Looking Forward to (the day after) Christmas

No surprise, really, that people everywhere - including many of us here, at Your College - are looking forward to Christmas Day. But some of us in the Tall City are also looking forward to the day after Christmas.

"With 5 million tons of additional trash expected to enter the system during the holiday season, Keep Midland Beautiful is asking residents to recycle," Kathleen Thurber writes in this article from the Midland Reporter-Telegram. "Its staff said about 4 million tons of the trash created comes from wrapping paper and boxes, which can be recycled."

"They're challenging Midlanders to reduce their trash creation by one bag this season, which they say can be done by dropping off paper products, cardboard, aluminum cans and plastics at a nearby recycling container."

You can do it ... and Your College can help. You can find recycling containers here, on the MC Main Campus, in the south parking lot of the Al G. Langford Chaparral Center ... they're large and brightly-painted ... you can't miss them.

This is just one way that Your College is at work in Your Community ... and it's just a part of a year-end program at MC. Recycling on the campus is a joint effort among faculty, staff and students. To learn more about the Midland College Campus Recycling Program, you can visit their website at www.midland.edu/recycling/ or call 685-4618.

Light Blogging Over the Next Couple of Weeks

Midland College administrative offices and most services will close at 5:00 p.m. on Friday, December 17, for the holiday break. Administrative offices will re-open at 8:00 a.m. on Monday, January 3.

That's not to say everything will be locked-up and quiet during that time. CLICK HERE for more information about Winter Interim Semester course, Spring Semester registration, police services and bookstore hours.

In the meantime ...

Merry Christmas, and Happy New Year!

"Transfer 101" at Your College

MC is standing by to help you reach your goals ... even those goals that might take you to classrooms far removed from those at Your College.

This week, I've been reading a number of Tweets from Transfer101, an online resource created by the University of Texas System in partnership with The Texas A&M University System and the Texas Association of Community Colleges.

"Planning on going to a university," they ask. "Well start talking! Get in touch with an advisor NOW, and start planning."

Transfer101 notes, "making the jump from a Texas community college to a four-year university is easier than you think. Whether you’re a high-school student or currently attending a community college, this portal provides a wealth of resources that will walk you through the process step-by-step."

Another good resource - one that Transfer101 recommends from the get-go - is the Advising Office at Midland College. You can reach them by phone at (432) 685-4704, on the web at www.midland.edu/services/advising and by e-mail at advising@midland.edu 

Sounds of Christmas at MCPt. 6 - "Carol of the Bells"

Financing Your Future at Your College

Yesterday, I was reading THIS POST from blogger Lynn O'Shaughnessy of The College Solution, and found it to a VERY good read ...

"Is your family going to qualify for financial aid," O'Shaughnessy asks. "Odds are that you will increase your chances of capturing financial aid if you can avoid common financial aid myths. Here are four of the biggest financial aid whoppers." CLICK HERE to read the rest of her post.

Some of the points she makes apply to all college applicants, regardless of their prospective school - whether it's a community college such as ours, or a major university.

Blogs such as College Solutions are one good source of information. The Financial Aid office here, at MC, is another one. For more information on financing your future at Your College, you can contact our Financial Aid office at (432) 685-5510, or online at www.midland.edu/admissions/aid/

So, How'd They Do?

A few days back, I cited the Midland College Student Government Association as an example of "Kids Who Care," in recognition of their annual Canned Food Drive. The drive was conducted campus-wide, and this year benefited the Food Pantry at Memorial Christian Church.

So, how'd they do? ...

Lots of Things on Students' Minds, Faces

Walk around the campus of Your College, and you'll notice an interesting variety of looks on students' faces. There's some excitement and anticipation, for example ... after all, Christmas is just ten days away. But there's also some seriousness and anxiety ... bear in mind, we ARE in the midst of Finals Week at Your College. And then, there's relief and relaxation from those students who have taken their final Finals.

Sounds of Christmas at MCPt. 5 - "Glory to God In the Highest"

Spring Into the Classics at Your College

"Get over the idea that only children should spend their time in study. Be a student so long as you still have something to learn, and this will mean all your life."
~ Henry L. Doherty

"Anyone who stops learning is old, whether at twenty or eighty."
~ Henry Ford

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These two Henrys - one a pioneer oilman, the other a pioneer carmaker - lived in another time and another place ... but I can't help but think, taking the above quotes into consideration, that they would have approved of College Classics at Midland College.

College Classics is perhaps the most interesting of all Midland College classes to area senior citizens. The program, which was initiated in the spring of 1989, includes a series of courses designed especially for local residents who are 50 and older.

