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FastStart: Fall, 2005 Newsletter
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(by members of the FastStart Student Advisory Board)

This newsletter is for all FastStart students and mentors. It is written by members of the FastStart Student Advisory Board. We hope that it gives you an idea of some of our terrific experiences this semester. Be sure to plan ahead and mark your calendar with dates for next semester.

This issue includes:

• Mentor Spotlight
• Highlight of Events
• Mentor-Protégé Success Story
• Preparation for Finals
• Upcoming FastStart Events
• Highlighted Campus Events
• Advertisements

Mentor Spotlight: A South African Promise (top)
by Betsy Roy

For many of us, the summer was spent working long hours at part-time jobs, grueling through classes, taking relaxing road trips, spending sun burnt days beside the pool, and the nostalgic aromas of never ending barbecues. The streets echoed the controlled cacophony of laughing children, the calls of future entrepreneurs selling their 50-cent lemonades, the buzz of running lawnmowers, and the spark of summer romances. For FastStart mentor Sharlene Johnson, this summer held a different promise.

Sharlene has been a participant within FastStart for the past three years. She graduated from Penn State with a B.A. in speech communications and later went on to attain a master’s in counseling. She currently practices in Texas as a project leader of the Family Preservation Program, which is an outpatient program that provides a range of services to preserve the integrity of the family unit. Along with her commitments to her practice, Sharlene is also an avid participant within her church community. It is this liaison that led her to her missionary work in South Africa this past summer.

Through their efforts, Sharlene and fellow participants were able to assist the communities within this region by conducting workshops on marriage and family issues. The heart of these workshops revolved around establishing the foundations for a sound spiritual body and soul. By building a healthy individual, the mission group hoped to set the catalyst for the creation of a healthier church and an overall stronger unified community. If change is to be initiated, it first needs to take place within the families and the homes. Only then would the legacy for future generations be provided the room to flourish.

Along with these efforts, Sharlene was also invited to serve on the panel of a women’s conference where they discussed such topics as domestic violence, job outlook, communication issues, and other problems being faced by the women in these communities. Although the policies of apartheid were formally dismantled in 1994, the effects of this outrageous discrimination and refusal of basic human rights still hauntingly linger in this scarred nation.

However, the essence of promise is strongly evident in the resilience of this nation to embrace change and seek brighter days. From the last correspondence that she received, it was confirmed that the efforts of this mission group would be expanded through further workshops and seminars in these and other regions. Sharlene expressed her deep satisfaction with the progress that the program has already achieved. When asked how this experience has come to change her personal life, she said her greatest satisfaction comes in being able to see the fruits of her labor take shape and fulfill the vision that they as a group had placed for this endeavor.

In our parting remarks, I asked Sharlene how someone could go about making such a journey themselves. She encouraged the readers to look into programs that may be available through their local religious organizations, university outreaches, and nationally based efforts such as the Peace Corps. As she simply put it, everyone wants the same things in life despite their cultural or geographical distinctions. We all have a desire for a better life, stronger families, better jobs, and safer environments to raise our future generations. So as you go about the remainder of your day, I ask that you reflect upon these thoughts. Remember, it is within our reach to impact the world. We just have to be willing to open our hearts, open our minds, and extend our hands with the gifts that we can offer.

Highlight of Events (top)
by Be-Ut Le

Networking Etiquette Reception October 27, 2005

There are numerous FastStart events planned annually either to give you a little more knowledge like the Networking Etiquette Reception on October 27, 2005 or to fill your stomach while having fun like the FastStart BBQ on September 25, 2005. At the Networking Etiquette Reception, faculty and students learned how to conduct themselves at business-related functions in order to make an excellent impression on possible future employers. At the Reception, we also enjoyed the self-serve buffet provided in the Hintz Family Alumni Center's Penn Garban Library. Then at the FastStart BBQ, which was held outside on the lawn of the Hintz Center, everyone enjoyed picnic foods and games such as volleyball, badminton, and football—or simply admired the Alumni Garden’s pond.

FastStart BBQ September 25, 2005

If you missed out on these two great events, don’t worry. There are tons of other opportunities to come and share a few laughs with FastStart alumni, faculty members and other Penn State students. Listed below are upcoming FastStart events for Fall 2005 and Spring 2006:

• Fall Celebration : December 9, 2005
• Ice Skating Party : February 18, 2006
• Ice Cream Social : March 18, 2006
• Spring Celebration : April 11, 2006

More information about these events is just a click away at: alumni.psu.edu/get_involved/mentor/faststart/events0506.htm#FSFallCeleb

Mentor-Protégé Success Story (top)
by Sean Torino (Junior-Management)

When I received my two FastStart mentors freshman year, I didn’t know what to expect of them. I wondered: Do they help me with school? Give me advice? Find me an internship? Were they just a contact in the college? Despite some confusion, I knew that I certainly didn’t expect my alumni mentor to help shape my college career and eventually become my professor.

