The time has finally come!

In just a few short days hundreds of students will walk down Lemon Street and onto the Fullerton high school field, leaving Fullerton College behind and beginning a new chapter in their lives. Commencement is always an amazing event to watch and see the hundreds of students participate, so proud of what they have accomplished during their time at Fullerton College.

The memories and friendships made; the all night cramming sessions, amazing and not so amazing professors…a wonderful transition that brought them from average high school students to adults with dreams that have no limits. That is the joy of commencement and knowing that the next generation of adults will be one where nothing will stand in their way because they know that with hard work and determination, anything is possible.

Another great reason I enjoy commencement is to see the variety of students who have taken advantage of community college. Many are still young and will go on to get their masters or doctorates; yet then there are those slightly [or significantly] older who after years of working in blue collar or even white collar jobs, come back to obtain their degree. I am one of those slightly older individuals. After working directly out of high school, first as an executive assistant for over a year and then as a billing administrator [accounting department] for nearly seven years at a construction company; I decided to return to college when the housing market turned and I was laid off, ultimately realizing despite all of my experience companies wanted to see I had a degree.

Had it not been for a community college like Fullerton College, I would not be able to have returned to college to seek a degree. So to those who are remaining do not lose hope, and to those transferring on to a California State University or University of California…

CONGRATULATIONS and we here at Fullerton know you will succeed in all your future endeavors!

Godspeed!

Joey McIntosh

“Success is not measured by what you accomplish, but by the opposition you have encountered, and the courage with which you have maintained the struggle against overwhelming odds.” – Orison Swett Marden

What is the meaning of a “Best Friend”?

Recently I have questioned what the true meaning of a best friend should be. Is it someone you talk to daily or frequently (several times a week)? A person who is there for you no matter what and willing to stick with you no matter what the circumstances, even if it meant modifying their schedule? Or is a best friend just another person you share more intimate thoughts and issues with, having no expectation except that of them listening to your troubles?

In my search for answers to this vague question through Google™ and other sources; each one has a similar yet different view on what a best friend should be. Some sources say it is a person you can talk to and share your most intimate secrets with without being judged and you doing the same for your friend. Others comment on how best friends are those who are always there for you no matter what, they will be by your side through all the storms that life throws at you.

Now this doesn’t all fall on the other person, it is a two way street where just as much as they put into the friendship, you too must do the same and be there for them; in the same way you expect them to be there for you. And sometimes circumstances will come up where a friend is going through a tough time and may not be able to give you 100%, but it’s how hard they try, in my opinion that counts.

Last month I received news of the death of someone I knew fairly well and it was a tough time for me. Unfortunately one of my best friends was sick and couldn’t really be there for me. The persons family decided to wait until June 1 to have a memorial service, knowing my best friend would be done with finals I asked them this week if they could come; instead I got a response of I have to work. Yet when I asked another friend they did not hesitate to take off work to go with me so I didn’t have to be alone.

This situation really made me think, are they really a true best friend or just an average friend you see once in a while when it’s convenient? I’ve struggled with this all weekend and yet to find an answer…if there even is one.

Until next time...

Joey McIntosh

“Learning to trust is one of life's most difficult tasks.” – Isaac Watts

Should students be expected to move on by a certain time?

Often people know students who have been at a community college for a long time, who are sometimes referred to as lifelong learners/students. Does that seem right or fair? I have known many people over the years that truly go to college just to take advantage of financial aid or defer student loans. Yet at the same time I know more people who left college or had to reduce from full-time to part-time status because of personal or family reasons. So should there really be a set time frame that students are expected to graduate and move on?

I am constantly asked by faculty, staff, and upper level administrators when I will be transferring. Having been here almost three years now and always being asked when I’ll be moving on or seeing others I know transfer sooner than me, I begin to judge myself in a negative manner; thinking am I one of those people who will be here for life? Then I have to take a step back and see why it’s taking me longer than others. In real life you generally don’t use the math skills taught; in fact I worked in an accounting department for over 5 years before coming back, yet still tested in a lower math because you don’t use algebra in accounting, but it’s a requirement. Then I realize I wasn’t a full-time student my first year, nor did I begin math until my second semester. Even this semester I had to withdraw from most of my classes due to a car accident in December 2012, that resulted in a severe concussion (Post-Concussion Syndrome) effecting my thought process, speech and short-term memory. So I pretty much lost a semester due to something I had no control over.

As one can see just from my situation there are numerous reasons why it could take some students longer than others. Again, I have known those who take advantage of the system; I’m only saying to understand why that person may be taking longer to graduate or transfer. And this goes to faculty, staff, and upper level administrators as well, don’t assume a student is being lazy or trying to be a “lifelong” student; there may be other factors in their life as to why they’re still here after three or four years.