Classes are offered through a registration fee of just $25.00 per semester. Payment of this fee entitles the student to enroll in as many classes as he or she chooses. As a special service to the students for which the program is designed, many of the classes are scheduled between 1:00 P.M. and 5:00 P.M. The spring semester consists of three sessions and the fall semester consists of two. Sessions are four weeks in length.

The instructors are recruited from among MC faculty, 'continuing ed' teachers and community volunteers. With their areas of expertise and years of experience, these teachers truly bring to life such subjects as the American Indian, Movies in Review, Museum Masterpieces, History of China and Computer Basics to name a few. The generosity of these instructors allows the college to offer this unique program to a special segment of the community.

The schedule of course for Spring 2011 is now available, and registration begins Tuesday, January 18. Session I begins January 31; Session II begins February 28; and Session III begins April 4. For more information, you can call (432) 685-4724, or visit the links below.
• Visit the College Classics at MC web page
• Download/print a Spring 2011 College Classics schedule
• Learn more about College Classics registration
• Learn more about College Classics courses
• Learn more about College Classics faculty

Sounds of Christmas at MCPt. 4 - "Kings of Swing"

Saying "Goodbye" to a Member of the MC Family

The word's been circulating around campus for a little while ... but now it's out there, in the press - Kimberly Boone is stepping down as head coach of Midland College Lady Chaparral Volleyball. An article by the Midland Reporter-Telegram's Oscar LeRoy reports Boone "will be moving to Fort Worth to live with Blake Weaber, whom she will marry on December 18 in her hometown of Fort Smith, Arkansas."

The article goes on to note ... "Kimberly Boone couldn’t have asked for a better ending to her four-year stint as head volleyball coach at Midland College. The Lady Chaparrals enjoyed arguably the best season in the program’s history by going 35-7, winning the co-Western Junior College Athletic Conference title and finishing 10th at the NJCAA National Volleyball Tournament." CLICK HERE to read the rest of the story.

It WAS an awesome season, and Coach Boone was a big part of it. Whatever lies ahead we will miss her, and our prayers and best wishes go with her!

Sounds of Christmas at MCPt. 3 - "Dona Nobis Pacem"

Sounds of Christmas at MCPt. 2 - "Holiday Favorites"

A Little Help for the Big Guy

Got the following from Julia Vickery, who heads-up the Students In Philanthropy program here, at MC ... "The members of Midland College SIP will fill your child’s heart with the spirit of Christmas with a very special and personalized letter from Santa! Please fill out the attached form (make copies if you are ordering more than one letter) and give your completed 'Santa' form, with donation (each letter is a $5.00 donation) no later than December 10th to Julia Vickery, 238 SSC. Please call Julia at 685-4704 or e-mail at jvickery@midland.edu for more information."

Sounds of Christmas at MCPt. 1 - "Call to Advent"

Kids Who Care

All in all, we have some pretty good kids taking courses here, at Your College. They are kids who work hard, and kids who achieve ... they are kids who enjoy themselves, and kids who care about others.

Some great examples of that last point are underway right now ...

The Midland College Latino American Student Society (MCLASS) is conducting a toy drive for Casa de Amigos. Unfortunately, the principle toy donor will not be able to assist Casa de Amigos with toy donations this Christmas. That is why we are appealing to Midland College's generous nature to ensure that as many children as possible are touched by the Christmas spirit. All donations are due Thursday, December 16th, by 5 p.m., in the MC Police room in the Dorothy & Clarence Scharbauer Student Center. For more information, contact Chief Martin Garcia, Midland College Police Department, at (432) 685-6833.

Meanwhile, the Midland College Student Government Association has set-up collection boxes around campus for their annual Canned Food Drive, continuing through Friday, December 10. SGA voted last week to donate all food to the Memorial Christian Church Food Pantry. For more information, contact Stephanie Van Curen, Student Activities Coordinator, at (432) 685-4543.

Also taking place right now is a very different kind of animal adoption effort. Through this fall semester, the MC Veterinary Technology Program has housed six dogs and five cats from City of Midland Animal Services. During their stay at MC, they received all their vaccinations, and their licenses, and they are all spayed/neutered. CLICK HERE to learn more about these temporary guests at Your College. Anyway, it's time for them to be returned to the City of Midland ... but staff and students at MC's Vet Tech Program are hoping that each of them will instead find a "forever home" ... with you. If you are interested in adopting, or have any questions, please feel free to contact MCVT Clinical Director Lynn Robbins at (432) 685-4753.

Then there was the annual Frito Pie Chili Supper Fundraiser last week, hosted by the MC chapter of Students in Philanthropy ...

I know, I know ... you're going to say, "well, it's Christmas, and everybody's doing something special." That's true ... but take the word of someone who's been working full-time at MC for almost three years, now, and has been covering activities such as these month-after-month ... this is just another week on the campus of Your College ... thanks to kids who care.

