Welcome!
WELCOME TO THE STUDENT-RUN SCHOOL NEWSLETTER!
A new edition is released every week, and our student section will be included within the paper every TWO weeks: Mondays at 8:30 AM, keep a lookout!
Here you’ll find information and reminders of the student-led events happening during the week, as well as school-wide events from time to time. We also have a fun student section, which would be located in the section of the blog you’re currently in now. All students are welcome to submit a piece for our newsletter! This includes, but is not limited to: essays, poems, blog-style articles, research papers, creative writing pieces, and anything else you’d like to share with your fellow students.
For inquiries about writing for the newsletter, please contact Communications Officer Ashwak Samatar at ashwaksamatar1@gmail.com or ashwak.samatar@seattlecolleges.edu. Other contact information and resources will always be available at the bottom of the page.
Student Section: (Example article I wrote winter quarter last year)
“Being a Student During the Pandemic” by Ashwak Samatar.
School has always been challenging, even when it was under normal circumstances. Now, with the pandemic, it can seem almost impossible. I know because I felt this way so many times throughout this crisis.
And I know I’m not alone, a study from earlier this year has shown that 85% of students surveyed have had the pandemic negatively affect their performance in school. In order to delve into that and come up with ways to help deal with this problem, I interviewed some students from our campus.
The biggest problem I saw reoccur again and again in the students I interviewed had to do with isolation. A lot of people had to switch to online learning, and some continue to do it today. This took a toll on their mental health, social life, and even their grades.
However, as time went on, a lot of students had developed ways to stay on top of things. In order to get their homework done for the day, I saw that a lot of students planned out their tasks. Having things written down in front of you and having a set time can help you feel that sense of motivation to get things done.
An idea that I really liked was having someone to hold you accountable. Be it a friend, family, or acquaintance, someone who’s aware of your work and who will follow up with you could be the push you need. A way you could accomplish this if you don’t have anyone currently is by joining a club or affinity group at the college. Being more involved on campus has a great deal of benefits, including new friends and staff members that most likely would be willing to be that person for you.
If the isolation is still kicking your butt, I’d suggest a campus job. You’d be working with your peers and connecting with others while also gaining experiences needed for future jobs. I would guess our student government officers would also say finding a campus job decreases their isolation because of that priceless feeling of being part of a community. You’re working towards something, and along the way, participating in fun events that bring your efforts to fruition.
Find what works best for you. Don’t force yourself into anything you don’t like. This is a new situation that all of us are finding ways to work through, so don’t stress. Do what you can and remember to take breaks. There are countless resources from our campus, so don’t be scared to ask for help when you need it.
If you’re having trouble getting those resources or have no idea where to start, South Seattle College has counselors on staff to guide you through personal struggles. To make an appointment with the counseling department, email southcounseling@seattlecolleges.edu. Or to learn more about South’s counseling services visit https://southseattle.edu/counseling. If you are currently experiencing a crisis situation, please call 911 or contact CRISIS CONNECTIONS: 1866-427-4747 (24-HR Crisis Line).
More resources are listed at the bottom of this page.
This week:
We are hiring!
Application link: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdY21lDrb9V4t91-uk0tO7wxxEzu7-CrPf1_5XyfuItwHE0Qw/viewform
Weekly Meeting
All SSC students are invited to our weekly USA meetings, every Tuesday from 1:30 - 3:00pm. Discuss your concerns as a student and get involved in student leadership. Meet us in JMB 128, the conference room inside the student life building!
Environmental Activism Group
Want to get involved in community building, work towards environmental change, and have opportunities to earn volunteer hours? Join the Environmental Activism Group! Zoe, our sustainability officer, will be hosting every Thursday from 2:00 - 3:00pm in JMB Student Life 128. See you there!
Sign up link: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdHyeY6a6Utmj2xNma0y39ePy4Ujr4S-AO0aoTXYp_6spp4Ww/viewform
Come down to the Food Pantry! (more information can be found in the resource list at the bottom of this page)
Resources:
On-Campus Operations Hours: Monday - Thursday, 9 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Phone/Voicemail: 206-934-5387
Counseling: If you are currently experiencing a crisis situation, please call 988, 911 or contact CRISIS CONNECTIONS: 1-866-427-4747 (24-HR Crisis Line)! Requests for consultation and/or non-emergency educational and personal counseling appointments should be sent to southcounseling@seattlecolleges.edu.
Hours are Wednesdays and Thursdays 11 am - 2 pm.
LOCATION: Jerry Brockey Student Center Office of Student Life, room 134 (same building as Bookstore but at the south end).
If you are in urgent need to access the pantry, please visit the Office of Student Life in JMB 125 or email Monica.Lundberg@seattlecolleges.edu to schedule an appointment.
Additional:
If you want more information on the newsletter, or have any requests/suggestions, you can reach me at ashwak.samatar@seattlecolleges.edu.