Issue 02 November 2016
Editor’s Letter October is a month filled with events and opportunities to get involved on our beautiful campus. It is also the time of year nature spurs with its yellows, reds and browns bringing vitality and a colorful touch right before the cold winter season. During this in-between season, where leaves start falling and the fall breeze becomes chilly every day, I find myself gazing at the beauty of the bluffs that surround us. I think about the harmony and combination of fall colors, reminding me of an artist trying to unveil the secrets of nature. Usually October makes me think of Homecoming week, Halloween, and many other events. Because the weather is still pleasant, students are more drawn to participate at local events and opportunities to show their Warrior pride. While enjoying this colorful season, I also tend to take deep long breaths at this time of the semester, as homework starts to pile up and the pressure from grades feels closer and closer. Stress and frustration are not uncommon to college students: sometimes, they can really affect our life and make us lose track of our goals. As a senior, I have to make sure to keep up my study and work habits to meet my goals without falling into a stressful lifestyle. 1
Photo Credit: Alisa Zhukova ‘17
With the presidential election right around the corner, there is a lot of frustration that comes with the choice of the candidate. The election has been a topic of great concern in the past few months, leaving students lost and filled with uncertainties. If you find yourself among those who feel overwhelmed by the election, the Wellzine will help you remove those negative feelings with practical tips. This month’s issue will have a section reserved on the presidential election, and will provide useful tips for students, faculty and staff to cope with it in a stress-free and healthy way. Following, other articles will focus on occupational wellness, the ability to achieve a balance between work and leisure in a way that promotes health, a sense of personal satisfaction and is (for most people) financially rewarding. From articles on the importance of building relationships in the workplace to articles on how to build a cover letter, the Wellzine will guide you through your uncertainties and affect your attitude toward work, school and career goals with great advices!
Sara Tiradossi ’17
Content 4 7 11 13 17 19 21 23 25
Dealing With Possible Disappointment of Election Results Events Calendar What Makes Us Happy At Work: Students Share Their Experiences Simple But Significant: How To Make The Most Of Your College Experience How To be Healthy On a Busy Schedule: Tips from a successful student Should You Always Say “Yes” to New Opportunities? Secrets To Making Your Cover Letter Stand Out What Clubs Are You Part Of? Student Spotlight: Internship in Sunny Barcelona
Wellzine Staff: Alisa Zhukova ‘17, Alex Carter ‘19 & Sara Tiradossi ‘17
Health & Wellness Services IWC 222
Health & Wellness Services Fall 2016 Hours Office: Monday - Friday 7:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. Note: H&WS is closed on all university holidays and campus closure days.
Questions?
Call WSU’s Ask A Nurse line* at 507.457.2292
*Calls will be returned within two hours during the business day. Calls placed after hours will be answered the following business day.
Contributed Photo
Dealing With Possible Disappointment of Election Results This year’s presidential campaigns has spawned many reactions from students and faculty at Winona State University. Political science and public administration professor Kara Lindaman said presidential elections are always very exciting for her. “As a professor, it provides an opportunity for many students to experience politics through campaigning and voting, many for the first time,” Lindaman said. Specifically in this election, Lindaman said her frustrations stem from the lack of civility and respect for the presidency as an institution. “The election frames politics as polarized, partisan, and dysfunctional, whereas democratic elections and the art of democratic deliberation are both essential citizen skills to take the perspectives of others seriously, through careful listening and shared understanding,” Lindaman said. “In addition, the behavior of the candidates at the top of the tickets is not modeling these necessary takeaways,” Lindaman said. In her classes, Lindaman noticed students are highly interested and engaged from the nomination process through the general election. “From the beginning, I think we