Holiday Evening at MC, Pt. 3: The Music

The Annual Midland College Holiday Evening takes place THIS evening (Thursday, December 2), on the MC Main Campus. CLICK HERE for more information. Among the events taking place that evening will be the annual Sounds of Christmas
Concert.

"The Department of Music cordially invites you to attend its 'Sounds of Christmas' evening concert," writes Nicholas Elderkin, MC Assistant Professor and Director of Piano Studies. "The performance will feature Midland College's Chap Singers, Jazz Ensemble and Orchestra. This is an event you won't want to miss!"

The concert is TONIGHT, 7:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. in the Wagner & Brown Auditorium, Allison Fine Arts Center. Admission is FREE. If you haven't heard MC's student ensembles perform, you're in for a real treat! By the way, Get to Allison Fine Arts early, and enjoy the opening reception for the Fall Student Art Show, which begins at 6:45.

There will be more music around the campus of Your College this evening. There's "Christmas at the Dollye Neal Chapel," which begins at 5:15. Enjoy music by guitarist, Jacob Porter, in a candle-lit setting filled with holiday cheer. Top it off with hot chocolate as you walk to the Hodge Carillon Tower Lighting, which begins at 6:30. There will be carolling by the MC Chap Singers during the lighting.

To get the toes warmed-up for tapping tonight, here are a couple of performance videos, one from MC student Rebecca Lien, and another from MC faculty member Jacob Porter.

Holiday Evening at MC, Pt. 2: The Food

The Annual Midland College Holiday Evening takes place tomorrow evening (Thursday, December 2), on the MC Main Campus. CLICK HERE for more information. Among the events taking place that evening will be the annual MC Students In Philanthropy Chili Supper.

"Spice up your life with chili from the Students in Philanthropy, Thursday night, 5:15-6:15 p.m., in Rooms 110/111 of the F. Marie Hall Academic Building - part of MC's Holiday Evening," writes Julia A. Vickery, MC's Student Development & Students In Philanthropy Coordinator. "$4 a bowl - WHAT A DEAL!!! We will also have raffle tickets available for purchase. Raffle items include a 22" flat screen TV; a night at the Hilton; a Massage; and a Beauty Basket ($150 value)."

"ALL MONEY goes back to the non-profit agencies in Midland. Please help us have a banner year!"

---

The Midland College Students In Philanthropy Club (SIP) is an in-depth leadership training program which provides student members the opportunity to improve the quality of life in their community. Students learn about the importance of philanthropy and the role of nonprofit organizations in the community. Through the fundraising and grant-making process, students not only make needed contributions to nonprofit organizations, but also gain leadership and stewardship training through a structured program designed to educate, support and promote philanthropic leadership in the community.

Holiday Evening at MC, Pt. 1: The Art

The Annual Midland College Holiday Evening takes place tomorrow evening (Thursday, December 2), on the MC Main Campus. CLICK HERE for more information. Among the events taking place that evening will be the annual MC Art Student Hallway Sale.

The art sale features paintings, watercolors, ceramics and photography - all of which make great Christmas presents. This is a great time to buy unique holiday gifts. Here is a sampling of the paintings that will be for sale this year.

The 16th Annual Midland College Student Art Hallway Sale will take place over two days in in the Art Wing of Allison Fine Arts Center.
Thursday, December 2, 6:30 - 9:00 p.m.
Friday, December 3, 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

It's About Education ... and Compassion

World AIDS Day, observed December 1 each year, is dedicated to raising awareness of the AIDS pandemic caused by the spread of HIV infection. It is common to hold memorials to honor persons who have died from HIV/AIDS on this day. Government and health officials also observe the event, often with speeches or forums on the AIDS topics.

The same will be happening right here, in the Tall City.

The MC Student Government Association, Midland/Odessa Area AIDS Support (MAAS) and the Texas Department of State Health Services will host a ceremony honoring those who have lost their lives to AIDS, and those who are dealing with AIDS on Tuesday, November 30, from 6:30 to 8:00 p.m. in the F. Marie Hall Academic Building, Rooms 110/111. The ceremony will also include the reading of an official proclamation by Midland Mayor Wes Perry. The public is invited to attend.

On Wednesday, in observance of World AIDS Day, these same groups will offer FREE HIV/AIDS testing and 10-minute counseling sessions from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. in the F. Marie Hall Academic Building, Room 110/111.

For more information, please contact Stephanie VanCuren at (432) 685-4543.

According to reports prepared by the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS), AIDS has killed more than 25 million people between 1981 and 2007, and an estimated 33.2 million people worldwide live with HIV as of 2007, making it one of the most destructive epidemics in recorded history. UNAIDS goes on to report that, despite recent, improved access to antiretroviral treatment and care in many regions of the world, the AIDS epidemic claimed an estimated 2 million lives in 2007, of which about 270,000 were children.

