1. December 1, 2014
Surviving Finals
Travis Boyd
Can you believe it? The semester has come and gone and the holidays are officially upon us! Do you
know what that also means? Final exams are almost here as well! (Cue the dramatic music, dun…Dun…
DUN!!!) However, the good news is that this time of year does not need to be stressful. While there is no
hiding the fact that studying for finals is difficult, it does not have to be monstrously painful. Just
follow these tips as you start preparing for your final exams early and often, from this point forward!
Figure out what is covered. One of the most important things you need to be clear about is what
materials are going to be on the final. Is it a comprehensive or cumulative exam? Knowing the
extent—and the limits—of the exam will make it much easier to organize and structure your
studying.
Begin studying EARLY! Start studying approximately a month in advance on the classes having the
largest exams, or on your weakest subjects.
Shed some commitments, and give yourself time to study. Put off any unnecessary social obliga-
tions. If you are working, try if possible to take 10 days off for final exam period (or at least trim
your work schedule). Even a few strategically placed extra hours can make the difference.
Organize your study space. Make sure you have enough space to spread your textbooks and notes
out. Do you have enough light? Is your chair comfortable? Find a space that works for you where
there are minimal distractions. For some people, the best thing is to alternate study spots so that
they do not get bored and daydream.
Use flow charts and diagrams. Visual aids can be helpful when revising notes or study guides.
Practice old exams. One of the most effective ways to prepare for exams is to practice taking past
versions. This helps you get used to the format of the questions, and - if you time yourself - can be
good practice for making sure you spend the right amount of time on each section.
Explain your answer to others. Use your roommates to your advantage. Explain an answer to a ques-
tion to them. This will help you to get it clear in your head, and to highlight any areas where you
need more work. Even reading a question, and formulating your answer aloud can help.
Take regular breaks. Studies have shown that for long-term retention of knowledge, taking regular
breaks really help. Also, during these break times, snack on super-foods such as fish, nuts, seeds,
yogurt and blueberries. This will aid your concentration and memory. Eat these during finals
week, too.
Plan your exam day. Make sure you get everything ready well in advance of the exam - do not leave it
to the day before to realize you have no idea when or where the exam is, or what you are
supposed to bring. Check all the rules and requirements. You also do not want to arrive having
had to run halfway or feeling frazzled from losing your way.
Relax, and drink plenty of water! Your brain needs hydration to function at peak condition.
Best-kept secret: If you can finish your term papers the week before the last week of classes, it will free up
extra time to study for finals. Feel free to drop by my office any time for more tips and tricks. Have confi-
dence in yourself, and good luck!

2. Page 2
WSU & KSU Transfer Tours
Alex Musgrove
TRiO sponsored an overnight transfer trip this semester to Wichita, Kansas and Manhattan, Kan-
sas. We toured Wichita State University on Thursday morning. The weather was pleasant for us,
and the students enjoyed learning about the campus. A couple of students have decided on WSU
as their next academic home. After a quick visit, we loaded up on the bus and were off to Manhat-
tan.
Once in Manhattan, we all sat down for a great meal and some shopping. Friday
morning, we were off to see all that Kansas State University has to offer SCCC/ATS
students. KSU decided to try something new entitled “Academic Speed Dating,” and
it went over very well with the students! Different representatives from each of the
academic colleges presented a short pitch about their programs. After a great trip, we hopped on
the bus for a long trip home.
Overall, the students really enjoyed touring the colleges, learning about the different programs on
each campus, and engaging in university activities. TRiO is very blessed to have such a great
group of students that attended the trip, and we hope that each student is now more comfortable
with the transfer process.

3. TRiO newsletter Page 3
New Beginnings
Lauren Mahrous
One of the most exciting times in life, college is full of changes. For better or worse, change is
inevitable. Congratulations freshmen, you survived your first semester of college, one of the major
changes you will experience in your life! Congratulations, on making it this far, veteran sopho-
mores, you are headed for a whole new set of changes, a whole new year, a new semester, and a
whole new beginning. So what is next?
You picked your college, you picked your major, you juggled work and school but now what? At
some point, you have to start making decisions about what changes you make next. For sopho-
mores, maybe you will start working or go to a four-year college. For freshmen, you will make a
thousand little changes leading up to that point. Everyone responds to changes differently—some
people get excited while others get scared. As an advisor for TRiO, I have seen this firsthand with
the students. I have also seen how resilience of the students. At first we struggle with change, but
then something magical happens—we adjust and push through. If you face a change and are un-
sure about what to do, embrace it and learn the lessons you can. It is much better to take chances
and learn than to wonder how things could have been.
I had the opportunity to travel with some of our SCCC/ATS students on a transfer trip to Wichita
State University and Kansas State University this semester and had a great time. When you walk
onto a campus you are trying to take it all in. The idea of college is beautiful—you have the free-
dom to get an education, explore, grow, and pick a path to the life you want. New beginnings
don’t just happen tomorrow, they happen now. Carpe diem!
Happy Holidays
Gayla Myers
TRiO Students,
I want to take this opportunity to tell all of you how much the TRiO/SSS staff enjoys working with
you. You all are a great bunch of students and it has been our privilege working with all of you
this semester, and for some of you, last school year as well. Always remember, SSS is here to assist
you with a wide variety of services to help you be as successful as you possibly can while you are
attending SCCC/ATS. You just need to take advantage of all the things we offer!
By the time you read this, Thanksgiving will be over and we will be closing in on our Christmas
break. Stay focused these last couple of weeks of the semester. Enjoy your time off before classes
begin again after the New Year. We look forward to working with you second semester. Our first
activity when you return will be a “Meet & Greet,” January 15, 2015 at 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Put
that on your calendars. You know we always have great food to share for this event!!
Happy Holidays,
Gayla Myers, Director

4. Night class finals are December 8-11
Day class finals are December 15-17
You can find the finals schedule online
or pick one up in the TRiO Office.
We will be planning trips to the following colleges:
Oklahoma Panhandle State University (OPSU)
West Texas A&M (WT)
Merry Christmas
Geseende Kersfees
Milad Majeed
Buon Natale
Nollaig Shona dhuit
Vesele Vanoce
Bosas Festas
Sretan Bozic
Joyeux Noel
God Jul
Mboni Chrismen
Happy Christmas
Webale Krismasi
Bon Anja
Prettige Kerstdagen
Frohe Weihnachen
Chuc mung Giang Sinh
Season’s Greetings
Ewadee Pe-e Mai
Cestitamo BozicShuvo Baro DinBon Nadal
Feliz Navidad
Mutlu Noeller
Hauskaa Joulua
*Christmas.com
Glaedelig Jul