Life

Advice Column Coming to The Clarion, ‘Dear Gabby’

The Clarion will be introducing a new advice column in the fall of 2014 titled, ‘Dear Gabby’– similar to the famous advice column, Dear Abby, founded by Pauline Phillips in 1956. Dear Gabby will provide compassionate and honest answers to questions varying from personal life issues, to work related problems.
My name is Gabrielle Sharp. I’ve been a parttime student at Sinclair
Community College for three years. My ultimate goal is to inspire and give advice to those in need. I have always been one to listen to the issues that my friends have experienced in the past, so I thought this would be a perfect opportunity for students to receive some guidance. What sets Dear Gabby apart is the fact that I’m a college student experiencing issues in my own life. It’s relatable because I also juggle work, school and personal obstacles, just as any other student. I’ve experienced my own problems, and in
the end, it has made me stronger. It sounds cliché, but the fact of the matter is, that I would’ve enjoyed having an outside opinion on the situation to change my perspective, and maybe even guide me. It seems as though life gets more complicated as we get older, so the purpose of this column is about feeling a sense
of connection. This will be a channel for students to receive advice anonymously. Your issues are just as important to me as they are to you. I am not here to make your decisions for you, I just hope you find a new outlook on life’s rocky road.

For advice, contact
[email protected]
with the subject

Life

How to Study Effectivley

Eric Henderson, Sinclair Community College counselor, believes the most important aspect of studying is time management.
“Put a structure together to achieve overall success,” Henderson said. In order to have strong study habits, a plan must be established. He believes this will mold students into being successful. The Center for Student Success is located in Building 10 room 424. The counselors are skilled in academic studying, as well as personal stress outside of the school environment.
“We are appointment based and try to be as accommodating as possible,” Henderson said. To ensure each student is staying focused, Henderson suggests two hours per course should be spent toward studying. The 24-hour rule is a good tool to use when studying, according to Henderson. “Study the notes, within 24 hours after class, to get things done,” Henderson said.
He believes this is the best way to retain information from class. Another study habit he suggests is ‘highway hypnosis’. Many students have the problem of zoning out while reading the textbook, so his solution is to have a series of questions to answer after reading each section. “A way to prevent zoning out is to absorb material in smaller bursts,” Henderson said. He also believes notetaking plays a huge role in establishing strong study habits. He suggests swapping notes with other classmates. Henderson feels this creates a new perspective on the chapter. The Center for Student Success is free and confidential. He suggests to always check your grades and to have a clear view on your future. Henderson believes the sooner, the better. “The sooner you make an appointment, the faster we can create a structure that will help in your academic life, as well as your personal life,” Henderson said.

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Life

Summer Fun in the Sun

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Beat summer boredom by exploring the possibilities in Dayton and the surrounding regions.
Now that warmer weather has arrived, it’s all about adventure. Don’t worry if you aren’t catching rays or lying by the ocean; Dayton and its surrounding areas have a variety of activities to cure the summer blues.
Edmund Suelflow, Computer Science major, hopes to have a relaxing summer.
“My summer plans consist of fishing and laying by the pool. I’m also going to King’s Island for the first time,” Suelflow said.
Whether it’s a road trip to King’s Island or a bike ride at Riverscape Metropark, there is something to suit your summer needs.
Liberal Arts major, Tyneisha Lanos, is excited about Dayton summer events.
“I’m going to be taking summer classes, going to baseball games, and riding my bike,” Lanos said.
These are just a few things to beat the summer blues; don’t sit inside and let the warm weather pass you by, get out and take full advantage of the many activities that this season has to offer.

Riverscape Metropark
Riverscape Metropark includes a bike hub, The Inventors River Walk, Summer Music Series and 2nd Street Market.
The Riverscape Bike Hub is the third bike hub east of the Mississippi. It’s located on 237 E. Monument Avenue in Downtown Dayton. It offers bike pumps, racks, rentals, and accessories, along with food concessions.
The Inventors River Walk celebrates Dayton inventors throughout history. It includes seven sculptures called, “Invention Stations.” Each sculpture includes a brick tile that includes information about the invention.
The Summer Music Series is all about enjoying live music and a variety of food located in the heart of downtown.
For more information about Riverscape Metropark contact 937-277-4374 or visit metroparks.org/riverscape.