A Colorful Walk Around the Campus of Your College

I took these shots today, during a walk around the mall, at the heart of MC's main campus. I hope you enjoy them. If you have some time during the long holiday weekend that kicks-off tomorrow, you and yours might want to come up here yourselves, walk around, and enjoy the fall colors ... my pictures really don't do them justice.

I'll leave these with you as my final post for the week, as MC closes in observance of Thanksgiving. College offices, services and classes will resume normal hours on Monday, November 29. Have a happy and blessed Thanksgiving, everyone!

The Legacy Scholarship Program is a collaborative funding partnership between the Abell-Hanger Foundation, the Helen Greathouse Charitable Trust, and the Chaparral Foundation that creates educational opportunities at Midland College for high school graduates in Midland County. A key eligibility requirement for the Legacy Scholarship includes the students' performance of forty (40) hours of community service per academic year at an approved Legacy Volunteer Service Agency.

Each semester, the Abell-Hanger Foundation sponsors an essay contest to honor students’ community service and to let the students tell their stories of how community service has enriched their lives. Five of those students receive additional $500 scholarships for essays written about that community service.

TGIF

I must say by the time Friday rolls around, I'm thankful it's the weekend!! It's not that my classes are so incredibly hard or anything, it's just that having a Monday, Wednesday, and Friday class starting at 9:00 in the morning kills me! I am not, nor have I ever been a morning person, and 9:00 is still WAY too early for those of us who need caffeine shots just to get out of bed. It all works out though, for the most part. After a busy week of classes, working, homework, and studying it's nice to know I've earned my Saturday sleep in day. Waking up feeling fresh and rejuvenated gets me ready for a fun night of Saturday fun. Some people chose to stay in on their Saturday's, but my friends and I LOVE to go out. Whether it be movies, bowling, clubbing, and just plain driving around. It's so much fun just to go out and play with friends after a hard week of work. Talking and laughing for hours, like girls are known for doing, fill my Saturday nights. But before we all know it, it's back to the books and the week starts again with that dreaded Monday. Of course looking foward to those good ole Saturday's.

Congrats, Lady Chaps!

From MC's Athletics Director, Forrest Allen, comes the reminder that MC's Lady Chaparral Volleyball squad is headed for the NJCAA Region V West Tournament, Saturday, November 6 in Roswell, NM (Cahoon Armory on the New Mexico Military Institute campus).

The tournament schedule is as follows:
November 6 @ 10:00 a.m. (MST)/11:00 a.m. (CST)
#1 seed Midland College (31-5) vs. #4 seed Western Texas College (19-15)
November 6 @ 12:00 p.m. (MST)/1:00 p.m. (CST)
#2 seed Frank Phillips College (29-5) vs. #3 seed New Mexico Military Institute (17-16)
November 6 @ 5:00 p.m. (MST)/6:00 p.m. (CST)
Region V Tournament Finals

The winner of the tournament will advance to the 2010 NJCAA National Volleyball Championships in West Plains, Misssouri, November 18-20.

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Forrest goes on to write ... The Midland College volleyball team earned a share for the WJCAC title, its first since 2005, with a 25-13, 25-17, 25-12 victory over Western Texas College Monday evening in the Chaparral Center. The match was the final home competition of the season advancing the Lady Chaps to the top seed in this weekend's NJCAA Region V West Tournament.

Midland College improved its season record to 31-5 and its WJCAC record to 7-1. MC tied Frank Phillips College for the conference title with each team winning on their own home court. The Lady Chaps earned the top seed in the upcoming regional tournament by defeating FPC 3-0 in Midland. Frank Phillips defeated Midland 3-1 in Borger. The sweep in Midland gave the Lady Chaparrals the tie-breaker.

The contest was the final home appearance in the Midland College career's of seven members of the Lady Chap team. Marta Machos, Marcella Braz, Gabby Garcia, Jordan Latham, Karolina Sawaniewicz, Sawyer Schaedig and Dorrian McKnight, each sophomores, played their final match at the Al G. Langford Chaparral Center on Monday evening. Over their two seasons these seven Lady Chaps won 54 matches and lost 19.

It was also the final home appearance for Midland College head volleyball coach Kimberly Boone. Boone, who is engaged to be married, is relocating to the Fort Worth (TX) area in the near future. Coach Boone has led the Lady Chap volleyball team to a 108-47 (.697) record over her four-seasons as coach. However the season is far from over as she, assistant coach Tammie Jimenez, and the Lady Chaparrals make preparations for the post-season.

