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LET ME HEAR YOU ROAR
Issue 4
Let Me Hear You
ROAR
Fall/Winter 2014
ROAR SCHOLARS NEWSLETTER
by
Tom Holcomb, Jr, Director
When we started the process of deciding upon which book or idea concept we
would draw upon for our annual program theme we decided upon StrengthsQuest
by Gallup. The key to reinforcing our student’s academic and career readiness for
creating real change and satisfaction began with our students being exposed and
completing an on-line assessment that would later be read by a member of the
ROAR Scholar staff. This could include either a professional advisor/counselor
and/or their assigned peer mentor. The original idea was referred by a colleague
at the College of Charleston when our division utilized the StrengthsQuest
Assessment during this year’s fall retreat.
This assessment allows students to have an opportunity to be linked with a listing
of their top five strengths. According to Gallup linking students up with their
strengths has a dramatic impact on their success.
March 31, 2015!
StrengthsQuest (SQ) has a theoretical foundation that is closely linked to and
exemplified by the Positive Psychology perspective (Seligman & Csikszentmihalyi,
2000). “Positive Psychology is an umbrella term for the study of positive emotions,
positive character traits, and enabling institutions” (Seligman, Steen, Park, and
Peterson, 2005, p. 410). This perspective begins with what is positive and normal
about people — rather than focusing on their deficiencies or what is abnormal
about them — and focuses on a person’s wellbeing. “When we think about the full
development of students as persons, we must think in terms of students
developing strengths and learning how to apply them” (Anderson, 2004, p. 66).
Finally, this perspective reinforces a view of student development that is inclusive.
It can be interpreted in terms of career success and by a life of meaning and
purpose (Braskamp, Trautvetter, and Ward, 2006). It centers on the challenge of
helping persons to achieve success in their career and living a life that brings joy
and meaning from their personal investment of their time, talents, and treasures.
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Recap of Graduate School Panel
by Kirstie Sims- Program Counselor
Meet the Panelist
Graduate School – Representative :
Cicely McCray is the Director of Recruitment,
Marketing and Communications for the College of
Charleston. She plans, designs and directs graduate
student recruitment and admissions operations to
positively impact student enrollment. She develops
with other departments and entities on recruitment
and admissions print publications, advertising and
marketing efforts.
Cicely McCray has built a national reputation in
education, freelance writing, and compiling a
distinguished record at highly regarded colleges and
education organizations. Her educational career
started as a Reserve English Teacher for Dayton
Public Schools (Dayton, Ohio). After leaving the
classroom in 2000, her educational path has
allowed her to serve in various leadership
capacities: Ohio Statewide Services Coordinator
(Parental Engagement), School Administrator,
Director of Community Court for Juvenile Justice,
Director of Community Education, and Associate
Director for Graduate Studies, School Liaison Officer
and Adjunct Instructor in Public Speaking.
MUSC – Occupational Therapy:
Rachel Mink is a second-year student in the
Occupational Therapy Program at MUSC. She
graduated with a B.A. in interdisciplinary studies
(sociology, anthropology, and communications)
and worked for ten years in non-profit
administration in the Chicago area before
making the switch into healthcare.
Trident Academy - Public Relations Specialist:
Once described as a veritable recruiting juggernaut,
Niki DeWeese Leiva has developed her career around
marketing and education. Her work has included the
launch of several academic programs, rebranding
campaigns, and numerous projects to equalize
access to education. Ms. Leiva started her marketing
career at the College of Charleston where she
recruited graduate students for more than two
dozen master’s degree programs. From there, she
continued her career at Trident Academy by
educating the community about the school’s
programs for students with special needs. After
hours, Ms. Leiva can be found at community events,
running, or practicing Krav Maga.
ROAR Welcomes New Program Counselor
“Be the change that you wish to see in the world” –Mahatma Gandhi
As the new program counselor I want to create an open, safe, and nonjudgmental
environment where ROAR Scholars feel welcomed, supported, and empowered. I am
elated to be able to gain success and give back to the program that encouraged me
throughout my undergraduate years at the College of Charleston.
