JJC Blog

Note: This article was published in 2016. In 2019, JJC opened the University Center, a a local, convenient, and cost-effective option for students to complete their bachelor's and master's programs either online or on one of JJC's campuses. Learn more about the University Center. Questions? Email UniversityPartnerships@jjc.edu.

Did you know that there are more than 2,600 four-year schools in the U.S. (and 119 in Illinois)? That's a crazy amount to choose from!

According to InsideHigherEd, 37 percent of all college students will choose to transfer to another school at one point or another during their time in college. So, as a JJC student, how do you even begin to start your transfer school search? With so many choices and so much to do, we've put together a few tips on how you can start your search right now. 

Are you in the market for an internship or job? The Annual Joliet Regional Job Fair is a great place to start!

This year’s event takes place on Friday, April 8 from 1-4 p.m. at JJC (J-Building). There will be more than 60 local and national companies on site, including Home Depot, H&M, Walgreens, NAPA Auto Parts, Harrah's Joliet Casino & Hotel, Exelon and more.

If you plan to attend, make sure to dress in professional business attire, bring resumes, and come prepared for on-the-spot interviews.

Not sure if your resume is up to par, or need to brush up on your interviewing skills? We got you covered! Check out the videos below for helpful tips.

Raise of hands – who breaks out in a cold sweat when their check engine light turns on? (Driving a 2003 vehicle myself, I feel your pain)

Let Josh Graf of JJC’s Automotive program calm your car anxieties with five simple maintenance tips to keep your car on the road and out of the repair shop.

1. Checking your oil

Remove the oil dipstick  and wipe it off completely. Once clean, reinsert the stick and remove it again. Hold the handle up, away from the ground. Check the levels at the bottom of the stick. Your oil should be visible between the ‘full’ and ‘low’ marks.

2. Checking your coolant

Do not remove your coolant cap (can become pressurized after driving). Instead, look through the clear reservoir to see where the pink liquid line is. Your coolant level should be between the ‘full cold’ and ‘full hot’ marks on the tank.

January is almost over – how are your New Year’s resolutions coming along? If the answer is ‘not great’ or 'I don't want to talk about it,' don’t worry, it’s not too late to turn things around! Read on for helpful tips to keep your resolutions going all year long.

1. Tell your #Squad.

Individuals that let others know about their resolutions are more likely to keep them. So fill your family, friends – or if you’re feeling bold – Facebook community in on your 2016 goals. Having the backing of the people you care about can go a long way (and it really ups the accountability factor).

2. Try the 15 Minute Rule.

Doesn’t it seem like when you try to give something up, that’s the only thing you can think about? Next time the ‘craving’ hits, take note of the time, and then give yourself 15 minutes before giving in. In the meantime, do a task or activity that keeps you occupied – like scrolling through Facebook, going for a walk or calling a friend. Often, these cravings are a result of visual cues – example: watching a Pepsi commercial and then making a beeline for the vending machine. By giving your brain something else to do for those 15 minutes, you’ll likely forget all about the craving.

3. Visualize Your Success.

It’s been scientifically proven that individuals who physically see their resolutions are more likely to keep them. Try writing your goals down on paper, or printing out images of the people or places that inspired them in the first place – like a picture of your family. Put these items near spots that tempt you, like a family photo where you usually keep your cigarettes, or your written weight loss resolutions on the cabinet with the Girl Scout cookies.

4. Be Careful What You Wish For.

It’s easy to make a blanket resolution like “I want to lose 10 lbs.” But this type of resolution requires you to take multiple sub-steps in order to be successful.  For example, if you’re trying to lose weight, a few extra minutes on the treadmill every week isn’t going to cut it. You’ll likely need to cook and eat differently, start a consistent workout routine or even avoid certain places altogether. (Maybe stepping inside Starbucks without ordering a 400-cal. Frappuccino sounds like medieval torture). Those that think through the sub-steps and possible roadblocks associated with their resolutions are more likely to keep them.

5. Rework the Absolutes.

Think back to your last fight with a family member or significant other. Did you find yourself saying (or screaming) “You ALWAYS…” or “You NEVER...” The words ‘always’ and ‘never’ are absolutes, and while they typically don’t help you win arguments, they definitely don’t help you keep resolutions. If you made a resolution like, “I’m never smoking again,” try reworking it to instead include a limited restriction. “I’ll only smoke on the weekends.” Continue refining the resolution based on your progress, until you ultimately DO quit smoking.

1. Feed Your Mind

Pepsi and Flamin’ Hot Cheetos (while delicious) won’t give you the brain power you need to conquer finals. Although convenient, the calories in those processed carbs will ultimately leave you exhausted and sluggish. Instead, eat foods that are digested slowly, like whole grains, fresh fruits, veggies and proteins – especially right before an exam. (Think: nuts and seeds, yogurt, eggs, avocados, blueberries, beans, etc.)

2. Cardio, It’s Good for the Soul

Research has shown that just 20 minutes of cardio may improve memory and concentration. Dancing in place, going for a run or walk or hopping on the elliptical are all great ways to get that cardio fix. And JJC has a great fitness center so you can squeeze in a quick cardio-sesh without ever leaving campus.

3. Rome Wasn’t Built in a Day

Start by studying the material you already know, then add more challenging or recent information. This helps you associate new information with familiar information. The approach is not only less daunting, but it will ease you into a comprehensive review and ensure you have a good understanding of the basics.

Thanksgiving – a time for family, football and food….lots of food (and if you’re like me, a good pair of ‘after-dinner-fat-pants’). But before the eating comes the prepping, and that’s where we can help! Read on for a list of our best Thanksgiving Tips and Tricks. 

SPOILER ALERT: These tips won’t help you escape Aunt Millie’s ‘hilarious’ story about her cat, or your grandpa’s thoughts on the 2016 presidential race.  

1. Prep Like a Boss

Ever heard the saying, ‘However long you think it’s going to take, double it.’ Same goes for party prepping. Crossing a few items off your to-do list the day before will save you some serious scramble time the evening of the party – even if you think you’ll have ‘plenty of time to get it all done.’ Prep self-serve drinks, stick Post-It notes to empty platters and bowls indicating where the food should go or prepare a few fridge-friendly dips or desserts that you can pop into the oven an hour before guests arrive. 

2. Set the Mood

No, this step does not involve Marvin Gaye. Create a relaxed dinner vibe by dimming the lights, lighting a few candles, or turning on some dinner tunes using a custom playlist or Pandora. (Bonus: the first two suggestions will make any space look elegant and may hide any spots you missed while cleaning.)

3. Brine Baby Brine

When in doubt, follow the advice of JJC’s Chef Michael McGreal, “When roasting a turkey, let the meat rest in a homemade brine for 6-8 hours before cooking. Brining allows the protein to absorb moisture and retain it during the roasting process, making the meat moist, tender and flavorful.” 

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.