Lyrical Lunch Break

Here's how I spent part of my lunch hour this past Friday, listening to soprano Rebecca Lien sing "Some Things Are Meant To Be" - from the Musical "Little Women" by Sutton Foster - during an MC Student Music Recital, on the stage of Wagner & Brown Auditorium, Allison Fine Arts Center at Midland College. You are cordially invited to take a lyrical break of your own in the weeks ahead, with more MC Student Music Recitals set for November 19 and December 3. Admission is free ... won't you join us?

Getting Ready for Winter, and Spring

As if Your College wasn't busy enough dealing with the present, we must also keep an eye on the future, as well. Even now, in the midst of a great Fall Semester, we are already hard at work preparing for what lies ahead ... Winter Interim Session 2010, and Spring Semester 2011. They'll be here before you know it ... and we'll be ready.

Earlier this week, I uploaded the Credit Course Schedule for the Winter Interim and Spring semesters. It's in a downloadable, printable Adobe .pdf format. Hard copies of the course schedule should be hitting the racks very soon.

By the way, the Course Schedules Index Page also has links to lots of the information you'll need become a part of Your College. These include ...
● Academic Calendar
● Campus Connect
● Find Your Textbooks
● Location Legend
● Registration Information
● Tuition and Fees
● Application For Admission

... there's also MC's College Survival Online, a great resource for potential students AND their parents.

You can also contact MC's Admissions Office by phone at (432) 685-6426, or by e-mail at admission@midland.edu

Online Registration for the Winter Interim 2010 and Spring 2011 semesters begins Monday, November 15.

There's Just so Many Activities

Throughout that first week, things began to get easier. Pathways that seemed so confusing at first, now made sense and I finally had each of my classrooms memorized. It was not as intimidating anymore now that I had gotten used to it. Now that I was situated and comfortable within my classes, I had a new interest that I was dying to know more about. I kept seeing and hearing commercials on the TV and the radio about all the student activities Midland College has to offer, it sounds like so much fun that I wanted to research just what exactly I could get myself into.There was everything from cheerleading, to an anime club. The decision now was which one to become part of. One group in particular stood out the most to me, and that was the Phi Theta Kappa, an honor society. Being a known book worn in my family, this was right up my alley. But of course it was by invitation only, with strict academic and behavioral standards. After researching a bit more about exactly how to become involved with this honor society, determination set in.Being an incoming freshman, I didn't have many credits that helped my GPA reach that much needed 3.5 to be invited to join Phi Theta Kappa. So I convinced myself to hit the books this semester. Time will tell if that all works out or not. This college has so many organizations and activities to become involved with, I am positive I can find something that equally sparks my interest.

Lady Chap Volleyball on a Roll as Regular Season Nears End

The following report on last night's game comes from MC Athletic Director Forres Allen ...

After a week of basking in the glory of last week's match, the MC volleyball team squared off against Clarendon College Monday night at the Chaparral Center. MC, 29-5 overall and 5-1 in conference, quickly disposed of the Lady Bulldogs in three games 25-16, 25-10, 25-16 in only 58 minutes. The win also extends the Lady Chap's current win streak to seven matches.

Midland was led by sophomore Marta Machos who recorded 11 kills while setter Sawyer Schaedig also had 20 assists in the contest. Each member of the MC team played in the contest.

Match statistics were as follows:

Kills: Machos 11, Marcella Braz 8, Sarah Sawyer 8, Jordan Latham 5, Karolina Sawaniewicz 4, Trinity Walker 2, Brittany Serrano 2, Sawyer Schaedig 1, Chayla Garza 1
Digs: Gabby Garcia 13, Jordan Latham 6, Addie Zaya 4, Machos 4, Braz 4, Schaedig 4, Garza 3, Serrano 3, Callie Stewart 2, Walker 1
Assists: Schaedig 20, Garza 12, Stewart 1, Machos 1, Latham 1, Serrano 1, Sawaniewicz 1
Blocks: Machos 2, Braz .5, Sawyer .5, Serrano .5, Sawaniewicz .5
Service Aces: Stewart 2, Machos 1, Braz 1, Sawaniewicz 1, Schaedig 1

Lady Chap Volleyball returns to home court Monday, November 1, 7:00 p.m. at the Al G. Langford Chaparral Center, where they'll host Western Texas College. This will be the FINAL game of the regular season, with the Regional Tournament set to begin November 6 in Roswell, New Mexico.

Upbeat Education at Your College

It would be IMPOSSIBLE for me to select just one MC student group, in particular, that gives back to Your College and your community, in so many ways and on so many occasions. They ALL do a wonderful job ... and not just the students, but their faculty and staff advisors, as well. But if you twisted my arm, and made me come up with a short list ... then one of the groups I would have to include is MC's Music Department. Here's a postcard I prepared of a student ensemble entertaining visitors to our campus, earlier this month, during MC's Community Open House ...