saw this with the candidacy of Bernie Sanders and his appeal to millennials,” Lindaman said. “On National Voter Registration Day, Sept. 27, we registered a record number of WSU students to vote with over 1000 registered student-voters.” According to Lindaman, the numbers are encouraging, as oftentimes students will remember their first election in hopes they deepen their political engagement during their lifetime. Despite the way presidency works in the U.S., Lindaman has tremendous respect for the American political system, public servants and elected officials who work tirelessly and thanklessly to govern democratically. “Regardless of which candidates win or lose, I will continue to teach and believe in the merits of our political institutions and the American people beyond one individual candidacy for office,” Lindaman said. “Post-election, the real work begins to find common ground across our differences.” Student Senate Vice President Christopher Veerden said there is a lot of frustration around the election. As a Senator, he said it is important to be fighting for students and affordable education. “In the national discussion, there’s no talk in the debates about stu-
dents’ needs or how we can improve higher education,” Veerder said. “Regardless of what happens, I’ll be advocating for students’ rights.” When voting for the election, Veerder said people should think carefully of the person they choose and not passively accept what either candidate says, but advocate for their own ideas. As an international student, Risa Muroya is not able to vote. However, she knows this election is very important because it is not going to affect Americans only, but every other country too. After watching her classmates’ behaviors and other people’s reactions, she has realized many do not want to take a position in this election. “I don’t understand that and I don’t support it. People who don’t like neither candidates will write Bernie Sanders’s name. That won’t help anything,” Muroya said. Not voting, or choosing to write someone who is not running for the election is not going to help, she said. “People are ignorant about it. Some of my classmates say they don’t want to vote and that could potentially help Trump to win,” she said. 4
According to Muroya, this election is not just important just at the personal level: it is going to affect people on a national, state and global level. “Everyone needs to know their vote matters,” she said. “Even those who show indifference in politics, they should make their voices be heard. It’s going to affect everybody eventually.” Global studies student Natalie Mitchem said she is a green party voter, even though that turned out to have less than one percent of the vote. “I know that most people are going to vote either Trump or Clinton because they don’t really know the other options they have, ” she said. Mitchem said the debate has been super awful during this election be-
cause both candidates are not doing what they are supposed to be doing.
“I care a lot more about state and local powers.”
“I think Hillary is a lot more trained in politics and knows how to debate more than Trump, who is more into the entertainment business. He never developed any political integrity,” she said.
With this in mind, Winona State University Counselor Eunie Alsaker shared some helpful tips when dealing with disappointment after a political election.
Mitchem’s concerns come down to how the two-party system is set up. “I get annoyed by how much people care about the presidential elections and ignore local elections,” she said. “In the American system, the president is supposed to have very little power, whereas the state and congress are supposed to have much more, but I feel like a lot of people give importance to the presidential debate only,” she said.
“[You should] acknowledge [the feeling]. Don’t deny or cover it up. Let yourself feel the emotions,” Alsaker said. According to Alsaker, people who cope well with disappointment keep a realistic perspective and notice who won among the other candidates they supported. A few ways to maintain a realistic perspective is to avoid people who are looking to troll or pick arguments on the Internet.
Contributed Photo
“You can dose yourself on social media,” she said. “Healthy people cope by taking breaks from reading articles, watching the news or social media coverage of election results,” Alsaker said. “[Healthy people] remember what still exists and is still meaningful [in their lives].” Other ways to productively cope with disappointment include meditation, practicing yoga, prayer, or engaging in other low stress activities. Alsaker also suggested finding a way to make a difference. Volunteering locally or working for a cause and recognizing the work one does is impactful, no matter how limited the outcome. When thinking of herself, Alsaker said, “I can’t change the big picture,
but I can make a difference in this one small area” when it comes to volunteering. Following are some of most important points one should consider in order to deal with the presidential election with a stress-free mindset:
• Take action through volunteering and recognize your actions are worthwhile, regardless of how limited the outcome may be.
• Focus on the present and your reality. Keep in mind what matters most in your daily life. •Accept your emotions and feelings and recognize it is okay to feel those emotions. • Use stress management techniques such as yoga or meditation, prayer, etc. to reduce unproductive anxiety or stress. • Limit social, print or tv media coverage if you recognize that could be a source of discomfort or stress.
