Housing and Meals Explained

Basic Needs Support, HS & First Year Students | 0 comments

Now, that you’ve chosen your college your next step is planning! Will you be dorming on campus or live at home? What meal option will you choose? These are new and sometimes confusing choices to make. Sometimes, your financial aid may not cover these costs. Be sure you know how much this will all cost, so you know how to budget. Each campus has its own system with unique options and prices. Make sure you know before you go. 

 

To learn more about housing and meal options when comparing schools, download this guide Housing and Meals Explained.  Guide provided by DecidED 

 

 

Diversity

HS & First Year Students | 0 comments

When choosing what college to attend, one of the most important components to consider is the campus’s diversity. Not only in terms of race or ethnicity of the student population but also considering how diverse the campus is in terms of cultural background, geographic location, sexual orientations, gender identities, and abilities. These components tend to get overlooked because we are caught up in the beauty of the campus or its reputation.

Diversity is crucial. You must be able to relate to your peers and feel comfortable knowing that your values align with the campus you will earn your degree in. 

 

To learn more about why and how to consider diversity when comparing schools, download this guide Diversity. Guide provided by DecidED 

 

 

First Year Students

First Year Students

HS & First Year Students | 0 comments

Transitioning from high school to college is scary in itself, especially as a first-generation student. Worrying about the months ahead is normal, however, it is important to be as prepared as possible, especially as a first-year student. If you are attending college for the first time ever, we have created a first-year student checklist to help you navigate your college experience. 

For current high school students: Education Planning | Jaraiedi Financial Group

  • Make sure you are on track to complete your A-G requirements. Meet with your counselor and let them know you need to take courses that fulfill A-G requirements.
  • Research the colleges you would like to attend and make a list of colleges in order of preference. 1. Top school, 2. Second choice, etc.
  • Make sure you get involved in extracurricular activities like sports, clubs, volunteer organizations, and leadership. Colleges will consider this when reviewing your application.
  • When asking for Letters of Recommendation from teachers it is a great idea to create a ‘Brag Sheet’ to keep track of all your involvements and accomplishments throughout your high school experience, this way they can easily write about who you are. Templates: Brag Sheet Template PDF, Brag Sheet Template Doc
  • If you are a senior in high school, make sure you meet all the application deadlines. College applications are due in the fall and FAFSA or CA Dream Act are due March 2nd every year.

If you are starting college this fall:

  • If you are applying to community college, look up your local promise programs that will help you pay for your tuition and fees.
  • Be sure to check your student portal frequently. Important emailsMoving to College Checklist - Collegeboxes regarding deadlines and alerts from your campus will
    be shared there first.
  • Meet with your college counselor to register for classes and to create an educational plan.
  • Attend your college’s orientation to learn about the opportunities and resources your school offers.
  • Complete your financial aid and ensure that all your paperwork is submitted. Meet with your campus’s financial aid office for any questions. Financial Aid Tips
  • Ask them about scholarships, loans, and how to pay for college.
  • Research and apply for student support programs available at your school, such as Summer Bridge programs, EOP and EOPS for low-income students, and CAFYES/Guardian Scholars programs for students who have been involved in foster care.
  • Find tutoring and writing services that your campus offers. Writing research papers can be confusing, be sure to ask for help.
  • Find student well-being services to help you cope with any anxiety or stress you may be experiencing. Make sure you are familiar with your campus’s health centers, counseling, and psychological services, food pantry, and recreational centers.
  • Research the variety of majors your campus offers. If you are undeclared, this is a great opportunity to do some research and find your interests. Do not feel pressured or rushed into declaring a major.
  • Do not be afraid to ask for support! Your counselors and advisors are there to help you. If you feel overwhelmed, try sending them an email first and then meet with them.