... and that was just the latest occasion - and it won't be the last. There are plenty more opportunities between now and the end of the year, to enjoy music performed by students at your college ...

● MC Ensembles 2010: A Scholarship Benefit Concert, October 28
● Music Recital: MC Students in Performance, October 29
● MC Music Faculty Recital: Jacob Porter, Guitar, November 18
● MC Student Guitar Recital, December 7

And there will be more. Our music programs will be an important part of MC's annual Holiday Evening Celebration, taking place December 2 (more details on that event, as they become available). And during the spring semester, listen for a student pep band playing in the Chaparral Center stands during Chap and Lady Chap basketball games. Also this spring, the combined MC Music Programs (instrumental and choral) go onstage to end the school year in an up-tempo and lyrical manner.

Our music programs also keep busy developing and expanding the opportunities for following generations of music students to pursue their education, and their dreams. This past month, Midland College achieved All-Steinway designation - becoming only the fourth school in Texas to be granted that designation. “Our vision has always been to put excellent higher education opportunities within reach of all our students, regardless of background,” said Dr. Nicholas Elderkin, director of piano studies at MC. “Becoming an All-Steinway School is helping our vision become a reality and helping our students achieve their dreams.”

Another significant development occurred this year when the Rea Charitable Trust announced it would help establish the Bryce and Isabel McClintic Rea Center for Music Technology and Creativity. “The CMTC will thrust students into a world of endless creative possibilities. It will allow students to compose, edit, and record music in a riveting hands-on learning environment,” said Elderkin.

And sometimes. there's no telling just where your experience will take you. MC Professor Rabon Bewley took his baritone sax and love of jazz to the people of Volgograd, Russia. For ten days this summer, he was with 25 musicians from across the United States who went with Global Missions Project, a Christian mission organization of musicians who minister to people around the world.

An introduction on the Music Department's website says, "from Bach to Bebop, Symphonies to Swing, Classical to Cool Jazz, let us introduce you to the incredible possibilities for performance and study at Midland College." Whatever your age, whatever your goal, whatever your interest or level of expertise, it's an invitation you might consider accepting.

The Big Day

Everyone has their own opinion of how college will be. But in reality, the actual experience is completely different. Freshman anxiety sets in early for many people; at least it certainly did for me. Trying to figure out where to go, which building, which classroom, where to sit, who to talk to, and so many other factors rushed through my head the morning of the big day. Every pathway looked the exact same to me and had something in common; I had no idea where it would take me, and if it was the direction I needed to go. With a map in hand and after a couple of 360 turns in the campus courtyard, I finally figured out which building to go to for my first class.

After obsessively checking my schedule to make sure I had the right room and building, I finally found my first classroom for Business Math. Hoping to find a familiar face at some point, I wandered into the classroom. Carefully scanning over the people to see if i knew anyone, it quickly set in that I would have no such luck. I took a seat toward the back of the room so I could have a good view of anyone I knew that walked in. Again no such luck.

Impatience set in as the entire class sat silently waiting for our teacher. It was five after nine when Mr. Dixon finally walked in looking like a student himself and apologizing for being late due to his previous class in another building. He wasted no time and began explaining about his class and what we could expect to learn. Since I'm absolutely no good at math, I felt completely intimidated by the material. The "what have I gotten myself into" thought crossed my mind quite frequently during that short fifty minute class. Not only was it math, but it also had business aspects as well. It sounded complicated.

However, over the past month I must say I have learned a lot. He is a great explainer and I actually understood what is being taught (most days) which is a HUGE shock to me. It seems that in the beginning I was so nervous and uptight about getting lost and the complexities of my classes, that compared to now everything is so laid back. I no longer have to leave my place twenty minutes before class starts just to make sure I get where I need to be on time, I can sleep late and leave just minutes before and still have time to spare. Anticipating college life and actually going through it turned out to much more relaxed than I ever expected, and I must say I really like it!

Chomp!

There's a saying about "all work and no play ..." Add "no hot dogs" to that saying, and Jack would be a dull boy indeed! Here's a postcard I prepared for a recent hot Dog Eating Contest sponsored by MC's Student Life/Student Activities office.

Spiking It, Killing It, Loving It

A "very volleyball" weekend at Your College began with an announcement from the MC Athletics Office, about a milestone reached by an MC volleyball Coach.

Coaching Kudos

"In what can only be considered as an impressive milestone in her career, Midland College volleyball coach Kimberly Boone recorded her 100th win at the helm of the program," MC Athletic Director Forrest Allen wrote. "Boone and fourth-year assistant Tammie Jimenez got the victory in a, tougher than expected, four game win over fellow WJCAC member Western Texas College in Snyder on Wednesday night. Scores from the contest were 18-25, 25-22, 25-14, 25-14 (3-1)."

