--- title: Joliet Junior College Blog | Sam Ritz description: Sam is the Marketing Content Specialist at Joliet Junior College. She can be reached at ssottosa@jjc.edu or ext. 2489. --- [Joliet Junior College Home Page ![Joliet Junior College Home Page](https://blog.jjc.edu/hubfs/RGB%20JJC%20Wolf%20Outline%202-Color%20Purple%20White.svg)](https://jjc.edu/) - [Apply Now](https://jjc.edu/getting-started/admissions/apply-now) - [My JJC](https://stujjc.sharepoint.com/) - [iCampus](https://icampus.instructure.com/) - [Technology Resources](https://www.jjc.edu/technology-resources) - [Giving](http://www.jjc.edu/giving) Open Search ![](https://www.facebook.com/tr?id=224127874799132&ev=PageView&noscript=1) ![](https://www.facebook.com/tr?id=224127874799132&ev=PageView%20&noscript=1) - [Getting Started](http://www.jjc.edu/getting-started) - [Admissions](http://www.jjc.edu/getting-started/admissions) - [Admitted Students](https://www.jjc.edu/getting-started/admitted-students) - [Pay for College](https://www.jjc.edu/getting-started/pay-college) - [Register for Courses](http://www.jjc.edu/getting-started/register-courses) - 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[History](http://www.jjc.edu/about-jjc/history) - [Institutional Effectiveness](http://jjc.edu/about-jjc/institutional-research-effectiveness) - [Locations](https://jjc.edu/about-jjc/campus-locations) - [Places of Interest](https://jjc.edu/about-jjc/places-interest) - [Police & Safety](https://www.jjc.edu/about-jjc/college-leadership/administration/finance-administrative-services/police-and-safety) - [Strategic Plan](https://jjc.edu/about-jjc/strategic-plan) Search Together we can find what you're looking for: Enter your search term: Search Close Search - [Getting Started](http://www.jjc.edu/getting-started) - [Admissions](http://www.jjc.edu/getting-started/admissions) - [Admitted Students](https://www.jjc.edu/getting-started/admitted-students) - [Pay for College](https://www.jjc.edu/getting-started/pay-college) - [Register for Courses](http://www.jjc.edu/getting-started/register-courses) - [Schedule a Visit](http://www.jjc.edu/getting-started/schedule-visit) - [Academics](http://www.jjc.edu/academic-areas-study) - [Academic Interests](http://jjc.edu/academics) - [Crawford Honors College](https://jjc.edu/getting-started/admissions/honors-college) - [Credit for Prior Learning](https://jjc.edu/student-resources/transfer-information/prior-learning) - [English as Second Language | ESL](https://jjc.edu/community/department-adult-education-literacy/english-second-language-and-citizenship) - [High School Diploma | GED](https://jjc.edu/community/department-adult-education-literacy/illinois-high-school-diplomaged-and-basic-skill) - [Search for Classes](https://selfservice.jjc.edu/Student/Courses) - [Online Learning](https://www.jjc.edu/online-learning) - [Student Resources](http://www.jjc.edu/student-resources) - [Bookstore](http://www.jjc.edu/student-resources/bookstore) - [Career Services](http://www.jjc.edu/student-resources/career-services) - [Disability Services](https://jjc.edu/disability-services) - [Mental Health & Wellness](https://jjc.edu/student-resources/mental-health-wellness) - [Library](https://library.jjc.edu/home) - [Multicultural Student Services](https://jjc.edu/student-resources/center-multicultural-access-success) - [Registrar](https://www.jjc.edu/student-resources/registrars-office) - [Student Advising](https://www.jjc.edu/student-resources/student-advising-center) - [Testing Services](https://www.jjc.edu/student-resources/testing-services) - [Transfer Resources](https://jjc.edu/student-resources/transfer-information) - [Tutoring & Learning Center](http://www.jjc.edu/student-resources/tutoring-learning-center) - [Veterans Resources](https://jjc.edu/student-resources/veterans-resource-center) - [Campus Life](http://www.jjc.edu/campus-life) - [Athletics](http://jjcwolves.com/) - [Cafe/Food Services](http://www.jjc.edu/campus-life/food-services) - [Child Care Services](https://jjc.edu/campus-life/child-care-services) - [Student Activities](http://www.jjc.edu/campus-life/student-activities) - [Student Rights](https://www.jjc.edu/campus-life/office-student-rights-responsibilities) - [Sustainability](https://jjc.edu/campus-life/sustainability) - [Community](http://www.jjc.edu/community) - [Adult Education](https://jjc.edu/community/workforce-education-adult-ed-literacy) - [Continuing Education](https://www.jjc.edu/community/continuing-education) - [Facility Rentals](http://www.jjc.edu/community/facility-rentals) - [Small Business