I know how difficult it can be transitioning into an unfamiliar environment, but I am
here as a resource for all of you. I am interested and helping you develop into the person
you want to be. Don’t hesitate to come by my office anytime and I will provide help and
guidance to the best of my ability.
LET ME HEAR YOU ROAR | Issue 4
Spotlight Student
Interview with Joshua Mack
1. Tell us about yourself. (hobbies, hometown, major/minor)
Well, I have a younger, sister, Jessica Mack that attends the College of Charleston in the
Honors College. Additionally, I transferred from Charleston Southern University this fall 2014
to the College of Charleston. In the spring semester, I will be a junior majoring in Geology
with a minor emphasis in Environmental Studies. My hometown is Ladson, South Carolina
and I attended Fort Dorchester High School where I ran on the Cross Country team my junior
and senior years. In addition, I ran on the Charleston Southern University Men’s Cross Country
team. Furthermore, I was a member of my high school string orchestra for all four years.
Starting next semester here at the College of Charleston I will be a member of the strings
orchestra playing the Bass. When I attended Charleston Southern University, I was also a
member of the Pit Crew and Percussion CSU Marching and Pep Band. My hobbies are
collecting model trains, running, reading magazines about transportation, playing
instruments, playing X-Box 360 games, learning about Biblical, Science, and Historical facts,
and helping others in the community (especially the disabilities community).
2. How did you get interested in geology?
I became interested in Geology from an introduction Geology course that I took at Charleston
Southern University in the spring of 2014. In addition, I am interested in the environmental
aspect of Geology.
3. What instruments do you play? And how long have you played instruments?
My parents introduced me to music and instruments at an early age, but I also received
exposure through Music Therapy. I have Autism and one issue that I deal with is Receptive
and Expressive Speech and Language Disorders. Therefore, my parents started me with Music
Therapy to help bring out speech and language and not only did it do that. I learned to read
music over time and my first instruments that I learned with my therapist Kristie was the guitar
and piano. I believe I was five or six years old. As time went by, I joined the guitar club in
elementary school and continued through high school. During Middle School, I participated
in a program called GATEWAY under the direction of Dr. Barnfield in Dorchester School
District II where I learned to play the Cello and Bass. I enjoyed the experience so much that I
continued to volunteer in the program throughout high school and my first year in college.
When I attended Charleston Southern University, I learned to play percussion instruments in
the marching band. Now I get to continue my love of music as a new member of the College
of Charleston Orchestra, playing the Bass. I decided also to take a Piano class this spring 2015
to brush up on my piano playing. As you see, I really love music.
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4. How has the ROAR Scholars Program helped you throughout your transition to the College of
Charleston?
Learn how to become more successful academically
Find better ways to prepare for exams and better understand the material
Learning more of the resources that the College of Charleston has to offer including scholarships
5. What are some challenges you’ve overcome?
Some of the challenges that I had to overcome is learning how to a get around in the city and taking public
transportation from where I live to the College of Charleston Campus. One challenge that I am still working
on is the reading of individuals’ body languages. Additionally, I am still working on the challenge of abstract
mathematics and I believe one day that I will master it.
6. What are some challenges you’ve overcome?
Some of the challenges that I had to overcome is learning how to a get around in the city and taking public
transportation from where I live to the College of Charleston Campus. One challenge that I am still working
on is the reading of individuals’ body languages. Additionally, I am still working on the challenge of abstract
mathematics and I believe one day that I will master it.
7. What are some things you’re looking forward to?
Some things that I am looking forward to is studying abroad and continuing my studies in Geology. I would
like to take some computer science courses to make my geology degree more marketable when I graduate
college, as well.
