The online voice of cambridge campus students
 
by Sonja Rauen



t seems like it was only yesterday: pomp and circumstance, cards filled with congratulations and money, open houses with plenty of food, and that "king-of-the-hill" feeling. That was graduation from high school, for those of you who can remember. Life has an offering; opportunities that can reach beyond imagination, diverse cultures and countries to explore, loves to be found, freedom to shout! Out of nowhere reality strikes. It is time to start from the bottom again, go to college, get a job, move away from friends, and the monotony sets in. Wait one minute, or two, or three, and this thing called "middle age" hits. The kids are moving out of the house, they are going to college, and a loneliness surrounds the house. It is enough of the part-time jobs with part-time money; those days don’t seem so promising. The light bulb in the brain turns on again, after the two-week holiday in the ICU for heart surgery (that wasn’t planned at all), and the unexpected happens!



Something weird, a little awkward, not normal at all, strangely enough the idea dawns: it is time to go back to school.



Serious, take it more seriously, help the short-term memory-loss that occurs during a coma, get an education, and just become a non-traditional student.



That’s right, college is still an option, in fact a college degree seems like the best thing that could happen (at this age). We learn from many experiences, from the wisdom that comes with age. The trials of life teach that with all the pain comes incredible joy. Time to throw the books in the backpack and head off to school, with a goal in mind this time. Or, perhaps it is just to get the mind back, it got lost somewhere along the way.



The best thing about being "non-traditional" student is that everyone here at Anoka-Ramsey Community College, Cambridge, is willing to help. Computers are a huge puzzle for me, but there is always someone around the corner, that knows-everything-there-is-to-know about computers, and loves helping the not-so-savvy-about-computers old timer. Somehow the doors are always getting open for me, on the spot, when I walk in and out with a backpack that is way too heavy for this tired back. People here in north Minnesota are very polite; I hear please and thank you, and get big smiles all the time, and not because I am "non-traditional" and a bit odd.



No, I believe there is a genuinely concern for the "mature" student like me, that gives one hope in the belief that there still exists "random of acts of kindness" that carries the human spirit. At least there is at this school towards me, helpfulness is offered and found everyday and it makes life so much easier for my somewhat befuddled and bewildered mind. It is the age thing again, my children call it, old school thinking.



Going back to school can be one of life’s bigger challenges. First of all, there are all the brilliant younger students in class. Second is the brain that doesn’t want to retain as much information as it used to. Third, the teachers are even all younger than me. Fourth, school can just wipe a person out (well at least us non-tradtionals), and leave me totally exhausted at the end of the day. It also has something to do with carrying around a lot of heavy thinking books on an old back; who uses computers when there are still books to read?



Why would anybody decide to do this to themselves? The brain is driven to improve when challenged and college can accomplish that.

 
by Kirsten Kennedy, Student Government President



In Africa there is a concept known as "ubuntu" which means the profound sense that we are human only through the humanity of others; that whatever we accomplish in this world will in equal measure be due to the work of others. I have spent time on numerous two-year campuses in the past couple of years and let me tell you a secret, Anoka-Ramsey Community College, Cambridge Campus is a rare jewel. From Skip who maintains our campus to Jason’s crooked grin greeting you as you enter, the faculty and staff care about supporting each student to attain their dreams. Now I’m not professing perfection, just an undeniable feeling that I am being told the truth even when it may not be what I wanted to hear.



Right now on our campus the Art Committee chaired by Professor Marko Marion is working to create a permanent gallery in the computer lab hallway. Local and regional artists will show their artwork giving our campus and community an opportunity to enjoy the great talent that surrounds us.



I know many students are preparing research projects and presentations and would like to get that 90 percent score. Bonnie Boese the librarian is an expert in research and loves to help students find reputable resources for their work. Boese is also helping to get the new Literacy Club off the ground and bring reading to children in our communities that are without homes. I always remind my children, "If you can read you can do anything." Have you ever dreamed of writing for a newspaper? See Tesha Christensen, adviser of the Ink Spot or take her online journalism class.