Written By: Kate Hansen, MPH, CHES Health & Wellness Promotion Coordinator & Sara Tiradossi ‘17
6
Photo Credit: Sara Tiradossi ‘17
Monday
• Health Hut: Fact or Fiction: Sexy Trivia • Anxiety Management Seminar • Health Hut: Avoiding Holiday Blues • Anxiety Management Seminar
Tuesday
Wednesday Thursday
Breathing Myths: Sexual Assult
Pay it Forward
Understanding Added Sugar in Your Diet
Beat the Winter Blues
Color Me Calm
Breakfast is for Champions
Grief Support Group
• Grief Support Group • Anxiety Management Seminar
Top Ten Map Spots
Anxiety Management Seminar
Thanksgiving Holiday
Thanksgiving Holiday
Canine Companions
Events Calendar November 2016
Health Huts Stop by the Integrated Wellness Complex on Mondays to interact with a different topic each week.
When: Mondays 11 a.m.- 1 p.m. Where: The Well, IWC 138
Healthy Tuesdays & Wellness Wednesdays Healthy Tuesdays & Wellness Wednesdays are modeled by a nation-wide campaign from Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health’s Healthy Mondays. Programs are co-sponsored by Health & Wellness Services and Counseling & Wellness Services as well as other partners. All programs focus on increasing awareness, empowerment and action within WSU’s Seven Dimensions of Wellness. See calendar for topics.
Color & Connect
Take a break from studying- COLOR! Supplies are provided. Sponsored by Counseling & Wellness Services
Wednesdays With Winston
Counseling & Wellness Services will host Wednesdays with Winston with WSU counselor Lynda Brzezinski. Wednesdays with Winston events are intended to help students de-stress with Winston the therapy dog.
When: Tuesdays 4 p.m. - 5 p.m. Wednesdays 3 p.m. - 4 p.m. Where: The Well, IWC 138
When: Mondays at 3 p.m. Where: IWC 267 When: Wednesdays at 4 p.m. Where: The Well, IWC 138
Anxiety Management Seminar Counseling & Wellness Services is offereng a seminar series for students who want to learn more about managing anxiety & stress.
Grief Support Group
This group presented by Counseling & Wellness Services provides information about the grief process and a chance for students to talk about personal grief in a small group setting. Pre-registration required 507-457-5330 or Ealsaker@winona.edu
When: Mondays at 2 p.m. Thursdays at 11 a.m. Where: IWC 267 When: Thursdays, Nov. 3,10\ 3:30 p.m. - 4:45 p.m. Where: IWC 267 8
Homecoming
Homecoming week was a time for the community of Winona to get together and spend a joyful Saturday, Oct. 15, cheering for the floats that joined the parade. From academic clubs, to fraternities and organizations, the parade offered a fun experience for people of all ages. Photo Credit: Alisa Zhukova ‘17, Sara Tiradossi ‘17 & Winona State Communications
What Makes Us Happy At Work: Students share their experience We spend a lot of our time at work, that is why it is our duty to make the work environment a positive place where we feel excited to go. Building relationships with coworkers is key to making the time spent at work enjoyable. It’s even more necessary to know your coworkers well when you work on a project as a team. Even if your job position does not require working within a group of people and seeing your colleagues on a regular basis, you still can make your job less stressful by improving your relationship with them. Winona State University alumna Crystal Aspen, said the friendships
she established with her fellow teachers allowed for an amazing work experience.
“I felt supported and understood by my network of teachers at work. We often spent time developing and thinking through ideas to implement in our classrooms and using each other as a creative resource to brainstorm new ideas and being a sounding board to work out difficult situations,” she said. “My colleagues were a great support system and made my time at work feel a little like a home, a family.” Aspen spent the majority of her career working as a visual art teacher at Seattle Country Day School. Even though she never had to work
together with other teachers doing collaborations, or team projects, she supports positive relationships with coworkers. In her experience, good relationships with colleagues helped her to find another family at work and make her time there pleasant. While Aspen found a solid network, El Rous experienced detachment from his colleagues. Computer Science student Mohamed El Rous interned with support operation team in a company called Proofpoint, based in Sunnyvale, Calif. during the summer 2016. He shared his interesting story of how improving relationships with his colleagues helped
Contributed Photo
him to make their work time more productive and the projects they worked on successful. El Rous said he was working in a team of four, and one of his teammates was unfriendly and very quiet. Since they all depended on each other in their team, it had a negative impact on their work. “After two weeks of working in [an] environment like that, I decided to try to make a stronger relationship within our group,” he said. “I was hoping that we could understand each other better and work literally as a team.” El Rous said he started hanging out with his team members after
work, and attended different events together. “After a while, we became good friends and built positive relationships. It made working together way easier than before,” he said. “Our team became more productive.” El Rous’ story shows the importance of having strong relationships with your coworkers. It not only make you more productive; it also makes you feel welcomed at the workplace. “It’s very significant and useful for a team in the long run. It’s also good for your career to [create] more professional connections,” he
said. When working in a team or individually at your workplace, it is important to make your work environment a positive one. Friendly relationships and support from your co-workers can make your work more exciting and inspiring every day. This way your job will never become your duty and your life will be happier and more fulfilling. Written By: Alisa Zhukova’17 Graphic Design.
