Valarie R. Austin's Blog, page 3

Democracy: The Corruption of its Ideals

By Valarie R. Austin, January 30th, 2024, 11:30 PM EDT

(Previously published on Linkedin)

The United States is in the midst of another election cycle to select its next U.S. President. Young people of voting age must take note and participate. CBC News/Radio-Canada broadcasted a Youtube.com educational primer that explained the U.S. Presidential selection process titled, “U.S. election primaries: Even more chaotic than usual? About That.” As in previous elections, state voters by political party will choose their U.S. Presidential nominees through primaries and caucuses. Each state will allocate delegates based on voter turnout for the Republican, Democrat and Independent candidates who are running for President. Early primary and caucus voting occurred in Iowa and New Hampshire (NH). In the 2024 NH presidential primary, WMUR9/ABC news online reported 121,152 Democrats voted by write-in ballot and 323, 166 Republicans cast ballots. Since NH had a total of 873, 857 registered voters, only 50.8% of the electorate voted. Many voters stayed home. The website 270towin.com shows several more primaries and caucuses on the 2024 Presidential Election Calendar. These state-by-state primary/caucus elections start again on February 3rd and run through June 8th. After all votes are tallied, state delegates will officially cast their ballots at the Democratic or Republican Party National Convention, respectively. The Presidential nominee from each party with the most delegate votes will meet as rivals in the General Election for U.S. President on Tuesday, November 5th, 2024. Eligible U.S. citizens should vote and make their voices heard. Lack of voter turn-out makes American democracy weaker.

The U.S. primary/caucus season is an effective mechanism to select a desired U.S. President in the General Election. Voters can research and hear potential Presidential candidates. A choice of candidates for voters builds excitement in the political process. Primaries and caucuses encourage candidates to discuss their views on issues such as gun regulation; women’s healthcare and abortion access; child poverty; health care and hospital billing transparency; border control and immigration; homelessness; the federal minimum wage; gerrymandering; criminal justice and prison system reform; police reform; and military aid foreign wars. President Joe Biden is the front runner and incumbent for the Democratic Party. The former President, 2020 election denier Donald Trump is the front runner for the Republican Party based on early primary and caucus voting. The two candidates have not participated in any televised debates with other Presidential candidates in their particular political parties. In contrast, alternative presidential candidates, namely Republican Nikki Haley, Democrat Dean Phillips, Democrat Marianne Williamson and Third Party/Independent candidates have had to defend their proposed policies and implementation in multiple debates, news interviews, and town halls. For instance, NewsNation, a national cable television network, hosted a televised debate between the Democratic Presidential candidates. President Biden did not participate. Voters need options in candidates and the ability to engage with them through televised debates and town halls during the primary and caucus season. Peaceful protests, marches, sit-ins and other forms of nonviolent civic engagement put politicians and candidates on notice about U.S. citizens’ policy concerns. Voting, however, reinforces citizens’ agreement or disapproval of potential candidates and their political views. Silencing choice and stifling discussion about issues will make American democracy weaker.

In every election cycle, the news media is very important to providing information about political candidates. The mainstream media and network pundits should act on the voters’ behalf and provide unbiased information on election candidates’ policies, voting records and backgrounds. Besides the U.S. Presidential election, Ballotpedia.org noted that 468 U.S. Congressional seats  of the total 535 seats are up for election in primaries and the General Election on November 5, 2024. Voters should question politicians, “What have you done for me lately?” and “What are your policies and vision for the future?” Many career politicians have forgotten that they serve the American voter. Some politicians refuse to do anything about issues facing America while in office. Across the nation, voters should be able to select political candidates based on facts not rhetoric. For instance, a recent Fox 11 Los Angeles news debate occurred between candidates Katie Porter, Barbara Lee, Adam Schiff, and Steve Garvey in the U.S. Senate race to represent California in Congress. The Fox 11 moderators asked substantive questions on policy. Most of the candidates’ answers were informative and well-researched. California voters will have the opportunity to vote based on this debate and how these candidates plan to address issues facing this country. Lack of media scrutiny about politicians’ political views and voting records make American democracy weaker.

Voters should understand that wealthy, anonymous donors can influence U.S. elections through campaign spending. In 2010, the Supreme Court of the United States (SCOTUS) ruled corporations and special interests groups can spend almost unlimited monetary amounts in political campaigns. SCOTUS’ Citizens United v. Federal Election Commission (FEC) decision relaxed campaign finance rules. Powerful groups can form super Political Action Committees (PACS) and spend campaign monies with little to no transparency. In a January 2024 article, the Campaign Legal Center organization reported the 2020 activities of corporations and special interest groups included $14.4 billion for election campaign spending. For the 2024 U.S. Presidential election, the campaign spending is also staggering. CNN.com reported the Presidential candidates and their associated super PACs spent over $77 million dollars on campaign advertising in the New Hampshire Republican 2024 primary. Super PACS and other special interest donors subvert U.S. citizens’ interests because they exert undue influence in our election process. Unlimited campaign spending by corporations and special interest groups makes American democracy weaker.

Freedom and democracy are not ideals, but are the pillars of our political process. These sacred pillars must be put into action in every election. Dissatisfaction, disillusionment and anger with a candidate or political party are not productive emotions if they do not manifest into votes. Voters of every age should exercise their right to vote up and down the ballot in local and national elections. Primary, caucus and general election voting are the means to keep politicians in office or get them out of office. Politicians and candidates will take note if their political longevity is put at risk. Young American voters should want to vote because they will have to live with the results. Do not check-out and sit home this voting year. Vote for your country in 2024. Silence and political inaction make American democracy weaker.

Valarie R. Austin is the author of The Student’s Comprehensive Guide for College & Other Life Lessons. She has a wealth of knowledge on the subjects of career and college preparation. She also conducts career and college readiness workshops for high school students, parents and transitioning military members. Check out her author’s pages on https://www.linkedin/in/valarie-r-austin, https://www.goodreads.com/valarie_r_austin and https://www.amazon.com/author/valarie_r_austin. A Youtube.com review of her book can found at https://youtu.be/xy_GSHlJsa0. This article was edited by Raffie Johnson. Copyright 2024, Vauboix Publishing LLC. (Article 1 of 5, spring 2024)

Tolerance: Empathy and Good Citizenship Defined

By Valarie R. Austin, December 20th, 2022, 4:00 PM EDT

(Previously Published on LinkedIn)

As we head into the holiday period, everyone should reflect on the joy and love of the season. Spending special moments with family and friends will occupy most of our time. In the past year, however, teens and young adults have probably witnessed on television or in person the breakdown of civility and tolerance within our communities. Armed men in fake military garb, carrying weapons, have invaded libraries to spout archaic and destructive messages of intolerance against LGBTQ individuals to disrupt kids reading programs and other events according to USAToday.com. Or, individuals have attacked Blacks, Jews, and Asian-Americans in the street or common places such as grocery stores and places of worship. This year, an armed assailant with access to a high powered weapon senselessly massacred Robb Elementary School children in Uvalde, Texas. Since then, mass shootings throughout America have continued unabated every week. Last week, the NewYorkTimes.com reported the indictment of five white Louisiana police officers in the May 2019 death of Ronald Greene, a Black man in their custody. His brutal killing is the latest case of law enforcement officers, violating the civil rights of African-Americans and devaluing the motto of “To Protect and Serve.”  It is important young people understand that the aforementioned instances of horrifying behavior is not the norm. As United States’ citizens, we must unite and disavow the chaos and confusion of violence in our country and hatred of those who are different from us.