When I first met Frank Chelko, he picked me up in his Jeep Wrangler with the top down, and we went for lunch. I suspected this guy was cool, and when he told me he used to play football at Penn State, my suspicions were confirmed. As I got to know him, I realized he had done a lot of the things I wanted to do with my education and career, and I really started to value his opinion. So at the end of freshman year, I put him to the test. I was thinking about switching majors from engineering to business. Later that week, I had lunch with Frank and laid my weight on his shoulders. His advice was just what I needed to make my decision. I switched my major to business.

Three years later, I am a senior studying management and find myself in the front row of Frank’s class. As it turns out, Frank’s life has been changing almost as quickly as mine. While I changed my major from engineering to DUS to business, Frank went from alumnus to part-time faculty to professor. Although the classroom is a new environment for our relationship, it’s a welcome change. I am a good source for front-line feedback, and Frank keeps me on top of the material.

Looking back to day one, I never could have accurately predicted what my mentor would have been like or how he would affect my college experience. The important thing, though, is that I gave him a chance. Protégés—you can only benefit from your mentors as much as you open up to them. There’s nothing to lose, yet on the flipside the potential gains will stay with you forever.

Preparation for Finals (top)
by Jeney Joseph (Senior-Marketing)

Well, it’s that dreaded time of the semester: FINALS! You’ve completed your reading assignments, written thorough, organized notes, and now it’s time to study for the big exams. When I was in your shoes preparing for my first college finals, I tried to focus more on the questions that would be asked and not just the answers. In other words, re-direct your thinking so that you think like the instructor rather than a student. Before I delve into how to alter your frame of mind, let me first start off by outlining the basics of good study habits:

1. START EARLY. I cannot stress this enough! Some students choose to cram before finals. While some do well, others run the risk of trying to pull their GPA up in the coming semesters. So my suggestion to you is to start on the right foot. Your first college finals are not necessarily the most ideal time to experiment, and starting early will give you more time to weed through material you already know. If you come up with questions regarding the material, you will still have time to ask your instructor to clarify during his or her office hours. Keep in mind, office hours are solely designed to help you, so take full advantage of this resource.
2. CHOOSE THE RIGHT ENVIRONMENT. Most students will agree that where you study is almost as important as how you study. Whether you study in the library where there are little to no distractions or in a relaxed atmosphere like a coffee house, find what works for you and stick with it.
3. TIME MANAGEMENT. This is a concept that I’m sure all of you have had drilled into your skull by your parents, teachers, and even friends. Time management is crucial to all factors of your life, but especially during exam season. Learn how to manage your time wisely with each class. If you need more time in one class versus another, plan your study time so that you give that subject some extra attention. This works in both directions, so don’t waste time on classes that you already have a better grasp on. As soon as you make this habit a routine, it will pay off in both your academic career as well as in other aspects of your life.

1. DISTINGUISH IMPORTANT MATERIAL FROM THE LESS SIGNIFICANT. Instructors spend more time on some topics than others and this usually is a clear indication that not everything is of equal importance. Almost all professors have a course syllabus, so look through it to see what your instructor outlines as key. If your teacher spent two weeks covering one topic and three days on another, you should expect the exam to reflect that focus. Also, review your notes and see which topics have more notes.  This will better allow you to see in which areas you should invest more time.
2. THINK OF POSSIBLE EXAM QUESTIONS. First, look at the exams that were administered throughout the semester. Analyze the type of questions, whether they are short answer, multiple choice, or essay. More than likely, your instructor’s approach may not change much for the final exam. Second, dig a little deeper and look at some back exams to see if your teacher has used the same approach. If they have, it shows that his or her style is consistent and you can expect to see those same types of questions on your exam. Now, avoid trying to spend much of your time forecasting which old question will be asked because more than likely, your instructor will change the questions from year to year.
3. PREPARE YOUR OWN PRACTICE EXAM. Always find ways to test yourself. Write up some questions that will confirm your knowledge on a particular subject matter. For example, focus on the important sections of the material and prepare a few short answer questions. Make sure the questions require answers that require you to breakdown an idea or process (i.e. list the seven factors needed for a successful business model). Also, target questions with answers that have detailed explanations. This will deepen your understanding of that topic.

On the whole, finals can be a very stressful time so it is important to be on top of things. One last suggestion is to try to mix up your study techniques with every class. For example, you may find yourself more efficient studying alone for some classes and with a study group for others. In addition, try to use different methods while you study, whether it’s summarizing your notes for one class, making flashcards for another, or asking a friend to quiz you. On the whole, incorporate some variety into your study time and this will keep the material fresh in your head.

I hope these tips will allow you to develop some effective study habits that you can utilize throughout your college career and maybe even carry into other facets of your life. Good luck to all of you!

