From the Eagle's Nest

Washington County Community College Newsletter

December 2022

• “Kindness is like snow. It beautifies everything it covers.”
  
• Kahlil Gibran
  

Marshfield, Maine 2022 Photo by Wayde Carter

Happy Holidays

WCCC Automotive Program On the Move...

On November 7th & 8th, Ron O'Brien took the Hybrid cutaway car to United Technology Center in Bangor and the 9th & 10th to Portland Arts and Technology High School in Portland to provide Hybrid & Electrical Vehicle Training for Automotive and Autobody instructors throughout the State. This event was sponsored by George Dykstra from the Maine Automotive Dealers Association in conjunction with Workforce Development. Andy Tirado from Automotive Video Innovations helped facilitate the training. Bion Holdbrook also attended and was a great help. Ron and Bion reconnected with the Auto instructors they knew and got to meet many new instructors. Both sessions were well received by all. Ron will be taking the Hybrid cutaway on the road throughout the year to many of the high school Career Technical Centers to offer instruction and recruit students.

Around

Campus

&Off

Trying on

Survival Suits

Coastal Fisheries and Marine Technology Students

Fish Hatchery Tour

First-Generation College Celebration Day was held at WCCC on 11/8 in the TLC, upstairs in Riverview Hall. Hosted by TRiO, First-Generation College Celebration Day is a national event that began in 2017 to celebrate the success of first-generation college students, faculty, staff, and alumni (individuals whose parents did not earn a college degree), and elevate first-gen college student and alumni identities and contributions. WCCC celebrated with treats and a raffle for a fitbit, which was won by student Amishia Smith. TRiO is a federally-funded program at WCCC which provides extra support for students facing barriers, which includes first-gen students. Contact TRiO at trio@wccc.me.edu or stop-in to learn more!

Below are a few interesting facts about First-Gen College Students – we are so thankful for you and your contributions to WCCC!

• Approximately 1/3 of all college students are first-generation students.
  
• Studies show that first-gen college students are more inclined compared to non-first gen students to be motivated to use their college degrees to help their families (69% vs. 39%) and give back to their communities (61% vs. 43%)
  
• Some of the most successful and inspirational individuals in recent history were first-gen college students! This list includes Albert Einstein, Michelle Obama, Oprah Winfrey, Samuel L. Jackson, and Walt Disney!
  

TRiO Student Support Services

First Gen Celebration

On November 15th Student Senate and JMG Students hosted a Kindness Matter's Hallway event for staff and students to write messages on on cards that will be sent to Military Overseas. Staff and Students also wrote words of encouragement and why they are thankful, and then displayed them for all to read.

Student Senate

Soup Kitchen

Students, Staff, & Faculty enjoy the Hunger Awareness Week Soup Kitchen which featured delicious soups made by student life staff, staff, administration, and faculty members. Thanks to all who cooked!

Moonrise over the St. Croix on the night of the Baked Potato Bar

7th Annual

Baked

Potato

Bar

Pizza - NO Anchovies!

M

o

c

k

t

a

i

l

s

Aiden Francis helping out an elderly couple by cleaning

gutters and sweeping the roof

before winter.

Students Helping Out

and

Having Fun

Isiah Mitchell, A Reindeer (Jerry Harmon), and Ethan Jordan

getting a headstart on the holiday season. Rumor has it the reindeer

may make an appearance on the WCCC Holiday Parade Float.

W

i

n

n

e

r

s

!

Eagle's Head Winners

Mary Mitchell

Wanda Kirshman

Guy Woodruff

Winner of Caring Cupboard Survey Raffle

Kristina Earle

Pool Tournament Winners

1st place – Brandon Vinal-$50.00 gift Card

2nd place- Tucker Swanson- $30.00 Gift Card

3rd place – Ethan Jordan -$15.00 Gift card

Basketball Schedule

SUBJECT TO CHANGE!! - Watch Your Email for Announcements

December 4 at CMCC 4pm

December 9 at Lee Academy Prep 6pm

December 11 at Husson University 4:30 pm

January 15 CMCC at WCCC 1pm

January 20 at UMaine Augusta (Bangor Campus) 6pm

January 22 at UMaine Fort Kent 2pm

January 27 Lee Academy Prep at WCCC 6pm

January 29 at Husson University 1pm

February at UMaine Presque Ilse TBD

February at SMCC TBD

February Tournament at CMCC TBD

Campus Student

Employment

Opportunities

Caring Cupboard Assistant Spring Semester

Assist the Student Navigator with operations of the Caring Cupboard (student food pantry). Be willing to work independently in the Caring Cupboard to assist students at assigned times. Be available to help load/unload food and supplies and stock shelves in the Caring Cupboard.

Supervisor: Student Navigator Bernadette Farrar (1 position)

Please see the financial aid office for an application.

Student Advocacy and Resource Center

Service Scholarship Student

The SARC Service Scholarship Student will serve as an assistant to the Student Navigator and as a peer mentor helping these students connect with appropriate campus resources, engage appropriately in campus life, and assist as a role model helping students to develop to their fullest academic, career, and personal potential.

Expectations for the SARC Service Scholarship Recipient

• Assist the Student Navigator with co-curricular event planning, operation of the Caring Cupboard and SARC, and office hours for peer tutoring.
• Serve as a role model at all times to all students.
• Represent the SARC and The Caring Cupboard in a positive manner and encourage use of both resources to fellow campus community members.
• Collaborate with the Student Navigator to create/facilitate learning opportunities/events/outings that develop a sense of community among the members of the WCCC community.
• Complete research of relevant resources and community information that can be shared with SARC students on social media.
• Serve as a technology guide for the student portal, email, and Brightspace
• Share knowledge about and guide students to appropriate campus resources

Qualifications

• Enrolled WCCC student in good standing academically
• Honor and respect diversity among students
• Ability to successfully navigate the campus portal, Brightspace and email system (or a willingness to learn)
• Availability to work days, evenings, and, on the rare occasion of a campus-wide event, weekends (students course schedules will be respected when scheduling work hours)
• Ability to work cooperatively and effectively with students, faculty, and administrators.
• Possess a sincere desire to help others develop to their fullest potential.
• Appreciation and understanding of the importance of nutrition and wellness to personal, academic, and career success

SARC Service Scholarship Compensation

Students interested in supporting the mission of the SARC should apply for the service scholarship position by filling out a WCCC Employment Application.. A paper copy can also be requested from the Student Navigator via email at bfarrar@wccc.me.edu, by calling 207-454-1086, or stopping by the SARC. Completed applications should be turned in to Student Navigator at bfarar@wccc.me.edu or mailed to WCCC- Bernadette Farrar, 1 College Drive, Calais, Maine. Applicants should expect to interview for the position.

Students chosen for the position (s) will be provided with a scholarship that covers up to 18 credit hours per semester and a book stipend of $400 in exchange for 70 hours of work per semester in either the SARC and/or The Caring Cupboard. This is an estimated value of $2, 128 dollars a semester and $4, 256 per academic year. Students will still be responsible for any associated course fees and materials. Continuation of the position into a second semester is dependent upon remaining in good academic standing and acceptable job performance.

Tips for Decreasing

Holiday Stress

Helpful Resources

7 Ways to Make Your Pets Safe During the Holidays