breaks outside, I feel more relaxed and refreshed.

So, the next time you have a chance, have a seat outside by the “lake” and take a minute or two and just breath and enjoy the scenery.

Dawn Thomas
NVC Ambassador

A2 +B2 +C2 = The power of you

Mathematics is like every other language spoken worldwide, it is the only language that does not change, can’t be modified; unlike English, does not lie, and can be applied. Could this be true?

Mathematics has been in existence from the beginning, we apply it every day whether we know it or not. This is a language that speaks and things happen. When you understand this language, you feel like you are sitting on the chair of Einstein; “Wow!!!” what a feeling.

The math lab at Northwest Vista is equipped with ever-ready Einstein’s to help you tackle whatever problem you are encountering in understanding our favorite language. Do you know that Northwest Vista has the highest percentage of excelling students in mathematics? Haha.. got you there. Whatever may be your accent in this language, I and my crew have got your back. We will take those pieces of wrong from you and give you packages of right. We speak all branches of mathematics ranging from developmental math to calculus 3.

We tutors are here and ready whenever you need us, and don’t be afraid to ask any questions because we will feed you with the knowledge right out of the hands of the “grandfather of all knowledge”!!

Come join us Monday through Saturday and we will help you absorb this digital language and leave you feeling like a cyborg.

“The important words of nature are written in mathematics”  by Galileo Galilee

Andrew Opara
NVC Ambassador
Math/Science Lab Tutor

Normally I do not have time between classes to go to the Cafeteria in CCC, but one day my class got out early and I was really hungry,so I went. I soon found out that it is complete chaos in there!

Everyone is trying to find a place to sit and I noticed a lot of people scanning the room to see if maybe they know someone from a class they can sit with. I was able to find the very last 4-person table that was open and I ran over and sat down. Then, I noticed that there were some people that would go up to random people that they didnt know and ask if they could sit with them. I really like seeing this because it shows that alot of students are comfortable just sitting down with a complete stranger in the cafeteria. I even had someone come up to my table and ask if they could sit down, of course I said yes. I learned alot about the guy in that short time, including what his major was and we got to talking about why he chose to go to NVC instead of surrounding colleges closer to where he lives.

I hope that more people can find an open seat for someone to sit with in the cafeteria, cause it is interesting to see what other students think about our campus. Also for people that have trouble finding a place to sit, DON’T be afraid of your fellow students!

Michelle Lessard
NVC Ambassador

Hey Wildcats! And you FUTURE Wildcats scoping out our website!

Parking is NOT so bad here at Northwest Vista! This is coming from a person who DEFINITELY likes to keep driving around for that front parking spot or who will wait that 10 minutes with my blinker on for that close spot, while the person I’m patiently waiting on is slowly climbing in, slowly fastening their seatbelt, checking their phone, finding a radio station and finally decides to pull out knowing very well I’m waiting for them! (While laughing – you know what I’m talking about).

Parking usually seems to be at its worst, of course, when we’re running late for our class or meeting! That’s normal, Wildcats, so don’t let it get you down and out! Let’s be courteous and friendly and FUN towards our fellow Wildcats while driving around, they could be a key to your successful future or you’ll just feel much better inside!

Those of you NIGHT ‘Cats, a couple of few safety tips… depending on your parking spot: reverse on in! Sometimes, backing up into the parking spot leaves you a clear path to your driver’s side door when walking back at night! You might even try parking a little further up in your parking spot! Pull up a little! Just don’t go beyond where the white lines end, we don’t want to cause traffic problems! Tips are not to alarm you, but only to make you feel safer. Our campus is well lit with many emergency phones, and we do have security that circles the campus!

(see “Campus Map for emergency phone locations, http://www.alamo.edu/nvc/about/maps.htm#campus)

I do what I can to get on campus in time to find a decent parking spot without pressure and stress, so that I can enjoy my stroll to class through our beautiful campus! This semester, I’ve been pretty successful! I hope you will too!

Ah, yes, and one more thing… DON’T FORGET TO PURCHASE YOUR PARKING PERMITS!!

Tara Torres
NVC Ambassador

What will volunteer work do for me? I’ve always asked myself that question when people ask me to volunteer. I never really knew why I volunteered until I started at NVC. I never really realized how this could benefit me. Of course I volunteer out of the good of my heart, but now there are many more reasons I would be the first to say yes!

If you are a student at NVC, did you know that you can get a certificate for volunteering? Of course there are some qualifications, but is it worth it? Yes! It’s called the Presidents Volunteer Service Award. To receive this award, you must volunteer 100 hours in a 12-month period. To learn more about qualifications for this award, click on the link: http://www.alamo.edu/nvc/students/activities/leadership_pv.htm

Receiving this award could benefit you in many ways. First off, you can add it to your resume. When you decide to leave NVC to go to a university, they look at things like this. They want people who volunteer for their community. Scholarship committees like to see this type of work on your application. Some of the jobs you apply for may even look at your volunteer work.

Volunteering may sound boring, but if you do the research there are hundreds and hundreds of opportunities out there that will interest you. For example, I volunteer as a mentor for Communities in Schools. I get to mentor students at Justice Juvenile Academy just by spending time with them and helping them out with their homework or play games. It’s nice for them to have someone to talk to other than their teachers or their case workers. My career goal is to work at a juvenile detention center, so this will help me when I go on interviews in the future. So what are you waiting for? Click on this link to find your perfect match: http://volunteersa.org/

– Elizabeth Torres