July 2014

Letter from President Curry

Director Shout OUT!

Understanding your Student Portal

ACOC

Service Project

Meet an Officer

Meaning of Mentoring

LIRN

Student Tips by Students | Study Tips

Student Tips by Students | Time Management & Resources

Motivational Corner

Ambassador & Student of the Quarter

Hi All, For those that don’t know me, my name is Desi Curry and I am the President of the Igniter Ambassador Online Chapter. I graduated with honors and received my Associates of Science in Business Management. I am currently studying to receive my Bachelors of Science in the same major. I became an Ambassador because I wanted to help others succeed in their studies. Before I knew it, I was the Vice President and now the President. I have learned a lot and this program has made me a better person. I want to thank our Program Director Bradley Govender and our former President Cindy Sanders for being my mentors and helping me become a better leader. I also want to thank everyone on the officer board for their support and hard work that they do to make this program better. I want to send a special thanks to all of the Ambassadors because if it wasn’t for you this program would not be where it is today. So thank you all and remember if it doesn’t kill you, it will only make you stronger. Sincerely, Desi Curry Igniter Ambassador Online Chapter President

Have you ever dreamed of inspiring, motivating, and touching thousands of lives? It would be pretty amazing if you were able to do this simply by doing what you love. Even more extraordinary is receiving inspiration and motivation from a person like this or watching their natural dedication. The drive exhibited by these types of people is a direct product of passion and compassion combing. People with these character traits should know just how much they mean to us! The Igniter Ambassador Officer Board would like to recognize Bradley Govender for his continued dedication to the Igniter Ambassador Program. Brad plays many roles in his life. He is a husband, son, brother, godfather, uncle, friend, mentor, supporter, and of course employee! He is the Online Community Manager at Everest University Online and has been working in social media, web design, and graphic design for over thirteen years. Since January 2012, Brad has been tasked with leading the Igniter Ambassador Online Chapter. In this time, the Ambassadors have seen the program grow to extraordinary levels. Through this program, hundreds of students receive motivational and academic assistance from the student Ambassadors. In addition, Ambassadors cultivate confidence in their abilities and gain many skills to help them in their future careers. The program also consistently participates in a multitude of service projects, which stems from Brad’s remarkable commitment to giving back.

Written by : Desi Curry & Cindy Sanders

He is a proud supporter of numerous causes such as the USO, Wounded Warrior Project, Metropolitan Ministries, and Making Strides against Cancer. He has always had a deep interest in causes that concern the arts and culture, economic empowerment, education, the environment, heath, science and technology. Brad is an avid sports fan and states he admires the determination that his favorite sports teams - the New York Giants, the New York Yankees, and the Real Madrid put forth in their perspective leagues. A little known fact about Mr. Bradley Govender is his place of origin. He was born in South Africa in 1985 and speaks Afrikaans, Zulu, and English. Brad has been a remarkable and exceptional mentor to many of us. He leads the Ambassador program with respect, integrity, and honor on a daily basis. He brings energy to the program through his enthusiastic desire to improve academics and success of students. Through him and the opportunities, he grants we have been able to grow and flourish as individuals but more importantly as leaders. It is our greatest honor to say thank you to Brad for all he does and let him know how much we appreciate the investment he has made in each of us!

Have you ever wondered what classes you still have to take, what your cumulative grade point average (CGPA) is, or maybe what activity has occurred in your student finance account? Everest now has an updated resource that can answer these and many other questions without having to call or email the school. It is the new and improved Everest Student Portal. Just visit the website at www.students.everest.edu. There are several sections to the site. First, there is the “Document Center” section. This allows you to view the approved funding that the Financial Aide department has processed for each academic year. Additionally, under the “My Estimate” category it allows you to view your most recent cost of attendance (COA) estimate. Third, under the category of “Documents Due” you can discover whether any documents need your attention. Fourth, under the “Documents Completed’ section you can view a listing of the admission, financial aid, and other documents that have been completed. The most notable of these, in my opinion, is the “Award Letter”. This document is a letter or statement listing your cost of attendance financial aid award calculations by academic year. The award letter contains a wealth of information that many times can reduce or even eliminate the need to contact financial aid. Finally, the “Resources” section contains a number of links to government and outside websites that provide information regarding financial aid and other information pertaining to your attendance at Everest University Online.

