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Kilian Community College provides professional counseling services at no cost to our students. The counselor is available to assist the student in dealing with personal or social cocerns and academic or vocational issues. The counselor will refer students to outside agencies when appropriate.
Counseling services are confidential and adhere to FERPA guidelines. All students are encouraged to use this service. Appointments can be made by calling 605-221-3121 or by stopping by the counselor's office in room 121. Walk-ins are also welcome.
COUNSELOR'S CORNER BY GENE MCDANIEL ~ May 2009
President Obama has declared a national health emergency regarding the swine flu. This measure allows the national health care system to take certain additional measures to prevent the spread of the swine flu and treat those affected.
Swine flu is a respiratory illness that can be severe. As of April 29, 2009, Sioux Falls does not have any known cases of swine flu. Never-the-less, all people on campus should take preventatives to avoid getting sick or transporting any illness. Kilian students, staff, administrators and visitors should observe the following recommendations of the Centers for Disease Control (CDC).
· When you cough or sneeze cover your nose & mouth with a tissue or your sleeve.
· After you cough or sneeze, wash your hands with soap & water or use an alcohol-based hand gel.
· If you think you are ill with flu, avoid close contact with others as much as possible. Stay home. Do not go to work, school or travel while ill. Seek medical care if severely ill.
For more information including the signs and symptoms of swine flu,
please visit the Centers for Disease Control at: www.cdc.gov!
COUNSELOR'S CORNER BY GENE MCDANIEL ~ April 2009
In tough economic times getting and keeping a job is a challenge. In the last month, I have visited with employers from Sioux Falls as well as from places like Michigan, California and Canada. In asked them what they wanted to see when a person comes to ask for a job. The answers were very similar and here are some characteristics that they all seek:
- Be honest. Give a full day's work for a full day's pay.
- Be disciplined and committed. Do what you say you're going to do!
- Be a good communicator. Listen and be able to express yourself in a professional manner.
- Be hardworking. Know what you're capable of doing. Get the task done with appropriate supervision.
- Be a team player. Employers want someone who works well with others. Egos should be checked at the door.
- Show pride in yourself and confidence. Employers want a person that they can be proud to say works for their company. That means you need to take pride in your appearance, be on time, and represent yourself well on the job and in the community.
In closing, many time the difference between getting and keeping a job are the basic skills we expect from all people. Maybe it's a good time for you to step back and evaluate where you rate yourself in these areas. Then move forward with your career goals!
COUNSELOR'S CORNER BY GENE MCDANIEL ~ March 2009
Fun Fact: The average college freshman gains a 1/2 pound every week!
As I sit here in my easy chair sipping a white chocolate frappuccino with caramel sauce and whipped cream, I dream of the time when the warm sun brings days of summer fun. Then panic hits. I realize that with the coming of “fun in the sun” comes summer clothes. The summer clothes that fit last year but don’t have a chance of fitting this summer unless I have liposuction. I hear that hurts & it’s expensive.
So what should we do? Here are some inexpensive tips from Dena Keullian, personal trainer, that may help you to start getting ready for a happy, healthy summer. (No guarantees you’ll look good in a Speedo!)
Burn it in the AM: Research shows that by taking a 10 minute walk at a pace that you can hold a conversation will produce surprising results. When a person does an active aerobic activity on an empty stomach it forces your body to get energy from storage. (Helpful hint: Don’t walk to the nearest donut shop!)
Forget the Late Night Snack: That habit of going to the kitchen for “a little something to eat” before bed can really add on the pounds. Research shows that not eating three hours before bedtime reduces fat storage through the night.
Fuel the Fire: If you’ve ever tended a campfire, you know that you continuously add sticks to it to get it going. The same concept applies to your body’s metabolism. Eating a small, healthy meal or snack every three hours is a great way to keep your metabolism high all day long.
