7 Places to Go for Help at MPTC

“No man is an island” nor are we marooned on an island. So, why then do we act like we should do everything by ourselves without any help? Why do we act like we are all alone when, in fact, we are not? We are not stranded here in college as individuals with just a volleyball named Wilson to keep us company while we drown under the pressures of college life.

Moraine Park is filled with people and resources to help you get through your academic challenges, career needs, and life as a student. Think of them as your little Arm Floaties that will keep you from sinking. Here’s a list of places I, or my MPTC friends, have gone to when we’ve needed help:

7. Go to the discussion boards

Many of my courses use an online class portal on eCollege to house information about the class. Some instructors set up a specific discussion board where students can post questions. Other students or the instructor can answer your questions by responding to your post.

6. Email the instructor

If you don’t understand the assignment, you can email the instructor for clarification. However, make sure you’re starting the assignment well before it is due. You can’t expect an instructor to email you back at 11:30 at night the day before it’s due.

5. Meet with a counselor

No matter our situations, we’re all juggling things. Students have families, jobs, extracurricular activities, and class work. The counselors at MPTC are here to listen. They will let you vent out your feelings, and you won’t have to worry about unloading all your stress on your friends or family.

4. Get a tutor

Moraine Park offers free student tutors if you need a little extra help with your classes. If you don’t need help and you are, in fact, doing exceptionally well in a class, become a tutor. You can help out your classmates and earn a little extra cash.

3. Visit the career center

If you’re getting ready to look for a job, stop in the career center first. They can look over your resume and cover letter and give you constructive feedback. They can also provide you with job search resources. If you’re nowhere near graduating yet and need some direction, they have information about potential careers. You can even take an aptitude or interest test to find the right career fit.

2. Use additional resources

My instructors have provided links to helpful web pages, recommended books, or suggested video tutorials about topics we’ve discussed in class. On eCollege, links to additional resources can usually be found in the Webliography section.

1. Go to bed

Your brain can only handle so much. Take breaks. Take naps. If you’re stuck on an assignment and it’s 12 a.m., just go to bed. I’ve always been better off going to bed at a decent time and waking up early to work on something difficult. Start your assignments early so you never have to pull an all-nighter.

My First Visit to the Career Center

Last Wednesday I went to the career center and met Mary Pat, the career counselor for Moraine Park’s West Bend campus. She showed me where I can find information about companies in Wisconsin that hire people in the field I’m studying. These companies might not necessarily be hiring at the moment, but it’s a good thing to have a list of potential future employers to contact. There was also information about job outlook and salary.

I took several of the tests available on a computer in the career center. One of them was the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator. Learning what type of person you are helps you understand how you work with people and let’s you know what some of your strengths and weaknesses are. According to the results, I’m insightful, creative and visionary. In a group setting I provide insight for the future and follow through on my commitments.

The other tests I took were an aptitude test and the Strong Interest Inventory. I was able to look at an individualized report of each test. It was really interesting to see the detailed results. It gave me an idea of what fields may interest me the most. One test result showed that I shared many interests with people who are librarians. Maybe one day I’ll use my computer knowledge to set up and maintain an online catalog for a library?

I will definitely go back to the career center, especially before graduating. I think it’s going to be an invaluable resource when it comes time to look for a job.

If you’d like to visit the career center, visit their webpage for more information:

http://www.morainepark.edu/services/student-resources/career-center/ - student-resources-career