Written by : Harry Wietrzykowski II

The next section on the student portal is “My Programs”. Within this section are various categories of information. They include ‘Program Details’ where you can find your enrollment date, start date, CGPA, and your course list, which includes past, present, and future classes needed for your program of study. Next, the ‘Class Schedule’ section that provides you with a class schedule listing for each term. Fourth, you can review your ‘Attendance Records’ that list each class’s weekly attendance categorized by terms. Finally, you can ‘view grades’ for each class, which are listed once again by term. Finally yet importantly, you have the final section “My Account”. In this section, each student can view all of the activity on their student finance account. It shows each students’ ‘ledger card’, which represents every credit and debit that has occurred and it is almost displayed in real-time. You can view each loan and grant deposit, each tuition payment, or deduction, and finally you can view stipend activity, if applicable to your individual situation. The final thing that is offered by this website is the ability to view your account information and settings. You have the ability to change your password and security question, which should be done periodically to protect access to your personal school information. I strongly recommend investigating the website and going into each of the sections and reviewing the information offered. This will not only familiarize you with what is offered, and it will give you advantages when the day comes that you have a question that needs answering. This is certainly faster than contacting the school and it is available anytime day or night .

With the motto of SELFLESS SERVICE, a new council was created to take charge of a way to give back to the world while showing that the Igniter Ambassador Online Chapter is truly here to help in every way we can. The Ambassador Community Outreach Council was formed to research, create, implement, and lead all of the Igniter Ambassador Online Chapter's upcoming community service projects. After applications were sent in by current and Alumni Ambassadors, the new council members were chosen. These members showed initiative, creativity, compassion, leadership, and other qualifying traits that it would take to ensure success of the council and its mission. The serving members consist of Council Head, Lauren Wicker, Angela Kloever-Williams, Debbie Hopson, Gladys Rodriguez, Mandy Arvay, Mary Fee, and Shannon Bell with Bradley Govender as an ex officio member. With the mission to benefit and honor deserving educational, humanitarian, and vocational causes, the ACOC members give countless time and effort into creating campaigns to help each cause, which will aid our society. As the members have come to understand one another, each have come to realize the importance of teamwork, effective time management, and most importantly, communication. As future service projects are decided upon, each member has their role to play to ensure a noble but cost-effective cause can be properly promoted and inspired in a way that will get students, Ambassadors, Everest Staff, and outside communities to want to be involved in helping our great causes that benefit the nation. With the dedication, drive, sense of duty, and many more amazing qualities, the members of the Ambassador Community Outreach Council will offer every individual a great and easy way to make a big difference to the world. Be sure to watch out for great new service projects in the future and like us at https://www.facebook.com/AmbassadorCommunityOutreachCouncil.

Written by : Lauren Wicker

The Wounded Warrior Project is an amazing organization that was founded in 2002 with the mission to honor and empower our injured service members. This organization began when several veterans and friends who were moved by the brave but sad stories of the first wounded service members returning home from Afghanistan and Iraq decided to take action to help those in need. A small program intended to provide comforting items to our wounded service members quickly grew into a rehabilitative effort to assist our heroes as they begin their transition back to a sense of normalcy in their civilian lives. The WWP has the honor to serve veterans and service members who incurred a physical or mental injury, illness, or wounds during their military service on or after September 11, 2001 and their families. Not only does the WWP raise awareness and enlist the public's aid for the needs of injured service members, they also reach out to our brave injured service members offering them assistance and aid with unique but direct programs/services to meet most needs. The Igniter Ambassador Online Chapter is very proud to say that we are now official partners and proud supporters of the Wounded Warrior Project to help our wounded service members. As the first official service project of the Ambassador Community Outreach Council, we are looking forward to a