"The gym in Snyder, on the WTC campus, was raucous which seemingly took MC by surprise falling behind 18-9 in the first game. After regaining their composure the Lady Chaps were able to tighten the score, but fell nonetheless. In game two the Lady Westerners played point for point with the Lady Chaps up to the 22-22 point match. It was then Midland wrested control of the game winning 25-22. From the end of the second game until the end of the match Midland College found its groove and sailed in the final two games by twin scores of 25-14."

"The Lady Chaps were led in kills by Marta Machos (16), Marcella Braz (13), Jordan Latham (11) and Karolina Sawaniewicz (10). Braz and Gabby Garcia chipped in with 18 and 12 digs respectively while MC setter Sawyer Schaedig dished out a whopping 52 assists in the contest."

"In typical Boone fashion she credited the players for the milestone, "It came with a fight. It wasn't an easy 100th win, but it's a real credit to the players for making it happen."

Tournament Time ...

The Lady Chaps are back at it this weekend, this time on their home court, when they host the Midland College Invitational Volleyball Tournament, October 15-16 at Chap Center.

Friday, October 15

9:00 a.m. Cisco vs. Coastal Bend

11:00 a.m. Dodge City (KS) vs. Western Texas

1:00 p.m. Coastal Bend vs. Midland

3:00 p.m. Cisco vs. Dodge City

6:00 p.m. Western Texas vs. Midland

Saturday, October 16

10:00 a.m. Cisco vs. Western Texas

12:00 p.m. Midland vs. Dodge City

2:00 p.m. Coastal Bend vs. Western Texas

4:00 p.m. Midland vs. Cisco

6:00 p.m. Lady Chap Volleyball Alumnae Match

Old School ...

The Alumnae Match on the 16th will be a special feature of the tournament this year. It's the first-ever Lady Chaparral Volleyball Alumnae Match. The match was the brainchild of several former MC volleyball student-athletes and is being spearheaded by Nikki Stokes, Tori Perkins and Jamie Thomas. CLICK HERE for more on that match.

Flying Off Into the Sunset

A special moment in last week's volleyball match between the MC Lady Chaps and Ranger College, was the retirement of old Pépe Paisano, the MC mascot, who took a final bow to fans, then headed off into the sunset with a bag of golf clubs on his shoulder. But it was also an occasion to welcome the new Pépe Paisano, ready to get this party started. Here's my own tribute to this changing of the feathery guard at Your College.

The Wide World in the Tall City

Quick ... think of a city that offers a taste of the world in its own neigborhoods. How about New York? ... or San Francisco? ... or Miami?

Or, how about Midland? ... yes, Midland ... about as far from a major seaport or immigration center as a community can get. Yet, the fact remains - there is a bit of the wide world in the Tall City. And education - especially that to be had at Your College - is one reason Midland has developed a small, but vibrant international community.

"Eight-One international students representing 31 nations are currently enrolled at Midland College with student visas," Professor Michael Makowsky writes in the 2010/2011 edition of the MC International Student Fact Sheet. "Over the years, international students have come to MC from all over the globe, representing over 90 nations."

Our list of MC Student Clubs and Groups includes the International Student Club, dedicated to promoting the international spirit among our fellow students, the campus community and the local community at large, and to building a truly international community of students at Midland College. Membership is open to any Midland College student, staff, family member, or friend who has an interest in the student life issues of international students ... and that includes those of us born in the U.S.A.

This week, we'll have a chance to enjoy - quite literally - a taste of the world. Members of MC's International Students Club will be preparing and serving their favorite dishes and desserts from their native countries, at the MC International Food Fair.

The fair begins at 11:30 a.m. on Wednesday, October 13, in the Amistad Atrium of the F. Marie Hall Academic Building. It is scheduled to run until 1:00 p.m. ... or until all the food is gone! The fair operates on a donation basis. All proceeds benefit the club's field trip to McKittrick Canyon this fall.

For more information, please contact Michael Makowsky, the International Student Club's faculty advisor, at (432) 685-6828, or mmakowsky@midland.edu

And some of our students go on to make this community their home. An example of this can be found in the MC Student Success Story of Matt Tseng. Matt began taking evening English as a Second Language (ESL) classes in January 2007, with Lynda Webb, Director of MC’s Adult Basic Education program. Since then he has become an integral part of the program as student, mentor and semi-instructor to the ever-growing contingency of Chinese students taking MC’s ESL classes.

Matt and his wife, Diana Wang, arrived in the United States from Taipei, Taiwan in late 2006. They opened MD Pizza Factory (the M is for Matt, the D for Diana) in September of 2007. Located at 4706 N. Midkiff Road (Suite 13, NE corner of Midkiff and Loop 250), their restaurant has gained quite a following and was included in “The 40 Best Small-Town Cafes” feature in the December 2008 issue of Texas Monthly.