8. Tell us something about you that we didn’t know.
I have a difficult time with abstract thinking; I am more of a concrete thinker. Because of that, I have a difficult
time with the abstraction concepts of mathematics, like Pre-calculus, Calculus, etc. Therefore, because of the
challenge of the abstraction of mathematics, I am presently working on a Bachelors of Arts degree, instead
of a Bachelor of Science degree in Geology. When I started college, I was a Pre-Engineering/Applied Math
major, but I had difficulties with Pre-calculus, so I decided to change my major to Geology with a minor
emphasis in Environmental Studies. Another thing that you do not know about me is that I do not understand
the concepts of idioms, slangs, and jokes, but my family is working on those concepts with me.
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Coca Cola Scholar
Megan Dunham
by Kirstie Sims
Megan Dunham is a sophomore at the College of Charleston and one of our own ROAR Scholars. She is
also one of the recipients of the Coco Cola Scholarships. Dunham hails from Marion, SC and attended the
Upward Bound TRIO program at Florence- Darlington Technical College.
Dunham is majoring in Public Health and upon graduating, plans to pursue public health and law school.
Originally, Ms. Dunham became interested in pursuing this degree through her aunt, who is a CFO at a
public health hospital facility. She plans to utilize what she learns in public health in order to educate
individuals on understanding how to pay for health services as well as payment options for health services
rendered.
This year Dunham was appointed to give a speech at the Boundless Campaign, an event that was hosted
by and held on College of Charleston’s campus a few months ago. The event not only brought her great
joy but also touched not only those audience members in attendance, but also many high officials at this
campaign event, including President Glenn McConnell.
Dunham experienced another great gain when she was elected as next year’s SCOPE
Coordinator. SCOPE stands for Safe Campus Outreach Prevention and Education, and she will oversee
planning events to be carried out next semester. Dunham also works in the Admissions Office at the
College of Charleston as a client service operator and is also a student ambassador.
Dunham believes that the ROAR Scholars program has made such a major impact on her because it was
the first program to help her get acclimated to the College of Charleston upon her arrival. The staff aided
her college start by acting as a guide for how to understand college and assisted her with getting involved
on campus. The ROAR Scholars program also taught her that planning and setting goals for each semester
is very important.
LET ME HEAR YOU ROAR | Issue 4
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Stress Management Power Hour
By Kirstie Sims- Program Counselor
The Stress Management Power Hour
was designed to help students
distress and prepare mentally for the
stressors associated with life and
school. The sessions occurred every
other week, for 5 weeks, Thursdays
for an hour long session.
Breakdown
Week 1: Introductions and Explanation
of the Stress Management Process
Week 2:
Obstacles
Trust
Walk
and
Life’s
Week 3: Balance in the essential areas
of our lives: Fun, Belonging, Freedom,
Power
Week 4: Just Talk
Week 5: Reflection of Experience
Alternate Routes Part 1-3 “All Roads Lead to Success.”
by Tom Holcomb Jr., M.S. – Director
This summer when we started planning for the upcoming fall 2014 semester. After attending a staff retreats
for our division within the academic experience we decided to not only utilizes the StrengthsQuest
assessment, but we implemented part of the curriculum into our workshop series Alternate Routes: Part 1-3,
“All Roads Lead to Success.” These workshops included a three tiered series, Part 1: Academic Preparation –
lead students on a initial path of self-discovery where students would be introduced to some of the concepts
included in StrengthsQuest as well as reinforcing the importance to students of past, present experiences that
help shape our world with regard to choosing an academic major and/or following a path of self-discovery
toward an intended career path. Part 2: Career Preparation allowed students to take a personal look into how
their personal views and passion toward a specific subject area helps to mold their own internal development.
In addition students were given an opportunity to utilize hands on activity called, City Map. This activity
previously created by former ROAR staffer Bretticca Moody helped students visualize their journey toward
graduation and success by mapping out what their personal journey looks like. And finally part 3: Financial
Literacy, “Life After Graduation,” during this workshop we focused on financial literacy concepts that affect
students after the graduate including; flexible spending accounts, negotiating the job salary process and
applying for jobs in regards to job relocation packages.