Services](https://jjc.edu/jjc-entrepreneur-business-center-getting-started) - [Vendors](http://www.jjc.edu/community/vendors) - [Workforce Development](http://www.jjc.edu/community/workforce-development) - [About JJC](http://www.jjc.edu/about-jjc) - [College Leadership](http://www.jjc.edu/about-jjc/leadership) - [Inclusive Excellence & Advocacy](https://jjc.edu/about-jjc/office-inclusive-excellence-and-advocacy) - [Employment](https://www.jjc.edu/about-jjc/college-leadership/administration/human-resources/jobs-careers) - [Freedom of Information](https://jjc.edu/about-jjc/freedom-information-act) - [History](http://www.jjc.edu/about-jjc/history) - [Institutional Effectiveness](http://jjc.edu/about-jjc/institutional-research-effectiveness) - [Locations](https://jjc.edu/about-jjc/campus-locations) - [Places of Interest](https://jjc.edu/about-jjc/places-interest) - [Police & Safety](https://www.jjc.edu/about-jjc/college-leadership/administration/finance-administrative-services/police-and-safety) - [Strategic Plan](https://jjc.edu/about-jjc/strategic-plan) - [Apply Now](https://jjc.edu/getting-started/admissions/apply-now) - [My JJC](https://stujjc.sharepoint.com/) - [iCampus](https://icampus.instructure.com/) - [Technology Resources](https://www.jjc.edu/technology-resources) - [Giving](http://www.jjc.edu/giving) Open Search # JJC Blog Learn more about student life and what you can accomplish at Joliet Junior College in our blog. ## Sam Ritz Sam is the Marketing Content Specialist at Joliet Junior College. She can be reached at ssottosa@jjc.edu or ext. 2489. ### Recent Posts ## [7 DIY Projects To Get You Ready for Fall Semester](https://blog.jjc.edu/7-diy-projects-to-get-you-ready-for-fall-semeste) Posted by [Sam Ritz](https://blog.jjc.edu/author/sam-ritz) on Aug 6, 2018 8:08:00 AM - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) [![survival kit](https://blog.jjc.edu/hubfs/Blog_Images/survival%20kit.jpg)](https://blog.jjc.edu/7-diy-projects-to-get-you-ready-for-fall-semeste) Are you creative? Love do-it-yourself (DIY) crafts? Want to stay occupied before classes begin in just a few short weeks? Look no further than this blog, where we list seven DIY projects that will get you ready for fall semester!  **JJC fall classes begin Monday, Aug. 20.** Haven't had the chance to apply? There's still time! Visit [jjc.edu/apply](http://www.jjc.edu/apply). [Read More](https://blog.jjc.edu/7-diy-projects-to-get-you-ready-for-fall-semeste) 0 Comments [Click here to read/write comments](https://blog.jjc.edu/7-diy-projects-to-get-you-ready-for-fall-semeste#comments-listing) Tags: [For New Students](https://blog.jjc.edu/topic/for-new-students), [Just for Fun](https://blog.jjc.edu/topic/just-for-fun) ## [Money Management Tips](https://blog.jjc.edu/money-management-tips) Posted by [Sam Ritz](https://blog.jjc.edu/author/sam-ritz) on Feb 26, 2018 8:15:00 AM - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) [![student worker](https://blog.jjc.edu/hubfs/Blog_Images/student%20worker.jpg)](https://blog.jjc.edu/money-management-tips) Whether you're age 18 or 38, keeping a balanced budget is tricky - especially if you're in college and juggling multiple costs.  [According to a Gallup poll](http://news.gallup.com/poll/162872/one-three-americans-prepare-detailed-household-budget.aspx), only 30 percent of Americans keep a regular household budget. If you don't have a budget (but would like to create one), we've gathered a few helpful tips that will get you started below.  **Questions about your financial aid?** [Visit jjc.edu/financial-aid.](http://jjc.edu/getting-started/pay-school/financial-aid) [Read More](https://blog.jjc.edu/money-management-tips) 0 Comments [Click here to read/write comments](https://blog.jjc.edu/money-management-tips#comments-listing) Tags: [Money Saving Tips](https://blog.jjc.edu/topic/money-saving-tips), [Tips & Tricks](https://blog.jjc.edu/topic/tips-tricks) ## [Visiting China: A Study Abroad Experience](https://blog.jjc.edu/visiting-china-a-study-abroad-experience) Posted by [Sam Ritz](https://blog.jjc.edu/author/sam-ritz) on Jun 26, 2017 7:54:27 AM - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) [![](https://blog.jjc.edu/hubfs/Blog_Images/china%20banner.jpg)](https://blog.jjc.edu/visiting-china-a-study-abroad-experience) *From June 1 to 18, a group of Joliet Junior College students arrived in China for the experience of a lifetime. Unsure of what lay before them, the group was excited to explore a new culture, new cities and to meet new people. * *Read their firsthand accounts below to see what it was like studying abroad in China this summer.