Farmers' Market, A Community Event

A few morning clouds didn't stop anyone from heading downtown for the Corvallis Farmers' Market on Saturday.

The delicious aroma of potatoes and eggs sizzling on the grill at Zia Southwest Cuisine competed with the sweet scent of freshly cut flowers at the booth next door. Dogs on leashes rushed to greet each other as their owners laughed and made conversation. Birds were chirping and smiles were ubiquitous as the sun quickly decided to join in.

The Farmers' Market in Corvallis isn't just a place to pick up fresh produce and support your local farmers. It's a place where people of all ages can bring their children to play, take a walk, and enjoy a fresh breath of Oregon air. But more than that, it's a free event that brings the community together.

Street musicians Marsha and "Too Slim" Tom sat in the heart of the market, at 1st and Jackson Street, singing old-time favorites like "Fishin' Blues" and "I'm Satisfied With You" as listeners tapped their toes and smiled. 

Even the young man offering "romantic strolls" to couples on his bicycle-driven carriage, called a Pedicab, stopped to take a listen. Everyone within earshot offered a warm applause at the songs' end, to which Tom jokingly replied, "If we knew you were listenin', we woulda done better."

There were several musicians that came down to entertain, including a banjo and guitar playing duo called Rusty Hinges, a group called Marysville Disaster, and an 8-year-old boy that wooed the crowd with his violin.

Amidst the musical talents, the carefree spirits, and the worry-free nature of the day, there were many reminders that we can all do our part in making a difference. Receptacles for recycling were set up next to trash cans, and positive messages were delivered in creative ways.

Debra Higbee-Sudyka wore a suit made up of 500 plastic bags, demonstrating how many plastic bags are used by the average shopper in one year. She represented the organization Bag Monster, which is fighting to ban plastic bags. For more information, visit www.bagmonster.com.

Norton Creek Farm sold duck and chicken eggs, displaying information and photos on free-range chickens, with a sign that said, "Let Free-Range Ring."

Tables were set up in the shade by Art Outloud for children to take a break and do some painting. The organization works on donations to "create a culture of creativity" for children.

Local farms and gardens offered their freshest produce, plants, flowers, and meat with over 50 local businesses participating. Everything you could hope to find at a farmers' market was there, and much more.
 
Available for purchase at some of the booths were Worm Tea (for ridding plants of white flies and aphids), organic honey lemonade, homemade dog biscuits, Ukrainian jewelry, knitted purses, and spicy cherry habanero jelly.

And don't be surprised if you see a large group of people dancing to Cuban music. Rumbanana Salsa Group cranked up the tunes and danced their hearts out right in the middle of the street. If that doesn't surprise you, maybe you will enjoy the fact that among the dancers were two of LBCC's very own faculty members: Cyrel Gable, Coordinator of Parenting Education Program, and Mark Peterson, Librarian.

As if music, great food, and beautiful scenery wasn't enough to make the day an adventure, there were surprises lurking around every corner.

People stopped in their tracks and cheered when they looked down the road and saw "da Vinci's Wild Ride" approaching. Da Vinci's Wild Ride, a human-powered kenetic sculpture, is a part of da Vinci Days, every July in Corvallis.

It participates in races and parades but this was its first appearance at the Farmers' Market. Nicole Dodson, Executive Director of da Vinci Days, said they came down to celebrate Leo's (Leonardo da Vinci) birthday, which was April 15.

The weather may be unpredictable and the merchandise may change a little from week to week but one thing's for certain, you're sure to have fun at the farmers' market.



For more information on Corvallis and Albany Farmers' Markets, please visit: www.locallygrown.org

Corvallis Farmers' Market:

1st & Jackson, Saturdays, 9 AM to 1 PM, April 14-Nov. 17, 2012
1st & Jackson, Wednesdays, 9 AM to 1 PM, April 18-Nov. 21, 2012

Albany Farmers' Market:
 4th & Ellsworth, Saturdays, 9 AM to 1 PM, April 14-Nov. 17, 2012

 NOTE TO EDITOR:
 ALL PHOTOS TAKEN BY: MICHELLE STRACHAN. MORE AVAILABLE IF NEEDED.

Corvallis Farmers' Market, April 28, 2012

Cody Parsons and Dan Crall offer rides on their Pedicabs for a donation.

