Learning has its Benefits

By: Claudia Owens

What do you do when the desire to further your education succumbs to the reality of these harsh economic times? Many of us are not born with a “silver spoon” in our mouths therefore we must work to earn money to support our lifestyles and pay for education.

In today’s economy it is challenging enough to keep your job due to all of the company cutbacks…let alone pay off any educational related loan debts. It is often said that when you are not satisfied with your current occupation or feel as if your career growth is stagnant, one should invest in going back to school. I’ve heard this from teachers, employers and even family members who seem to believe that having multiple or advanced degrees will solve all of your economic and occupational woes.

However, if you have your Undergraduate degree, should you invest in your Masters if you cannot afford to pay for school? I am currently in the middle of this process. Many university Financial Aid Advisors I have spoken with claim they have seen an increase in graduate student enrollment from last year’s applicants because students who obtained their undergraduate degree could not find employment after graduation and some students were unemployed for a few years after.

So what is the best path to choose if you are stuck between a rock and a hard place? There are some things one must consider before a decision is made and the most important is whether or not you are financially secure enough to invest in 4 or 6 more years of schooling. There are websites such as FAFSA.ed.gov that provide information on Federal Student Aid and provide deadlines that are important to coordinate with enrollment and university application deadlines.

FAFSA has rarely covered 100% of a student’s financial woes, therefore researching other loan programs and grants might be more efficient than requesting another loan from the same loan institution or bank you received your previous loan from. According to representatives at Educational Loan Center, it is crucial for someone to have a history of paying their previous loans on time without default. Once a negative mark has been placed on your credit record it will become a challenge to persuade a loan officer to defer your previous loan to incur another one with a longer payment period. 

Also most university Financial Aid departments will defer your previous loans as long as you enroll in 6 or more credit hours. Loan deferment can provide a sense of comfort to those who are realistic about finding employment after graduation. It saves a lot of Americans from being reported by loan companies for defaulting on their loans, which will be reported to the credit bureau and no one desires to have the burden of a bad credit score.

In the end the choice is yours. Think outside the box. Education can be formal or informal. It can be formal through the educational system or informal over the course of your life, internships and job experiences. Pursuing advanced degrees and continuing your education can be costly, however it is never a mistake. 

“The illiterate of the 21^st century will not be those who cannot read and write, 

but those who cannot learn, unlearn and relearn.”

- American writer, Alvin Toffler.

Claudia Owens live and works in Atlanta, is a member of the YWTF-ATL chapter, and she recently joined the YWTF-ATL Board of Directors as the Director of Partnerships and Strategic Alliances. Claudia can be reached via email at: claudia.ywtf@gmail.com

Sources:

www.educationalloancenter.com

www.fafsa.ed.gov/

Rise in Homeless College Students

According to Barbara Duffield, policy director of the National Association for the Education of Homeless Children and Youth, "In 2009, 47,204 college students applying for financial aid checked a box that identified themselves as homeless."

For more information, read the Huffington Post's coverage.

10 Ways to Help You Stay Positive in Today’s Harsh Economic Climate

By Claudia M. Owens

It has been more than a year…what do you mean President Obama has NOT fixed the economy yet? Americans seem to have unrealistic hopes and have grown weary of the timeliness of our economy’s progress. Although Rome wasn’t built in a day, Atlanta didn’t rise from the Civil War ashes overnight, and New Orleans is still waiting to be rebuilt after Katrina, we seem to think it takes ONLY a few months and a few tax dollars to bring the economy back from the brink of disaster and the trench of “Bush-onomics.” There have been some jobs created, but job cuts continue throughout the economy. In this state of job instability and economic uncertainty in American households, what possibly is the cure or can at least help alleviate the stress of not knowing where your next paycheck is coming from, or knowing whether or not tomorrow you will be called into the boss’s office for that “I’m sorry” diatribe? In times of adversity it is easy to tell someone else to stay positive; however, it is a little more challenging to keep a positive outlook and keep one’s self motivated.

10 things that a person can do with his or her time to keep from over-stressing in stressful times.

1. Exercise. Exercise is medically proven to reduce stress and fight against depression. Many fitness centers have free 3–7 day introductory passes. Take advantage of their offer and treat yourself to a nice morning or afternoon at one of your local fitness centers. For those who have never set foot in a health club or cannot afford to pay the high price of membership fees, an alternative can be simple exercise in your home such as sit-ups, push-ups, and squats. Thanks to technology and Wal-Mart, it’s easy to purchase a home workout video or DVD for under $13.