Did you know that our college enjoys the healthiest fiscal numbers in the state? Vice President Michael Seymour spends countless hours and much face time working hard to make sure students, faculty and staff have the resources they need to be successful. From the business office to the college president there is an open door policy for all students. If you need help, ask. If you aren’t sure what classes you need to transfer or graduate, see a counselor. If you need extra help, take advantage of the excellent free tutors available on campus and online. If you have an issue with grades, talk with your professors; for the most part they are a friendly bunch.



With just six weeks left in the semester it would be easy to forget the people that contribute to the success and well-being of our educational pursuits. So here is a inked thank you to all that came before and all that will come after for making Anoka-Ramsey Community College, Cambridge, a magical place to grow extraordinary individuals.

 
by Holly Buboltz



Class registration shouldn’t have to be as hectic as we make it out to be. One of the best suggestions I can give you is to know when registration is and register as quickly as possible to get the classes you want. Registration dates for Anoka-Ramsey Community College (ARCC) are as follows: students with 30 or more credits may register on Nov. 15 or later. Students with 15 or more credits may register on Nov. 16 or later. Students with one or more credits may register on Nov. 17 or later. Students with 0 credits that have completed testing and orientation as well as current and returning PSEO students may register on Nov. 18 or later. Nov. 19 is open registration.



However, you don’t want to make too hasty of a decision either. Choosing a class is more than clicking on a name that sounds cool. When you find a class you want or need to take, check out who is teaching it or if the instructors name sounds familiar. Understanding who your professor is and what they are about can make all the difference in a class.



Pay attention to the times the classes you want to take are offered at. Ask yourself when you are most alert. Is it during the morning, afternoon, or evening? Let this information reflect in your choice. Make sure you don’t choose classes that are overlapping in times. Also, if you have a job be sure to coordinate your school and work schedules smoothly.



Another aspect of choosing classes to consider is online versus seated classes. There are more and more classes being offered online and it’s best to pay attention to that aspect when selecting a class. Students learn best in different settings, so ask yourself if you learn best in a classroom or on a computer. Remember that if you do decide to take an online class the deadlines may be stricter than what you’d find in a classroom setting. You can’t argue with a closed dropbox. Also, when taking online classes you must remember to check the website almost daily and keep up with the class. Keep in mind, in an online class you aren’t given the opportunity to make face-to-face relationships with your peers and instructor.



All in all, registering for classes is about paying close attention to the details and picking what classes will work best with you, and your life.

 
by Kirsten Kennedy



oday’s political climate seems exclusive rather than inclusive; with candidates spending millions of dollars to make us believe that they are the right choice for Minnesota. I must admit to feeling hoodwinked by the smooth talking, prompter reading politicians; however, after spending two hours interviewing Minnesota Secretary of State, Mark Ritchie, I might just have to change my view.



First, I discovered that Mr. Ritchie arrived in Minnesota to participate in a food think tank. He also founded the first USA and Headwaters Peace Coffee, which was the first certified fair trade coffee company in America. He has served on the Environmental Policy Committee and as the Board Chair for the U of M Agricultural Growth and Justice Committee.



Many of us know Mr. Ritchie from the momentous recount between Norm Coleman and Al Franken for senate. Mr. Ritchie also took this opportunity to support complete transparency by fighting for net neutrality, which allowed the world to watch the recount via "The Up Take". I learned that even homeless citizens have the right to cast a vote; they can have shelter personnel, police or private citizens vouch for them. One big change is that absentee voters have 45 days before primaries and general elections to cast their vote. Also, anyone can visit the internet site for Mark Ritchie, MN Secretary of State and track their absentee vote. Citizens can also check to make sure they are registered.



