3rd Annual Halloween House Decorating Contest Winners!

It is time to announce the winners! After seeing a number of fantastically festive houses during a weekend of crazy weather, we finally came to a decision. The winner of the 3rd Annual Halloween House Decorating Contest is ... The Graveyard Scene with Witchy Women!

In second place, there was a tie between the white house with the witch on the door

and the brick house with the cobwebs

In third place, the two story house with the brick bottom

Two houses that received honorable mention are, the house with the skeleton on the door, and the white house with the black roof.

Thank you to everyone who participated and stuck it out through the rough weather. We had a great time seeing all of the decorations. Start thinking of ideas for next year's contest!

-Anita Ellis, Director of Off-Campus Living and Commuting Student Services

Education Student? Don't Be a Dunce, Start Networking!

In case you missed this on The Career Center Blog:

Last night, as part of Education Career Night, close to 100 students and alumni took advantage and networked with nine organizations seeking volunteers and part-time and full-time employees. The key word here is “networked.” Many times applicants see career nights and job fairs with tunnel vision, a place to get a job. These events can be utilized as a form of networking. Keep in touch with you who met. They may not have something now for you but they may be able to refer you to people in their network.

Speaking of networking, are you student teaching this semester? This is a great way to build up your network of people you know! Here are some tips:

1. Eat lunch in the faculty room and get to know the staff.

• Become part of the community
• Steer clear of inappropriate conversations

2. Volunteer to help others in the building with activities, fundraisers, concerts, etc.
3. Invite the school leadership to observe you in order to:

• Receive constructive feedback
• Remind them about your talents

4. Attend staff training opportunities voluntarily

• You may learn something
• Demonstrates interest and enthusiasm to others in the school

5. Volunteer to serve as a mentor or tutor to a student

• Before, during or after school
• Speak with school counselors or other teachers

6. Arrange a meeting with the principal to review your resume

• Receive constructive feedback
• Remind him/her about your experience

7. At the conclusion of your placement type a thank you letter to the principal and cooperating teacher(s)

• Include your resume
• Keep in contact with these individuals
• Leave some sort of note or treats for the staff at the conclusion of your placement

8. Offer to substitute teach at the conclusion of your placement

~Suzanne Dagger, Director of Career Services, The Career Center

Are you a Hofstra Human or a Zombie?

Where were you last weekend when Hofstra humans took on campus zombies?!?!?! This is the third semester that Hofstra vs. Zombies has hosted this active 4 day long event on campus. One hundred student participated in the event and one was named the Original Zombie. After two days of haunting the campus to gain zombie numbers the Zombie group was off to hunt for human players around campus. I saw them everywhere - late Friday afternoon at the commuter lockers, walking around North campus and even stopping to get lunch at California Pizza Kitchen. This is one of my favorite blossoming campus traditions and hopefully you will be able to get involved with the club and play next Spring's game (tentatively set for March 21-25, 2012). If you want to know more about getting involved or how to Join Hofstra vs. Zombies club you can also stop by the SGA / Lion's Den Haunted House this weekend (Saturday 6pm-11pm) in Roosevelt Hall where HVZ will be continuing to haunt the campus community!

Midterms and Managing Stress

Buzzing around campus as I have in the past several days has been a delightful experience. The weather is splendid and students seem to be energized by the season. As a counselor however I am sensitive to many anxious and pressured expressions on the faces of students as they dart between commitments. Mid semester exams are definitely here!

So how do you manage the stress that inevitably goes along with being a college student in October? Here are some quick stress management tips to help you get through:

1. Set realistic expectations and plan on making mistakes. You're human after all and making mistakes are part of the process.
2. Keep your goals manageable. Break down projects, papers and studying into smaller parts and take rest breaks along the way.
3. Take care of yourself. Remember to eat a balanced diet, move your body, get enough sleep and make time for fun with friends. All these will help you feel like you can conquer the day no matter what type of stress you face.
4. Finally, don't underestimate the benefits of taking a moment to breathe deeply!

If you would like to learn more about Stress Management or the other programs offered at the office of Student Counseling Services, call or stop by the Saltzman Center to make an appointment to speak with a counselor (516-463-6791).