America is great because it is home to every creed, color, and religion. Our society works because of our openness to new ideas and progress toward equity. Despite societal barriers and glass ceilings, Blacks, Jews, Asians, women, and other minority groups have taken seats at the decision-making table through protests, voting and working hard to achieve success. Since the Civil Rights Movement, the United States has steadily evolved to integrate all citizens’ talents and developed a rich culture of various innovations, foods, sports, art, architecture, and other influences. Unfortunately, the rot of intolerance, inhumanity and hatred is spreading through social media, faux news outlets, far-right militias, organized hate groups, and others. Right-wing legislators stoke hatred and divisiveness to increase their power and greed without accountability instead of offering solutions to reduce poverty, illiteracy and joblessness. Racism and bigotry have a foothold in America because the people who spout hate also infect their children. Often, children take on the culture and values of their families because that is all they know. As they grow and venture into the world, they are exposed to different people and ideas. Growth and change should help this country’s young people to evolve into mature adults who celebrate humanity’s sameness and respect its differences. Each community has an obligation to protect the next generation and pass on a legacy of tolerance, empathy and civility. We must continue to strive toward a more perfect union by seeing each other as human beings, deserving of respect.

Hatred destroys a diverse society from within. Barriers, such as discrimination and institutional racism, stunt a country’s progress toward greatness because it does not use the talents, skills and intelligence of all of its citizens. Hatred weakens the person who internalizes it. Racists and bigots blame others for their mediocrity and lack of progress. While they segregate into their own communities, these dealers of hate do not embrace the opportunities for success in an open society. That mentality limits their need to be an asset to their community and society. In reality, hard work, grit and smarts are typically the path to success and opportunity. White supremacists, right-wing extremists and Christian Nationalists do not embrace changes in America or drive to achieve their own goals for achievement. They deny science, burn/ban books, denigrate other religious groups, and revise history to justify their discrimination and hate of other people. If these hate mongers are so worried about the United States, they would practice charity and problem-solving to uplift their community. The endless list of problems facing America impacts citizens every day. For instance, a December 2022, USAToday.com survey reported that one out of four parents struggled to pay for basic needs such as food, rent, or healthcare last year. Most solutions mean talking to each other, listening and working together with everyone within the community to vote in responsible, competent legislators who institute policies and laws to improve all communities; institute after school math and reading programs; build/staff youth community centers in every community; raise the minimum wage to a livable wage; combat the homelessness epidemic; create food pantries to fight hunger in their towns; demand police outreach, accountability and oversight committees; push for effective reentry programs for the formerly incarcerated; legislate effective gun reform; expand health care/prenatal care to expectant mothers of every class, etc. Participation in community outreach, research, planning and execution are necessary to fix America’s problems. With the recent mid-term elections, young voters indicated their overwhelming desire for a country of freedom, tolerance, prosperity, peace, harmony and individual rights along with movement toward equity.

Each successive generation must eliminate hatred, chaos, and intolerance in the United States. The table of opportunity is big enough for everyone to sit together and benefit. In my book, “The Student’s Comprehensive Guide For College and Other Life Lessons,” I encourage students to embrace the diversity of their fellow students. That tolerance and empathy should extend to every individual within our society. I advocate that “individuals may not ‘love’ their neighbor, but they can learn to understand him/her.” All Americans, especially young adults, need to reject the myopic mindset of the creation of a phony Utopian world where everyone is the same and some people are more deserving of opportunity based on their color, religion, or sexual orientation. America is better than that. Enjoy the holidays and reflect on your place in this changing world where everyone has the chance to succeed based on freedom to pursue, achieve, and attain the American dream.

Have a great holiday and Happy New Year! - Welcome home, Brittany Griner. As fellow citizens, we celebrate your homecoming and our government’s work for your release and the safe return of every wrongfully detained American citizen in foreign lands.

Valarie R. Austin is the author of The Student’s Comprehensive Guide for College & Other Life Lessons. She has a wealth of knowledge on the subjects of career and college preparation. She also conducts career and college readiness workshops for high school students and parents. Check out her author’s pages on https://www.linkedin/in/valarie-r-austin, https://www.goodreads.com/valarie_r_austin and https://www.amazon.com/author/valarie_r_austin. A Youtube.com review of her book can found at https://youtu.be/xy_GSHlJsa0. This article was edited by Raffie Johnson. Copyright 2022, Vauboix Publishing LLC. Like, comment and/or share this article! (Article 5 of 5, fall 2022)

Ethical Leadership: Fair and Equitable Behavior for the Good of an Organization’s People

By Valarie R. Austin, October 19th, 2022, 4:00 PM EDT

(Previously Published on LinkedIn)

Leaders in organizations, such as schools, businesses or non-profits, have an obligation to protect the health and well-being of their staff, employees, volunteers, students, interns and members. If owners, decision-makers and executives willfully fail in this responsibility, they have violated the basic principles of Ethical Leadership. The Toastmasters International guide defines Ethical Leadership as an alignment of vision, mission and ethics between individuals and an organization. Ethical Leadership is distinct from personal ethics. Personal ethics stems from an individual’s values, culture, environment and other factors to assess right from wrong. Ethical Leadership is the intersection of individuals’ personal ethics with the values and culture of an organization to which they belong. The Toastmasters International guide to Ethical Leadership states there has to be commonly “accepted principles of honesty, justice, fairness and avoiding harm to others.” Otherwise, a misalignment can create situations that hurt the organization, its members or associates outside the organization. Today, some unethical leaders permit teachers, coaches, doctors, or other authority figures to harass, sexually abuse, or bully individuals within their organizations without repercussions. The crisis of Ethical Leadership can be seen in the following examples:

o The Boy Scouts of America sex abuse cases
o Sexual Harassment and Assault in the Armed Forces
o The USA Gymnastics sex abuse scandal and former team doctor Larry Nassar
o Roman Catholic Church priests and child sexual abuse
o Penn State and former assistant football coach Jerry Sandusky’s child sexual abuse
o Allegations of sexual harassment, pay disparity and discrimination against women in Hollywood and other workplaces, which ignited the #MeToo and #Time’sUp movements
o The National Football League and the Washington Commanders’ (formerly the Washington Redskins’) allegations of sexual harassment and workplace misconduct


The latest scandal involves allegations of systematic sexual abuse and a hostile work environment within the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL). At every level, NWSL owners and senior managers allegedly knew or were told that coaches were abusing players and staff but did nothing according to an NPR.org report. The above examples highlight leaders who tainted the values and culture of their organization. They did not safeguard members from threats within the organization. Often, no one is held accountable or punished. Unethical leadership places power, money, and reputation above the welfare of the people who make up the organization.

There are three elements of Ethical Leadership: transparency, shared leadership, and placing the good of the organization above the leader’s interests according to Toastmasters International. Transparency involves leaders who are prepared to explain their reasoning for a decision. Mistakes and errors of individuals are common in organizations. That is how workers and leaders learn through experiences, trial and error. The second factor of Ethical Leadership is shared leadership, which allows the organization’s members to share influence and power. Everyone feels a sense of ownership to solve an organization’s problems together. They have the freedom to ask questions. Shared leadership promotes conversations about acceptable and unacceptable behavior. With this model, leaders can act on a victim’s tips, questions and fears in an honorable manner.