Mr. Ritchie remains committed to making sure that every citizen living in Minnesota who casts a vote gets counted, and that my friend is why Minnesota continues to rank among the best states for voter rights and equality. There are 4,000 polling places in Minnesota with same day registration, so I am asking each of us to exercise our right to vote and take part in shaping history.

 
by Cody Carlson



Is it true that Facebook brings everybody together? Or, is it true that it does the exact opposite? Facebook has over 500 million users; 50% of those active users go on Facebook every single day. According to the press room page, 700 million minutes are used every month. Now think about that. Facebookers use 700 million minutes per month!!! Did you know that there are 525,600 minutes in a year?? To be honest, that’s a tad overboard. I probably go on Facebook for about and hour a day. People talk about coming closer together via Facebook but in reality you begin to realize no one really does.



Everybody that I know usually has a Facebook account. The reason why I think it’s a pseudo social thing is because it drives some people away from others. I’ve heard good stories about social networking, I’ve heard bad stuff about social networking.



Remember when you were little and your Mom and Dad would be like, "Now, now honey, don’t talk to ‘strangers.’" That has completely changed now. Kids are getting accounts and talking to people a lot older then them. It’s kind of creepy. This is a message to all you parents, or people with younger brothers or sisters. Please pay attention to what your kids are doing on social networks. You think this world is scary; wait till you enter the cyber world.



A lot of people meet through social networking sites like Facebook and Myspace. A friend of mine met this girl on Myspace and they were planning to commit a double suicide. He went through with it; but the girl didn’t. You would at least think the creator of Myspace would have been monitoring the suspicious activity.



The point that I am trying to make is that it is so easy to join, but its effects last a lifetime.

 
by Renee Pikula



Just Cause Ministries: Fighting to abolish sex-slavery locally and globally and helping to empower and support national and international organizations to do the same.



In this day in age, we would love to believe that slavery is over, that we as a society joined forces to put an end to this horrible injustice….Well, this is not the case. There is still slavery TODAY happening right in our own back yards.



What is human trafficking you may be wondering? Well by definition, it means "the transporting of humans for the purpose of exploitation, trafficked by force, fraud and or coercion for the purpose of profit." Yes, unfortunately this is still happening in our society today and is on the rise.



Due to the "hidden" nature of trafficking activities, gathering statistics on the magnitude of the problem is a complex and difficult task. The Following statistics are the most accurate available, given these complexities, but may represent an underestimation of trafficking on a global and national scale. Each year an estimated 600,000 to 800,000 men, women, and children are trafficked across international borders (some international and non-governmental organizations place the number far higher). Of that number, 70% are female and 50% are children. Each year, an estimated 14,500 to 17,500 foreign nationals are trafficked into the United States. The number of U.S. citizens trafficked within the country each year is even higher, with an estimated 200,000 American children at risk for trafficking into the sex industry. In Minnesota alone, we are ranked 13th out of the 50 states, and we have seen a 64% increase in child prostitution as of recent studies. According to reports, the "motto" these traffickers are going by is, "You can sell drugs or a weapon once, but you can sell a girl or boy fifteen to forty times a night." Demand is the most significant factor fueling human trafficking. This movingly describes the impact of demand on the girls, women and boys who have become exploited commodities.



 

Who is Just Cause Ministries and what we are doing to make a difference?

My name is Renee Pikula and I am a current student at Anoka Ramsey Community College. With my aunt and another friend’s help we decided to form a non-profit organization called Just Cause Ministries. Just Cause Ministries is now officially a non-profit Christian organization that is helping to raise awareness of human trafficking locally and globally. Our focus is on the area of sex trafficking specifically. We are an organization of vision and excellence driven by what we like to call our three R’s:

1. Raise awareness and Inform

2. Raise Money

3. Rescue Missions



Our ultimate goal is to have our own 200 unit building to help rescue those in slavery. This building will be local and will be set up with complete total care, life skill training and a built in daycare to help these victims on the road to recovery.