12
Simple But Significant: How To Make The Most Of Your College Experience
13
Photo Credit: Alisa Zhukova
When starting college, it is important to know how to get the most out of a college experience. It is important so you can acheive success after graduating. Beyond the credits and classes, there are other things to take into consideration. Whether volunteering for resume experience or connecting your major to a dream job, everything in between can play a big role in your future. First, choosing your major and future career can be stressful—but there are many resources on campus to help you figure it out. Advising Services, which is part of the Warrior Success Center in Maxwell Hall, can help you in 4 steps: 1. Complete a Self-Assessment—it is important to get to know yourself and what you like as well as what you dislike. Knowing your strengths and what you value can help find the best major for you. 2. Explore Majors—there are so many programs that Winona State offers you. To find out specifics, visit this link to discover different ways to explore Winona’s major programs. 3. Explore Careers—some people know what they want to do right away but others do not know it yet or are open to options. Knowing what possible careers match up with each major can help you decide or knowing what major a certain career requires can also help with the choice. 4. Evaluate Your Options—after doing research, it is now time to select a major that is right for you and declare it. The Warrior Success Center can help all students. Stop by or call 507.457.5878 today for an appointment with an advisor. Second, now that you have selected your major, it is time to figure out how to make the most of it and what experiences will be beneficial to you. In general, being involved and making connections
with other students and other professionals in your future career field is very beneficial. Joining a club is the simplest way to get involved. Find one that interests you, whether it is your major’s club (e.g., Sociology Club, Movement Science Club) or a special interest club (e.g., Rock Climbing Club, WSU Harry Potter Club): they all offer opportunities for you to grow during your college experience. Check out the listing of clubs and student organizations at Winona State. Adding experience during your time at college is the beginning of your professional career development. Career Services on campus gives students a few tips on how to prepare for your future career: • Start a master resume early on and update it regularly—most internships and jobs will request a resume (and sometimes a cover letter) • Gain experience—this can include internships, conferences, traveling abroad, student teaching, practicum, clinical training, research, volunteering, participation in student clubs, and being on a committee • Build a professional network—use LinkedIn to grow your connections and professional relationships. LinkedIn is similar to Facebook in that you connect with colleagues or friends, but remember to keep your profile updated. • Search for jobs and internships—there are many job boards available; Warrior Jobs is offered by Winona State and hosts plenty of on and off campus opportunities. Third, find out what is necessary for graduation. Does your major require an internship? What kind of outreach hours does my major offer? Am I required to work with people in the community for my major? These are questions that you may want to ask yourself when you are planning your decisions after college. If your major does not require
14
“Adding experience during your time at college is the beginning of your professional career development. ” an internship for credit, consider reaching out on your own for a summer internship to gain experience. If your major works closely with people in the community whether through a practicum class or clinical hours, it is important to highlight that on your resume. Here are some internship guidelines of the most common majors guidelines (please see your major advisor for questions about internships): • Nursing: The undergraduate Nursing program does not require an internship for graduation but nursing students may apply for and complete an internship during the summer between their junior and senior years. • Business Administration: This department offers an Internship Program to students to gain professional experience and earn credit. An internship is not required for graduation but can be applied as a “Business Elective”. • Biology: This department offers capstone project options, clinical research projects, summer internship programs, and an honors program. All these will add to a student’s experience. • Elementary Education: Student Teaching, which is one full semester, is required for graduation and must be completed after all professional courses required are completed. • Exercise Science: A internship, for credit, is required after all major courses are completed. • Psychology: Internship opportunities for students are offered every semester through the PSY 404 15