Cut the Carbs: I’m sure you’ve heard of the diets that totally cut carbs out of your diet. It’s very hard and people can easily get discouraged. What can work is cutting 1 or 2 carb filled items out of your daily diet. This can make a huge difference in meeting your weight loss goals. I’m not suggesting that you don’t treat yourself once in a while, but maybe try your favorite sandwich open-faced so you cut your bread intake in 1/2.
Friendly Support: If you know of someone that is also trying to diet or have a true friend that is a support system, have them help you on your fight to become healthier. As we all know, if we receive positive encouragement on a hard task we are more likely to be successful.
In closing, good luck in the war against the bulge! I hope these ideas will encourage you to take your first steps to being a happy, healthy you!
COUNSELOR’S CORNER BY GENE MCDANIEL ~ February 2009
As our country embarks on a new chapter in its life, we begin to watch the leadership style of our new president. In an article by Margaret Warner, she asked colleagues close to Barack Obama what they saw in his leadership style. Susan Rice, Obama’s campaign advisor, stated that, “...he listens to various view points, elicits dissenting views, weighs rationally and pragmatically all comments, and then tends to make a swift and clear decision.” She went on to say, “Obama makes everyone feel as though their view point was heard and appreciated.” David Axelrod, Obama’s campaign chief strategist, explained, “Barack is very methodical in how he evaluates decisions. He asks a series of questions. He’ll engage you in dialog on the options. And then he’ll make the decision and doesn’t look back.”
I wanted to write about leadership because I have heard from many sources that, “The great leaders are not born. They are simply people who are passionate about something and willing to do little things that make a difference.” We need to realize we are all leaders. Whether it is positive or negative depends solely on you. A gentleman by the name of David Hakala has developed a list of several character traits that he believes help make a good leader. Look them over and see how you rate yourself. Evaluate your leadership skills. Remember, everyone is a leader.
INTEGRITY - Shows people a code of values that is the same on the inside as on the outside. Honest dealings, predictable reactions and well-controlled emotions are all signs of integrity.
DEDICATION - Spends whatever time and energy is necessary to accomplish tasks at hand. A leader inspires dedication by example.
MAGNANIMITY - Gives credit where credit is due. A good leader is willing to spread along success as wide as possible, and willing to take sole responsibility when things go wrong.
HUMILITY - Recognizes that no one is better or more important than anyone else. A strong leader tries to make everyone feel valuable.
OPENNESS - Shows willingness to listen to others’ ideas, even when they are contrary to our own.
FAIRNESS - Assists in making all people feel like they are being treated consistently and justly.
SENSE OF HUMOR - Knows how to use humor to energize co-workers. Humor can relieve tension and boredom, as well as defuse hostility. Simply put, humor fosters camaraderie, so loosen up!
COUNSELOR’S CORNER BY GENE MCDANIEL ~ January 2009
Build a resume Feel good about myself Feel needed Have fun
Help someone Get to know people Stand up & be counted Make a positive difference
There are a million reasons why we do what we do, and you just read some of the reasons that people give to explain why they volunteer. Yes, people volunteer to make a positive difference in the lives of others, but it’s also ok to want to get something out of it for ourselves, and you will!
I would like to throw out the idea that you consider giving others some of your time and energy when things are going well for you. The reason for that is so if there is a time when you need help, a person may be there for you. A couple of examples that come to mind are: a person went to Louisiana to help the survivors of Hurricane Katrina. A couple of years later they were getting help as their home was flooded in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. Or, a person helps assemble and distribute wheelchairs and the next winter finds a person that offers to carry their books to class as they use crutches after knee surgery.
Consider that most of us find ourselves in need at some point in our lives. So today you may be the person that is strong enough to lend a helpful hand, but tomorrow you may be the recipient of someone else’s volunteer effort.
So, what do you get out of it? When you think about volunteering or just taking a minute to do something nice for someone, I believe you could get more out of it than you are giving. You will feel good about yourself, feel like you are needed, feel proud and maybe meet some life-long friends. Take a chance - volunteer!
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