Should You Stick Around For The Associate’s Degree?

JCCC’s student body is a diverse group of people with varying goals. Some of us are here to explore new interests, and others already know exactly what they want to study.

For many of us, JCCC is the first step toward earning a bachelor’s degree. That means we eventually face the same question: should we transfer as soon as we can (me my freshman year), or stay long enough to finish an associate’s degree?

If you plan to move on to a four year college or university, it is worth thinking about the pros and cons of completing an associate’s degree first.

The Associate of Arts and Associate of Science are designed around the general education classes that most universities require. You take the core courses you will need anyway, along with electives that fit your major. There are major financial and academic advantages to doing it that way. JCCC is much more affordable than most four-year institutions. It also makes sense for students who like more one-to-one learning experiences. JCCC’s smaller class sizes make it easier to get help when you need it. Earning the degree boosts confidence and gives you a credential in case your plans change or life gets in the way.

Not every degree transfers the same way, though. Associates of Applied Science degrees are more career focused and may not meet some university requirements. That is why meeting with a counselor and going through a transfer guide early is so important. For many students, finishing the associate’s degree first ends up being the smarter and smoother path forward.

– Justin Prowell

Try These Easy Tips For Making Nutritious Food On A Budget

As the New Year kicked off, plenty of college students were setting resolutions to eat better. Now that it’s February, figuring out where to start can feel overwhelming when ramen packets and pizza rolls have been our go-to for years. After talking with students about what they like to eat, I turned to the internet to find quick, affordable meals anyone can make, with NO advanced cooking skills or calls to mom required.

When it comes to cooking, I’m a visual learner. And when it comes to college staples, ramen is hard to beat. Instead of sticking to just the seasoning packet, I found a YouTube video by Harshita’s Kitchen that shows easy ways to upgrade a basic pack without spending more than a couple dollars.

For students who want even more budget-friendly ideas, the recipe site Budget Bytes offers step-by-step, low-cost meals and even breaks down the price per serving. The site focuses on realistic ingredients and simple instructions, which is especially helpful for beginner cooks trying to stretch their grocery money.

If you like having options without feeling overwhelmed, a friend recommended the website Workweek Lunch. The site makes it easy to browse recipes by cooking methods like “one-pot,” “freezer friendly,” “no-reheating,” or “30-minute” meals. You can even sort by protein which makes it easier to plan around what you already have.

– Harper Wainscott

JCCC Offers $10 Teeth Cleanings For Community

JCCC’s Dental Hygienist Clinic is offering teeth cleanings for only $10 to community members, staff, and students.

Provided by supervised dental hygiene students, the cleanings offer cost savings and educational value. Blood pressure screenings, X-rays, patient education, and nutritional counseling are also available.

You can request a general appointment through the clinic this semester Mondays through Thursdays between 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m.

The clinic is providing more information about the services and how to register at Table 4 of the Commons Building (COM) Wednesdays from 11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m from now until March 11.

– Copper Ramberg