Fourth, if you find yourself looking back and thinking “I should have done more” during your junior or senior year, it is not too late to gain some experience. It can be as simple as joining a club, talking to other people in your major, and exploring the opportunities in the local community. Every job opportunity will require something different, and having a wide variety and something unique to add to the table is important. Here are some ideas you can explore to gain experience: • Explore the Winona State University Travel Study Programs • Take an elective completely outside of your major or areas of study • Visit with your advisor to explore student research opportuntities • Get PACT certified through the RE Initiative • Join Habitat for Humanity • Become a big brother or a big sister through the Boys & Girls Club of Winona • Volunteer at after school programs through Winona Area Public Schools • Volunteer at the Winona Area Humane Society Live Well Winona, a community health hub, maintains a great database of volunteer opportunities for all ages, skills, and length of time. Check out their website for more opportunities In order to make the most at Winona State, it is best to explore things that you enjoy and build experience to your professional background and resume. From choosing a major you love to finding a career you will be happy in are great steps you can take to be a successful college student. Written By: Cortnie Schierman ‘17
Photo Credit: Alisa Zhukova
It’s Monday around noon, and I’m sitting at my kitchen table before my next class with a lunch of leftover baked potatoes and the panfried vegetables I have left in my fridge.
25-page historical essays.
Mulling over the rest of my day as I toss an old cherry tomato around my plate, I remember I have to call the eye doctor’s office for an appointment. Which reminds me, I have to call an apple orchard for that story I have been working on about Mother Nature’s wrath on the harvest this year. Of course, I can’t forget about that paper on a film analysis about a movie based on the Cristero Rebellion in Mexico, which means have Schierman to finish reading Photo Credit: Samantha
But that’s what can happen when you are a full-time student with multiple jobs.
Suddenly my mind is tossing with reminders and my to-do list is becoming longer than the hours left in the day.
I am a senior in Winona State University’s mass communications program with a journalism emphasis and a minor in women’s, gender and sexuality studies. Besides classes, most of my days are spent as a part-time reporter for the Winona Daily News, the lead writer
Photo Credit: Alisa Zhukova
How To be Healthy On a Busy Schedule: Tips from a successful student
in WSU’s Communications Office, the news editor for The Winonan, an intern for the YWCA in La Crosse, Wis., the president for the Society for Collegiate Journalists and of course, a writer for Wellzine. On top of all my writing and work experiences, I am taking 15 credits, leaving little availability for what most people call “free time.” With what little time I do have, I have learned a few key tricks in my blissful years of spreading myself too thin for how to manage stress as a working college student. The first trick is to write everything down. Trust me, you will forget it.
you will not remember it this time. Please stop lying to yourself. I don’t know where I would be without my phone and its reminder feature. I have reminders set for every little aspect of my life, from reminding me to call my grandma every Monday evening to reminding me of deadlines. And they help me with the next most important key to maintaining stress as a working student: time management. My type-A personality has me planning every minute of my day down to every last detail, but even if that’s not your style, knowing how to plan for the time you have will save you loads of stress and time. Every Monday night I am editing The Winonan until about 10 p.m., so I manage my time on the weekends—Sundays mostly, let’s be honest—to get my homework done through Tuesday. This way on Monday, I can come home, do some extra work I may need to or just simply go to bed and be ready to tackle the day on Tuesday. Most nights, I devote myself to homework or any articles I have to finish for the next day. Every once in a while I have a late night, up until 1 a.m., but those nights usually come on days were I have had a packed day of meetings, interviews or simply because I am human and get too distracted. Which is a good segway into the next point: embrace your distractions.
Now hear me out. Checking Twitter after every sentence you write for an essay is not a good distraction. But if your friend wants to go for a jog or take advantage of margarita night at Mango’s do not be afraid to say yes!
I know, how can I possibly function without caffeine? I’ve actually found that by drinking less caffeinated beverages and relying on my work outs to fuel my body, I am more energized, awake, motivated and happy.
