A little tid bit about news

Reporting newsline, each week, allowed me to stay informed about what was going on around campus. I became more aware of all the different programs El Camino has to offer. I wild search for sources in a bagillion places.

I became a keen sight in the Student Services Building. I was always heading to the transfer center for updates. It assisted me in my transfer process, which is always a plus. I found out when certain workshops were being held and such. I gained valuable information from the coordinators. Especially, Sue Oda-Omori. She was always very helpful and gave me insight onto some transferring tips.

I would also periodically check the bulletin boards around campus. Many fliers that you could not find online were posted on there. Sometimes it would feel weird to gaze at them. Many students do not become involved when they are at a community college. I believe it is best to give something your doing your all, and be proud of your home. My home right now is El Camino College. By reporting newsline, if the information I reported somehow helped someone become involved, I am happy because I succeeded at my goal. I enjoyed doing newsline because I not only informed the students but I also informed myself, which feels good. Without reporting some of this information, students may have been lost in the sweeping crowd that is college. Note: READ YOUR COLLEGE'S NEWSPAPER! Your using brainpower while you're at it. ;]

Get your Free $money$

College is expensive, period. Weather it's books, parking, or tuition and fees it all adds up. Scholarships are a very important aspect to assist you in that challenge. It's really quite simple, if you want free money it doesn't hurt to apply and see what you can get.

El Camino has entered scholarship season. From, now until Feb. 28 students can apply online for scholarships. Chatting with Kahea Kamahele, Scholarship Coordinator, I found out what students must do to apply. The minimum GPA required is a 2.0. Students must have completed a minimum of 6 units at El Camino. Kamahele radiated with passion. Students need one letter of recommendation from a faculty member, a personal statement essay, and a financial need essay. She really wants students to win these scholarships. "It's free money you don't have to pay back," she said. There are about 300 scholarships this year, as well as a lot of brand new ones. They range anywhere from $150 to $5,000. Kamahele also explained that with the transfer of the application process to online, many students find it easier to apply.

As I began to interview students I received mixed emotions towards scholarships. Some students said they were too lazy to apply, others said they continually apply because you never know how many students are in the pool to get one. Solimar Flowers, 30, sociology major, especially stood out. Scholarships are what get her through her journey at El Camino. "Without scholarships, I don't think I could be attending El Camino," she said. She has won so many scholarships she attends college for free. They have made it easier for her. When expressing her story, Flowers is very appreciative of the opportunities she's been offered. Scholarships offered range from club involvement, volunteer work, merit-based, and alumni donations. "If you don't get it apply again, Flowers said, there's a lot of free money out there; you just have to work for it."

I can now say I will take applying for scholarships more seriously. I attended a scholarship workshop at UCLA, after reporting this story. It really impacted me and informed me on how to be a star applicant. Your letters of recommendation are extremely important, so choose well on who will be writing about you. I hope to win scholarships in my future. :)