2. Try Yoga. It might be difficult to imagine yourself twisting and turning into those funny-looking positions; however, once you try it, you will want to learn more and continue the classes. Yoga is accompanied by breathing techniques, which loosen the abdominal muscles and lung cage while you slowly stretch into each position. Many of the positions loosen the tight (knotted) muscles in your back while strengthening those same muscles. Yoga might seem foreign to many people, especially to those of the older generation, but we are now in the era of “change” thanks to the Obama campaign - and change, though hard to acclimate to, can be good.

3. Discover religion or spirituality (if you haven’t already). There’s nothing like prayer to help soothe heartache. Although I am not promoting any particular religion, the power of positive thought combined with pro-activity or exercise can double the positive effect on one’s mental state. Believing that everything and everyone has a purpose and that everything happens for a reason, in the end, this belief can inadvertently change a person’s path. Belief that your future is directed by God (or a deity of your choosing) and steered by you (free will), make you responsible for the actions you take in shaping your own destiny. The best thing to do when you find yourself in a negative situation is to believe that you have the power to effect change or the ability to control your response to the situation.

4. Start a new hobby. Hobbies need not be expensive. The last thing a responsible adult wants to do after losing their job is spend their down time playing computer games, building model cars, or putting together puzzles. Bills have to be paid, and food has to be paid for, and too much fun time will appear as if you’re having an extramarital affair on your responsibilities. However, building model cars, knitting, and games are not the types of hobbies I am suggesting. Writing, making jewelry, tutoring/teaching a class in a field of interest that is compatible with your skills and selling items on E-Bay can be good hobbies, many of which can be turned into a lucrative side job that earns you money. If there is something you love to do, find a way to market and sell it. It doesn’t hurt to try, and during these economic times, every attempt is a success rather than a failure.

5. Do charity or volunteer work. There is something to be said for those who give to the needy even when they are in need themselves. Spend a weekend registering with volunteer websites and local organizations and participate in available activities that fit your schedule. This can also be tied to finding spirituality, or it can at least take your mind off of your own problems and get you motivated to take action, even if it is not action towards your own situation. Giving is good for the soul.

6. Keep your brain simulated and your skills sharp. Dive into a new book. Visit your local library to peruse the latest self-improvement and motivation books or fiction and non-fiction novels. Join a book club for stimulating book discussions, while broadening your network of professionals and friends. If you would rather watch TV, watch shows that will make you laugh or educational channels like the Public Broadcasting Station (PBS), Discovery or the History channel. If you are out of school or out of work, never stop learning. Life should be a learning journey and can also be something worth laughing about. Try to find humor in every situation, even the dire ones.

7. Spend time with family. Who knows how to make you feel better, better than family? Family can relate to whatever pains you are experiencing, especially if it affects them directly as well. If you do not have close family, friends are the next best thing. Take a day trip to a national or local park, historical sites, educational exhibits, museums (children, sports, heritage, fine arts) zoo, festivals, county fairs, parades, and outdoor concerts. Use down time to check out attractions and events in your local area and state. Many are free or modestly priced.

8. Get plenty of sunshine. A nice brisk walk can help you get in your recommended 10,000 steps per day, help elevate your mood, and bump up your vitamin D level.

9. Pay attention to your nutrition. Improving regularity can help improve your mood. Eat fiber-rich foods. They work wonders in helping to regulate blood-sugar levels, reducing the risk of coronary heart disease, hypertension, diabetes, obesity and much more. Check our www.webmd.com for additional nutrition facts and healthy eating tips.

10. Develop a fitness regimen. A fitness regiment will increase your energy and improve your appearance, and that alone will make you feel better. For your ‘Spring fling’ try hiking, biking, canoeing, kayaking, participate in a walk-a-ton, or a host of other outdoor sports, depending on your age and stamina, like tennis and golf, to fire up the endorphins.

I do not claim to be an expert in any of areas that I listed. Like many, I am an average American wondering if I will have a job tomorrow; hopeful about the economy getting better; and annoyed that both political parties can’t stop sparring and volleying disagreements, and pass a bill or two.

But in times of adversity and when stress is an everyday factor in our life, it is important that we do whatever we can to keep a healthy mind, body, and spirit. All it takes is research and motivation to be audacious and learn something new, apply it to your life values and daily routine. “If you don't like something change it; if you can't change it, change the way you think about it.” ~Mary Engelbreit

Claudia M. Owens is a graduate of Columbia College Chicago with a degree in Liberal Arts, Journalism. Claudia has articles published in Classique magazine based in Albany New York, the Metro-Philadelphia newspaper and currently volunteers as a web newsletter writer/editor/proofreader for ArtReach Foundation on a per need basis. A former Junior League of Atlanta member and former part-time private viola instructor for elementary aged children, Claudia also had the opportunity to work during the Inauguration of President Barack Obama as a Program Logistics officer for Envision EMI’s “Presidential Youth Inaugural Conference”. She enjoys reading, traveling, writing, wine tasting and will be pursuing her master’s degree in Public Policy in the near future.