The Dayton Art Institute
The Dayton Art Institute offers workshops and lectures about art. Learn art techniques, painting and glass fusion from area artists while enjoying a boxed lunch from Leo Bistro. Some programs carry a registration fee but also include admission to the galleries. To find out more about upcoming tours and workshops, contact 937-223-4278 or visit daytonartinstitute.org.

Dayton’s Courthouse Square
Dayton’s Courthouse Square hosts free lunchtime entertainment all summer long (June-September). Each weekday, food trucks and vendors set up for lunch and entertainment between the hours of 11 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. Around noon, a variety of performers will take the stage, while downtown workers and others can enjoy lunch outdoors.
You can also fill your summer with adventure outside of Dayton.

King’s Island
A visit to King’s Island can brighten your summer. KI is the largest amusement park in the Midwest. It’s fun for the whole family. Not only are there extreme rollercoasters and rides, but live entertainment and food concessions are located all around the park. For more information visit visitkingsisland.com.

The Beach Waterpark
To cool down from the summer sun, a trip to The Beach Waterpark in Mason will give a “vacation” feel. The Beach creates a paradise with white sand, crashing waves and water rides. For more information contact 513-398-7946.

Caesar Creek State Park
Make a day trip to Caesar Creek State Park. Caesar Creek is one of the finest outdoor recreation parks in southwest Ohio, according to Ohio Department of Natural resources. It’s all about nature. Hiking, boating, camping and fishing are all highlighted by woodlands and blue waters located in Waynesville. For more information, contact 513-897-3055.

Fourth of July Events
With Fourth of July coming up, Dayton and the surrounding areas have many firework displays to celebrate Independence Day.

Dayton Independence Day Fireworks
Riverscape Metro Park holds Independence Day fireworks in Downtown Dayton. The festival starts at 5:00 p.m. This community event includes musical performances, games, concessions and a kids area full of prizes.

Kettering Go Fourth Fireworks
Delco Park in Kettering offers firework fun on July 3 at 9:45 p.m. Festivities start at 6:00 p.m. at 1700 Delco Park Drive. You can enjoy live music before the firework show at dusk.

Centerville Americana Festival Fireworks
Centerville is hosting their 41st annual Americana Festival. The event is held on July 4 at 10:00 p.m. Enjoy synchronized music with the firework presentation located at Centerville High School
football stadium.

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News

Kasich visits Sinclair

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Ohio Governor John Kasich spoke at Sinclair Community College on May 15, announcing the creation of 800 new jobs in the Dayton area, while also discussing the importance of quality-trained workers and the role Sinclair plays in the development of students.
“This region has great potential,” Kasich said. “Sinclair is fantastic.”
Procter & Gamble Co. has plans for an $89 million distribution center to be built near the Dayton airport — scheduled to be operational in 2015. When announcing the project, Kasich took the opportunity to talk about the surrounding region and how it is improving job growth.
Kasich said Ohio has climbed from 48 to six in terms of job creation, while running a state surplus of over $1 billion, making Ohio a business friendly state.
He spoke about potential businesses coming to the area and why improving the regions infrastructure is a key factor in these companies decision to locate around Dayton.
“When companies are looking at where they are going to locate they don’t want to go someplace where it’s rickety and rockety,” Kasich said.
The state’s industry shift from agriculture and manufacturing, to healthcare and logistics, was also a focus of Kasich’s speech, as well as higher education and the importance of training the youth for future jobs.
“Having qualified workers is really the key to it, and we are working with Sinclair and with all higher education to get ourselves in the position of where, at a young age, our students, [which are] our most precious assets, are beginning to think about the kind of life they would like to have,” Kasich said.
WYSO, the Miami Valley’s National Public Radio News station, reported that Kasich’s Democratic opponent Ed Fitzgerald issued a statement in response to the event at Sinclair, stating that the city’s job growth has sputtered since Kasich took office.
“The reality in Dayton is not what Governor Kasich would like us all to believe that it is,” Lauren Hitt with the Fitzgerald campaign, said in the same report. “People in that community have been struggling for years.”
The hiring for the 800 positions at the Procter & Gamble plant will likely begin this November according to a Dayton Daily News report.
“ When you take good schools, trained workers, great location, good hard working smart people, great cities like we have here, why shouldn’t we be number one in the country,” Kasich said.