The third element of Ethical Leadership is placing the good of the organization above the leader’s interests. This factor is especially important in protecting an organization’s members from abuse. Unethical leaders choose to protect the organization’s reputation instead of the people who make up the organization. A 2020 Harvard Business Review article noted “executives will unconsciously overlook serious wrongdoing in their company if it benefits them or the organization.” Their actions harm people inside and outside of the organization because these leaders quietly discharge the guilty party to migrate from job location to job location without any repercussions. The person is free to abuse and engage in the harmful behavior for years. Instead, ethical leaders create a paper trail of the individual’s misconduct, the investigation, and response. The “right” actions for ethical leaders should be to report unprofessional and criminal behavior to the police, fire the individual(s), and remove them from positions of power. Accompanying actions should be ensuring the situation does not happen again. When leaders hide unprofessional, inappropriate or criminal behavior over a long period of time, the scandal is worse when it is finally exposed because these original silent “conspirators” chose not to do the right thing in the first place.

As a society and community members across the nation, it is important to rethink how we treat and train our young women and men. They should understand that dominance, aggression and cruelty are not normal. Individuals in leadership positions do not have the right to abuse the people under their control and authority. In my book, “The Student’s Comprehensive Guide for College & Other Life Lessons,” I point out that abusive behavior “thrives in the shadows but withers under public scrutiny.” No one should be abused in the interest of winning or training. No one signs up for abuse/hazing to learn how to do something or join an organization. There has to be consequences for perpetrators of abuse and harassment within an organization. Respect, professionalism and courtesy have to be embedded in the culture of an organization. If individuals cannot motivate, train, or mentor others without abuse and intimidation, they should not be leaders. They do not deserve to be in charge of anyone.

Ethical Leadership should prevail in protecting those within the employ or care of an organization. That is the “right” action. Transparency, shared leadership, and putting the good of organization above the leader’s interests instill values and culture that make abuse less likely within an organization. Young men and women should feel comfortable in requesting and even demanding respect from superiors, colleagues, and the adults around them. If the opposite occurs, they should be able to report abusive behavior and expect change/improvement. Every organization should have policies, oversight and independent investigative offices in place to ensure individuals have a place to air grievances and look for redress against bullying, harassment and sexual abuse. Individuals from the lowest level in an organization to the highest levels of leadership should know that workers/members should never have to submit to inappropriate, abusive, cruel and bullying behavior. If no one in authority listens or takes action, then the press will eagerly take up the responsibility where unethical leaders have failed their people and the organization. These situations should never progress to the point where outside forces care and do more for the people of an organization than its leaders.

Have a great semester!

 

Valarie R. Austin is the author of The Student’s Comprehensive Guide for College & Other Life Lessons. She has a wealth of knowledge on the subjects of career and college preparation. She also conducts career and college readiness workshops for high school students and parents. Check out her author’s pages on https://www.linkedin/in/valarie-r-austin, https://www.goodreads.com/valarie_r_austin and https://www.amazon.com/author/valarie_r_austin. A Youtube.com review of her book can found at https://youtu.be/xy_GSHlJsa0. This article was edited by Raffie Johnson. Copyright 2022, Vauboix Publishing LLC. Like, comment and/or share this article! (Article 4 of 5, fall 2022)

Privacy: Your Life Should Not Be an Open Book

By Valarie R. Austin, October 4th, 2022, 10:30 AM EDT

(Published Previously on LinkedIn)

Businesses, educational institutions and work places are replacing face-to-face interactions and telephone calls that are considered archaic and time-consuming with texts, emails, online video conferencing and web portals. As more business exchanges and communication are digitized, it makes privacy information more susceptible to compromise and data breaches. Sensitive information such as driver’s license, bank account, medical records, insurance account, Federal Student Aid ID, social security and credit card numbers are uniquely linked to individuals’ identities. Sensitive personal data should be protected similarly to the safeguarding of computer usernames and passwords. IDStrong.com reported over 1.4 million people are victims of identity theft each year and it is common among college students. Navy Federal Credit Union defines identity theft as an individual using another person’s information to obtain medical care, get a job, open credit card accounts, or receive Internal Revenue Service (IRS) refunds. Identity theft can wreak havoc on a person’s life. In this increasingly digital age, young adults, especially college students, should be concerned about data privacy and safeguarding their personal information.

College students are susceptible to identity theft because school and company entities often request sensitive information to establish the young adults’ eligibility for loans, credit cards, financial aid, medical insurance, etc. DataProt.net documented well-known data breaches by companies such as Yahoo!, Equifax, Facebook and Marriot Hotels. Unlike company data breaches, young people willingly give out sensitive information through “intake forms” that request social security numbers, addresses, telephone numbers and other identifying information. Some companies request individuals return intake forms via email, which is not secure. The return recipients may be anonymous, unreliable and dishonest people on the distribution list. EntCredit Union lists online scams that prey on college students. They are scholarship/financial aid, credit card, unpaid tuition, fake job offers, public Wi-FI and textbook scams. Young adults should ask institutions why they need their sensitive information and how it will be used. Money Care, LLC suggests asking the company/entity 1) to use an assigned number for identification instead of using a social security and 2) what protocols are in place to protect sensitive personal information. Or, the young adult should choose to leave sensitive data such as a social security number blank on the form.

Young adults use social media, apps, and various platforms that offer digital commerce, communication and connection with others. StudentPrivacyCompass.org reported a 2018 Pew Research Center survey found that young adult Americans, aged 18 to 24 years old, use social media platforms, specifically, YouTube (94%), Facebook (80%), Snapchat (78%), Instagram (71%), and Twitter (45%). Social media allows people to connect but the danger arises when it pinpoints an individual’s location, daily itinerary, telephone number, photos, or other tracking data. For example, in September 2022, a gunman robbed and murdered Rapper PnB also known as Rakim Hasheem Allen at a Los Angeles restaurant. In real-time, the gunman used Allen’s exact location, which was tagged in an online social media post, to stalk him according to NewsWeek.com. Young adults must be careful in the personal information they post on social media. Such information permits tracking and possible identity theft by individuals who monitor social media websites.

Although uninhibited social media posts may pose a threat, acquaintances can also use friendly exchanges to steal from unsuspecting targets. College students interact with roommates, new friends, study partners and classmates who may obtain unmonitored access to dorm rooms, apartments and other living quarters. In my book, “The Student’s Comprehensive Guide for College & Other Life Lessons,” I urge young adults to have frank conversations with their roommates to safeguard against friends or strangers gaining unauthorized entry to their shared dorm room. Credit card statements, bank statements, pre-approved credit card offers, tax documents, social security numbers, etc. should not be left open for others to see and/or steal. They should be stored away in a secured lock box or shredded. Unsecured laptops and phones without password protection are typically valuable repositories for sensitive data. Personal information is a gift that keeps giving as a thief opens accounts and makes purchases that can destroy a person’s credit/reputation. Unsecured mailboxes on campuses may also be targets for theft of personal information. Students should drop off mail for delivery at the post office instead of a campus mail room. They might also consider paying for a post-office box for mail pick-up or sending sensitive mail to a parent’s address.