December Meeting: Book Club Sneak Peek

Half The Sky invites women from all walks of life and all cultures to see their differences and similarities regarding the ties between womanhood, money, power and community. We at YWTF see the importance of enjoining discussion regarding the interconnectedness of all of these topics globally as well as in each of our lives. Here's a sneak peek at the types of questions, book specific AND not, that we will highlight during our book club discussion on Saturday, December 11th:

1. How are women and girls disproportionately impacted by poverty?

2. Why is the empowerment of women and girls an effective way to address global poverty?

3. Are there women in your life who exemplify women’s empowerment? What about them makes them powerful?

4. How does earning and “handling” money change Goretti’s social status?

5. How do your (Goretti’s) choices about how to spend family income differ from the men in your life (her husband’s)?

Do you have a strong reaction or opinion regarding any of those questions? Let's start the discussion here in our comments. Please also join us for live discussion at our December meeting: Saturday, December 11th at 10:30 AM at the Toco Hills library. We will also be welcoming Divas in Defense to teach us some moves, so bring $7 cash ($5 for members and YWTF-Atlanta partners), and let's kick some butt.

Greek News

A trans student at Trinity University in Texas will rush the Texas Zeta Chi sorority. Here’s the letter Dean of Students David M. Tuttle released regarding the rush:

Dear Greek Council Leaders,

The Zeta Chi sorority has determined that it would welcome a male student, who self-identifies as transgender, to rush their organization. The group -- and the student, Kwame -- are clear that he may or may not be extended a bid offer. Fraternities and sororities consider all dimensions of potential members and have every right to consider exceptions to their single-sex status. This student's overall identity, character, and personality - which includes being transgender - will be considered in the selection process. All students are invited into fraternities and sororities based on their wholeness as people. It will work the same in this situation. The University has watched this situation with interest and stayed out of it, other than to offer counsel and support through CCI staff members. Those staff members have researched how this is handled elsewhere and implications for Trinity and its students and groups. We would have supported any decision by Zeta Chi. Under the leadership of President Sarah, the group has undergone thoughtful consideration of the group's values, the feelings of its members, and the opinions of alumni. As with last year's diploma debate, the students learn from the educational process of weighing information and reaching well-considered and articulated decisions. Such issues aren't theoretical, but also personal and emotional. What terrific preparation for life after college!

Zeta Chi has made its identity distinctive for embracing all students, regardless of sexual identity. This may be why this is the first group to grapple with these complex issues related to transgender identity. In my experience, our students and fraternities and sororities have a strong record of welcoming students of different backgrounds. I urge all Greek organizations to follow the lead of Zeta Chi in discussing such issues. I hope all members of fraternities and sororities join the administration in supporting the women of Zeta Chi and all students of less common backgrounds.

(Kwame and Sarah have reviewed and approved this message.)
Mr. David M. Tuttle Interim Vice President for Student Affairs/Dean of Students - Trinity University

Is Marriage Becoming Obsolete?

TIME and the Pew Research Center partnered up to see what role marriage has in America's future. According to the study, "In 1960, two-thirds (68%) of all twenty-somethings were married. In 2008, just 26% were," and four in ten people surveyed said marriage was becoming obsolete. Not surprisingly, younger women and men are more accepting of this trend than older generations. The study links marriage to socio-economic and racial factors, pointing out college graduates are now more likely to get hitched than their high school-educated counterparts, and 32% of African Americans are likely to tie the knot, compared to 56% of whites.

Another aspect of the study worth examining is the public's views on demographic trends. 69% of the public believe single women having children is bad for society, and 43% think cohabitation before marriage is a no-no.

These trends give rise to questions about how valuable marriage and family will be in America's future. To what do you think we can attribute the current hesitation toward holy matrimony? Comment below.

Learn More About YWTF

What is YWTF-ATL?
In 2009, Terica Scott founded YWTF-ATL to serve the City of Atlanta and its suburbs. Through the YWTF-ATL, she strives to bring together professional, forward-thinking, diverse, and successful women in order to build a unified force to address the issues facing younger women in our communities.

What is the Younger Women’s Task Force (YWTF)?
Founded in January 2005 by Alison Stein, YWTF is an international, diverse, and inclusive grassroots movement dedicated to organizing younger women and their allies to take action on issues that matter most to their lives. YWTF is a project of the National Council of Women’s Organizations (NCWO) that works both within and beyond the women’s movement, engaging all who are invested in advancing the rights of younger women aged 20-39.