successful launch in assisting this great organization. With your help, a simple mouse click, and debit or credit card, you can make a huge difference in the lives of these heroes. By going to https://support.woundedwarriorproject.org/group-fundraising/IgniterAmbassadors/ you will enter into the Igniter Ambassador’s support page and give a pledge of any amount. No matter the amount of the contribution, you will be doing our Wounded Warriors a great gift. Every dollar collected is greatly appreciated and goes straight to the Wounded Warrior Project to go into helpful programs. Thus far, 60% of our goal has been collected and I hope you will contribute whatever you can to help us our goal for such an amazing cause!

Written by : Lauren Wicker

In this issue of “Meet an Officer” we have Ms. Krystal Blonigen. Check out what I found out about Krystal in a one-on-one interview: Desi: So Krystal, How are you today? Krystal: Doing great. Desi: As you know, I am interviewing you for our “Meet an Officer” section of our newsletter and I just have a few questions. Krystal: No problem. Ask away. Desi: Tell me a little about yourself. Where are you from? Krystal: Well, I was born in Kalamazoo, Michigan and traveled all my life around the world with my parents when I was a child all the way up until I was a teenager, when we moved to Minnesota where it’s nice! Desi: From Michigan to Minnesota, Must be nice. I haven’t been to many places myself. My next question is a two-part question. Are you married and do you have any kids? Krystal: Yes, I am a newlywed and I recently got married on September 14, 2013. I am a proud military wife and love my navy sailor. I met my husband on Match.com and ever since, we have known each other for over four years. Also, I am blessed to have a handsome baby boy name Mesias and he is my world. Ever since June 2013 when we welcomed our son into this world he has truly made my life change in so many amazing ways. He is truly an angel and I cherish every moment with him. Desi: Interesting you got married five days before my birthday.

Written by : Desi Curry

Krystal: I also got an interesting fact. LeBron James of the Miami Heat got married the same day I got married Desi: Wow that is interesting. I guess September was a good month. Desi: My next question, what is your major and why did you become an ambassador? Krystal: My major is Business Marketing and working on my Bachelors of Science Degree. I became an ambassador to share my passion for Everest University with students. I am keen to get involved with the university, meet new people, and to better myself as a person. I really enjoy being an ambassador and it is very rewarding to volunteer and gain experiences. Representing my school by making a difference with helping others and going above and beyond to be a great leader has been the start of it all for me. Desi: Wow, another Business major. Krystal: That’s right! Desi: Here is my final question. What does being an Ambassador mean to you? Krystal: Ambassadors are student leaders who exhibit academic excellence and strong commitment to community service. As role models, Ambassadors are encouraged to inspire their peers to explore new initiatives, by organizing community service projects and gatherings to support the vision of Everest University. Ambassadors are responsible for playing a vital role in communicating with current and prospective members about how to make the most of being striving for success. Being a student ambassador for the Igniter ambassador online chapter is one of the best positions for meeting people and having fun. Typically, student ambassadors are carefully selected based on grades, personality, character, communication skills, and enthusiasm. You can be proud to have been selected for this prestigious role. It means that college officials trust you to promote the school in the best possible light.

Desi: There you have it, Krystal Blonigen, a proud wife and mother who has found the time to continue he education. Not only is Krystal an Ambassador she is also on the Officer Board. You can find her in any of our Lounges on Facebook ready and willing to help. I am proud to have her on the board and we are looking forward to making this program better. It gives me great pleasure to introduce to you Krystal Blonigen!