Below are practical ways to protect sensitive personal information:

1. Check your credit history through AnnualCreditReport.com. The website states federal law requires Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion, the three nationwide consumer credit reporting companies, to provide a free credit report every 12 months.
2. Report identity theft to the Federal Trade Commission and the police. Submit a request for a fraud alert or credit freeze of your credit report through one of the three credit report companies. In its pamphlet, the Social Security Administration recommends that individuals should contact them if they suspect someone else is using their social security number for work purposes. Contact companies that may have your social security number due to fraud in order to submit a dispute. If a tax return has been fraudulently filed on your behalf, you should contact the IRS according to its website.
3. Institute two-factor authentication and strong passwords on financial accounts. Protect bank account numbers, credit/debit cards, pins, usernames and passwords. Check your credit, debit and bank statements for unexplained/suspicious transactions to notify banks in a timely manner of fraudulent activity. Institute transaction alerts for large or unusual purchases/withdrawals on accounts. Be cautious in using peer-to-peer payment services such as Zelle due to incidents of fraud and scams according to an NBC4i.com article.
4. Only connect with known individuals on social media, control privacy settings and limit private information such as full name and address.
5. Use strong passwords on social media accounts, laptops and personal telephones.
6. Download apps from legitimate websites because some free apps may contain malware to capture sensitive data. Be careful in authorizing apps’ permissions to access phone contacts, location, etc.
7. Do not give out personal/sensitive information to companies or entities that contact you over the phone or in text. Do not click on links in emails and texts. If necessary, contact the company on a valid website or well-known telephone number associated with the company/entity. Shop online wisely by making sure websites are correct and use proper encryption i.e., https// instead of http://.


College should be a great time to be independent. You will have the opportunity to buy things that you want within reason; interact with new and interesting people; and conduct business as an adult. The threat of identity theft, however, needs to loom large in the back of your mind.  Critical thinking and skepticism are skills that you need to learn in order to protect yourself. If there is a question about giving out your personal information, do not bow to pressure. Stop, take a breath and if necessary contact a trusted adult in your life to verify if the action of giving out your personal information is appropriate. Being forewarned is to be forearmed.

Have a great semester!

Valarie R. Austin is the author of The Student’s Comprehensive Guide for College & Other Life Lessons. She has a wealth of knowledge on the subjects of career and college preparation. She also conducts career and college readiness workshops for high school students and parents. Check out her author’s pages on https://www.linkedin/in/valarie-r-austin, https://www.goodreads.com/valarie_r_austin and https://www.amazon.com/author/valarie_r_austin. A Youtube.com review of her book can found at https://youtu.be/xy_GSHlJsa0. This article was edited by Raffie Johnson. Copyright 2022, Vauboix Publishing LLC. Like, comment and/or share this article! (Article 3 of 5, fall 2022)

 

Electronic Devices: Smart Phone, Tablets, Laptops and Desktops in College

By Valarie R. Austin, September 20, 2022, 3:30 PM EDT

(Previously Published on Linkedin)

Today, college students have access to an abundance of information at their fingertips due to the internet and electronic devices. Personal electronic device ownership is expected to increase with the need for information; interaction on social media; and desire to work on a project at home, the coffee shop, or other locations. The COVID-19 pandemic also demonstrated that students’ access to computers and broadband internet was essential for distance learning. The U.S. Census Bureau published data that 92% of all households in 2018 “had at least one type of computer and 85% had a broadband internet subscription.” The same report highlighted that smart phone ownership had reached 84% of households. Although computers are available in college/university labs and libraries, many students want to own their personal electronic device for convenience. For potential college students who have never owned a computer, three factors should guide the purchase – budget, hardware and software.

Budget:

College students should establish a budget and a list of must-have features for computer purchases. They should consider buying an electronic device that will last through four to five years of college. With the various brands of tablets, laptops, desktops, Chromebooks, Apple Macs, etc., the price of electronic devices has reduced considerably. The best way to purchase a computer is to compare features among brands and models. Look at a few on-line retailer websites and go into an electronics store to educate yourself about baseline computer features and prices. During your purchase on-line, in a retail box store, or on campus, do not be susceptible to every gratuitous feature you do not need. As a minimum, you must ensure your computer can perform coursework functions such as reading emails, performing internet research, conducting video conferencing, uploading class-related computer programs/software, writing papers, taking online exams/quizzes and creating slide presentations. Other factors to consider when purchasing a computer are its portability, screen size, webcam capability, battery life and ease of typing with the computer’s keyboard or attaching a wired/wireless external keyboard. I recommend you check with your college’s website or Information Technology (IT) Department for recommendations about particular computer system configurations and required software. Also verify if your school offers computer repair support for students. Most manufacturers provide a one-year warranty for parts and labor. You should understand the coverage and select an electronic device that will make your college experience easier. This is why the first step is to establish a budget for your computer purchase.

Hardware:

Processing speed, RAM, and hard drive size are important to your computer’s efficiency. First, processing speed is measured in gigahertz (GHz). It dictates the speed that your computer runs programs and completes tasks. An analogy is a car traveling at 100 miles per hour will travel from point A to point B faster than a car traveling at 30 miles per hour over the same distance. On a chip within the computer, the processor is faster when the GHz is a higher number, i.e., a 2.4 GHz processor is faster than a 1.4 GHz processor. An average person can function well with the lower processing speed that is associated with a low-cost personal computer according to a 2021 Lifewire.com article. In contrast, gamers typically purchase computers with fast processing speeds of at least 3.5 GHz for CPU-intensive gaming. Software applications such as Windows 10/11 will specifically state the minimum necessary processing speed to run the programs. Your anticipated tasks/requirements should determine the appropriate amount of processing speed for your computer purchase.

Now, I’ll address computer RAM, which stands for Random Access Memory. RAM is measured in gigabytes (GB) and stored within your computer. It is the memory needed to access, run multiple programs and store data quickly. Your computer stores and retrieves information faster if you have higher amounts of RAM such as 8 GB versus 4 GB. RAM is similar to a librarian who brings out several, heavy reserved books and returns them to the library’s shelves after use. A slower librarian will take twice as long as an energetic librarian. Average users can work effectively on computers with 8 GB of RAM. In contrast, many gamers purchase computers with 16 GB or more of RAM for creating content, streaming, video editing, or better gaming performance with higher resolution video graphics according to a WePC.com article. Remember, your RAM needs will depend on the specific tasks for your computer, especially if you run multiple, demanding programs at one time.

Finally, the hard drive (HD) stores huge amounts of data within your computer. Similar to the RAM, your hard drive’s storage is measured in gigabytes (GB). With more GB on your HD, you can store more files and information. You can store movies, music, documents, pictures and all sorts of media. Very high resolution 1080p videos and movies often require as much as 14GB of HD space. In the past, some computers only had HDs of 40 GB to 80 GB. Now, laptops have the storage capacity of 256 GB, 512 GB or more. Unless you plan on storing huge amounts of data on your HD, 256 GB should be more than enough for your needs during and after college. In addition, some computer users buy an external HD, which hooks to the computer via a USB-C or Thunderbolt connection. External HDs can increase your data storage with as much as 1 terabyte (TB) of capacity or more. External HDs are great for freeing up space on your computer or backing up data. Since on-line cloud storage through various sites is also available, external HDs are nice-to-haves but not essential.

Software:

Most laptops function with an operating system (OS) such as Windows 10/11 or a macOS version. Layered on the operating system are the software applications that individuals use to complete tasks. Many computer brands do not come with pre-installed software, namely the Microsoft Office Suite of Word, PowerPoint and Excel; Adobe Acrobat to read, edit and/or create .pdfs; and other software applications. Verify the software and license(s) that will come pre-installed on your computer with purchase. Check with your school’s IT Department for available software to student and faculty. Your college/university may offer free or discounted software applications and products. Some manufacturers also may sell annual subscriptions or one-time purchases of proprietary software applications at student discounted rates. There are also free on-line software alternatives such as Microsoft Office online and LibreOffice. It is recommended to research your college coursework needs and a computer brand/model’s pre-installed software before you take the plunge to purchase software applications/programs.

