Culinary Arts
January 14, 2015
Advice for a successful semester
Here is some advice from our Leeward Culinary Instructors, as well as senior students. Whether you've heard it a hundred times, or this is your first time, it will help to keep these in mind...
-There's traffic everyday. Show up early, because traffic and parking severely affect your commute time.
-Come to class prepared. It will show in your work and your grades.
-Refer to the course syllabus. It includes vital information including work assignments, important dates, and how your grade is calculated.
-When your instructor says "You should study," there tends to be a good reason for it...
-Don't be afraid to ask your instructors for help. They might seem scary at first, but they are here to help, and are often more approachable than they appear.
-Class time is not a social gathering. It might seem that way before and after class, but actual class time is limited, and should be used wisely.
-Don't wait for the night before to start a project you've had 2 weeks to do, procrastination won't make it go away.
-Even if you have a legitimate reason, missing class will negatively affect your grade. Schedule appointments to see your doctor/dentist on non-class days, such as Saturdays.
-You're paying to be in school. If you don't show up, study, work hard and ask questions, then what are you paying for?
-Washing dishes, sweeping/mopping floors, and taking out the trash are everyone's responsibilities. Even culinary celebrities and famous chefs have to do it.
I hope this helps you to have the best semester possible.
Got Class?
By: Lynn MacLaren, M.Ed., Academic Specialist
Welcome to the Spring Semester I still get excited when a new semester begins! When I was a college student, I couldn't wait to go to my new classes, see friends I knew, and find out what kind of professors I’d be with for the semester. After regaining consciousness from the textbook bill, I actually liked getting an early peek at the shoulder-damaging texts I’d be lugging around in my backpack.
Early on in my college career, I learned there were choke distractions that could potentially lure me from going to class. Like hanging out in the student lounge, sleeping in (a biggie for me), or just planting myself in the cafeteria to talk story with my friends and check out guys. Sometimes, the fact that it was either a Monday or a Friday constituted a good enough reason to skip class!
I could give you my own brilliant insights as to why class attendance is critical to your college success…instead I’m going to share some honest quotes by experienced college students who’ve learned a thing or two about going (or not going) to class. Why? Because class attendance REALLY, REALLY matters! And, I really like quotes…☺
“Sitting in a classroom is the easiest part of college and it cuts study time in half. Why make it hard on yourself—GO! Senior, Journalism, University of Iowa
“I used to think the first couple of classes were a waste because everyone’s still dropping and adding. WRONG! That’s when the instructor announces changes in the syllabus and when you should decide whether to drop the class or change sections.” Junior, Business, University of Alabama
“Talk about horror stories…I had one of those classes where you’ll decide you’ll learn more by reading the book than by going to class. I cut quite a few, including the one when a CHANGE in the FINAL EXAM DATE was announced.” Senior, Communications, University of Toledo
“Even if I partied all night, I dragged my body to class. Other people’s notes don’t work YOU HAVE TO HEAR IT YOURSELF.” Graduate, English, Indiana University
“If you do nothing else in college; at least go to class!” Junior, Business, Miami University
“You’re basically screwed if you miss a math class!” Sophomore, Economics, Williams College
“Going to class is like going to the gym. You’ll feel guilty if you don’t go, but AWESOME if you do!” Kelci Lynn Lucier, College Life Expert
And, my personal favorite:
“If you miss a class session because your car was blown off the road by high winds on the way to the college, you were stranded in a tree while waiting for the rescue team in a helicopter to save you from the rapidly-rising flood-waters, and your rescuers insisted that they take you to the hospital instead of to the college (despite your adamant protests to the contrary, and this part is important), then you have a good excuse for missing class.” R. Rambo Illinois Valley Community College
Whether you've been guilty of skipping classes in the past or if you’re a new student just starting out, it’s never too late, or too soon, to make a commitment to yourself to attend all your classes and really get the most out of what you’re here to do---learn, grow, and graduate! I wish each and every one of you an amazing, successful semester!
About me
My name is Coe Snyder, and I am acting as a student mentor for Leeward’s Career and Technical Education (CTE) Culinary Arts Program. I am in my fifth and final Semester here as a student in the Culinary Arts Program, and am working towards my Associates Degree. This is my fourth semester as a peer mentor. I am here to answer any questions or concerns you may have, about school, the resources available to you, or anything else that may help you to make your time here a success. During this semester, I plan to provide you with helpful information that may aid in your success
I am also President of our campuses Phi Theta Kappa chapter, a writer for our schools magazine, Ka Manaʻo, and enjoy doing Comedy in my spare time. If you are interested in becoming more active on campus, there are many opportunities.
If you have any questions about the Culinary Arts Programs, resources and/or activities on campus, or would like to be more involved and see what opportunities are available, contact me here.
Ann Dorado, Counselor
Email: Adorado@hawaii.edu
Website: http://www.leeward.hawaii.edu/culn
Location: Leeward CC GT-111
Phone: 808-455-0652
Tami Williams, Academic Specialist
Email: paras@hawaii.edu
Website: http://www.leeward.hawaii.edu/culn
Location: Leeward CC GT-114
Phone: 808-455-0320
Coe Snyder, Peer Mentor
Email: coes@hawaii.edu
Website: http://www.leeward.hawaii.edu/culn
Location: Leeward CC GT-114
Phone: 808-455-0575