Starting School at Southwestern College: Current students offer advice to Southwestern’s Newest Pupils

By Danielle Reibel

When you start college as a new student, there are always some things you should expect to on your first day. Most first days are the same. You get your schedule and figure out exactly where all of your classes are. Most people end up changing their schedule. Next, you’ll go to every class and most teachers will give you a syllabus for that class. You’ll soon realize that classes aren’t as bad as you thought. You may even have a few teachers that you love and a few that you may hate. Don’t be so sure though because your outlook on these teachers will change as the quarter goes by.
By the middle of the day most people get a little shy about lunch time because you don’t know who you’re going to sit with. Don’t worry though because out lunch room only has three tables, so it’s better to get lunch somewhere else (possibly with some new people you have met from class). I go to Seafood Arcade next door and work on school work since I have two and a half hours between my first and second class.
After lunch, the day just zips by. You should remember to always ask questions when are you confused about anything, whether it be related to class or Southwestern in general. Most likely someone else wants to know the same thing. Finally, don’t be afraid to introduce yourself to someone. That new person could end up being your college buddy for the rest of the year. Good Luck!

Additional tips for success at Southwestern College
by Shannon Harrison and William Peagler

• Always follow the dress code.


• Attendance is a must or you will fall behind quickly.


• Have open lines of communication with your instructors.


• Find out about all resources at the school so you can utilize them.


• Find out exactly where to park and how much it will cost you.


• Be willing to learn basic computer skills and knowledge.


• Do not be afraid to ask questions.


• Work on time management skills in order to manage a high volume of classwork
  and homework.


• Build relationships with fellow students for classroom purposes.


• Be willing to make sacrifices to succeed.

Featured Figure in Black History: Paul Laurence Dunbar

The Southwestern Eagle celebrates Black History month by remembering one of Dayton’s best known figures

February is black history month; how much do you know about Paul Laurence Dunbar? You may have more in common than you think. Born in Dayton and raised by a single parent, Dunbar is remembered as one of the best loved poets of African-American History.

Dunbar was born to former slaves on June 27, 1872 in Dayton, Ohio. His father was a veteran of the Civil War. Dunbar’s parents separated when he was very young, and his mother, Matilda, worked to support her children on her own. One of the families that Dunbar’s mother worked for was that of Orville and Wilber Wright.


Although they were very poor, Dunbar’s mother consistently taught her children to value poetry and storytelling. She encouraged Dunbar in his intellectual pursuits. Though he was the only African-American student in his class at Dayton Central High School, he was actively involved in many student organizations including the school newspaper.


Dunbar’s career as a literary figure can be dated to 1892 when he published his first collection of poems, Oak and Ivy, and also gave his first public reading. Although his work was reasonably popular, Dunbar still had to work as an elevator operator to support himself. He frequently sold volumes of his poetry to people that he met on the elevator.


While living in Toledo in 1897, Dunbar published his second book of poetry and became more widely known and respected. He married shortly after and began working for the Library of Congress in Washington D.C. During this time his health declined.


In 1902, Dunbar separated from his wife and returned to Dayton. Though he continued to work, his health steadily declined. He died of tuberculosis here in Dayton in 1906. His body of work included 12 books of poetry, and other books that included plays, novels and short stories.

Dunbar’s home in Dayton can still be visited today! Call 937-313-2010 for more information.
Dayton Public Library is home to a collection of Paul Laurence Dunbar publications, including many first editions.
Email history@daytonmetrolibrary.org for information.

Student Bus Passes

Bus passes will be issued in the Business Office at the follwing times effective 2/18/2010:

Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday
10AM – 11AM
2PM – 3PM
4:30PM – 5:30PM

Things to Keep in Mind:

Attendance will be checked
Issuance of bus passes will be based on
attendance
You must bring photo ID (State ID, Driver’s License or Student
ID)
You must bring your old bus pass to be issued a new one.
The cost is
$10.00/Weekly

.