Jennifer Baires

This workshop helped me understand better my compatibility with my major/career choice. We explored different sites filled up with great resources and information about our values. The facilitators introduced many factors that make us thrive. Throughout the meeting I felt comfortable and we got to share what were our career values in the chat. We also did a small assessment about our work values and made the connection of our result with our ideal career, whether it aligned or not. Overall, it was a very good workshop.

This workshop event was very helpful on developing different techniques for studying. I enjoyed this meeting and explored different types of methods of studying such as; the cornell notes, mnemonic method, KWL chart, mapping, and the Feynman method. Throughout the meeting we also shared which study techniques work best for us and how to prepare before an exam. We were taught that it is best to study at least a week in advance before an exam and start off with the most difficult topics we struggle with the most. At the end of the meeting the facilitators shared with us some resourceful online tools that can help us improve our studying habits. Overall, it was a great meeting the facilitators/hosts provided a positive environment throughout the whole session. I’m grateful for this, I left this meeting feeling more motivated and productive.

This first scholarship night was very informative filled up with many great resources, information, and tips on how to adequately have proper control financially. Especially when it comes to building credit and how to manage to be financially responsible of payment deadlines of a credit card. We also learned about compound interest and credit reports. I’m glad that thanks to this session I have build up further knowledge about such topics that are very important for our near future or currently in our lives.

I attended the virtual UMD Pre-Transfer Advising Information Session. This event was hosted by three UMD pre-transfer advisors from community college’s like AACC, HCC, including PGCC. During this event I met one of the UMD pre-transfer advisors from PGCC and he provided us with many useful information about transitioning and understanding the transfer process to UMD. He also answered all of our questions in a break out room. The hosts also covered topics such as; how a profile of a competitive transfer student looks like, benefits of completing an associate’s degree, LEP programs, and application deadlines and requirements.

I assisted the “Understanding the Financial Aid Process” WOW workshop event. This workshop provided new updates/changes and information about the financial aid. The event touched base on the difference between the MSFAA and FAFSA. PGCC’s financial aid coordinators also provided information on the requirements and steps needed to apply, how to know if we’re eligible, and different types of aid such as grants, scholarships, etc. We were also informed about the new major change about FAFSA’s new availability date. FAFSA is coming soon in December. At the end of the event the coordinators kindly answered any questions or concerns we had about financial aid.

I assisted the “Organize My Life” WOW workshop event. This event was a virtual session in which was presented by Naya Patterson and Katrina Ositelu. They both provided many tips on how to prioritize the various roles and responsibilities we juggle on the day to day to help us propel to success. The slide presentation that was being presented was about learning how to navigate conflicting demands such as having other priorities outside school besides being a student. This workshop helped me identify my personal stressors and strategies on how to relinquish them. Throughout the meeting we also used the Menti.com platform to share what was on our plate and see what we all had in common.

This session served as a reminder of the requirements we need to complete to maintain our scholarship. The scholarship manager and coordinator touched base on the new change to our service hours, now transitioning from 10 to 15 hours. They also reminded us where we can get our service hours from, either from any PGCC event or our community. We also got a refresh on how to utilize GivePulse to find and record our hours. This event also included reminders and dates for the upcoming mandatory scholarship nights and progress reports.

In this session I learned about multiple scholarship opportunities! I was able to receive more information about SMLP and their requirements. Overall, very great resources for many students who are transitioning into college or transferring to a 4 year institution.

This meeting was great and very informative! I received a lot answers about the transfer process. I appreciate the time that PGCC alumni’s took to share their experience, answer our questions, and giving great advice. I’m very happy with the amount of good information I received about the transfer process. The breakout rooms were very helpful because we received great tips from PGCC alumni. I’m glad I participated. Thanks!

During the “Align Your Education with Your Career Goals” event, we learned how to align our academic path with our career goals. The meeting start it off with a brief introduction to the guests and a quick test about our personal values. Through this test we learned how we can apply our values into our career. The test helped me find out many things about myself, it was pretty fun. They also helped us figure out how compatible we our with our career choice. Overall, the meeting was amazing! I left with many great advice and new information.