|
|
November 2008
|
Introductory Issue
|
|
|
|
|
Welcome to Pathways!
|
Our goal is to
serve as a resource for you as you navigate the pathway through school and,
ultimately, to a health career. Each month, you'll receive career and
college planning tips, advice and resources to help you make your
health career dreams a reality.
|
Motivational Minute
|
 You Are What You Believe
By Joe Love
The most important quality you can ever develop is having belief in
yourself. The belief that you can, without a shadow of a doubt achieve success
in every area of your life.
Virtually every person has the capacity to do wonderful things with his or
her life. But the greatest single obstacle for most people is self-doubt. Many
people wish they could accomplish certain things but lack the belief that they
can actually do it.
The Universal Law of Belief says that whatever we believe, with feeling, becomes
our reality. We don't believe what we see; instead, we see what we believe.
The most common and also the most harmful beliefs are the ones that are
self-limiting. You might believe that you can't achieve something because you
don't have enough money or education, or because you are the wrong sex, race, or
age. Most of these beliefs are not true, but they will hold you back
nonetheless.
You have no limitations on your potential except for those that you believe
you have. Successful people have the unwavering belief that they can accomplish
anything that they really want in life.
From this day forward, see yourself as the very best you can be, and refuse
to accept any limitations on your possibilities. Once you develop that belief
in yourself, and you act in accordance with your beliefs, your future will be
unlimited.
Source: Goal Setting Guide
|
|
 |
From the Director
|
 We are excited to provide this e-newsletter as a resource
for students as well as to those individuals assisting them with their career
preparation. There can never be too many people helping them navigate the path
to a successful future. Each month, we hope to provide
valuable information and resources, and we encourage students to take advantage of
every opportunity that comes your way.
Patrena N. Benton, Ph.D.
|
About NC-HCAP
|
The North Carolina Health Careers Access Program
(NC-HCAP) is located at
UNC-Chapel Hill.
Established in 1971 by Dr. Cecil G. Sheps, we work to increase the number of underrepresented minorities or
economically and/or educationally disadvantaged students who are
educated, trained and employed in the health professions.
For
more than 35 years, we have provided thousands of students with a
variety of programs and activities to raise their awareness of
opportunities available within the health professions and to increase
their competitiveness as a health professional school applicant.
We're always here to assist you. Simply contact us at:
(919) 966-2264
nchcap@unc.edu
http://nchcap.unc.edu
|
|
|
| Health Careers 101
|
 Fascinated by C.S.I.?
Have you been hooked by crime scene investigation shows on TV? Do you love watching detectives in Miami, NYC and Las Vegas solve bizarre crimes using the science of forensics? If so, then a career in forensic science might be for you.
Forensic Science
Forensic scientists investigate crime, fire, accident and explosion scenes, looking for evidence to explain what happened. They may analyze DNA, hair, fingerprints, bullets, insects, dental records, and chemicals to solve a crime.
Salary: $70,000 or more
Education: You will need a master's or doctorate degree in your area of specialization.
Related Careers: Forensic dentistry, forensic pathologist, forensic science technician, forensic photographer, forensic computing and computer security, hospital scientist, research scientist, police officer, analytical chemist, forensic archaeologist
Hot Link: American Academy of Forensic Sciences
Source: NC-HCAP Health Careers Information & Enrichment Workshop manual
|
|
Spotlight
|
JENNIFER THREATT: Once aspiring attorney now on track toward medical career
Jennifer Threatt is a communication studies major who grew up wanting to be a lawyer. Somehow, the Charlotte native is now completing medical school applications.
She never seriously considered a medical career until her junior year in high school when she participated in a program offered by the Charlotte Area Health Education Center (AHEC) which inspired her to pursue an internship with a local pediatrician, and ultimately, changed her career aspirations.
Once at UNC, Threatt followed up on her interest in medicine and participated in NC-HCAP's Science Enrichment Preparation (SEP) Program, which she says gave her the confidence to tackle her medical ambitions.
"If I had not paricipated in SEP, I might not be on the [pre-med] track," said Threatt. "I am advocating that program as much as possible."
Looking back on her college experiences, Threatt has great advice for students considering a health career. She cautions that majoring in chemistry or biology is not the only way to get to medical school, and that students need to find a major they truly enjoy. She also suggests taking advantage of all resources available to students.
|
|
Question of the Month
|
Do you have a college or career planning question you'd like to ask? If so, email Mrs. Rivera at kdrivera@unc.edu. Each month, at least one question will be answered right here in Pathways.
Question: I want to be an anesthesiologist. What do colleges look at most? What one thing do they pay attention to when we apply?
T'errahSenior, Winston-Salem, NCAnswer:Because colleges are multidimensional, they tend
to want students who are, too. Although each university has its own specific admissions requirements, there are some general criteria they all want students to meet.1. Academic achievement: Take the most challenging course work that you can handle and obtain the highest GPA possible.2. SAT/ACT scores: Prepare early, taking advantage of any test-prep courses offered at
your school, and allow time to retake the test, if necessary.3. Letter(s) of recommendation: Request letters early from teachers
and guidance counselors that give evidence of integrity, special skill, and
positive character traits. 4. Personal statement/essay: Make sure your essay is thoughtful and personal, providing insight into your unique personality, values, and goals. It should
demonstrate careful and well-constructed writing. 5. Extracurricular activities/community service: It's good to participate in extracurricular activities, but be selective and don't overcommit. Join groups that will provide leadership experience and volunteer with community organizations that will expose you to health careers and demonstrate concern for other people. 6. Anything special that makes the
student stand out from the rest of the applicants!
Include honors, awards, evidence of unusual talent or experience, or anything
else that makes you unique. Overall, colleges are seeking students who
will be active contributing members of the student body.For specific admissions criteria, visit the Web site of your college of choice.Source: FamilyEducation.com
|
|
Resources
|
Enrichment Programs
For information about additional health professions enrichment programs, activities, and summer camps in your local area, contact the NC Area Health Education Centers (AHEC) in your area.
Financial Aid
For information to help you plan, apply, and pay for college, contact The College Foundation of North Carolina.
Health Careers
Explore a wide variety of health careers at nchealthcareers.com or ExploreHealthCareers.org.
North Carolina Colleges and Universities
Learn more about North Carolina's 16 public universities, visit the UNC system Web site.
|
Meet Mrs. Rivera
|
 As
the pre-college coordinator, Mrs. Koyah Rivera is responsible for
planning, developing and implementing pre-college outreach
initiatives across North Carolina.
Before
joining NC-HCAP, Ms. Rivera was employed as a college admissions
counselor
at Shaw University in Raleigh. She has served as a Language Arts
teacher for Wake County Public Schools and TV news producer/writer at
two NBC TV stations. She is also the founder/executive director/TV host
of Beyond Gifted, Inc., a non-profit organization which produces the
"Beyond Gifted" television program to assist K-12 students in
developing post-secondary plans to reach school and life success. She
received dual B.A. degrees in communications and English from the
University of North Carolina at Wilmington.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