A word from our President: Mentors are here to provide motivation to mentees by saying something positive, to help with schoolwork or just being there for the mentee to help them be successful. –Desi Curry Mentor may mean something different to everyone you ask. For me, a mentor does not have to be someone that shares your major or dreams. We are each mentors to someone. Whether that someone is a fellow student in our respective lounges, the general lounge or even in one of our classes, each of us has encouraged or helped another student while on this path to higher education. At Everest, we have students that have stepped up to actively mentor others succeed. Our Ambassadors are aware of and have accepted the challenge of being a beacon for others they interact with. I took a moment to ask new Ambassadors what ‘mentor’ means to them. Below are a few of the answers I received: Mentors help students with any questions or help them understand the assignments they may have. – Karlee Foss Mentors would try to help one another in pending situations; - whether it's in life situations or homework issues. – Jessica Dunst Mentors can give support when the other person needs encouragement and can be someone who others can look up to. –Samantha Harris

Written by : Sherry Wall

Mentors help other students to succeed. We help them to understand the assignments that they have and answer their questions. – Laura Mathieu I am proud to see the understanding of what a mentor is in our new Ambassadors. Their understanding of what a mentor is came from their training and experience. Mentors should always remember that someone somewhere is looking to them for guidance and as an example of how to behave. Everest Ambassadors represent the high expectations others have of those that are looked up to and respected in any field or area of life. Motivational messages, assignment assistance and ‘atta-boys’ are only a few of the factors that make a person a leader and mentor. Small actions that we may think little of are often the actions that mean the greatest deal to those we interact with. These actions can be both positive and negative when we are in the role of a mentor. A simple message to check on someone could be sent just at the perfect moment to give him or her the encouragement he or she needs to push through the tough day they are having. At the same time, however, a negative comment or post on our personal Facebook page about a class, Everest, or any aspect of life could also be the proverbial straw for someone that believes you are able to conquer all obstacles. Mentors are like officers in the military. Others have a certain expectation that does not change because that mentor is having a bad day. We have to remember that we never know who is watching or reading the things going on in our lives and how we respond – or react- to said events. Mentors are today’s examples for tomorrow’s leaders. – Sherry Wall

Students of every degree are faced with assignments that require additional research and resources each term. At times, it can be very difficult to find credible, relevant, accurate, and current information online due to the vast articles and blogs of the public. Luckily, Everest University Online offers a wealth of credible and scholarly resources in one convenient and user-friendly source to help each student have their best chances of success. When faced with a tricky assignment, you have high chances of finding everything you need in LIRN. LIRN is the Library and Information Resources Network that can be accessed directly through the online classroom. From the classroom, you can enter into the Everest Online Library and with a quick click of LIRN located directly under Search Databases, you will be granted access to various college appropriate articles, journals, conferences, maps, studies, and other resources to help you find just what you are looking for. Upon entering LIRN, you may be prompted for a password. 11911 is Everest University’s universal code for LIRN and will grant you quick access. By using these credible resources, you will be one-step closer to finishing a successful assignment and breathe a little easier. After putting the information into your assignment, it would be beneficial to obtain help from another great resource to better your written assignments. Smarthinking’s Writing Center is a great way to ensure that your paper is top notch. The Writing Center offers assistance with constructive feedback on essays and other papers, grammar help, APA formatting, and many other issues college students face during academic writing. Once your paper is submitted, an experienced specialist will go over your paper and give helpful and constructive comments on thesis development, common errors, organization, and many other proofreading needs to help you become a stronger writer. Students can submit their assignment 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and most submissions are reviewed and sent back within 24-48 hours to allow plenty of time for revisions and even to resubmit your paper for another review. Getting in the habit of utilizing both LIRN and the Writing Center can make you into a stronger, more successful academic writer.

Written by : Lauren Wicker

Study Tips With online schooling, we are encouraged and expected to be able to study on our own time, as well as complete the homework tasks that are assigned to us. It is important to be able to put aside time to study and make sure that you are retaining as much information as possible. It is best to stay focused on one class at a time, and take breaks in between reading. Highlighting and taking key notes in the readings will help to retain more information for that class, as well as easier access when needing to return for references. It is best to study early; using a schedule to plan out your studies for the day makes things less hectic in your busy life. Ensuring that there is enough lighting in the room, which you are studying in is beneficial. Break down the topics into sections to help retain more material, and it makes it less overwhelming. Avoid any distractions in your study area. It is best to study in a quiet place where you are less likely to be distracted every five minutes. Get enough sleep! This is most important not only for your studies, but you want your mind and body to stay refreshed. Eat healthy energetic foods. You want to keep your body fueled and ready to go for all the hard work you are getting ready to complete. Last but not least, treat yourself to something nice! It gives your mind a break from all of the hard work you just put in for that class.