Your College ... Your Heroes

So, what do heroes look like? Here are a couple I came across while covering last week's MC Student Activities Blood Drive ...

Donating blood is safe, it’s simple, and it saves lives. Most donors find it a painless and heart-warming experience. To learn more about the Donation Experience, please visit this page at the United Blood Services website. That page will also link you to Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) you might have about blood donation.

You may also contact the UBS Midland office at (432) 520-4592 for more information.

Find the hero in you. Give blood three times a year!

The Education of Business, and the Business of Education

This is a the perfect time to highlight the Business & Economic Development Center at Your College. The BEDC promotes economic development in the community by providing comprehensive management, financial, and technical assistance and training to individuals, small businesses, entrepreneurial ventures, and non-profit organizations in the form of seminars and free, confidential counseling.

This month, there are numerous examples of how Your College is serving your community through the BEDC.

On Tuesday, October 12, from 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m., the BEDC will co-host the West Texas Small Business Forum at the Clarion Convention Center in Midland. Texas Senator Kel Seliger will deliver the keynote address, and the Forum will include several workshops that are of interest to small business owners, such as obtaining bank financing, surviving in a down economy, advertising through social media, and exporting goods and services. The cost of the Forum is $25, which includes all workshops and lunch.

On the third Tuesday of each month, the BEDC hosts a small business Networking Breakfast. This month’s breakfast will be held on Tuesday, October 19, and the topic is “Roadmap to Success in Government Contracting” featuring a presentation by Otilo Castellano, Director of the Procurement Assistance Center in Lubbock. All of the BEDC’s monthly Networking Breakfasts are held from 7:30 a.m. - 9:00 a.m. in Rooms 110/111 of the F. Marie Hall Academic Building on the Midland College Campus. No reservations are required. The cost of each monthly breakfast is just $1.

On Tuesday, October 26, the Midland College BEDC will announce the 2010 Asset Building Award honorees. The purpose of the awards is to spotlight individuals, entities and/or partnerships performing asset building work. "Asset Building" is any initiative that encourages individuals to save, reduce expenses, or build productive assets. A productive asset is an asset that increases in value over time or generates income. The announcement of this year's awardees will take place Tuesday, October 26, 11:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. in the Lecture Hall (Room 101) of the F. Marie Hall Academic Building.

For more information on these events and for further information regarding the Midland College BEDC services, contact Betsy Seanard, BEDC Associate Director, (432) 684-4309, or bseanard@midland.edu

And Their Names Are ...

Last month, I offered this post about a "Name the Mannequins" Contest being held at the MC Bookstore. Well, according to Bookstore Manager Stephanie Brown, the results are in, and we have a winner ...

"Anna Ponczoch wins the 'Name the Mannequins' contest," Stephanie tells us."Cool MC for the guy, and Chappa for the girl."

"We had lots of creative names submitted. Some I could not pronounce, some of a political nature, some from the rich and famous, a few from literature, a few from the movies, a couple from the wide world of sports, and a just a few I'm still scratching my head over. If someone had entered Barbie & Ken, I would have been really tempted."

"Thank you for your interest and participation!"

Look! ... Up In the Sky! ... It's .....

Here's a shot I took early last night, as I was heading across the Chap Center parking lot, getting ready for the College Fair - an event organized by the Midland Independent School District, taking place at MC.

My grandfather would have been thrilled! He served with the 102nd Balloon Company, US Army Air Corps, part of the American Expeditionary Force in France during World War I. He would have loved to watch the blimp pass overhead, especially one bearing that particular likeness of Snoopy, suited-up to do battle with that great nemesis of World War I - the Red Baron!

All of which provides a PERFECT segue for one of the booths at the College Fair! In addition to tables manned by members of our Admissions Staff, we also had a table devoted to MC's Aviation Programs - our Professional Pilot Program, and our Aviation Maintenance Technology Program.

The Professional Pilot Program prepares students for careers as airline pilots, and is designed to train students for pilot licenses and ratings in the following: Private Pilot, Commercial Pilot, Instrument Rating, and Multi-Engine Rating. Specific areas of training include private and commercial flight training, air navigation, aviation meteorology, aerodynamics, aviation safety, and aircraft systems.

The Aviation Maintenance Technology Program prepares students for careers as aviation airframe technicians, or aviation powerplant technicians. Specific areas of training include aircraft structure inspection and testing; federal aviation regulations; aircraft and electronic flight instrument systems; aircraft auxiliary systems; aircraft welding; aircraft electrical systems; hydraulic, pneumatic, and fuel systems; and occupational safety and health codes.

CLICK HERE for more information about these programs, or call, toll-free, (866) 749-2376.