You’re a human first, student second and an employee third, and if you need to take a few hours to burn off nervous energy or relax with friends. Then work hard after.
And that’s the key. It works for me, and it makes me happy. So that does not mean my healthy habits will work for everyone, but staying healthy in your own capacity will work for you.
Next, it’s important to find the things that make you happy. For me, there’s nothing better than ending the day, curled up in my bed with peppermint tea and some peanut butter while watching my new favorite Netflix show. Or I love to spend an afternoon crafting Christmas presents with my squad of friends while our favorite Disney movies play in the background. The point is: you’re not you without your hobbies. Don’t stop because suddenly you have a full schedule. Manage your time and get crafting or running or cooking or writing. It is important to be accomplished and to relax and enjoy your accomplishments. And while I’ve mentioned a few unhealthy distractions, it’s important to also remember your health. I constantly drink water, try to get at least 7 hours of sleep and I work out almost every day. On top of that, I avoid eating fast food or drinking pop and caffeine.
And lastly, remember to breathe. Reminders and tasks catch up with us quick. No matter how prepared we are there will always be days and weeks when we feel overwhelmed, but it’s important to not let these feelings turn into complete meltdowns. We have to take a few seconds of silence, without distractions, thoughts, reminders, deadlines and other tasks that get thrown at us to remember that we are only human, and it’s OK if we feel busy. It’s OK for us to say no sometimes and take life in the doses we feel most comfortable with. So find your Zen, take a deep breath and tackle one thing at a time. That’s all you can do, and that’s all you need to do.
Written By: Samantha Stetzer ‘17 18
Should You Always Say “Yes” to New Opportunities? Are you an “always say yes” kind of person? When new opportunities pop up in a job, career, or school activity, there may be a few things to consider first. Winona State University students Nicole Zimmerman and Ivy Kuhn are very busy and have some advice for students who are looking to take on new responsibilities in their school, service, and work lives. While getting involved and experiencing new things is extremely valuable, students should first ask themselves three questions when a new opportunity becomes available. What responsibilities do you already have? Sophomore criminal justice major Ivy Kuhn is a resident assistant in Sheehan Hall, student senator, and chair of the Public Relations Committee. “The first thing to consider is what other responsibilities you already have,” Kuhn said. The more responsibilities one takes on, the more likely it is that they will interfere with each other. “The next thing to consider is how important to you these other responsibilities are,” she said. “Classes, work, and other activities have demanding schedules that might interfere with each other, so you might have to make sacrifices and budget your time wisely.” Is it self-rewarding? Senior nursing major and Student Senate President Nicole Zimmerman said students should take on as many responsibilities as they can. “If it is something you love to do that is self-rewarding, I think the answer should always be yes,” she said. “The best way to find out if an opportunity is right for you is to try it out and see if you like it.”
Students should reflect on what the potential rewards are and how important those rewards may be, but sometimes the only way to know for sure is to follow one’s instinct. “The great thing about new experiences is you can learn new things and find out what you like and what you don’t like,” Zimmerman said. Is it overwhelming? Kuhn said students have to think whether they can make time for something extra. “Even if you have free time, that does not necessarily mean you have time for more responsibilities.” While new opportunities can be fun and rewarding, students should maintain balance between work and free time to prevent stress and feeling overwhelmed. “If you get too overwhelmed or stressed out, it can take away from the fun of your responsibilities, so always make sure you have enough time before tackling something new,” Kuhn said. Getting more involved should be a fun experience overall, and if students are overwhelmed, they may forget why they got involved in the first place. When it comes to tackling new responsibilities, students should make sure that what they are doing is fun, self-rewarding, and does not interfere with free time or other goals. They should also think about the demands and expectations that a new experience may require and whether they are able to meet those expectations. However, getting involved can be extremely rewarding and fun, and the only way to find out what the rewards are is to give the opportunity a try. Written By: Samuel Boudreau ‘19
19
Photo Credit: Sara Tiradossi ‘17
“The great thing about new experiences is you can learn new things and find out what you like and what you don’t like. ”
Photo Credit: Echo Henn ‘17
Secrets To Make Your Cover Letter Stand Out Nowadays, employers expect candidates to submit wellrounded application materials. However, resumes are not the only material that applicants need to consider when applying for a job. Cover letters have to be combined with resumes as well, and can sometimes make a difference for an employer considering potential candidates. Writing a cover letter can seem daunting at first, because it requires form of technical writing that follows paragraph format. “[Cover letters] can be fun, but are also about professionalism,” English professor Liberty Kohn said.