* **Interested in Studying Abroad?** [Click here to see what opportunities JJC has to offer!](https://www.jjc.edu/academics/study-abroad) [Read More](https://blog.jjc.edu/visiting-china-a-study-abroad-experience) 0 Comments [Click here to read/write comments](https://blog.jjc.edu/visiting-china-a-study-abroad-experience#comments-listing) Tags: [Study Abroad](https://blog.jjc.edu/topic/study-abroad) ## [6 Ways Emojis Sum Up Life at JJC](https://blog.jjc.edu/6-ways-emojis-sum-up-life-at-jjc) Posted by [Sam Ritz](https://blog.jjc.edu/author/sam-ritz) on Jan 17, 2017 7:58:53 AM - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) [![](https://blog.jjc.edu/hubfs/Blog_Images/emojis/emjo_banner2.jpg)](https://blog.jjc.edu/6-ways-emojis-sum-up-life-at-jjc) Emojis have taken the world by storm! Did you know that in 2015, the Oxford Dictionary even chose an emoji (😂 ) instead of a word for their annual [Word of the Year](https://time.com/4114886/oxford-word-of-the-year-2015-emoji/) designation? With [emojis](http://emojidictionary.emojifoundation.com/home.php?people) getting a lot of attention lately because of their ability to describe feelings (😃 or ☹️ ) or let's be honest - basically *anything* (like🍕 or 🏈 ) - we wanted to share the top six emojis that best describe life at JJC.   [Read More](https://blog.jjc.edu/6-ways-emojis-sum-up-life-at-jjc) 0 Comments [Click here to read/write comments](https://blog.jjc.edu/6-ways-emojis-sum-up-life-at-jjc#comments-listing) Tags: [Just for Fun](https://blog.jjc.edu/topic/just-for-fun) ## [NEW: Sign up for JJC Reminders and Get Them Sent Straight to Your Phone](https://blog.jjc.edu/new-sign-up-for-jjc-reminders-and-get-them-sent-straight-to-your-phone) Posted by [Sam Ritz](https://blog.jjc.edu/author/sam-ritz) on Sep 6, 2016 7:54:36 AM - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) [![](https://blog.jjc.edu/hubfs/Blog_Images/Screen_Shot_2016-09-01_at_10.55.26_AM.png)](https://blog.jjc.edu/new-sign-up-for-jjc-reminders-and-get-them-sent-straight-to-your-phone) With class projects, homework, student activities, work and family obligations, it can be hard sometimes to remember everything on your to-do list. At JJC, we want you to be successful, so we've created a new notification system (through our [JJC mobile app](http://news.jjc.edu/2013/08/jjc-launches-mobile-app/)) that will remind you of important deadlines - and give you one less thing to worry about!  (**IMPORTANT:** This notification system through our mobile app should not be confused with JJC's [Emergency Alert System](https://blog.jjc.edu/in-case-of-a-school-emergency-do-you-know-what-to-do), which notifies students of school closings and other emergencies) [Read More](https://blog.jjc.edu/new-sign-up-for-jjc-reminders-and-get-them-sent-straight-to-your-phone) 0 Comments [Click here to read/write comments](https://blog.jjc.edu/new-sign-up-for-jjc-reminders-and-get-them-sent-straight-to-your-phone#comments-listing) Tags: [About JJC](https://blog.jjc.edu/topic/about-jjc) ## [JJC Students Study Abroad in Japan](https://blog.jjc.edu/jjc-students-study-abroad-in-japan) Posted by [Sam Ritz](https://blog.jjc.edu/author/sam-ritz) on Jul 12, 2016 12:39:36 PM - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) [![](https://blog.jjc.edu/hubfs/Blog_Images/Japan_Banner.jpg)](https://blog.jjc.edu/jjc-students-study-abroad-in-japan) *Anticipating an adventure, ten Joliet Junior College students eagerly boarded a plane for a [study abroad trip](https://www.jjc.edu/academics/study-abroad) to [Matsuyama, Japan](http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e5500.html), earlier this summer. From touring shrines and castles to meeting new friends, JJC students immersed themselves in the culture and earned college credits by taking classes taught by [JJC professor Nataliya Marchenko](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AczyWJdSFx0) through [Ehime University](https://www.ehime-u.ac.jp/) in Matsuyama. * *Read a collaborative blog below to see what the students experienced during their first ten days in Matsuyama, Japan. * [Read More](https://blog.jjc.edu/jjc-students-study-abroad-in-japan) 0 Comments [Click here to read/write comments](https://blog.jjc.edu/jjc-students-study-abroad-in-japan#comments-listing) Tags: [Study Abroad](https://blog.jjc.edu/topic/study-abroad) [All posts](https://blog.jjc.edu/all) ### Subscribe to Email Updates ### Recent Posts ### Posts by Topic - 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