We at Just Cause Ministries are excited to be joining in this fight to make a difference for the better. We WILL be the voice of those held in captivity! In order to make a difference however, we need the help of each and every person out there! It is only when we take a stand together that change can truly happen. How can a crime of this magnitude be happening in this world today let alone in our own backyards? It is time to take a stand!



For more information about Just Cause Ministries and human trafficking, please check out our website: www.justcauseministries.webs.com where you can also find upcoming events, volunteer/information meetings and many more statistics and government reports helping to shed some light on this darkness. Or, email [email protected].



Thank you for helping to make a difference!



 
by Kathy Yaeger



Tuition, how do I pay it? What resources are out there? Who can I talk to? Is there something out there besides student loans?



These are questions almost all students ask themselves when they began to plan their future. But what are the answers?



As a current student of Anoka-Ramsey Community College—Cambridge Campus (ARCC) I used the free application for federal student aid (FASFA) to get a loan to further my education. After I was approved for a loan, I wondered where else could a student go to finance their education.



The following sites have useful articles, links and information that may help you in your search:



• www.fastweb.com is a free membership site that lists Minnesota grants and financial aid information, plus numerous articles that can help with the search for appropriate financial aid.



• www.finaid.org contains topical articles and information plus links to grant application software to submit your name to multiple federal grants.



• www.minnesotaworkforcecenter.com is another resource for grant and financial aid information.



Think outside the box by looking for grants through your employer, church, recreational or community organization. Do you belong to a union? Find out if they offer scholarship money.



Consider consulting Karla Seymour with ARCC’s financial aid office, Seymour warns, "Always watch for scholarship application deadlines and if it sounds too good to be true it probably is. Show caution with sites that have outlandish claims or ask you to send them money." If you find an option for financial aid but are unsure of its validity, check with the financial aid office and ask for their advice.



ARCC has a scholarship option available on its website www.anokaramsey.edu, it states that more than 200 students receive an award each year. The awards range from $200 to $3000 per person. Fill out the application and your chance of being awarded this scholarship is up to 60 percent.



There are multiple options for those looking for financial aid. The trick is finding the right fit for you. So do your homework check all your options and ease some of the financial burden that continuing education can bring.

 
by Cody Carlson



ccording to the National Education Association, it is estimated that 160,000 miss school everyday due to the intimidation or attack of other students.



I, myself, have been one of those 160,000 children.



I believe that no kid should be scared to go to school



The definition of bullying, according to Dictionary.com is "a blustering, quarrelsome, overbearing person who habitually badgers and intimidates smaller or weaker people."



There are many forms of bullying that kids go through everyday. There is cyber bullying, emotional bullying, physical bullying, sexual bullying, and racist bullying. Bullying is no laughing matter.



I remember going to school and being bullied all the time; it was not fun at all. I have been teased, harassed, and beat up. I have done the same to other people. I just wanted them to know what it felt like to be picked on. I just wanted to find the joy in it, because apparently others enjoyed doing it to me. When I was in seventh grade I wrote this poem:



Pain, Hurt, Fear



Pain is what I get at school,

Hurt is what they give me,

Fear is what I get.



Pain is what I do to them,

Hurt comes back to me,

Fear is what I get.



Pain is when they call me awful names,

Hurt is what they give to me everyday,

Fear is what I get.



Pain, they just don’t know the meaning of,

Hurt is what they just do to me

Fear is what I get.



I submitted this poem onto a website, and a month later I got this published in a book titled "The Colors of Life". Those were the true feelings I had. Any other seventh grader would be at recess playing with his friends and participating in touch football. I stayed away from those kids.



I am just so sick and tired of the people who think that they are better than everybody else, that they would stoop down to a level so low just to make themselves feel better. I like to think of it as a circle; it goes round and round and round. If you tease, you will get teased back.



If you are one of the people who have been bullied, be strong and keep your chin up. For the people that tease people and torment others, I have one thing to say to you: Is it really worth it?