Life, Life Headlines

Automotive career fair and buying tips

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The Automotive Technology department will have an Automotive Career Fair in Building 20 where manufactures from Voss automotive network, Grismer tire, P&R Communications, Aamaco Transmission, Firestone and RTA will be available for students who are interested in starting their careers in the industry.

“It’s in partnership with Career Services,” Automotive Technology Chair Justin Morgan, said. “Our Career Services department is helping us set up and organize it.”

Morgan said a lot of students in the Automotive Technology department are graduating this May, so the career fair is a way to get their names out into the field.

“The idea is to get students to dress up and come out of their comfort level a little bit,” he said.

According to Morgan, a lot of businesses in the Dayton area are looking for qualified students and graduates. Those qualified can get jobs such as automotive repair workers, service consultants, service-managers and more.

“I have employers calling me on the phone all the time looking for students and graduates,” he said.

Morgan also believes students are anxious about their future when it comes to the automotive industry, which is part of the reason he wanted to have a career fair specifically geared for the department.

“I think students are apprehensive about starting their career because they are unsure of what they don’t know,” he said. “But there is a huge market for qualified people in the automotive industry.”

The manufactures attending the fair are going to look for at least two to three graduating students, according to Morgan. During the fair, students have the opportunity to sell themselves and explain why they would be a good fit for the company of their choice.

“P&R Communications last year for example — right after my class ended in May, they hired two of our graduates instantly the week after graduation,” he said.

Morgan said the best part about the career fair is in being able to help connect a student to the right job with the right company.

“My favorite thing is seeing students find something they are passionate about,” he said. “I just like to see students being happy, and find a job to do whatever it is that pleases them.”

In addition to the career fair, Morgan gave tips on things buyers should look out for when wanting to purchase a vehicle, including looking up the book value.

“It’s free and it’s online,” he said. “You can look up anything at KBB.com or NADA.com.”

In using these websites, you can look up all the options and miles, Morgan also suggested looking up what is called a clean retail value with tax.

“So if your car was $7,000 and they say 10 percent tax, it would be $7,700,” he said. “Then, if the retail value is only $6,800, you are basically over-paying by a thousand dollars.”

The second tip Morgan gave was on having a technician inspect the car before buying it.

“Whoever you use for your typical car maintenance with your family, have them do an inspection — usually they will do it for free,” he said. “Unfortunately, I will have people buy a car and then they almost have buyer remorse when they bring it in to be looked over.”

Morgan said after the car is purchased, you do not have anything to go back on, so it is important to make the choice you believe is right for you.

“Tell the shop or the dealership that you would like to have the car looked at by your mechanic,” Morgan said. “And if they don’t want to do that, then that’s kind of a sign that you probably shouldn’t buy the car in the first place.”

For vehicles over 100,000 miles, generally speaking, a bank will not loan full retail value which is important to remember when it comes to resale, according to Morgan.

“Credit unions will [loan full retail] but banks won’t,” he said. “So it makes it that much harder to sell the car later on.”

It is always important to inspect a vehicle in the daylight for past accident damage, because you may not be able to catch some dents and scratches in the evening, according to Morgan.

“Never buy a car in the dark, because you can’t really tell the paint defects and the flaws,” he said.

Morgan said running a carfax report is also necessary when buying a vehicle, so the buyer can see any title issues or accidents in the past that would reduce the value, and that salvage title vehicles typically will not allow you to get a car loan.

Additionally, it is also important to see maintenance records before purchasing a vehicle.

“Just check and see if the oil has been changed every 3,000 miles, and know when the brakes have been worked on,” he said. “In the owner’s manual you may be able to see past receipts on when service was done if it is not an online manual.”

Morgan also said to not take the longest term out on a vehicle, because if you are paying on a car for six years, for example, within those six years the value of the car will go down and you may end up paying more than you intended.

One last tip from Morgan included not trading in vehicles more often than needed.

“Try not to constantly trade in so many cars because that’s what they call being upside down in a loan,” he said. “People just constantly keep revolving cars every two to three years and now you may owe $30,000 on a car that may only be worth $15,000.”