What is the national organization of YWTF?
YWTF-ATL is the tenth chapter established nationally. Currently, there are 13 YWTF chapters based in the United States and Canada. The national office for YWTF is located in the headquarters of the NCWO in Washington, DC.

How is YWTF-ATL organized?
Terica Scott is the Chapter Director or the chief administrative officer of the chapter and oversees the Board of Directors and all chapter activities. The Board of Directors executes and manages the work of the chapter. The chapter membership helps to shape chapter programming, focus areas, and events. The current Board of Director positions are:
• Chapter Director
• Membership and Outreach Director
• Fundraising Director
• Communications and Marketing Director
• Programs and Events Director
• Policy and Advocacy Director
• Partnerships and Strategic Alliances Director
• Operations Director

What is the mission of YWTF-ATL?
YWTF-ATL is committed to promoting and implementing programs and policies for the benefit, empowerment, and growth of younger women aged 20-39 so that they may thrive as productive, active, healthy, and prominent members in their communities and personal lives.

What is the vision of YWTF-ATL?
The vision of YWTF-ATL is to enrich the lives of younger women through the following efforts:
• Promoting Consciousness among Members and Community
• Advocating for Diversity and Inclusion
• Promoting the Empowerment, Education, and Integration of Younger Women in Atlanta Society
• Establishing Opportunities for Mutual Mentoring and Sharing
• Advocating for Economic Justice
• Promoting Strategic Resource Sharing and Building
• Promoting Relationship Building
• Exemplifying Sisterhood and Sisterly Relations
• Participating in Community Building Efforts
• Maintaining a Local Focus for Activities and Projects
• Organizing and Executing Grassroots Efforts and Collaborative Approaches

How often does YWTF-ATL meet?
YWTF-ATL chapter meets on the second Saturday of every month at 10:30 a.m. For the most accurate location information, please visit website.

How do I become a member of YWTF-ATL?
Chapter membership is open to any person who believes in the mission of our organization. It’s easy to join! To become an active financial member, simply fill out the YWTF-ATL Membership Application and submit membership dues. Membership applications can be downloaded from our website. Send applications to YWTF-ATL Membership Application, P.O. Box 2141, Lilburn, GA 30048. Membership dues can be paid in cash or by credit card (add 4.5%) by mail, in person, or online.

What are the membership dues to join YWTF-ATL?
Membership dues are set annually and are 100% tax-deductible. The current due structure is:
• $30 for a one-year membership that expires on 12/31/10; or
• $20 for a one-year student membership that expires on 12/31/10 (valid student ID required upon application).

Once I become a member, how can I get involved in the work of the chapter?
YWTF-ATL has seven committees that concentrate on the operational functions of YWTF-ATL. These committees include: Communications and Marketing, Fundraising and Development, Membership and Outreach, Partnerships, Programs and Events, Policy and Advocacy, and the A.S.C.E.N.D. Conference Committee. Members are strongly encouraged to participate on committees. Each committee is led by its respective YWTF-ATL Board of Director and meets regularly to perform specific duties to support chapter operations. All committee planning and activities must be approved by the YWTF-ATL Board of Directors. In addition to committees, members are encouraged to participate and attend monthly chapter meeting, event, and program activities.

What are the current chapter programs?
YWTF-ATL produces a wide range of activities that include social and networking events, career development events, educational seminars, community service projects, and fundraisers.

What types of programs will the chapter plan and implement?
Generally, the chapter will plan policy and advocacy initiatives, chapter activities, community service projects, and events related to the focus areas, mission, and vision of the chapter. The current YWTF-ATL Focus Areas include: Career and Mentoring, Education, Environment, Violence and Younger Women, and Women’s Health. These areas of focus were determined by our members.

What are SIGs?
Special Interest Groups (SIGs) help to plan, implement, and carry out the work of each of the five focus areas outlined above. SIGs meet during monthly chapter meetings. Chapter members are welcome to participate in SIGs. Unlike committees, SIGs may be led by active, financial chapter members. All SIGs activities must be approved by the YWTF-ATL Board of Directors. The current SIGs include: Career and Mentoring, Education, Environment, Violence and Younger Women, and Women’s Health. To join or lead a SIG, please contact the Programs and Events Director for the chapter.

How do I learn more about the chapter?
• Contact us at ywtfatlanta@ywtf.org
• Come to a chapter meeting
• Check out our website
• Become our fan on Facebook
• Follow us on Twitter
• Listen to our podcast

Under the Knife

The most popular procedures requested by teens are laser hair removal, liposuction, and breast augmentation. How can we change the way our society perceives beauty?