Written by : Josely Millington

Time Management The importance of time management in life is something that some of us have a hard time getting under control. The most effective and first step that we should all take is to be organized. Keeping a schedule of what needs to be completed as well as keeping on track helps to ease the stress of our everyday tasks. Take time out at the beginning of your day to go over your schedule and see exactly what it is that is planned out. Keep in mind, planning ahead just makes the day easier. Avoid distractions while trying to complete tasks. Remember, you have a schedule to keep and complete for the day. Prioritize your tasks for the day. Complete the most important tasks first that way, if you do not complete everything on the list, you would have all of the important tasks checked off! Keep a goal in mind. You have created a schedule and are managing your time for a reason. Remember what that reason is. Resources Through Everest, we offer a ton of resources in order to help you keep you on track. We encourage all of our students to utilize these resources throughout their studies in order to obtain the best online schooling experience Everest University Online has to offer! Some resources include: Igniter Ambassador Program ATSC Everest Career Education Network CARE Student Assistance Program LIRN Smarthinking, Writing Lab, Estructors Online Student Handbook Social Media Networks; Facebook, Twitter, Google +, YouTube and Pinterest Everest University Lounges via Facebook

Written by : Josely Millington

“My goals didn’t take a back seat ” Meet Sidney Poole

Recent Everest University graduate, Bella Bently-Poole, 29, finished her degree while serving in the military on an agricultural mission in Afghanistan. Because of this commitment, she was unable to attend her commencement ceremony – but that didn’t stop her father from participating. He traveled with Bella’s grandfather from Miami, FL to Detroit, MI to accept Sidney’s diploma in Business Management on her behalf. “Having a child complete a major milestone like getting their college degree is exciting and important,” her father Tom said on the big day. “The only sad thing is that she’s not here to get it…but [he] had the honor to be able to do that in her absence”. He did so to a rousing standing ovation that moved many audience members to tears. Bella was deployed in November 2012, just after Thanksgiving, and she is set to return in December 2015. Once her military commitment is over, she aims to use her Bachelor of Science in Business Management to help launch a career in management, melding her interests in human resources and information technology.

Written by : Krystal Blonigen

Bella really enjoyed Everest University for many reasons she said via email. “For me, being in the military is a full-time job, but my goals didn't take a back seat. Everest University has so much to offer, from the Care program to the extremely helpful faculty and staff members. The class lay out was very flexible, and I was able to participate even with just my smartphone at times! With the advancement in technology, I think Everest edge has been the ability to make school available to everyone. “There are no excuses not to try it!” she continued. “My education was my responsibility. I had to read and learn the material in order to participate. I came out with a 3.84 GPA because I was dedicated to my goal. If there is any advice I can pass on it is this: Everyone has excuses, but only you are in charge of your success. If you want it, you have to make the effort. No one else can do that for you.”

Paralegal AOQ – Donna Williams SOQ – Candice Keeley Criminal Sciences CI AOQ – Sara Wood CI SOQ –Michelle Ashston CJ AOQ – Christina Stevens CJ SOQ – Francisca Cech Accounting AOQ – Belinda Landtress SOQ – Myra Keller Business AOQ – Christine Latta SOQ – Ann Jefferson CIS AOQ – Heather Rigel SOQ – Meagan DeMerchant

Thank you for reading! Special thanks to our content contributors Desi Curry Lauren Wicker Harry Wietrzykowski II Krystal Blonigen Josely Millington Sherry Wall

If you have any comments, questions or ideas for future issues please free to contact us. Sincerely Cindy Sanders Program Administrator