Many students understand that a computer is necessary to their success in college/university. The coursework determines the required features for that electronic device. There are several brands and models that students can compare to find the best computer to purchase. Budget, hardware and software should be the criteria for any computer purchase. Your academic activities should not be hindered by an outrageously expensive computer that is not meeting your needs. Educate yourself about your options and find the computer that you will enjoy during and after your college years.

Have a great semester!

 

Valarie R. Austin is the author of The Student’s Comprehensive Guide for College & Other Life Lessons. She has a wealth of knowledge on the subjects of career and college preparation. She also conducts career and college readiness workshops for high school students and parents. Check out her author’s pages on https://www.linkedin/in/valarie-r-austin, https://www.goodreads.com/valarie_r_austin and https://www.amazon.com/author/valarie_r_austin. A Youtube.com review of her book can found at https://youtu.be/xy_GSHlJsa0. This article was edited by Raffie Johnson. Copyright 2022, Vauboix Publishing LLC. Like, comment and/or share this article! (Article 2 of 5, fall 2022)

Homelessness: Humanizing Housing Insecurity on College Campuses

By Valarie R. Austin, September 13, 2022, 11:30 AM EDT

(Previously Published on LinkedIn)

To attend college, students incur major expenses such as tuition and fees, meal plans, books and supplies, transportation and housing. Housing is a significant cost but a necessary commodity for college attendance. During the nine-month academic school year, students often live in college dorms. A Debt.org article stated the average cost of room and board with a meal plan for the fall and spring semesters at public colleges and universities was about $8,887. At private colleges or universities, it was $10,089. Many college students choose to live alone or share costs with roommates in off-campus apartments. They often sign a lease for 12 months. The average cost minus utilities is about $1,173 per month for a two-bedroom apartment according to the same article. This average cost depends on the off-campus apartment’s location – state, city and/or neighborhood. Some college students choose to live at home and commute to campus in order to defray housing costs. Another category of college students does not have access to stable and affordable housing. They are homeless or housing-insecure.

The number of housing-insecure students is growing as college/universities attendance costs increase, financial aid amounts diminish, affordable housing inventories shrink, inflation rises, wages remain stagnant, and young adults financially support themselves due to varying circumstances. Al Jazeera’s The Stream program titled “Why are so many US college students homeless?” highlighted the many struggles that housing-insecure college students face. It identified the National Runaway Safeline at 1-800-Runaway Hotline or 1800Runaway.org as a resource to connect students to housing in the U.S. Unfortunately, countless community members and politicians ignore homelessness. Some college staffs, academic advisors and professors are unaware or do not ask about college students’ living accommodations. There is failure at many levels to address the circumstances facing homeless students.

Homelessness for college students across the nation is a complex problem that does not have a one-size fits all solution. The 2021 National Center for Homeless Education identified types of primary nighttime residence for housing-insecure students as:

o  Doubled-up, which is sharing with others
o  Shelters and transitional housing
o  Hotels/motels
o  Unsheltered, which means students may live in cars, parks, abandoned building and/or substandard housing.


Inappropriately, there is a negative perception about homelessness.  Some community leaders and members stigmatize homeless individuals as drug addicts, alcoholics, mentally unstable, lazy, etc. The reality is that homelessness is a circumstance instead of a personal failing. Students who graduate from college often enjoy higher wages, increased financial health, more job opportunities and better job stability than those who only earn a high school diploma. Homelessness, however, impacts a student’s ability to study, concentrate in class and even graduate from college. BestColleges.com detailed 2019 statistics that three in five college students experienced homelessness during the previous year. This statistic translated to “18% of two-year college students and 14% of four-year students reported experiencing homelessness.” The BestColleges.com article also reported some student groups such as former foster care youth; LGBTQ+ youth; and those by race/ethnicity may be more vulnerable to homelessness. Housing-insecure college students deal with no place to sleep at night, unsafe environments, potential theft, violence, poor nutritional health, depression and stress.

Since housing is necessary for well-being and stability, housing-insecure young adults who want to attend college should estimate housing costs and determine practical steps for acquiring housing while in college. Below are a few recommendations:

1.  Select a college/university by comparing the cost of living at home versus on and off-campus housing as one criterion in your decision-making process. Also consider if the college/university offers any financial aid for housing. College websites or other online tools such as the S. Department of Education’s Net Price Calculator Center provide estimates on the net price to attend college and potential financial aid.
2.  Fill out the federal government’s Free Application for Student Aid (FAFSA) form, starting on October 1st of high school senior year and every year while attending college or technical school to determine eligibility for financial aid in the form of scholarships, grants and work-study. According to WithFrank.org, students can self-identify as homeless or self-supporting on the FAFSA. Seek help completing the FAFSA from your high school guidance counselor.
3.  Apply for state and college scholarships and grants, which may have differing application deadlines than the FAFSA, to pay for housing. The federal government’s American Rescue Plan Act specifically included $800 million for the purposes of identifying students experiencing homelessness according to the 2021 National Center for Homeless Education These funds were allocated to state and local educational agencies.
4.  Inform each college’s financial aid office of your housing-insecure status and request information about year-round housing, food pantries, possible tuition waivers, free housing as a resident assistant in a dorm, part-time employment, community-based services, rental assistance, emergency assistance for an eviction and available safe parking lots/shower facilities/bathrooms/lockers for those living in their cars, etc. The Timely MD website offers strategies for higher education leaders to help homeless students and increase awareness through outreach.
5.  Contact the state’s Department of Housing, Housing Authority, or equivalent for rent assistance and/or supportive housing as well as state social services to find out eligibility and state residency requirements for food stamps and Medicaid. The Center for Online Education website also provides several state and federal resources for homeless students.
6.  Ask for help from friends, family, local-community based organizations such as churches/synagogues/mosques to identify housing options.
7.  Work before/during college to obtain funds to pay for housing costs.
8.  Purchase a bike, scooter, or electric bike, if possible, to expand the pool of potentially cheaper available housing due to greater commuting distances from campus. These modes of transportation do not require a driver’s license or insurance, which saves money. Some campuses’ Departments of Transportation may offer registration for bike/scooter anti-theft/recovery, free helmets, locks and safety gear. Additionally, apply for free or discounted ticket programs that are available for students to use public transportation.
9.  Educate yourself about military service, military tuition assistance and housing subsistence. Determine if the military is a viable path as an officer (through ROTC or the Service Academies) or enlisted service member as well as the appropriate branch of service namely U.S. Army, Air Force, Navy, Coast Guard or Marines.


Stable and affordable housing can mean the difference between graduating from college and not graduating for students. With homelessness, there should not be shame or embarrassment. Homelessness is not a moral failure. It is a circumstance that can be improved with support from college leadership, community leaders, non-profit organizations and government. Since colleges typically do not keep records, they may be unaware of the extent of the homelessness problem for their students. Housing-insecure students should ask for help from campus resources to obtain housing information, academic help, social support and financial assistance. Contact the college’s financial aid office to begin the process to help improve your situation. The outcome is worth the effort.

Have a great semester!