Upcoming FastStart Events (top)
by Shawn Biggs

DECEMBER EVENT
You are cordially invited to a:

FastStart Mentoring Program Fall Celebration
Friday, December 9, 2005
5:00-7 p.m.
Heritage Hall, HUB-Robeson Center

Come celebrate the completion of the fall semester and enjoy an evening of good food and conversation with FastStart participants.

Co-sponsored by the Paul Robeson Cultural Center.

Please RSVP by December 2, 2005 at www.alumni.psu.edu/FallCelebration

ALSO MARK YOUR CALENDERS FOR:

Thursday, January 5, 2006
FastStart Reception: Washington, D.C.
6:00-7:00 p.m.
J.W. Marriott Hotel

Join us at the Penn State Musical Theater Performance. Come meet your student protégé/mentor and other D.C.-area FastStart students and mentors. Refreshments will be served. Join us for the Penn State Musical Theatre Performance immediately following the reception. RSVP by December 14, 2005.

Friday, January 6, 2006
FastStart Reception: Philadelphia
6:00-7:00 p.m.
The Franklin Institute

Join us at the Penn State Musical Theater performance. Come meet your student protégé/mentor and other Philadelphia-area FastStart students and mentors. Refreshments will be served. Join us for the Penn State Musical Theatre Performance immediately following the reception.  RSVP by December 14, 2005.

Monday, January 16, 2006
Martin Luther King Observance & Day of Service
Time: TBA
Location: TBA

Join other FastStart participants to help make a difference in our community.

Saturday, February 18, 2006
FastStart Ice Skating Party
1:00-3:00 p.m.
Penn State Greenberg Indoor Sports Complex

Enjoy winter at Penn State by ice skating and drinking hot chocolate.

RSVP by February 15, 2006

Saturday, March 18, 2006
Ice Cream Social
MBNA Career Services Center
2:00-4:00 p.m.

Come meet with your mentor/student protégé to review resumes and check out the resources at Career Services. Eat University Creamery ice cream while you discuss summer plans!

Tuesday, April 11, 2006
Spring Celebration
5:00-7:00 p.m.
Hintz Family Alumni Center

Celebrate the end of the 2005-2006 school year! Congratulate previous FastStart participants who are about to graduate.

HIGHLIGHTED CAMPUS EVENTS (top)
By Shawn Biggs

The following campus events are great opportunities for students to enhance their Penn State experience. Mentors can attend many of these programs with their student or encourage their student to attend on their own or with friends. For additional events, please visit the online calendar of campus events.

Wednesday, November 23, 2005—Friday, November 25, 2005
Thanksgiving Holiday, no classes

January 9, 2006
Spring Semester Classes Start

Sunday, February 5, 2006
Steppin' Up Career Planning Conference for Multicultural Students
Time: TBA
The Nittany Lion Inn

Career planning conference with workshops on topics including career decisions, resume writing, interviewing, job-search strategies, and internships. A professional etiquette luncheon is also included. Pre-registration is required. Registration and information available at http://www.fairs.sa.psu.edu/SteppinUp/.

Monday, February 6, 2005
Steppin’ Up Multicultural Career Fair
1:00-5:00 p.m.
Alumni Hall, HUB-Robeson Center

Career fair with employers looking for students to fill full-time, internship, co-op, and summer work positions. This event does not require pre-registration, but students should dress professionally and bring resumes. FastStart mentors can help with preparation for this event.

Tuesday, March 3, 2006
Spring Career Day
2:00-7:00 p.m.
Bryce Jordan Center

Career fair with employers looking for students to fill full-time, internship, co-op, and summer work positions. This event does not require pre-registration, but students should dress professionally and bring resumes. FastStart mentors can help with preparation for this event.

Monday, March 6, 2006—Friday, March 10, 2006
Spring Break

Advertisements (top)
by FastStart Advisory Board

Congrats/Salutations
Do you want to congratulate your mentor/protégé on a recent accomplishment? Did you do something worth recognition? We want to know. E-mail us at FastStartInfo@psu.edu, and we’ll post it in future newsletters. Be sure to include your name, the name of the person you are congratulating, and a brief description of the accomplishment.

Dear Advisory Group
Dear Advisory Group,
Where would I be able to send questions and/or comments about my experiences with FastStart? Thanks.

Sincerely,
A FastStart Student

Dear FastStart Student,
This is the perfect place to send your questions or comments. The student advisory group would like to help make your experience with FastStart a more positive one. E-mail us at FastStartInfo@psu.edu, and your questions will be answered by a member of our group. Mentors are welcome to e-mail us as well. We’ll pick a question or comment to post in future newsletters.

Sincerely,
The Student Advisory Group

Questions
We welcome your comments and questions. To get involved, please call 814-863-6386 or e-mail FastStartInfo@psu.edu.