Street musicians Marsha and "Too Slim" Tom

1 Year, 1 Shopper, 500 Bags

Fresh radishes offered by Denison Farms

Rumbanana Salsa Group, dancing in the street.

da Vinci's Wild Ride surprised Corvallis with an unexpected visit down 1st Street

View from a picnic bench early in the day

A man under a bridge wearing a long, red coat and top hat, wanted to be heard but not seen. His horn wailed from under the bridge.

CSC Youth House Gardens, A Youth Program allowing kids the opportunity to earn high school credits, work experience, and earn a little money learning about plants.

Martin Mulford sings "Return to Pooh Corner" by Kenny Loggins

Fresh produce artistically displayed by Denison Farms

Spring Onions offered by Denison Farms

Don't Look Now, You're Giving Blood!

I was a ball of nerves about donating blood for the first time but I was determined.

When I arrived at the Red Cross blood drive here on campus last week and found out that I might not be able to donate, I was quite disappointed. Of all the times I'd thought about and wanted to donate, this was the first time I'd actually shown up to do it. But why didn't I think to make an appointment? Oh well, maybe next time.

They asked me to sign in and wait for just a bit while they worked to see if they could get me in there. While I waited, I couldn't keep my eyes off of "in there." It was a large room, with about six folding hospital beds, ten phlebotomist's, and various medical staff in white lab coats. Several people were donating, and I could see the tubes coming out from their arms, attached to the donation bags. I started to get nervous.


I was sure I could handle the small amount of pain that might come from the needle, and I didn't have a fear of needles either. What I was afraid of was the tube and the bag, or to be more accurate... the blood. I had no idea how I was going to react to seeing my own blood. The thought of it made me cringe. But I really wanted to do this. I wanted to help and to know that by giving up a small amount of my time and a little bit of my blood, I had made a difference.

So I just wouldn't look. That was my solution. I'd turn my head when they put the needle in and I'd never even glance at the bag. But they looked pretty busy in there. Maybe they were just too busy and wouldn't be able to squeeze me in after all. Hey, I meant well. I wanted to donate, but I probably wouldn't get the chance today. I felt my heart rate start to slow down a bit and tried not to smile too big. A big sigh of relief and then, "Okay Michelle. Are you ready?" Oh shit.

The screening process and "mini-physical" didn't take long at all. I answered a few questions about my health history and had my heart rate and blood pressure checked. Then the phlebotomist took a capillary blood sample by pricking the tip of my finger. Oh. My. God. Wow, that hurt. But what could I do? I'm a grown woman, not a child. I couldn't cry about it (at least not until I left).

The lady that had helped me left and within a couple minutes a Richard Gere look-a-like came to get me for the donation. I could do this. All of a sudden, I felt brave. I hopped on to the bed while "Richard" prepped me. I was all smiles. Hi Richard. Yes, this is my first time.

He sterilized my arm, with iodine I believe, and opened a brand new needle. Oh boy, there it was. I decided that I could still be a "brave, little soldier" and also take the time to check out what was going on in the rest of the room. What were they serving at the refreshment table? Well that's an interesting painting. I like that girl's boots, they're so cu-oooooouuuuucccchhhh!

I didn't have to ask if it was in yet, that's for sure. I squeezed Mr. Gere's stress ball every five seconds and began to feel relaxed. It was hard not to notice the blood-filled tube coming from my arm, but it really didn't bother me. It's not like I was looking at that big dreaded donation bag.

In about three minutes, he said I was half way done. I couldn't believe it was happening so fast. He told me that wasn't always the case, and that sometimes it took up to twenty minutes. I guess I was lucky; it took less then ten for me.

Before I knew it, my donation was finished and the bag was full. He lifted it up, sealed it and laid it on the bed, right next to my leg. There it was, what I was most afraid of, right there next to me. I couldn't take my eyes off of it. It was amazing to see all that blood that had just been inside me, now right there in front of me. "That's your life right there." Richard said.

I couldn't stop smiling. Yes, it was my life, and now it was all sealed up and ready to be a part of someone else's. I looked at the cute, little bag full of my blood, and thought of the journey it would go on. Later it would be tested in a lab in Portland and within a few days, it would be in a hospital waiting to help people. My donation had the potential to save the lives of three people. I couldn't imagine a more beautiful gift, or a better way to spend an afternoon. And to think... in just a couple months, I get to do it all again.

What Would Edna Do?

Edna Buchanan, reporter and author, is fierce, fearless, and fascinating; an inspiration for aspiring journalists and writers alike.

She covered the "mean streets" of Miami for eighteen years, reported over 5,000 violent deaths for the Miami Herald, and in 1986 won a Pulitzer Prize for general reporting, but general is the last word I'd use to describe Edna. 