 

Valarie R. Austin is the author of The Student’s Comprehensive Guide for College & Other Life Lessons. She has a wealth of knowledge on the subjects of career and college preparation. She also conducts career and college readiness workshops for high school students and parents. Check out her author’s pages on https://www.linkedin/in/valarie-r-austin, https://www.goodreads.com/valarie_r_austin and https://www.amazon.com/author/valarie_r_austin. A Youtube.com review of her book can found at https://youtu.be/xy_GSHlJsa0. This article was edited by Raffie Johnson. Copyright 2022, Vauboix Publishing LLC. Like, comment and/or share this article! (Article 1 of 5, fall 2022)

Power may corrupt: Voting leads to Accountability

By Valarie R. Austin, July 3, 2022, 10:45 PM EDT

(Previously Published on LinkedIn)

As a career author, I encourage voting age young adults to get involved in our political system. I promote developing problem-solving and critical thinking skills to make decisions based on facts and evidence. Since this is a mid-term election year, problem solving and critical thinking should be the foundation by which informed citizens vote on issues and candidates. I stated in my book, The Student’s Comprehensive Guide for College & Other Life Lessons, “An informed, questioning public is dangerous to demagogues and politicians." Voting is not just a Democrat or Republican action. It should involve measures taken by the American public to elect bipartisan politicians who will fight to ensure our Republic works for all. In the last few years, however, extreme factions have taken over our three branches of government. For example, in June, the U.S. Supreme Court as an institution exercised its power and deliberately stripped away fundamental liberties tied to a women's control of her reproductive rights. The Supreme Court had previously granted these rights through legal precedence based on a myriad of past Court decisions such as Roe v Wade. In a recent Democracy Now! interview, David Cole, American Civil Liberties Union, repudiated the current Court's decision to reverse Roe v. Wade and its reliance on "originalism" in interpreting the U.S. Constitution. Since the Constitution did not “originally” stipulate abortion as a right for women, the conservative-majority Court overturned Roe v. Wade, weakening the private bond between a woman and her medical provider. The Court pushed the decision of women’s access to abortions down to state politicians and legislatures, creating chaos and confusion. The resulting legal patchwork leaves fewer options for some women over others, depending on the state. Despite the polarization of political parties about safe access to abortions, a June 2022 PewResearch.org article stated, "The rate of abortions among women has been declining in the U.S. since 1981." In this mid-term election cycle, Americans must mobilize and vote to ensure that our democratic principles are protected and accessible to all.

Every voter must hold elected officials accountable for providing social safety nets to women who do not have the means to bear more children or whose health, mental well-being and lives are in jeopardy. Unlike the violent insurrectionists on January 6, 2021, American citizens must use voting; civil disobedience; running for office; protesting; and/or, writing/calling politicians’ offices at the state, local and federal level to redirect the course of our democracy. In a MSNBC interview, Matt Dowd raised the alarm about the current dangers to our democracy. He highlighted a recent vote by the Texan Republican Party to remove women’s access to abortion, restrict LGBTQI individual rights and reject the 2020 Presidential results. With abortion decisions about women’s bodies directed to the states to determine, all voters must become informed on their state's policies and laws that impact:

o Infant mortality rates
o Maternal mortality rates
o Poverty rates
o The annual number of abortions in their state
o Child Support Collection System
o Health coverage, including uninsured rates, mental health funding, access to care and women's health disparities

The answers will let voters know whether decisions of Legislators are based upon their own personal biases and agendas or following the will of the state's citizens about policies and laws.


In a June 13, 2022 televised event, Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders debated South Carolina Senator Lindsey Graham about the methods to create a strong, supportive America that protects its most vulnerable. The Fox Nation Entertainment Streaming Service, Edward M. Kennedy Institute, Bipartisan Policy Center and Orrin G. Hatch Foundation sponsored the show. Video excerpts are below:

a.  "What the political establishment won't tell you," Bernie Sanders, Jun 15, 2022
b. "My message to Fox News viewers," Bernie Sanders, Jun 14, 2022

Senator Sanders brought up great points, which deserve political action. America has the money but needs to force our state and federal governments to fairly tax corporations and wealthy individuals. For the necessary reforms, voters must demand politicians support:

o A Livable Wage through raising the Federal Minimum Wage
o Universal Health Care
o Paid Parental Leave
o Child Tax Credits
o Overhauling the Child Support Collection System
o Free School Lunch
o Affordable Housing
o Quality Public School Education regardless of zip code
o Reforming the Criminal Justice System

These programs will cost money and require raising taxes. America has a moral obligation to protect and support marginalized groups to ensure that our Republic reaches its full potential. For instance, a January 2022 U.S. Census Bureau report estimated 37.2 million people lived in poverty in 2020, which was approximately 3.3 million more than in 2019. America is supposed to be the greatest democratic republic and one of the wealthiest countries in the world. That cannot be true if it only caters to the wealthy and the powerful. To facilitate new ideas for America's problems and break the political stalemate, voters must insist on term limits in the U.S. Congress and Senate. Additionally, citizens should limit campaign contributions to only political action committees, candidates and parties who fight for all of us as a nation by implementing solutions to America’s problems. Well-intentioned politicians and citizens cannot stand idly by and hope for change but must consider every resource to address the crisis within our Republic.

Unfortunately, the majority’s grievance has become mixed with religious organizations that support numerous politicians who cloak self-interest and insurrectionist values in patriotism while attacking our democracy. They lie to their constituents, block reform legislation, and take our political institutions for granted. In a MSNBC interview on "Morning Joe," Senior Pastor Andy Stanley, North Point Ministries, raised the alarm on the spread of fanatical faith into our political discourse. In a similar warning, Reverend Dr. William Barber II, President, Repairers of the Breach, described the current state of our democracy due to corrupt, power-hungry politicians and the religious messengers who support them. In a 2018 sermon, he dissected the Bible’s passage of Ezekiel 22:27-29, which states  

"Your politicians are like wolves prowling and killing and rapaciously taking whatever they want. Your preachers cover up for the politicians by pretending to have received visions and special revelations. They say, 'This is what God, the Master, says . . .' when God hasn't said so much as one word."

His call to action starts at 20:19 below:

Rev. William Barber Delivers Masterful History Lesson, Declares 'It's Movement Time Again

With this year’s mid-term elections, I encourage all voting age young adults to research the issues and candidates. Every single vote counts; so, unite and vote to let your voices be heard. It is also vital to hold elected politicians accountable. Additionally, use all of the democratic tools of civil disobedience, protesting, and contacting your elected officials to bring America back on course as a strong, vibrant Democratic Republic, which protects and supports its most vulnerable.

Have a great summer!

Valarie R. Austin is the author of The Student’s Comprehensive Guide for College & Other Life Lessons. She has a wealth of knowledge on the subjects of career and college preparation. She also conducts career and college readiness workshops for high school students and parents. Check out her author’s pages on https://www.linkedin/in/valarie-r-austin, https://www.goodreads.com/valarie_r_austin and https://www.amazon.com/author/valarie_r_austin. A Youtube.com review of her book can found at https://youtu.be/xy_GSHlJsa0. This article was edited by Raffie Johnson. Copyright 2022, Vauboix Publishing LLC. Like, comment and/or share this article! (Summer 2022)

Behavior Risky to Post-secondary School Success

By Valarie R. Austin, November 23rd, 2021, 11:30 AM EDT

(Previously Published on LinkedIn)

Parents/guardians should consider having a serious conversation with their college bound young adult about excessive drinking and its risk to post-secondary school success. Drinking alcohol is ingrained in American society as a rite of passage to becoming an adult. The beer and liquor marketing industry depicts drinking as cool, fun, and attractive to the opposite sex. Sports and entertainment figures are featured in flashy and exciting commercial advertisements for alcohol.  These campaigns lure young adults into buying and drinking alcohol to mimic their celebrity role models or some illusionary lifestyle. The constant bombardment minimizes the drawbacks of irresponsible drinking that can impact mental and physical health. Unfortunately, some parents forego conversations about alcohol use. They may fear the conversation will spark an interest in drinking. Or, parents conclude the conversation is unnecessary because they see no evidence that their young adult is drinking. This naivety and lack of discussion may have grave consequences. A 2019 national survey claimed that by 12th grade, 59% of students had tried alcohol and 41% had become drunk at least once according to a Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) fact sheet (https://bit.ly/SAMHSA_highschool_alcohol_usage). Without the intervention of parents/guardians and college officials, college students, especially freshmen, may not realize the risk that drinking irresponsibly poses.

