JJC Blog

Students: you made it! Next week is finally spring break! 

Whether you're staying in for some much needed R&R or busy with work and family, we hope you'll enjoy this well-deserved break from classes.

Looking for something productive to do during your time off? Below are five things you can work on over spring break.

Did you know that JJC has its very own MakerLab?

Packed with cool equipment (most notably 3D printers), the lab is an environment for both students and the community to create almost anything they want using materials like filament, craft plywood, acrylic sheets, vinyl and more. Note: Anyone can tour or visit the MakerLab during regular hours, but to use the equipment in the lab, you must be a MakerLab member.

Wondering what you can make? Take a look below!

Ah, the research paper.

It can be one of the most time-consuming homework assignments that you'll ever work on in college. If you find yourself grunting every time you think about it, stop right where you are and take a look at the helpful tips below - they may make the process a little easier. 

If you're a JJC student, there's at least one thing you have in common with the Lost Generation (those born 1883 to 1900): you attend the same community college as they did.

JJC has been in operation since 1901, and as the very first community college in the U.S., there's nearly 120 years of history in its grasp. Want to take a stroll down memory lane? Keep scrolling for seven interesting snip-its from the past, discovered in JJC yearbooks and other archives.

Have you heard of flex start classes? Formerly labeled as "late start," JJC's flex start classes allow you to begin your course after the semester start date. They have a shorter duration than a regular, 16-week class and usually last between eight to 14 weeks. You can register for them at any time - even weeks after the semester has started.

Here are a few things we think you should know about these flexible classes: 

Did you know that goal setting decreases procrastination and helps you focus? It may seem like something small, but working toward a goal is a powerful tool for productivity. Even if your goal is simple (like practicing meditation once a week or to drink more water), you'll still benefit because you're establishing healthy habits.  

Want to create a goal for this semester? Take a look at our list below for ideas!

By February, 80 percent of people will have already given up on their New Year's resolutions.

Want to stick to yours? Be specific with the goals you set - and make them easy. Our list below tweaks five common New Year's resolutions to make them more manageable for students. 

It's Finals Week, which means winter break is that much closer!

But while you're still here, there are a few things we hope you'll keep in mind. Take a look at our list below to see what we suggest you do during your last week of 2018 classes.

Looking for something fun to do next semester? Take a non-credit class at JJC! JJC's continuing education courses are fun and interest-based, meant more for enjoyment than a grade. These classes, which are open to both students and community members, cover a wide range of topics which include cooking, music, crafts and more. They are offered every semester.

Take a look at our list below where we list ten "just-for-fun" classes you can take this spring!

To find out more about non-credit classes at JJC, visit our website at jjc.edu/LLC. Our Spring 2019 Community & Continuing Education catalog will be available online Dec. 10. If you would like to register or request additional information before that time, please call our office at (815) 280-1555.

Whether you're studying for finals or prepping for a big test, you're going to need to eat. I mean... these are facts.

Read on to see five snacks that you can munch on as you hit the books.