Her determination to always get the story and never give up was commendable. "Ask one more question, knock on one more door, make one last phone call, and then another," said Buchanan." It could be the one that counts."

Besides being a seeker of truth and justice, her compassion often led her to be a voice for the victims. She said she felt haunted by the restless souls of those whose killers walk free. "Somebody owes them. And nobody is trying to collect."

In addition to reporting news, her stories appeared to be an outlet for her to pay respect to the victims and their families. She felt compelled to report every murder and every death, "to preserve them in our newspaper, in our files, in our consciousness, on record forever, in black and white."

It wasn't courage, conviction, or compassion alone that made Edna extraordinary but also her ingenious approach to getting answers and writing her story. She was once responsible for a hit-and-run driver's confession by asking only one question, "Do you remember the accident?"

Got Blood? LBCC Hosts Blood Drive

The Red Cross Blood Drive is collecting donations on campus today from 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. in the Fireside Room.

Every two seconds, someone in the U.S. needs blood and more than 38,000 blood donations are needed every day. By giving a blood, you are saving up to three lives in a matter of minutes.

Danielle Butler donates blood. By: Michelle Strachan

Students and faculty gave blood yesterday as well. Spirits were high and everyone was glad to help.
Student Danielle Butler was all smiles as she donated for her fifth time. “I like to help any way I can.”

The music is turned up and the atmosphere is kept lighthearted and fun so the people will “have a good experience and want to come back," says Janice Hardy of the Red Cross.

Hardy  encourages donors not to be nervous. "Don’t think of it as blood but as medicine. Doctors will be prescribing it to help patients it in just a few days. It’s really a beautiful thing.”

Only seven percent of people in the U.S. have the blood type O-negative, so it is always in great demand and often short in supply. Having  a rare blood type is one reason student Kendal Waters tries to donate as often as possible.   “If I were ever in a situation where I needed blood, I’d hope that it would be available for me," he says.

Donating blood is a safe and sterile process. The actual donation takes about 8-10 minutes. 

To prepare for your donation, make sure you are hydrated, have a good breakfast, bring your ID, and wear comfortable clothing. Donors must be healthy, seventeen years of age or older, and weigh at least 110 pounds.

Participants are encouraged to make an appointment, but Red Cross will try to accommodate walk-ins.
If you aren’t able to donate this time around, you can visit the Red Cross website to view upcoming blood drives in your area at www.redcrossblood.org or by calling 1-800-RED-CROSS.

My Four-Legged Children

            I’m at the age now where people tend to look surprised if I mention wanting children. Either that or they just assume that since I am thirty-five and don’t have any, I must have made the choice not to. You hear about a woman’s biological clock “ticking” and I’d have to admit that I’ve heard that pesky sound ringing in my head more than a few times, especially over the last couple years. But for me, the desire to one day have a baby comes and goes.

            It’s not that I don’t enjoy children. The sad truth is that I probably enjoy them more than I enjoy most adults. When I’m lucky enough to hold the newborn baby of a friend or relative, my heart melts and I feel like I could hold the little angel forever. If someone had asked me ten years ago if I planned to have children in the future, I wouldn’t have hesitated in saying yes. If only I were twenty-five again, maybe I would have planned things a little differently.

            As clueless as I was as a teenager, the one thing I was sure of was that I didn’t want to come home and have to tell my mother that I had gotten pregnant. Luckily, I succeeded in living my teen years with reckless abandon and not turning my mom into a young grandmother in the process. A couple of decades have past and here I am; all grown up and settled down with the subject of children weighing heavily on my mind.

It’s hard to know when and if there is ever a “right time” to have children. The scary part is that when you get to be in your thirties, there’s definitely the pressure not only to decide but to make it happen before you get too much older. 

Some say it’s wise to live with your partner before getting married. It’s a great way to get to know your significant other on a deeper level and to be prepared for what your future together will be like. Well, when it comes to children, how do you prepare? Get yourself a cat. I’m kidding of course. One should never purchase or adopt animals for any reason other than to love them and provide a good life for them. Owning a pet is a life-long commitment. In that sense, they are definitely like children.

I was twenty years old and living in my first apartment when I decided to get a cat; not to prepare me for future children but to embrace my new found freedom. I was born an animal lover so I couldn’t have been more excited. At that age, I guess I didn’t realize the importance of adopting, so I went to a few pet shops looking for the perfect kitten. I held a few of the squirmy, little stinkers and they all scratched and wiggled to get away. Then I asked to see the skinny, long-haired tabby with the big ears. The moment I got her in my hands she laid back, exposed her belly, and purred. 

