JJC Blog

In October 2015, the JJC Foundation and the Athletics Department hosted a Haunted 5K Run and Walk. More than 400 costumed-athletes and 40+ volunteers turned out for the event. Tombstone-esk trophies were handed out to the top overall male (17:49) and female (20:43) 5K winners, and the fastest runner in costume - who just so happened to be sporting a Flash costume (I'm sure the Big Bang folks are geekin' out somewhere).

Race proceeds will go towards student scholarships, college programs and the JJC athletics program. Want to see more of the action? Check out the best costumes of the Haunted 5K.

Raise of hands - who's attempted a festive holiday Pin and had it go horribly, horribly wrong. Don't worry, you're not alone (myself included).

The JJC culinary department has the answer to your Pinterest-fail blues. ‘JJ-see how it’s done’ in this step-by-step Halloween cookie decorating video.

Step 1:
Buy icing – and no, Funfetti frosting won’t cut it here. You can purchase the good stuff at Michaels or off the Wilton website.

Step 2:
Fill your piping bag with icing. Where can you find the bags? You guessed it, also at Michaels or off the Wilton site. (Need a thriftier option? Try Walmart or your local dollar store.)
 

1. Find a Study Buddy

Just like hitting the gym, you’re more likely to actually go if you have a buddy pushing you to do it. Find your study P.I.C. and designate a time and place to meet every week – like the library, Starbucks or your house/apartment.

2. Treat Yo Self

Studying can be tedious, so reward yourself for the work you’re doing. Set mini-goals to break up your study sesh. For example, “After I [finish reading this chapter], I’ll [go grab that cookie I’ve been eyeing]. Looking forward to a reward is a great motivator, and it's been proven that regular breaks can boost productivity and improve your ability to focus on a single task.

Homework…it’s a never ending cycle. Although it’s not cracking anyone’s ‘Top 5 Favorite Pastimes’ lists, it IS important for helping you retain and apply what you’ve learned in the classroom.
 
Next time you’re in a homework rut, try these tips to get back on track:

1. Unplug

Let’s face it, there's about a million other things you’d rather be doing than homework – whether it’s texting friends, snapchatting or creeping on Facebook. And when given the choice between homework or procrastinating via social media, social media's always going to win. So instead of bouncing back and forth, put aside a set amount of time to unplug – even if it’s just for 30 mins. By physically logging off of all social media accounts on your computer and switching your phone to airplane mode, you’ll be surprised how much you can get done.

Everyone makes mistakes, but here are a few to avoid your first semester. If you’re already doing some of these, 'tisk-tisk,' -  BUT there’s still time to turn it around!

Assuming you’re the smartest person in the class:

Maybe you earned straight A’s or took honors classes in high school (Kudos), but college is a completely different beast. Don’t make the mistake of coming to class expecting to coast because, “it’s only community college.” Community college classes are no easier than 4-year university classes. (That's why the credits transfer) Sloppily pulling together a paper the day it's due, or blowing off studying for even just one test can mean you working double time to make up for it the rest of the semester.
 

Skipping class:

Come ooon, where else can you learn from an actual instructor, ask questions on-the-spot or even get the inside scoop on test questions. Plus you’ll be putting in valuable face-time with your instructors, which may come in handy if you need extra help down the line. At the very least, think of your classes like a gym membership – you’re paying for it anyway, so you might as well go!

These 7 celebrities prove it’s not where you start, but where you end up.

Tom Hanks: Prior to becoming an Oscar-winning actor (and the only man who can make you emotional over a volleyball), Hanks attended Chabot College, a community college in Hayward, CA. A big proponent of community colleges, he's even credited his tremendous success to his time at Chabot.

Walt Disney: Before Cinderella found her glass kicks or Snow White befriended 7 questionable characters, the ‘original mouseketeer’ attended Metropolitan Junior College in Missouri.

Clint Eastwood: Eastwood knew he didn’t have to pay a "Million Dollars Baby" to get a good education. The award-winning actor, film maker, composer and politician attended Los Angeles City College to study business administration.

For those of us who attend or work in a community college and watch sitcoms like Modern Family, we cringe when we hear the Dunphys threaten to send Haley to community college because she can’t make it at a “real” college.  But sitcom kidding aside, the truth is on some level, they’re right. Community colleges are a great place for students who either struggled at other colleges, or are undecided on their career path.

For example, at Joliet Junior College, we have an entire department dedicated to student success. This department includes counseling, tutoring, career services, and more – and their jobs are all about helping students – period.

There’s always more to learn at JJC. Check out the infographic below to learn a few lesser-known facts about the college.

Striving to be the first is nothing new for JJC. Since becoming the nation’s first public community college in 1901, JJC has extended its offerings to 180+ degree and certificate programs, 30 clubs and six campus locations. Aside from servicing students, JJC is a resource to the community, offering theatre productions, a student-run restaurant, planetarium shows, concerts, art exhibits and more!

Note: This blog was written in 2015. JJC no longer hosts events such as Lunch Bunch and Dine and Discuss. 

The Office of Student Activities (OSA) is one of the offices on campus responsible for planning events and co-curricular activities for students. It’s easy to get involved and we have plenty to offer in a diverse array of clubs, activities and programs.

You can learn more about OSA programs by reading the OSA calendars posted in the bathrooms, around campus (can’t miss them on bright colored paper) and our digital signs. You can also find that info by checking your student email where a calendar of events are sent each month, or by stopping by D-1010 to request a calendar.

Want more? Visit our Student Activities page or stop by our office to request information on the 30+ clubs already planning activities for the upcoming year and to look into various programs. And don’t miss our biggest events of the year (many with free food and activities), including Welcome Week (Aug. 26-27), the Lunch Bunch Series, the Dine and Discuss Series with JJC Faculty, Leadership programs (with the opportunity to earn a $500 scholarship), MLK Week and more!

With so much available, we know it’s hard to keep track of everything. So this year we’re rolling out the NEW Passport to Student Success. These Passports – available in the OSA office – are loaded with helpful information like dates of events and programs offered by various offices on campus. And did we mention that there are prizes for attending events?

1. Tour the Campus

Take a walk and familiarize yourself with your new home for the next two years. Did you know JJC has a specialty coffee shop, a fitness center with Xbox compatible stationary bikes, or a full-functioning planetarium? If you’re pressed for time while on-campus, take the Google virtual tour, and ‘walk’ the building from the comfort of your home.

2. Find your "Study Spot"

We get it. You walk through the door after a day of classes and Netflix, Facebook or video games are literally call your name. Instead, try finding a quiet spot on campus where you can do your work BEFORE you head home - like the library, U-building corridor or patio area. You’ll minimize your distractions and eliminate that ‘I really should be doing my homework’ feeling when you leave.

3. Get a Feel For Your Classes

Feel it out to see if you selected the right classes for you. Courses like math, English and science are taught at many different levels. Make sure you haven’t signed up for a class that’s too hard (or too easy) based on your prior level of education. If you're feeling unsure about any course selections, make an appointment with the counseling department by calling (815) 280-2673 or visit room A-1155 on Main Campus.