A December Challenge

By Thomas Bui, Director for Center for Leadership and Service

“Embrace the seasons and cycles of life. There is MAGIC IN CHANGE” – Bronnie Ware

As we approach the end of the year, I am reminded of the beauty that comes with the changing of seasons. In the Pacific Northwest we have the privilege of experiencing all four seasons in their fullest from fall leaves, winter nights, spring showers, and the summer shine. While each changing season brings its own benefits and challenges, the power that they have together gives us an opportunity to appreciate what we have and enjoy the presence we bring in each present moment. Each season is complementary to the other and helps us truly appreciate the sun as much as the bone chilling cold. 

As we enter this winter season marked by grey skies and long nights, I believe no other season allows us more opportunity to self-reflect, transform, and manifest a new chapter in our life journey. In 2021, we have learned to be experts at navigating zoom lobbies, planning in advance, and adapting to daily changes to name a few. To say the least, not only have we survived this last year but we also have the potential to come out of this year as stronger and more humble leaders. 

So during this upcoming break and holiday season, I ask you to join me in a challenge of self-reflection, gratitude, and change. Starting today, I hope you will take on the following challenge with me to be more intentional in our lives and continue to grow as the amazing leaders our communities need. 

Set Weekly Intentions

Take time each week to set intentions. Putting aside all you have to do in your busy lives, think about 1 thing you want to do that help improve you. 

Tips for intention setting:

• Focus
  • Set an intention that is realistic and focused on something you are passionate about. It should make you want to jump out of bed and into your day.
• Grounded in Why
  • Make sure it is deeply connected to your why. Your why is what drives you to achieve your goals and move through life.
• Leave Your Fears Behind
  • Be a fearless leader, Inhale deeply and exhale all your fears and doubts holding you back and dive into your intentions fully.
• Create an accountability plan
  • Create an achievable goal. Find a way to stay accountable. This could look like breaking your intentions into smaller milestones to help track progress or to find yourself an accountability partner. 

Be Grateful Daily

• End each night this month thinking about 1-3 things you are grateful for from the day and write it down somewhere (i.e. journal, notebook, computer, google doc, etc.).

Reflect on You

• At the end of each week this month, make intentional time to reflect on your week, your progress, and yourself as a leader. Reflect on your challenges and especially your successes. Take time to think about who you are and who you want to be in a year, 5 years, or even 10 years. Manifest into words the leader you want to be.

I hope you will join me in this challenge this month as we end this year and have the opportunity to be with loved ones. I wish you all the best as we enter the Winter Quarter and can’t wait to celebrate with you at your finish line.

Important Dates for Student Success

• Register for Winter Quarter Classes! 
• December 22nd, Grades available to students online
• Winter Quarter Tuition Due Date: Dec 27th 

Student Services, Resource, and Activity Highlight

• Matched Savings Program
  • Earn money by saving money! save between $16-$42 per month and earn a 2:1 match for a max of $500! Deadline to sign-up is December 31st.
  • Schedule an appointment with Benefits Hub to sign up. 
    • Info: https://benefitshub.setmore.com/

• SAIT is changing their name to CARE
  • Our Student Assessment and Information Team (SAIT) is entering a new age with a new name! They will now be referred to as the Concern, Assistance, Resources and Empowerment (CARE) Team. The CARE team will still operate as a hub to case manage students experiencing crisis, student who may be at risk of harming themselves or others, and threats made to campus. Make a referral to CARE by clicking here
  • Visit care.highline.edu, email care@highline.edu or call 206-592-3354 for more information. 

• Winter Quarter COVID-19 Financial Relief Fund Application 
  • Are you a Highline College student with expenses related to COVID-19 pandemic? You may qualify for the COVID-19 Financial Relief Fund.
  • Application Opens: Monday, November 8th, 8am
  • Website: https://www.highline.edu/covid-relief-fund-winter/ 
  • Questions? Email caresfunding@highline.edu
• Workforce Education Services Funding Opportunity
  • Highline College Workforce Education Services (WES) department provides a temporary start up financial assistance supporting students pursuing in an approved professional-technical certificate or AAS degree. WES supports students who may be eligible for the following:
    • Currently Receiving Federal Food Benefit (SNAP/EBT from DSHS) that supports Employment and Training known as (BFET) program.
    • Currently receiving unemployment benefits or exhausted unemployment benefits in the last four years.
    • Active Duty Military (VIE-25) – within 25 miles of the Joint Base Lewis-McChord(JBLM)
      • Service Members transition out of services
      • Pursuing Career Pathways with a short-term training certificate for in-demand Career industry occupations
    • Low-income students pursuing an in-demand career pathway
    • Students currently working or own a childcare home/center that participates in WA state Early Achievers to improve high qualify child care and early learning programs
    • Students must apply for WES’ funding every quarter and meet quarterly funding deadlines.
  • Students seeking Winter Quarter tuition assistance, please visit the Workforce Education Services website home page.
• Keys to Highline
  • Keys to Highline is an interactive workshop that covers tips and strategies for surviving Finals Week and finishing the quarter strong. Hear from the experts in areas such as Advising, Tutoring, and the Library who will help you recognize your strengths and connect to the campus supports that are right for you (available in-person and virtually)! Make a plan to boost your grades, save time and money, and be less stressed on your way to achieving your educational goals this quarter and beyond.
  • Dates/Times: Saturday, December 4th 10-11:30am, Monday December 6th 5-6:30pm, and Tuesday December 7th 10-11:30am
  • Zoom Meeting ID: 505 606 7898, Zoom Link