Learning Support Services Receives the GOLD STAR AWARD, By Tina Lee

It is my pleasure to announce that Learning Support Services (LSS) is this week’s recipient of the Gold Star Award.   The prestigious HCC Gold Star Award was created by the Employee Welfare Committee to award an outstanding employee or team who has gone beyond the call of duty in performing duties.

LSS is a key component in the success of many HCC students.  I feel as though there is not one person that makes the LSS so successful, as it takes the LSS team to keep the LSS running smoothly each and every day.  So, today, I handed the Gold Star Award over to the LSS Team of Margaret Studenc, Susan Roberts, Kim Carver, and Melanie Lewis for this week.  Please congratulate these beautiful ladies when you see them this week.  After enjoying their week with the Gold Star Award, they will deliver it to another worthy recipient next Monday. 

Earth Day Celebration

This year Learning Support Services participated in HCC's Earth Day celebration. We met with students at our table displaying how we are sustainable. We do more than tutor and test. Our staff understands the responsibility we have as role models and as a team we are passionate about sustainability. As a result, we pursued and received a mini-grant to purchase a clearly designated trash and recycling center in our tutoring room. We have also begun moving workshops and tutoring to the web. Check us out!

We recycle paper, plastic and batteries. We have recycled close to 75 pounds of batteries over the past year.

Drink to your Health By Myriah Strivelli

Photo by Alexandar Witt

               Did you know that chronic dehydration affects your brain and your school performance? Dehydration is a common condition that can be easily reversed. Unfortunately, most people do not even realize that they have this issue.

               Research shows that up to 75% of Americans are chronically dehydrated (“Chronic Dehydration”). The human body is composed of approximately 75% water (Grazia). Water serves many functions including clearing out toxins, nourishing cells, and aiding in proper digestion. Dehydration can cause headaches, dizziness, lethargy, joint pain, weight gain, high blood pressure, kidney disease, and depression (“Chronic Dehydration”). It can also inhibit your concentration and ability to process information. A good rule of thumb is to drink half of your body weight in ounces per day. For example, if you weigh 150 pounds then you should drink 75 ounces of water per day (Elkaim).

               A good way to avoid dehydration is to keep your caffeine intake to a minimum. Caffeine can be found in coffee, black tea, chocolate, and soft drinks. It has a diuretic effect on the body, meaning that it tends to draw the liquids out, which can further exacerbate the dehydration problem (Grazia). If you limit the amount of caffeine in your diet, you will become more relaxed and at ease. It is common for too much caffeine to cause jitteriness, which will certainly affect the way you perform in school.

               Once you start drinking more water, you will feel healthier and see many other improvements. It will help clear your skin. It will also help you lose weight if you are overweight. If you don’t like the taste of water, try adding a slice of lemon or lime.

                How would you like your next glass of water - straight up or on the rocks? Grab a glass of water and drink to your health!

* Consult your physician before making changes to your diet, exercise, supplementation, or medication program.

Works Cited

"Chronic Dehydration More Common Than You Think." CBS Miami. CBS Local Media,  2 July 2013. Web. 18 Mar. 2014.         

Elkaim, Yuri. "The Truth About How Much Water You Should Really Drink." US News Health and Wellness. U.S. News & World Report, 13 Sept. 2013. Web. 18 Mar. 2014.   

Grazia, Albert. "Dangers of Chronic Dehydration." Nutrition, Herbs, and Natural Healing for Health 

and Wellness. Albert Grazia, n.d. Web. 18 Mar. 2014.

It’s MIDTERM time: How to Prepare for a Test by Melanie Lewis, HCC Learning Support Testing Technician

 

Melanie Lewis prepares a student for her test at HCC's Learning Support Services Testing Area.

 

Think about this…..When you sit down to eat a meal, do you eat all of your food in one bite, or do you enjoy your meal and taste all of the flavors? 

If you eat your food in one bite, you may get choked. 

It works the same way with testing……If you study only on the night before the test, most likely you are going to choke on the test. 

How to study and make sure your studying is a success:

1.     Continually review class materials. The more you actively read over them, the more you will understand them. 

2.   Visit the Learning Support Services drop-in lab for assistance.

3.   Form a Study Group; there is power in numbers.

4.   Keep a positive attitude while you are prepping for your test. (Good thoughts make life better.)

5.     Take a break during your study time and walk around the block. Haywood Community College has the most beautiful campus around; enjoy it.

6.     Make sure you get a good night’s rest before the test.

7.     Eat a light, but filling meal so your body is full and energized. (Think of it this way, you cannot drive your car when it’s out of gas.)

What to do for TEST DAY:

1.     Make sure you use the restroom before entering the Learning Support Services Testing Center. (This will help with the thinking process.)

2.     Hard Candy or Gum may help to keep you calm. (Be Courteous and don’t chomp on the gum.)

3.     Bring your student or photo ID to the testing center.

4.     Sign-in and lock up your cell phone in the locker that is provided for you in the testing center.

5.     Take a deep breath. Oxygen is good for the brain.

6.     Enter the testing room quietly and place your personal belongings on the shelving under the windows. Take a seat in your reserved station.

7.     Read the directions slowly and carefully (VERY IMPORTANT).

8.     Write down all formulas and key information that maybe on the test while it’s fresh on your mind.

9.     Double check and make sure you have answered all of the test questions.

It’s MIDTERM time…..Make sure you call for a testing appointment at 828-627-4696.

Check out more on our website!

Also, you still have time to get some extra FREE help at LEARNING SUPPORT SERVICES. Make time and drop in the lab.

Monday-Thursday 9am-7pm

Friday 9am-4pm