Learn, dig, explore ... and most of all, follow the data!

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As our family navigates today's fast pace environment, we recognize that like many people - we are on information overload.  It is important that we are first and foremost critical thinkers.   As Dan Kurkland outlines, it is "Fact v. Interpretation." to " recognize not only what a text says, but also how that text portrays the subject matter".  For more, visit  www.criticalreading.com.

The author, advocate, teacher, civil rights leader is thought provoking, eloquent, a master of words, passionate, and truly honest.  He makes me think so hard it hurts.  Start with a couple of his essays --- I was required to read for English Composition but I kept digging.

• A Letter to My Nephew [written in 1962]:    https://genius.com/James-baldwin-a-letter-to-my-nephew-annotated.  
• A Talk to Teachers [written in 1963]:  https://genius.com/James-baldwin-a-talk-to-teachers-annotated.   

Do not stop there - keep digging and turn over the next stone.

1.  Always have a primary source.  If you don't know what that is - look it up.

2.  Always have a secondary source to back up your primary source.

For NEWS, we would like to thank Professor Block [Moorpark College] for sharing these resources:

• 10 Journalism Brands Where You Find Real Facts Rather Than "Alternative Facts" - Forbes 

https://www.forbes.com/sites/berlinschoolofcreativeleadership/2017/02/01/10-journalism-brands-where-you-will-find-real-facts-rather-than-alternative-facts/#710d9ccce9b5

• Check out this list of fake sources by a Massachusetts professor. 

http://d279m997dpfwgl.cloudfront.net/wp/2016/11/Resource-False-Misleading-Clickbait-y-and-Satirical-%E2%80%9CNews%E2%80%9D-Sources-1.pdf

As a returning student, I (Momma) want to share my top 10 reasons why parents should help their children consider community college 1st.  Disclaimer:  Do your own research.  Every person is different.  The reasons why a four-year college works or doesn't work for each person is just like with anything else, we are all different.  As of writing this, these are reasons why (when the time comes) that I will encourage Miss to evaluate her options.  My opinion my change or evolve.  That is what is so wonderful about being human.

1. Academic Flexibility:  I have no idea "what I want to be".  I agree with the experts.  I think this is the worse question to ask a child of any age.  I think it should be repositioned.  What interest you?  I "know" we must make a living BUT at what cost.  We can't even afford to purchase a home in the area we currently live in so if my primary focus is a career that will allow me to support this cost of living, what will that do for me?  I do not want this for my daughter.  I want to remove the pressure of having to decide "what she wants to pursue" academically.  Every parent is different, but now that I reflect on where I was in high school, I had interest, but no idea what I wanted to pursue academically (and maybe turn into a career).
2. Top Notch Education:  I am going to provide my personal opinion.  For official ratings, do some additional research.  I am receiving a top notch education and am learning in every class (even the ones I don't want to take).
3. Small Town Feeling:  Moorpark College has the feeling of a small town.  Everyone is watching out for you and wants to help you succeed.  It is a great transition from High School.
4. Tutoring:  The free tutoring programs are well run and available to all students.
5. Professor Accessibility:  This ties back to #2.  I love that I can actually talk to my Professors, email them and receive timely responses.  
6. Programs:  Endless programs to help students figure out what sparks their interest.  For Moorpark, it ranges from Animal Experience, Performing Arts, Biotech, Leadership, Nursing, to Sports ... and so on. 
7. No social pressure:  The social pressure we all want to believe isn't there, but it is in high school is GONE.  Community Colleges are NOT pressuring our young adults to join a sorority or pledge your first born to be "in that crowd".
8. Expense:  As of writing this list, per unit cost is $46.00.  I will do a side-by-side comparison for Miss - maybe she can use those savings to travel "if" she decides this route.  We plan to help her finish her higher education and if she saves, well - why not let it benefit her.
9. Placement Tests:  Removes pressure and expense.
10. Honors Program:  If you're in honors, they have honors programs too that support philanthropy, and transfers.