She was such a sweetheart. She trusted and loved me instantly and the feeling was mutual. That was over fifteen years ago now and I still remember it so clearly. Sometimes a person, or in this case a cat, will enter your life and end up meaning so much to you that the memory of that first day becomes significant and unforgettable.

I enjoyed her kitten years. It was like having a new baby in the house. Zowie – pronounced like Bowie (as in David Bowie), was full of energy. She used her claws to climb up my pants, while I was still in them, and decided she would be my alarm clock at all hours of the night. She loved to play and certainly loved getting into any trouble she could find.

For the first time in my life, I was responsible for ‘someone’ other than myself. Her charming little meows reminded me every morning that she needed to be fed. Spontaneous weekend trips or late nights out had to be planned around who would take care of her. I had to clean up her messes. She was always costing me money. I swear, it was like I had a child.

But the rewards of having her in my life far outweighed any gripe I had. Her favorite thing to do was curl up next to me every night when I went to bed. She loved to follow me around and chase anything I waved in front of her. Her happiness seemed to revolve around simply being near me. When I got home from work every day, she’d come running just as fast as she could to greet me. Wherever I went next, there she was smiling and purring, as happy as can be. She brought so much joy to my life.

When my best friend and I moved out of that apartment and into new, separate residences, Zowie was right there with me, ready to embark on our next journey. I never considered her to be “just a pet”; therefore, moving somewhere that she couldn’t follow was never an option. When you have a child, getting rid of them or getting tired of having them around is not only ludicrous, but I would think unfathomable. I felt the same way about my girl, so wherever I went, so did she.

My Zowie Girl

From the time I was twenty years old to the time I turned thirty two, I had grown up in so many ways. I lost some friendships along the way, had a few different boyfriends, a couple roommates, and lived alone a couple times. I had good times, bad times, lonely times, but throughout it all, there was one thing that stayed the same. Zowie was always there.

At the end of every day, whether I was full of smiles or tears, she gave me unconditional love, pure and true. In my life, I’ve found that kind of love to be pretty rare among humans. People are all so different and those who aren’t animal lovers or pet owners probably can’t comprehend having such a strong connection with an animal, but for those who are, comparing them to children is quite understandable.

Almost four years ago, Zowie and I took our last adventure together when we moved to Oregon. We were here for about a year before she became sick and I found out that she had cancer. I spent the last of her days trying to comfort her until the day that I had to set her free; a day that I’ll remember as clearly as the day I met her, for as long as I live.

I have two other cats now. I found my boy Simba -also known as “The Orange Bastard”-in the bushes at an old job I had in California. He was tiny and in pretty bad shape when I found him. Fleas covered every square inch of him, his ears were full of mites, and he was underweight. It was clear that he had been abandoned. He was so happy to be saved and fed. He drove Zowie crazy for the last few years of her life. He had a great time being a little brother and trying to ride on his sister’s back as she ran down the hall. I yelled profanities in an attempt to make him stop but it never fazed him.

Cooper & The Orange Bastard, aka Simba

Now he’s a few years older and has a little brother of his own named Cooper, who now drives him a little crazy. When Simba’s little green eyes look to me for help, I laugh and tell him that “payback’s a bitch.” Those boys are always chasing each other up and down the stairs, knocking things off tables, making messes, acting like children, and let me tell you, they drive their mother crazy. But of course, I love the little shits.

            I’ve learned a lot about responsibility and love over the years thanks to my animals. A little over a year ago, I adopted a dog and what I didn’t learn about “motherhood” from my cats, I’ve most certainly learned from him. Maynard, (named after the front man for the band Tool), is my little seven pound dog, and yes, my baby.

            I adore this little dog more than words can say. He demands every second of my time and truly defines what it is to love someone. He is more devoted than any pet I have ever known. Well, that may not exactly be true, but he’s certainly the most obvious about it. His “job” is to be as close to me as he can at all times, and to keep the feline stepbrothers as far away as possible. Of course, I don’t agree with this behavior but I get where he’s coming from, and I’m touched. I’m also touched when Maynard, who loves bones and treats even more than the next dog, will save and guard one for hours if I have to leave; all because he just can’t seem to enjoy it if his mother is not there to watch him eat it.