When they enter college, most students are not 21 years old, which is the minimum drinking age in the United States. Alcohol.org lists minimum drinking age exemptions that vary by state for educational purposes, lawful employment, religious services and other exceptions (https://www.alcohol.org/laws/underage-drinking/). In contrast, sporting events, parties, social gatherings, Greek pledging, participation on athletic teams and other seemingly innocuous activities on campus can often lead to unsanctioned underage drinking. Many underage college students typically disregard legal age restrictions and drink alcohol due to peer pressure or a desire to fit in. The AddictionCenter.com also cites stress, depression and loneliness as other reasons for college students’ developing drinking habits (https://bit.ly/College_Binge_Drinking). Alcohol affects each individual differently. College students can be susceptible to occasional drinking that may become a habitual behavior of excessive drinking.

The SAMHSA fact sheet highlighted that the 2019 survey showed 17% of full-time college students who drank over the previous month identified as binge drinkers. Binge drinking is excessive drinking over a short period that increases an individual’s blood alcohol content (BAC) to .08% or above. A BAC of .08% is the federal limit to be legally drunk in the United States. A person’s binge drinking can lead to impaired judgment, reckless behavior, blackouts and health issues. A University of Nevada, Reno infographic also noted that binge drinkers  are more likely to be victims of assault, date rape, unsafe sex, violent crimes, DUI’s, car crashes, suicide, alcohol-related injuries/death, etc. (https://bit.ly/College_bingedrinking_threats). With excessive drinking and hangovers, college students may suffer from school penalties for underage drinking or poor academic performance due to missing classes and earning poor grades on coursework and exams. College students must be mindful of the pitfalls of excessive drinking and act accordingly.

College students have a choice to drink or not to drink. Every school night or weekend should not be a drinking contest to get wasted. Parents and college administrators must lead the conversation with young adults about the negative consequences of underage and binge drinking at college. Frequent discussion is the key to changing college students’ views that such behavior is acceptable and normal.  Colleges have a responsibility to actively identify students’ at risk behavior and address excessive/underage drinking as a student body issue. They should offer counseling; intervention; peer-to-peer discussions; and active alcohol awareness/prevention programs to reduce the culture of excessive drinking as a way of college life. Each student has potential to thrive and succeed at college. Binge drinking and underage drinking are detrimental activities that have the potential to derail a student’s journey to graduation. Alcohol creates short-term, illusionary fun that can quickly turn into a mental and physical nightmare. At college, think twice before taking that first alcoholic drink as an underage drinker because the consequences are not worth the effort.

Have a great semester! 

Valarie R. Austin is the author of The Student’s Comprehensive Guide for College & Other Life Lessons. She has a wealth of knowledge on the subjects of career and college preparation. She also conducts career and college readiness workshops for high school students and parents. Check out her author’s pages on https://www.linkedin/in/valarie-r-austin, https://www.goodreads.com/valarie_r_austin and https://www.amazon.com/author/valarie_r_austin. A Youtube.com review of her book can found at https://youtu.be/xy_GSHlJsa0. This article was edited by Raffie Johnson. Copyright 2021, Vauboix Publishing LLC. Like, comment and/or share this article! (Article 5 of 5, fall 2021)

The Student's Comprehensive Guide For College & Other Life Lessons
La Guía Comprensiva del Estudiante para la Universidad & Otras Lecciones de Vida

Students with Learning Disabilities and Post-secondary School

By Valarie R. Austin, November 9th, 2021, 9:00 AM EDT

(Previously Published on LinkedIn)

As students transition from high school to post-secondary school, it can be exciting because of the new situations, friends and adventures that they will encounter as young adults. The transition can also present issues or problems that may create emotional and/or physical stress. Students with learning disabilities (SLD) navigate this unfamiliar post-secondary environment with additional challenges that require “speaking up” for assistance. In October 2020, BestColleges.com reported, 94% of high school SLD received some form of assistance. In contrast, only 17% of college SLD took advantage of learning assistance resources at their school (https://bit.ly/SupportforSLD). Additional data from Learnhowtobecome.org stated approximately 60% of high school SLD enrolled in college while only 41% completed their degrees (https://bit.ly/CampusSpt_SLD). These SLD statistics are alarming because graduation from post-secondary school is often necessary to achieve financial security, upward mobility and employment in today’s economy. Persons with disabilities and those with no disability who had attained higher levels of education were more likely to be employed than those who had attained less education according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (https://bit.ly/BLS_SLD_employment).

Post-secondary schools do not have special education programs or follow The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act rules that mandate special education curriculum in secondary school. According to AccreditedSchoolsOnline.org, higher education institutions are only required to provide equal access for SLD. They must also follow regulations defined in the federal American Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990 and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (https://bit.ly/AccreditedSchoolsOnline). This means that schools of higher education have to supply academic accommodations for students who have a learning disability. An Understood.org article listed 13 categories of learning disabilities as:

1. Specific Learning Disability
2. Other health impairment
3. Autism Spectrum Disorder
4. Emotional Disturbance
5. Speech or language impairment
6. Deafness
7. Hearing impairment
8. Deaf-blindness
9. Orthopedic impairment
10. Intellectual disability
11. Traumatic brain injury
12. Visual Impairment including blindness
13. Multiple disabilities


These chronic learning disabilities typically inhibit an individual’s ability to “read, write, listen, speak, reason, or do math” (https://bit.ly/IDEA_SLDcategories). The Understood.org article also referenced specific accommodations that are available to SLD. They include audio recordings of lectures, extra time to take exams, a note-taker for class lectures and a distraction-reduced room to take exams. These types of accommodations provide additional support for students to achieve success in the academic environment.

Due to privacy issues, students without parental intervention must voluntarily initiate a request for learning disability accommodations at their post-secondary school. Parents should prepare students to be their own advocates. Before high school graduation, parents and SLD should discuss their specific needs for accommodations and make a plan to address those needs with the counselors at their college, university, or technical school. Since SLD services may vary from school to school, they should also investigate schools of interest’s websites, ask the admissions office, and/or contact the Disability Services Office (DSO) about accommodations that are available. All schools of higher education must have a DSO or equivalent. Therefore, the research should highlight the schools’ required SLD documentation submissions, any additional necessary evaluations, the approval process and the grievance procedure for accommodations that do not work. When accepted to their college of choice, SLD should articulate their academic accommodation needs and register with the DSO at the start of classes. The school’s DSO or ADA coordinator will assess the request. If approved, the DSO will write a letter that details the student with learning disabilities’ academic accommodations. As soon as possible, the student should give the accommodation letter to his/her instructors. Protecting the student’s privacy about the learning disability is paramount. Therefore, the letter will not identify the learning disabilities but explain instructors’ required actions to promote the student’s academic success in the classroom.

