Students and Stress

It is no surprise for students to feel overwhelmed when in college but this topic shouldn’t be taken lightly. According to the National College Health Assessment 1 in 5 students feel stressed during their academic year. Something to keep in mind when stressed, is that feeling stressed is unescapable and it’s important to recognize it and cope with it. Some tips to consider when stressed is to recognize the things that make you stressed, this way you’ll able to analyze what is making you stressed and take action. Another important factor is to manage and plan your time wisely, by doing so you’ll be able to have time for relaxation. So remember to plan ahead to avoid any unnecessary stress.

Crimes at CSUN

For those that didn’t know crime reports that occur on and near school campuses must be published according to the Clery Act. Every campus that participates in the federal student financial aid must release an annual report disclosing the crimes and statistics. Unfortunately, theft and burglary are the most common crimes at CSUN. In 2009 331 thefts and 14 burglaries occurred on the CSUN campus. The most common theft were bikes. In the months of September to November of 2010 21 bikes were stolen according to the crime log published on the CSUN campus police website. It’s important for students to use a safe lock like the U-lock that will be harder for thieves to open. To prevent more bicycles from being stolen, CSUN has created the Matador Bicycle compound were students, staff and faculty can place their bikes and register the bike incase stolen and lost. Remember that it’s important to call the police department if you ever see any suspicious activity on campus to prevent more crimes.

What’s next after college?

As the Spring semester approaches, many students will be ready to graduate and go on to the real world. But what’s next? With the unemployment rate at 12.4 percent many students will have difficulties in finding a job. Some still debate on whether continuing school and obtain a post-graduate degree or look for a job. For some students, their worries are finish paying loans but what some don’t know is that there is a Loan Forgiveness program that of course only some can qualify. In order to qualify for the loan forgiveness program, students must either perform volunteer work, perform military service, teach or practice medicine in certain types of communities, or meet any other criteria specified by the forgiveness program. California State University, Northridge student, Evelyn Medrano, will be graduating next semester and is planning on getting her teachers credentials to teach at an unprivileged community. So for those that are in a huge debt, don’t worry as there is still hope for them not to pay every dollar back.

High School Drop-outs

According to Pew Hispanic Research about 20% of Hispanics adults of age 20 and over do not have their high school diploma. Many factors affect the decision of a student not continuing school. Some of the correlations that are behind the decision of dropping out are: school related factor, family related issues, or personal issues. In a past interview I conducted with vice principal, Jose Luis Gallegos, from Davis Middle School in Compton, Ca, he said that family had to do with the student not continuing school.  A large amount of students drop out because they have to help out their families financially. If we compare Hispanics with other ethnicities when it comes to completing Math and Science courses only 31% of hispanics are in a Math advanced course in comparison to the 47% of Non-hispanic White, and 69% of Asian and Pacific Islander who take this course.