Career Decisions and Opportunities

Jessica Nelson, Anoka-Ramsey Community College-Cambridge Campus

ARCC first began in 1965 with approximately 600 students in the wing of the Centennial High School building and later moved to the Coon Rapids campus in 1967. The Cambridge campus opened a little over ten years later with enrollment continually growing every year since. As of the 2008-2009 year, more than 11,000 students were enrolled at ARCC. Throughout those years choosing a career is not always an easy choice for the students at Anoka-Ramsey Community College (ARCC). Many students enroll at ARCC with the intentions of completing the Minnesota Transfer Curriculum (MNTC) with the idea of furthering their education to a four-year degree. For some, they fulfill their goals, and for many others their goals might take a different turn in life. A number of students continue to work towards their careers in the fields that they’re most interested in or display immense talent in. The MNTC consists of 10 goal areas which students work towards completing the 40-credit minimum requirement to be eligible for transfer.

ARCC Cambridge Campus student, Jessica Nelson stated, “I first enrolled at ARCC thinking that I would eventually transfer schools and become an art major, but after a few courses I think I would be better in the accounting field. I’ve always liked math, but my teachers here made me enjoy it even more”.

Whether students are planning to enroll in college to exceed in their interest, or talents, they all need direction. “I really had no clue on what I wanted to do with my life. I spoke with a few of the different counselors at the Coon Rapids campus at ARCC and they eventually led me in the direction to teaching elementary. I really love kids, and enjoy watching them absorb knowledge with excitement, so it was an easy choice for me,” said ARCC Coon Rapids student, Michelle Bourbeau.

With ARCC offering hundreds of courses both online and on-campus combined, it makes ARCC a very easy choice for many students. ARCC also offers summer courses to interested students. “When I first started looking for colleges I wanted a school that was affordable, and offered classes that I had the most interest in. I also wanted a college that also had courses online that would relate to my major and ARCC stood out the most to me. I’m now on my second year at ARCC and will be transferring to the University of Minnesota next spring,” stated ARCC student Kyle Silberg.

For potential students interested in becoming a student at ARCC there’s over 10 counselors available to provide any questions and information one might have. There is also the college’s website Anoka Ramsey.edu that also provides many questions and information available to the public.

“For me the college’s website is the easiest and most convenient tool I’ve used here at ARCC. I’m able to pay my tuition, purchase my books, and register for courses. I think I’d be lost without it,” said Nelson.

Target Field Impresses Fans

With Minnesota Twins fans enjoying their new stadium, they’re now faced with one problem-the overwhelming congestion of people at the rails in Minneapolis. Metro Transit is encouraging fans leaving from the games to chose to use the shuttle buses as an alternative to alleviate the traffic.





http://www.startribune.com/politics/state/91126884.html?elr=KArksi8cyaiUqCP:iUiD3aPc:_Yyc:aULPQL7PQLanchO7DiUs

Who is paying for the cost of college these days?

              Financial Aid for a majority of the students at Anoka-Ramsey Community College (ARCC) is one way students are paying for their college tuition.

             Regardless of age or martial status student loans are and will be the common method for students seeking financial aid in a post-secondary education. According to President Barack Obama’s new student loan proposal that has been introduced to legislation, it will increase direct federal loans benefiting the students. With this additional assistance students will have more money available for loans and grants thus creating greater opportunities for the students.

                 For the slight number of students receiving financial assistant from their parents or guardians this noticeably will not effect them. However, students that are in need of further assistant this comes at the perfect time for them. When working full-time and even picking up a part-time job just to provide enough income to support yourself with the rising cost of rent, food, tuition, books, and bills this proposal will offer a much needed sigh of relief for many students. However, the new student loan proposal involves eliminating private student loan programs through banks and companies such as Wells Fargo and as an alternative, students would borrow directly from the government.

            Although there is a positive to the proposal. Since there’s more federal dollars available to students that are guaranteed from the federal government, the less likely students are to rely on private loans which have become very limited. As for students like Rebecca Fore, these loans will bring a little weight off her shoulder.

Missing Redwood Falls Man Found

The body of 22-year old Andrew McNamara from Redwood Falls, MN has recovered today by dive teams in Rice Creek located in southwestern Minnesota. McNamara was reported missing on Sunday evening. Friends and Family members believe McNamara had gone to the location to recover items from his truck that was submerged in the creek where he was also rescued one month ago.



http://www.startribune.com/local/90787219.html?elr=KArksLckD8EQDUoaEyqyP4O:DW3ckUiD3aPc:_Yyc:aUnciaec8O7EyUsl

Jack Johnson at the Apple River prior to the summer tour and new album release

Jack Johnson at the Apple River prior to the summer tour and new album release

For those of you who are unfamiliar with Jack Johnson, he’s a 33-year old musician who is described as laid-back artist with a folk rock-acoustic style who displays an enormous amount of talent. Johnson began playing the guitar by the age of 14, learning to play, “One-by Metallica” as his first song.


Johnson has already released six albums, six soundtracks, and over 26 compilations and is arranged to go on tour this summer beginning on July 9 in efforts of promoting his newest album, “To the Sea” which releases on June 1. Prior to Johnson’s summer tour he will be performing at the Apple River which is already expected to be a sell-out crowd. The concert is set for June 22, 2010 in the Rivers Edge Park in Somerset, WI at the Apple River with his opening act consisting of his longtime friend, Mason Jennings. Tickets went on sale on March 15 are priced at $40 each.

Contact: Rebecca Fore @ Fore0106@metnet.edu with any questions or concerns.
Release Date: April 8th, 2010

Blaine manhunt comes to an end

The manhunt in Blaine finally came to an end this morning when L.C. Wesley Armstrong

turned himself in to authorities. Armstrong, who is a suspect in the stabbing of a Minneapolis Police K-9 and also eluded police officers resulting in the manhunt will be held in the Anoka County Jail.
   
http://www.startribune.com/local/north/89902732.html?elr=KArks:DCiUMcyaL_nDaycUiacyKUnciaec8O7EyUr

Enterprise Topic

I chose "College-The best of times, and the worst of times" for my enterprise story topic. I chose it because I wanted to stray away from the traditional stories that you might read about on campus. In a perfect world most people would claim that college is "the best time of your life." However, is that really the case for ALL students? I want to dive deeper into this subject and learn about current student's experience while attending ARCC as well as staff members observations of other students. Im actually really excited to write this story!