            To say that Maynard isn’t the sharpest tool in the shed is probably putting it mildly. I still can’t get him to sit on command, he tries to chase cars as they go by, likes to poop on bushes and curbs, and barks at anyone and everyone he sees. He embarrasses and infuriates me from time to time but I love him more than life itself. I’ve had such an amazing time having this little creature in my life and I wouldn’t trade him for the world.

            As time goes on and that clock starts ticking louder and louder, I try to reassure myself that it won’t be the end of the world if I don’t have children. There’s really no telling what will happen but one thing is for certain. Whether or not my family grows in the future, I am already blessed with three great kids; they’re furry and they have four legs.           

LBCC Goes Green

Vegetables grown on LBCC's rooftop garden. By: Angulet Jones

Community, hope, and positivity were abundant as the second Annual Earth Day Sustainability Fair took place here on campus April 18. 

Sponsored by the LBCC Green Club and Sustainability Committee, the fair was coordinated by Green Club Adviser Lori Fluge-Brunker to showcase different programs that help with sustainability around campus.

Graphic arts student Jasper Hostler proudly holds up one of the posters he created to promote awareness on recycling. He worked with LB instructors Gary Westford and John Aikman on this project, putting together several variations of his artwork to appeal to different demographics. Five different designs, all with one great message to “join the sustainability revolution.”

The Sustainability Committee and Green Club started fundraising for compost and recycling receptacles in the fall of last year, and have already been able to purchase  six receptacles around campus, with two more coming soon. They plan to expand to the Benton Center and Lebanon campus next. The receptacles are color coded and will be the same at every campus to get people more familiar with the idea of recycling and composting.

Have you ever noticed how fresh the produce is in the cafeteria and the salad bar? All of the greens used by the culinary arts are actually grown organically right here on campus by the Horticulture Club.  For this event they gave tours of the Green Roof and the organic farm and garden, as well as offering a farmers market where they sold garlic and bags full of mixed greens that contained rainbow chard, chervil, arugula, and three varieties of lettuce, all picked from the campus garden that morning. 

The Horticulture Club President, Liz Shinn, spoke about a hot trend right now called "community supported agriculture," a food subscription program with local farmers for people interested in fresh, local, sustainably grown produce. “Linn-Benton and the Hort. Club are hoping to start a student CSA program here on campus where we would grow the food and open it up to students, staff, and faculty,” says Shinn.

For anyone interested in upcoming events, things going on in the community, or finding out about volunteering, club meetings are held at the greenhouse from 12-1 on Tuesdays.

Tom Ten Pas represented the City of Albany, and provided information on the Talking Water Gardens, an engineered wetland used to cool the water before it goes back into the Willamette. 

"In 2006 the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality mandated new limits on the total maximum daily loads that public and private entities can place into the Willamette River, intended to lower river temperature and remove additional pollutants before the treated water is safely returned to rivers and streams.” says Ten Pas, manager of the project.  

Instead of using cooling towers, the Cities of Albany and Millersburg teamed up to create a wetland which would not only take out harmful nutrients that aren’t good to go back into the river but would also add two to three miles of trails for people to enjoy.

They’ve not only exceeded requirements of the DEQ, but created a beautiful area with waterfalls, wildlife watching, environmental education, and miles of trails to enjoy. Talking Water Gardens is open to the public and will be having a grand opening ceremony on June 20. In attendance will be representatives of senate and congress, the governor, and possibly First Lady Michelle Obama. For more information on the project, visit www.talkingwatergardens.com.

Mechatronics Instructor Denis Green demonstrated a solar water heating system, use of solar panels, and efficiency of compact fluorescent bulbs versus incandescent light bulbs. He is teaching a brand new class this year called “Energy Efficiency and Sustainability.”

There are many things you can do to be more energy efficient, says Green.  “Is your house insulated? Turn off your dang lights! Get a digital tire gauge for your car. Check your tire pressures. Turn down the hot water heater temperature. Pull the blinds at night. There’s so much to be gained. Twenty to thirty percent of our savings could come just from straight efficiency.”

The Green Team of Albany First United Methodist Church handed out a new directory this year titled “What should I do with it?” which lists several locations in Albany and Corvallis to take “worn-out stuff” that cannot be reused or recycled. They also distributed their “Reuse Directory,” which was launched last year to promote the reuse of items in an effort to reduce solid waste and save landfill space. Both directories can be downloaded at www.albanymethodist.org.

Bryan Schiedler, second year instructor of the automotive program, explained methanol fuel cell technology, and the impact natural gas and electric cars could have on our country.  “We talk about wanting better jobs and better pay and better benefits. I really think that when we start moving over to something that we can invest in the United States instead of a foreign country, you’re going to see that start to happen.” 