can vary: a cover letter can amount to up to two pages depending on the degree of professionalism of the job position. A good way to structure the information is to focus on a few specific interests of the employer and develop those ideas and how one’s jobs have resulted in those experiences. How much time should a cover letter take? The amount of time depends on the person who is writing it, but in general cover letters can be stronger when they go though many revisions. Just like other pieces written in paragraph form, better solutions to the way things are written may happen with time and revision.
The student Career Success Center is a great resource on campus to receive help with cover letters. “There are different success center carts on campus throughout the day,” Success Center student and employee Colin Kohrs said. Students can drop by these carts for advice from peers and experts on resumes and cover letters.
How should the information be presented? There are many different ways to structure a cover letter, because of the variety of job experiences and positions but it is important to present the strongest experiences first. For example, if a job is looking for versatility, a cover letter could be structured according to the ways a student adapts to a wide range of classes.
“Not only is it a good idea to be aware of outside resources,” he said. “Professors are there to help with cover letters as well.”
“[It is important] to include a short project worked on or applied in class that pertains to the job skills the job is seeking,” Kohn said.
Kohn suggested picking which online resources work best for the job position and use them to guide the organization of a cover letter.
How should contact information be provided? It is a good idea to provide two or more ways of contacting the job applicant and keep the information at the job employer’s convenience for further contact.
Compared to resumes, cover letters can be tedious and require more effort for a specific job position. Kohn gives these answers when asked about cover letters: How much information is too much information? Kohn said it is important to use relevant information. The amount of information provided in a cover letter
By seeking help through the different resources that are offered on our campus, students can make quality improvements that will land them they job they are trying to get. Written By: Lisa Daraskevich ‘17
22
What Club Are You Part Of? As a first year student, beginning classes and starting college can be scary and stressful. It might seem as if there is no time to add another activity on to an already busy schedule, but joining a club can be extremely beneficial in the long run. Winona State offers more than 180 clubs and student organizations: from the Pre-Med club to Jazz club, and the International club, there are many opportunities for students to be part of a club that fits one’s interests the most. Student Health & Wellness Advocates President Spencer Treu said, “Every time you get involved with something new, it opens new doors to other great opportunities.” In particular, members of the Student Health & Wellness Advocates recieve numerous benefits such as trainig in a variety of health topics, opportunities to polish their public speaking skills, and CPR and first aid training through Health & Wellness Services. These are all great benefits for students who might not have the extra funds to become certified in CPR or attend conferences or trainings outside of WSU. Throughout the school year, there are many chances to gather more information on different clubs and organizations. A popular event is the club and student organization fair, which typically takes place during orientation week and around midterms. There is also a club and student organization fair each spring semester. Once students have become involved on campus, they should make sure their resume is up to date and stands out. The Warrior Success Center also offers a variety of other helpful services to explore different careers, receive assistance in job or internships search, and prepare for interviews, or apply to graduate schools. Additionally, the Warrior Success Center puts on a number of career and job fairs throughout the semester, where students can find out about job opportunities and meet potential employers. Another important resource is Winona State’s Warrior Jobs website, which has job listings for student before and after graduation. English Professor Gary Eddy said becoming involved on campus can create an environment that [feels] like a home, thus helping to create connections with faculty and gain their support. “Becoming involved allowed me to meet a number of important writers and encouraged me for the rest of my career in my undergrad studies,” Eddy said. 23
Written By: Samantha Schierman ‘17
Photo Credit: Sara Tiradossi
Photo Credit: Alisa Zhukova
Student Spotlight: Internship in Sunny Barcelona This past summer, senior public relations and Spanish major Brienne Reischl landed an internship in Barcelona, Spain that allowed her to grow as a person and professional. In spring 2015, Reischl attended the Universitat de Barcelona, and the following winter she received an email about an internship for alumni. A video, cover letter, resume and three Skype interviews later, Reischl landed the internship with Barcelona Study Abroad Experience (Barcelona SAE) as an activities and academics assistant.