Until next time!

Joey McIntosh

“There is no end to education. It is not that you read a book, pass an examination, and finish with education. The whole of life, from the moment you are born to the moment you die, is a process of learning.” – Jiddu Krishnamurti

Movie Review…Iron Man 3

This weekend was a very relaxing and enjoyable weekend for me. I was able to get several errands done with a little shopping on the side, on Saturday. Then on Sunday I went to see the new movie, Iron Man 3 in IMAX! This was the first Iron Man movie I’ve ever seen, that’s right I went in blind not knowing the background of the previous movies.

Needless to say…it was an amazing movie that is a must see! There are very few movies that I recommend; a movie has to be very impressive to say it was truly amazing. In fact Iron Man 3 was better than “42” the true story of Jackie Robinson; which was the last great movie I saw and even then I thought it was slow at times, yet a great film overall.

Iron Man 3 is packed with action scene after action scene, leaving you wondering what will be next. Just when you think you know what will happen, a curve ball is thrown and takes you in an entirely different direction. Granted there are parts that are unrealistic, but what fun would it be for a movie of this magnitude? As I mentioned earlier, this was the first Iron Man movie I have ever seen and I have to say, if some of you reading this are like me and have never seen an Iron Man movie before that’s okay. There is no need to rush out and try to watch the previous ones before seeing this one. For me that was one of the best parts, being able to walk in and know the storyline without having to have seen the prior movies.

Oh, and a little secret…don’t leave the theater before all the credits are done. You’ll enjoy the twist!

Until next time!

Joey McIntosh

“Every great film should seem new every time you see it.” – Roger Ebert

Are you ready?

The summer class schedule is online; hard copies are ready to go out on Monday to the bookstore shelves, registration dates sent out. Everything is coming together and hopefully many of you received a decent priority date, if you are planning to take a summer course(s). With so many classes to choose from, over 500, be sure to look at the dates carefully listed below the course because the dates and times are different, some have multiple start dates based on if the course will be offered more than once over the summer.

With so many start dates to choose from and decisions on how many classes to take over summer, or if some just plan on taking a long vacation; are you ready for summer? The semester is rapidly coming to a close, three weeks left, so before we know it finals, celebrations and graduation ceremonies will be here!

For those graduating and/or transferring this is one of the most exciting times for all of you, getting acceptance letters and moving on to the next phase of your lives. Those staying behind for another year or two taking a summer course or two may be a good idea to help speed up your transfer time. A little hint…is too be careful with online courses, if you are not the type of person to remember to do tasks/assignments without being reminded, one might want to consider taking the class on campus. Otherwise, online courses are a great way to keep your summer days open and nights to do homework or vice versa. However you decide to take a course be ready to hit the ground running and make sure to take time and enjoy some portion of the summer!

Until next time!

Joey McIntosh

“Goodbye text books, hello texting. Goodbye class rooms, hello beach. Goodbye sneakers, hello flip flops. Goodbye school, hello summer.”

Inside the daily life of College President Dr. Vurdien

So many students are unaware of the daily tasks of our college President Dr. Rajen Vurdien. A majority of students may not even know who he is. As our college President Dr. Vurdien is responsible for the overall operations of the college and to ensure his staff is performing at a high standard to ensure students are first. Just as our mission statement says, “We prepare students to be successful learners.” As well as ensuring campus personnel, Vice Presidents, deans, and managers are all doing their part to fulfill our mission statement and the following goals for 2013-2015.

Goal 1:  Fullerton College will promote student success.

Goal 2:  Fullerton College will reduce the achievement gap.

Goal 3:  Fullerton College will strengthen connections with the community.

Now Dr. Vurdien does have a unique personality, sense of humor and fun side to him. Having had the opportunity to get to know him the past two years and work in the same office with him for the past several months; he is a very interesting person. Dr. Vurdien is a very open and enjoys sharing his stories with everyone, especially when he recently turned 60. Everyone knew about his birthday, although he didn’t quite get the theme of all black/over the hill, asking us why we dressed as if we were going to a funeral.

Then there is the side that few see outside the office. A President with a proud sense of accomplishments, such as being able to tango when he was on vacation in Argentina over the winter break and was able to take a picture with the dancers; of course we’ve yet to see him dance despite our multiple requests. To sum it up in a nutshell, he knows how to delegate and for those of us who work with him in the office daily, it is like a comedy show…you never know what will happen next.

Until next time!

Joey McIntosh

"People ask the difference between a leader and a boss. The leader leads, and the boss drives." — Theodore Roosevelt