Karen Kos helped to sign up students and visitors for Pacific Power’s Blue Sky program at her booth. Opting to sign up for this voluntary program is one way people have of “making every day Earth day” says Kos. By choosing to go with Blue Sky, you are choosing to do business with the wind farms through your utility, using renewable energy generated in our region. Visit www.pacificpower.net/bluesky for more information.

Everyone involved in this event worked hard to bring awareness to all who attended. Like student Jasper Hostler said in each of his posters, “There are thousands of us on this campus. If we all make the choice to recycle, it will make a difference.”

Students interested in helping the cause can purchase the black and green LBCC sweatshirts, t-shirts, water bottles, and lanyards at the bookstore. All profits go right back into the campus.
  
Campus Contacts: (At A Glance)
LBCC Green Club Adviser: Lori Fluge-Brunker, flugebl@linnbenton.edu
Sustainability Committee: sustainability@linnbenton.edu

The Horticulture Club: Advisor Stefan Seiter, seiters@linnbenton.edu

Mechatronics Instructor Denis Green: greend@linnbenton.com

Bryan Schiedler, Automotive Instructor: Bryan.Schiedler@linnbenton.edu

Major Malfunction

This story was published in The Commuter with the title:  "Students' Major Issues"
 

Choosing a major isn't always easy so if you're having doubts, don't hit the panic button just yet. 

At least one-third of all students are undecided on a major when they start school, according to Career Counselor Mark Weiss. But just because you’re undecided doesn’t mean you can’t begin working towards your future.

Mason Sims, an Army veteran who started attending LBCC winter term, is undecided on a major and says he doesn't feel pressured to choose one at this time. He's currently working to fill the general requirements for his associate's degree, and ultimately will work to achieve his bachelor's degree. He's also enrolled in a class called Career Life Planning, which is offered at LBCC for students interested in "exploring the values, interests, and skills needed to reach personal, professional, and educational goals."

Many students will choose a major based on what job they wish to have and how long they want to go to school, while others might choose based on what they enjoy doing, and what they feel they're good at. Ideally, the route you choose will include the best of both worlds: a money-making career doing exactly what you are most passionate about. But even for someone who knows exactly what they want, plans can change.
  
David Hallock, who is studying to become a civil engineering technician, just switched his major after studying electrical engineering for almost three years. He's eager to begin his career and plans to have the required certificate for his job in one to two years, as opposed to three additional years required for his previous major. 

Although many of the classes Hallock has taken aren't required for his new major, he says he has enjoyed the journey and has no regrets. He advises those just starting out to "go into school with an open mind. See what's out there and what would be the most fun for you."

If you haven't met with a Career Counselor already, it's definitely worth your time. A Career Counselor is someone who's qualified on a professional and psychological level to help you figure out a plan to be successful. They help you set goals and come up with a plan to reach those goals. Weiss is a firm believer that setting goals is an important part of the process. "Students who are able to set clear goals will do better," says Weiss.

At LBCC, you'll want to visit the First Stop Center and set up an appointment to meet with a counselor and begin your career testing on a Career Information System. This program will suggest 25 or 30 strong matches based on your skills and interests. 

"A few of the suggestions will seem absurd and should be ignored. Half of them may be options the students have already thought of on their own. And then there will be a handful of new ideas they have never thought of; ideas that intrigue them," according to Weiss.

Another benefit of participating in this process is that there will be someone there to help you with getting your questions answered from the system; questions such as: starting wages, job outlook, and how much training is required. You're then able to print out this information and bring it to one of the Career Counselors to help them better assist you in moving forward. They can also assist you with choosing the classes you need to reach your goal, and will often set you up with an adviser in your chosen field.

Whether you are undecided, unsure about the major you have chosen, or about ready to switch majors AGAIN, keep smiling, keep moving, and remember these words of wisdom from Ralph Waldo Emerson:

“The only person you are destined to become is the person you decide to be.”

AT A GLANCE:

To speak with a Career Counselor:

Call the First Stop Center 541-917-4811

Free career counseling services 

available for current and potential students:

Appointments Available (Albany Campus only)

Monday-Friday 9:00-4:00

Career Life Planning, HD208 

can be found under Personal Growth,

www.LinnBenton.edu, under Schedule of Classes. 

To view the list of degrees and 

certificates offered at LBCC, visit:

www.LinnBenton.edu/go/majors

For school-related news & events, 
visit: www.LinnBenton.edu