Photo credit: Ambro

Chapter Buzz: Divas in Defense

1 in 6 women will be a victim of sexual assault in her lifetime. The Younger Women's Task Force and Divas in Defense want to make that number zero. Join us to learn the self-defense basics at this special event - just in time for the holidays, when festive drinking and retail parking lots provide increased risks of danger. Please bring $7 in cash at the door to help support the cause.

Time: Saturday, December 11 · 10:30am - 12:00pm
Location: Toco Hills Library 1282 McConnell Drive Decatur, GA

What Has Obama Done?

We're not voting for President today, but on election day when politics is on the forefront of your mind, check out this website to remind yourself what President Obama has accomplished in the first two years of his term.

If you're scurrying out the door to hit the polls, we've posted a few achievements for you now:

• Expanded hate crime law in the US to include sexual orientation through the Matthew Shepard and James Byrd Jr. Hate Crimes Prevention Act
• Extended Benefits to same-sex partners of federal employees
• Signed the Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act, restoring basic protections against pay discrimination for women and other workers
• Provided the Department of Veterans Affairs with more than $1.4 billion to improve services to America's Veterans

What Can We Accomplish in Five Years?

During the 2000 Millennium Summit, the United Nations convened to decide the global issues that need the most attention. The Millennium Development Goals were born: 

• Eradicate extreme poverty and hunger
• Achieve universal primary education
• Promote gender equality and empower women
• Reduce child mortality rate
• Improve maternal health
• Combat HIV/AIDS and other diseases
• Ensure environmental sustainability
• Develop a global partnership for development

What can we do in America to help achieve these goals before the 2015 deadline arrives?

Photo credit: dan

Statistically Speaking

Lindsay Pollak shares her story "How Millennial Women Are Shaping Our Future" on Huffington Post today. We've pulled out some highlights from her research:

Millennials on Goals:

• 96 percent of Millennial women worldwide list being independent as their most important life goal and define success as being able to shape their own futures.
• More than half (58 percent) of women surveyed do not have a definite plan to achieve their long-term goals.
• Sixty percent of women worldwide cite "ups and downs in the economy" as the biggest obstacle to achieving work-related goals.

Millennials on Mentoring:

• Ninety-four percent of women worldwide said that the best mentors are people with whom they can trade advice.
•  77 percent of Millennial women say that mentors can be people your own age.
• 89 percent agree that they can have more than one mentor.

Is this in-line with your beliefs on goals and mentoring?

Shero Quoted

Author Margaret Atwood, on reading Jane Austen: "Bad habit, leading girls to believe that any man who's mean to them is really nice inside..."

Your Voice: Money-Saving Tip #1 - Kitchen

When I first moved in with my boyfriend (who is now my husband) at age 18, I was working a full-time receptionist job making minimum wage ($6.50/hour) while taking a full load of classes. Because there was no way I could take on an extra job with all my obligations, I knew I had to be extremely tight with my earnings just to make ends meet.

I started researching and educating myself on how to save money by Googling just that.

Much to my disappointment, I was already doing almost everything these blogs and advice-centered websites offered.

I decided at that point, if it wasn’t on Google, I would have to come up with my own ways that go beyond, for example, only using the dishwasher once it’s full.

So, frugal readers out there, I am attempting to condense some of the lessons I’ve learned about being domestically economical over the last 4 years into a series of blog entries, all for you! This is meant for anyone wanting to save a little bit or a lot of money. These tips will range from being fairly simple to pretty extreme. As you read, remember that saving money is the main objective; this may require you to think outside of the box and take a little extra time out of your day to follow through.

Let's start in the kitchen:

Paper towels? Who needs them?

You would be amazed at how much we reach for paper towels on a daily basis. Have a spill? Need a napkin? Need to clean your counter or wipe down your mirror? How about dry your hands? Okay, so you see my point:

A two-person household can easily use around 2 rolls of paper towels per week. That’s around $4.30 (if these rolls are bought 1 per pack), which is $17.20 per month.

Instead, invest a set of cloth napkins and dishtowels. Dishtowels do not have to be expensive (I often by mine from Ikea for $0.49/each here http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/10100909 ). These can be used for wiping down, drying hands, drying dishes (pretty much everything a paper towel does). For cleaning purposes, cut up old t-shirts, use old missed-matched socks, and even old towels to get the job done.

Total savings per year (before cloth napkins and dish towels are bought): $206.40

*Savings vary from household to household*

--
Emily Tabouring is studying speech pathology at San Francisco State University. For more from this younger woman, please visit her blog.