Adapted from L.A. Compact’s Summer of Success Checklist

Colleges use teletherapy to support their students

Colleges use teletherapy to support their students

Mental Health & Self Care | 0 comments

Since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, telehealth services have become more popular due to the convenience of receiving care from the comfort of your home. One of the services offered is teletherapy, which has become a popular method of receiving mental health services among college students. Teletherapy is accessing remote mental health counseling. Examples of teletherapy include doing therapy sessions over the phone, instant messaging or within an app. Some of the benefits of teletherapy include more privacy, higher satisfaction and it is better for public health as patients are not at risk for contracting COVID-19. Additionally, colleges have a system in place to serve students when they’re off campus and over breaks. 

Students are able to access these services through their institutions counseling service. Some institutions have included this service within their mandatory health fees so it is at no additional cost to the student. Moreover, some institutions allow students to use these services over summer break without having students register for summer courses. 

For example, Shasta college, a California community college, contracted with Texas-based TimelyMD to offer 24/7 telehealth options for students. The push for 24/7 telehealth options was to help its in-house staff since they were limited by work and traditional business hours. Shasta students can still use TimelyMD through the college over the summer. A big selling point is that Shasta students have access to counselors from diverse backgrounds and additionally, counselors can connect students with other resources such as food and housing assistance, transit support and bill payments. 

What are some of the pushbacks in telehealth?

  • Some of the pushbacks in telehealth come from college workers who argue that it overshadows students’ need for more in-person counseling services. 
  • Although there are no limits to how many sessions a student can participate, telehealth is meant for situational challenges and not chronic issues. 
Finding Black and Brown Therapists

Finding Black and Brown Therapists

Mental Health & Self Care | 0 comments

Our mental health and well-being are some of the most important parts of taking care of ourselves. Oftentimes we neglect our mental health because of other priorities, however, our well-being should always be a priority. The ongoing pandemic continues to cause us stress because of several contributing factors like work, school, and the political climate. If you have considered seeking therapy, we encourage you to. Therapy can be a great way for you to talk about your feelings without feeling judged. As first-generation BIPOC, it is even harder to find a therapist with whom we can relate or feel comfortable. Below are some sites where you can find Black and brown therapists.  

Whole Brother Mission

  • The Whole Brother Mission is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that seeks to equip men to be whole in every area of life. They do this by connecting men with licensed mental health professionals, life coaches/mentors, and resources to establish a better quality of life.
  • They have a nationwide network of counselors, therapists, psychologists, psychiatrists, mentors, and life coaches with a variety of specializations to serve you best.
  • If you are interested in their services or if the cost has kept you from getting additional support, please complete this form and a team member will be in contact within 48 hours. 

The Boris Henson Foundation 

  • The Boris Henson Foundation has a mission to provide support and bring awareness to mental health issues that plague the Black community. Their vision is to eradicate the stigma around mental health issues in the African-American community.
  • If you are looking for a therapist or mental health services, check out their directory.

Latinx Therapist Action Network

  • Latinx Therapist Action Network is an online platform and network of Latinx mental health practitioners honoring and affirming the dignity and healing of migrant communities marginalized by criminalization, detention, and deportation. They strive to make therapy accessible and affordable.
  • If you are looking for a therapist, check out their Directory – LTAN.
  • The therapists listed in this directory are committed to providing therapy or other mental health services for those in need on a sliding scale for a maximum of 12 sessions at this scale. The sliding scale starts at $25 and goes up to $75. The pricing will vary based on the agreement between the therapist and the client.

For more providers and services, check out these links: 

NQTTCN.COM 

INNOPSYCH.COM 

SOULACEAPP.COM 

AYANATHERAPY.COM 

LATINXTHERAPY.COM 

ATHERAPISTLIKEME.ORG 

THERAPYFORQPOC.COM 

HEALINGINCOLOUR.COM 

CLINICIANSOFCOLOR.ORG 

THERAPYFORLATINX.COM 

INCLUSIVETHERAPISTS.COM 

SOUTHASIANTHERAPISTS.ORG 

THERAPYFORBLACKMEN.ORG 

THERAPYFORBLACKGIRLS.COM 

BLACKFEMALETHERAPISTS.COM 

THELOVELANDFOUNDATION.ORG 

MELANINANDMENTALHEALTH.COM 

Source: @ablackfemaletherapist