2008 Woodie Awards
EDITORIAL: Work smarter, not harder: Get help from DA
Issue date: 9/25/06 Section: Opinion
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Whether you're brand new to De Anza College or a semi-permanent fixture here, always remember that the college's main goal is to help you become successful.
Don't be a wussy about your education. You're an adult now. Your days of parent/teacher conferences are over. It's time to wear the adult shoes and take your life into your hands.
De Anza has many programs suited to keeping you on your feet. And, if you find yourself falling, they'll help you get back up.
1. Go see a counselor.
Some of us here at De Anza decided that we didn't need to meet with a counselor when we first started going to school here, and we don't need one now. After a few years of floundering around school not getting anywhere, some of us have regretted that decision. Howard Irvin is the dean of counseling. We dare you to come up with a problem that he or the other counselors can't help you resolve. And after you've met with a counselor and have developed your "Get out of De Anza quick" plan, follow your plan to a tee. Don't deviate from your counselor's recommendations. Trust them. They do this for a living.
2. Apply for financial aid.
Many students likely have never applied for financial aid because they think they wouldn't qualify for some reason. You'll never know if you don't try. The very worst they can say is "no."
3. Don't be afraid to ask for help.
Your ego may not like the idea that you need some extra math tutoring, but you'll be better off in the long run. We guarantee that your future employers will never ask you if any secret tutoring was involved in getting your diploma.
4. Get familiar with administrators.
Get on a first name basis with some important folks on campus, such as President Brian Murphy. That way, if you ever run into a problem and don't know where to turn, you'll feel more comfortable asking them for help. De Anza offers many tools to help us become successful. Be smart. Take full advantage of the help our college has to offer.
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