Before high school graduation, SLD with their parents should prepare for the new environment by taking actions such as

o training on computers/laptops, digital recorders, or other personal digital devices;
o identifying social clubs, disability resource centers, or support groups for SLD on and off-campus;
o researching funding sources dedicated to SLD’s post-secondary attendance;
o enrolling in summer non-credit college classes while in high school to mimic the higher education environment and socialization requirements; and,
o researching SLD rights and responsibilities while attending post-secondary school.


Several organizations offer valuable information for SLD. They are the Office for Civil Rights-U.S. Department of Education, the National Center for College Students with Disabilities and National Center for Learning Disabilities. They discuss SLD challenges and offer practical actions for post-secondary school success on their websites.

Post-secondary education is a major milestone in a high school graduate’s journey to adulthood. SLD may not graduate from post-secondary school when they do not obtain needed academic support because their learning disability does not disappear with a change in environment. It is important for SLD to have parents and high school counselors reinforce often the academic accommodations that are their right to use. Working with the school’s DSO, SLD can successfully attend and obtain their degree from a higher education institution. Graduation from a higher education institution increases the potential for financial stability and employment. These are the attributes of an independent adult. It is imperative that students with a learning disability use every approved accommodation to obtain their post-secondary degree.

Have a great semester!

Valarie R. Austin is the author of The Student’s Comprehensive Guide for College & Other Life Lessons. She has a wealth of knowledge on the subjects of career and college preparation. She also conducts career and college readiness workshops for high school students and parents. Check out her author’s pages on https://www.linkedin/in/valarie-r-austin, https://www.goodreads.com/valarie_r_austin and https://www.amazon.com/author/valarie_r_austin. A Youtube.com review of her book can found at https://youtu.be/xy_GSHlJsa0. This article was edited by Raffie Johnson. Copyright 2021, Vauboix Publishing LLC. Like, Comment and/or Share this article! (Article 4 of 5, fall 2021)

The Student's Comprehensive Guide For College & Other Life Lessons
La Guía Comprensiva del Estudiante para la Universidad & Otras Lecciones de Vida

Dual Enrollment – Save Time and Money in Post-secondary School

By Valarie R. Austin, October 5th, 2021, 10:00 AM EDT

(Previously Published on LinkedIn)

Dual or concurrent enrollment programs allow high school students to save time and money while pursuing post-secondary education. High school students pursue their high school diploma while earning credits toward a technical school certification or a college degree such as associate’s degree. Dual enrollment classes count for both high school and college credit. Dual enrollment credits can significantly reduce the amount of time that high school graduates attend post-secondary school. Today, post-secondary education is necessary for higher wages and advancement in any career field. For example, to get a blue-collar job such as a plumber or mechanic, a high school graduate must attain industry-recognized training at a technical school to become qualified. In addition, white-collar careers such as accountant and lawyer require college degrees. Dual enrollment programs help parents and students to save money on tuition, books, and other college expenses. Parents do not have to pay for on-campus housing or meal plans. Dual enrollment participants are eligible for discounts on the cost of books, which may be free, and course credit hours at many technical schools or community colleges.  Some high school districts or states may provide financial assistance. The dual enrollment cost savings can add up quickly, which can save students time and money.  

The dual enrollment program is one avenue for high school students to earn technical school certifications or college credits in fulfillment of career goals. High school students must coordinate with their guidance counselor to verify their eligibility for the program. Each program’s requirements can vary by state. For instance, some high schools allow students as early as the tenth grade to participate in dual enrollment. Students must obtain written permission from their parent(s) to participate. The actual college classes can take place at the high school, online, or on the local college campus. The National Center for Education Statistics reported that “one-third of high school students took courses for post-secondary credit in 2019” (https://www.bestcolleges.com/blog/pros-cons-dual-enrollment-high-school/). Dual enrollment students must pass their college courses with at least a grade of “C.” In some cases, however, high school policies may require students to maintain a 3.0 or better average in their high school and college courses. These policies are designed to protect the high school students’ future college grade point average because dual enrollment grades will be a part of their college academic record.

Dual enrollment classes fulfill introductory or general education courses such as English, Math, Social Sciences and Humanities that all college freshmen must complete. After successful completion, these credits are typically transferable to a four-year public or private college. It is very important that high school students along with their parents research dual enrollment college programs. If they plan to transfer to a different college/university, they must determine if their college of interest accepts dual enrollment credits. Some post-secondary schools, especially out-of-state public and private colleges/universities, may not accept dual enrollment credits or they may accept a limited number. According to mvorganizing.org, most Ivy League colleges and universities do not accept dual enrollment credits. (https://www.mvorganizing.org/what-are-the-cons-of-dual-enrollment/). Despite the concern about transferring credits, dual enrollment students should save their course syllabi to showcase the content and academic rigor of their college courses.

High school students who want to participate in dual enrollment programs have to be able to work independently in order to manage their classes. To succeed, they must possess time management skills and good study habits for academic coursework. College classes will be harder and more challenging than typical high school curriculum. Dual enrollment students will learn from college professors and their peers along with upper level college students. Dual enrollment courses follow the semester or quarter schedule of the college. If classes occur on the college campus, the dual enrollment class schedule and transportation time to campus can interfere with high school extracurricular activities. The parent(s) and potential dual enrollment student must investigate and understand the requisites of a dual enrollment program, including:  

o High school eligibility, oversight and graduation requirements
o Local colleges that offer dual enrollment programs, their acceptance standards and application forms/fees
o Offered college courses and credit load requirements
o Class registration and scheduling process
o Course withdrawal/drop policies and deadlines
o Grade requirements to stay in the dual enrollment program
o Tuition, fees, books, and other costs
o Transportation to campus, if necessary, and cost
o Payment methods for courses
o Availability and application requirements for state/college/high school district funding assistance
o And other pertinent information, such as the potential change in the high school graduates’ statuses from college freshmen to sophomores if they accumulate enough credits

While not for every student, dual enrollment programs allow opportunities for the college experience in high school. Colleges offer more course selections on a variety of subjects than high schools. After high school graduation, the accumulated dual enrollment credits can open up options for a student to work and earn money while attending college, participate in internships, or study abroad. In addition, the college-level course rigor highlights the dual enrollment students’ ability to flourish in the college environment. Or, high school students may use dual enrollment to obtain certifications for entry into blue-collar careers. The biggest bonus for dual enrollment participants is saving time and money in pursuing certifications or degrees. Parents should welcome dual enrollment as a way to provide new academic experiences for their young adult but also celebrate the cost-saving. Have a great semester!

 

Valarie R. Austin is the author of The Student’s Comprehensive Guide for College & Other Life Lessons. She has a wealth of knowledge on the subjects of career and college preparation. She also conducts career and college readiness workshops for high school students and parents. Check out her author’s pages on https://www.linkedin/in/valarie-r-austin, https://www.goodreads.com/valarie_r_austin and https://www.amazon.com/author/valarie_r_austin. A Youtube.com review of her book can found at https://youtu.be/xy_GSHlJsa0. This article was edited by Raffie Johnson. Copyright 2021, Vauboix Publishing LLC. (Article 3 of 5, fall 2021)

The Student's Comprehensive Guide For College & Other Life Lessons
La Guía Comprensiva del Estudiante para la Universidad & Otras Lecciones de Vida