Two comments from our evaluation included “These workshops helped much more than I expected them to
help and I am glad that I attended them.” Another student stated, “These workshops gave me more insight
when it comes to different aspects of college life.”
LET ME HEAR YOU ROAR | Issue 4
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By: Tom Holcomb, MS - Director
This
year’s Operation College
Success was a success thanks to the
hard work of three outstanding
students; Bilal Warid, Georgetta Jones
and Joshua Mack. We originally had a
total of ten students signed up for the
event, but because of various reasons
were not able to attend this year’s
transition program. This year’s
superstars who took a proactive
approach to their 2014-2015 school
year.
During this year’s three day Bootcamp
students were exposed to College
level writing and given extra support
via peer review and English Professor
Valeria Frazier with suggestions for
improvements. Shannon McKenzie
helped
introduce
students
to
navigating the academic standards
and policy to stay within good
academic standing.
Goal Setting 101
Another special addition this year was
the class taught by CofC’s African
American studies professor Dr.
Anthony Green who took the
students on a discussion regarding,
“Seeing Is Believing, Racial
Stereotypes in the Media.” This
rousing session and dialogue
regarding how media portrays certain
stereotypes of individual groups of
people was very exciting.
The session on, “Thinking and
Learning,” was a hit with students
really enjoying the discussion and
exercises. In addition this year our
own Tom Holcomb Jr, Director of
ROAR Scholars helped the students
visualize their goals by leading a goal
setting exercise and helping students
to creating a “Vision Board.” This
visual representation of goals allows
students to maximize their
opportunities and to plan for their
future with positive psychology
undertones. Finally we had our
closing session where students were
given an opportunity to reflect on
what they would take away most
from the experience.
Special thanks to Dr. Green from
African American Studies.
LET ME HEAR YOU ROAR | Issue 4
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Spring 2015 Programming
MLK Day of Service
Monday, January 19, 2015
Student development opportunites:
Crossing the Cistern Workshop Series
Thursday January 22 – ”Effective Networking”
Thursday February 5 – “Portfolio Building”
Financial Literacy: Part 4 – “Paper Chasing,” Credit
Building Workshop
Annual World Dish
March 2015
Applications due February 1
Contact Alicia Houser or Courtney Lawrence
Dining Etiquette- “Come Correct”
February 26, 2015
Panel and Open Discussion– “To Be Honest”
February 12, 2015
Wellness and Healthy Eating “Junk in the Trunk”
Thursday, February 12, 2015
For information and updates: visit www.sa.sc.edu/sldc
Saturday February 7, 2015
1st 10 ROAR Students to submit interest will attend
Submit by January 12, 2014
Traveling Abroad – Thursday April 2, 2015
Spring Critical Film Series
April 7, 14 & 21, 2015
ROAR Student Resource Lab, B68 Lightsey Center
Charlotte Hornets –3rd annual TRIO Day!
All films starting at 5:00 pm
Saturday April 18, 2015|
End of the Year Celebration
April 23, 2015 - 5:00-7:00 pm
Location: TBA
1st 10 ROAR Students to submit interest will attend
Submit by January 12, 2014
LET ME HEAR YOU ROAR | Issue 4
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What king can you make if you take the
head of a lamb, the middle of a pig, the
hind of a buffalo and the tail of a
dragon ?
Answer to Last Issues Riddle: Because
He is Still Living
Let Me
Hear
You
ROAR
160 Calhoun
Street
Charleston, SC
29424-0001
(843) 953-6435
Midlands Technical College TRIO Programs would like to thank you for arranging
the panel of your ROAR Scholars Students on Saturday, December 6, 2014 during
our campus tour. The student panel provided very insightful information about the
College of Charleston and college life as a whole. Their willing openness to discuss
to their personal experience of college life added a special touch to our experience at
the College of Charleston. You, along with your students’ dedication to the cause of
coming out on a Saturday morning clearly shows that TRIO Works!!
Tara Holmon, MTC TRIO
Connect With Us:
A Division of the Academic
Experience
ROARSCHOLARS.COFC.EDU