Contributed Photos
When I went on excursions, I was on the job. I was still a leader in group activities, tours and sometimes I was the supervisor. I was on contract 9-6 every day except for Friday where I was 9-1. If I wasn’t on excursions I had Saturday and Sunday off.
I was really lucky to work in an office that was very focused on employee relations. We’d go out after work as an office, go to restaurants together, and there was actually a designated budget for each office for team building. We went to an escape room as an office, and other offices went paddle boating together. There was a lot of effort in making sure everyone in the office was Reischl was the youngest in the office by three years, as enjoying each other and their work and getting enough her department managed more than 250 students com- time to do fun things. ing to Barcelona in the summer. She was responsible for managing Barcelona SAE’s social media accounts, Q: How did this internship move you towards and online calendar, activities and events as well as creating help you in achieving your ultimate career goals? brochures and sign ups. I’ve always wanted to travel and live and work abroad. Her job planning, monitoring and managing allowed Spanish always been a passion of mine, so this inher to utilize her skills and familiarize herself with ternship combined all of those elements that I truly Catalan, spoken in Spain, as well. She was pushed to love into one experience. I got to work in a Spanish achieve her full potential, and Reischl left her internenvironment in Spain, and I got to do public relations ship with much experience and knowledge gained. activities and community outreach. I was able to use my creativity to come up with ideas and work with Q: Did you have much time for leisure? How did you other people’s ideas as well. It kind of solidified what balance your free time and work in a satisfying way? I’m looking forward to doing in the future. Photo Credit: Allison Mueller
Q: What was your favorite part about the internship? Probably the people I worked with. Even though I was younger than everyone, they really took an interest in my wellbeing and they included me in everything and everyone genuinely cared about each other. They were so inclusive and realized we’re all working towards the same goal. Sometimes my boss would take me to coffee and it helped to have that constant reminder that I was valued and doing a good job. Q: How did this internship benefit you in terms of mental and emotional health? One hundred percent of the time it was challenging and busy. I learned when to ask for help and use the strengths other people have to everyone’s advantage, so I’m not alone and struggling by myself. There was only one instance where I was really homesick and that’s when I loved technology the most. I could reach out to my family through Facebook calls and such. That was the biggest thing for me: realizing at the end of everything I survived, I did the best that I could and I think I did a good job. Q: Do you have any advice for students who are interested in taking on an internship abroad? Just do it. You’re not going come back to the U.S. having learned nothing or feeling less capable; you’re going to come back with so much more knowledge about yourself and the world in general. I think many people feel stuck in Minnesota sometimes and we forget there’s so much more to the world. It’s inevitable that you will be a stronger even more capable person if you just take the opportunity.
Check out the numerous study abroad or travel study opportunities offered by International Programs at Winona State.
Written By: Allison Mueller ‘17
26
OFFERED AT NO COST!
WHEN
THE ONLY CURE FOR GRIEF IS TO GRIEVE.
RETREAT SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 5, 2016 9:30 AM - 3:30 PM
WHERE
FOR POST-HIGH SCHOOL TO AGE 30
WSU HAAKE HALL CONFERENCE ROOM 263 W. MARK ST., WINONA
SESSIONS
HEALING
AFTER THE LOSS OF A LOVED ONE
GUIDED IMAGERY YOGA & BALANCE WRITING AS A HEALING TOOL ARTISTIC EXPRESSION TALKING CIRCLES
- EARL GROLLMAN
FACILITATED BY: EUNIE ALSAKER, MSSW, LICSW, CT JAMIE SANDERS, MSW, APSW
LIVEWELLWINONA.ORG
TODAY
REGISTER
SPONSORED BY: WINONA HEALTH HOSPICE, WINONA HEALTH FOUNDATION & LIVE WELL WINONA
QUESTIONS? CONTACT EUNIE: EALSAKER@WINONA.EDU OR CALL: LIVE WELL WINONA 507.474.9825