Slowly but surely, books are becoming a thing of the past. Book lovers are a breed no longer seen. How sad that is! Reading is a wonderful thing. Did you know that at Conant Library, there are more than just academic books — tons of fiction reads await you! From movies to books on tape (Well…I guess they are on CD now), Conant Library has you covered. You can even get a book from a different library through the Nichols College inter-library program. If you have not yet taken advantage of the library, I wish you would!
Why should you engage in the art of reading novels? Here’s ten reasons why:
1. Reading for fun lowers stress.
2. You will automatically pick up new vocabulary words.
3. The level of creativity you possess will be boosted.
4. Writing skills will increase.
5. Both your analytical and critical thinking skills will be sharpened.
6. It is fun.
7. Reading gives you a new appreciation for life.
8. All the cool kids are doing it.
9. Pretty much everything in life is based on Shakespeare, or the Bible. Start reading and get in on the things referenced you never knew you were missing.
10. It makes you smarter.
Now that I have convinced you, head over to Conant Library on Wednesday March 26th and get a book. Conant will be holding a book swap all day, starting at 8:30 a.m. and ending at 11:30 p.m. Bring a book — any book — and swap it out for another. Don’t have a book? E-mail me. I have tons and would be more than happy to give you one.
Student success is an integral part of the Nichols education philosophy. So important in fact, that the motto of Nichols College states ‘Your Success Is Our Business‘. Time and time again, Nichols puts your money where their mouth is, offering just about everything under the sun to ensure students succeed during their college career and beyond.
Knowing when you need help and knowing where to go for that help can be challenging. Once you take that step however, doors open and confidence rises. The Academic Resource Center (ARC) at Nichols is designed to help students achieve their full potential, becoming stronger learners and realizing academic goals. The ARC provides the training necessary in improving study skills, peer assistance to recognize strengths and attack weaknesses, and the guidance and support needed as students climb the academic success ladder.
Please enjoy the next ten questions, as answered by Head Tutor Alexandra Euglow.
Alley Euglow, ARC Head Tutor
1. Tell me about yourself — why did you come to Nichols, where do you hope to go, where are you from, that sort of thing.
I am Alexandra Morgan Euglow; I am from North Smithfield, Rhode Island. I am 21 years young and the youngest of five children; I am also the only girl. I applied to several different colleges/universities, but Nichols College caught my heart the first time that I came to visit. I loved the atmosphere, the college itself and the home-like feeling I got when I visited. I chose Nichols College because I have always wanted to become a teacher and I love the education program that they offer here. Dr. Newcombe pulled me in with her crazy love for the color purple and the passion she has for teaching was the icing on the cake for me to attend Nichols College.
2. How did you originally get involved with the ARC?
I originally got involved at the ARC because I got an e-mail to apply to be a tutor during the second semester of my Freshman year. After reading the e-mail, I could not wait to apply! Tutoring, to me, was a form of doing what I love to do…teaching. I applied and became a tutor starting my Sophomore year at Nichols.
3. When did you become Head Tutor; were you excited about that?
I was given the Head Tutor position at the end of my Sophomore year, which I would begin at the start of my Junior year. I honestly started to cry when I was offered the Head Tutor position. I had no idea I was going to be given such an amazing opportunity. The ARC is definitely more than just a job for me at Nichols, it is my home and my passion.
4. Tell me about the ARC. What do you want students and faculty to know about the ARC? What services do you offer?
The ARC is a free tutoring service that Nichols College provides to all students; it is students tutoring other students. I want the students and faculty to know that the ARC is an excellent resource that anyone can use, it does not matter if you are an A student or a D student, there is always room for improvement or review. We offer several different services at the ARC, one-on-one tutoring, group tutoring, weekly tutoring sessions, review sessions and so much more!
5. Tell me the funniest thing that has ever happened at the ARC.
The funniest thing that has ever happened at the ARC occurred during the last day of my Sophomore year. As we were getting ready to say our ‘see you later’ to our four Senior tutors, we put on some Pitch Perfect music. We were all gathered around our front desk where we were singing at the top of our lungs. I took a step back to look around and I appreciated and cherished every single person that was in that room. We had finally become our own; we were the #NerdHerd.
6. The worst thing?
There are not many bad things that happen at the ARC, but the worst thing that happens to us here is when TutorTrac, which is our online schedule tracker, goes down or decides not to work for us. One of the worst times was the beginning of this semester on the first day we opened, TutorTrac was going crazy and we were having trouble scheduling appointments. We were pretty lucky because our director, Marissa Loon, got right on the phone to fix the problem as soon as possible.
7. What changes have you made since you became Head Tutor?
During the summer of 2013, I worked with the ARC director, Marissa Loon, to present to the entire incoming Freshman at Orientation. I believe that has definitely helped because the number of appointments we had first semester has crushed all of our previous numbers. Since becoming Head Tutor with Bethany Greenlaw, we have tried to make the ARC a special home for all of the tutors. We also have tried to let the campus of Nichols College know who the #NerdHerd is.
8. Is there a common misconception about the ARC and tutors that you would like to debunk?
I would love to debunk the common misconception that only dumb or stupid people get tutored. Honestly, anyone and everyone can and should come to get tutored. I believe that the smartest students are the ones that realize they need help or might need help and come to the ARC to get that help.
9. What is one thing you want to ensure stays in place at the ARC after you graduate?
After I graduate, I want the ARC to continue to be the wonderful place that it is already. I want the numbers to continue to skyrocket and I want the ARC to be known as a powerful and positive FREE resource on campus.
10. Would you say the tutors at the ARC are a ‘family’ or ‘co-workers’? Do you guys have fun, like do you do things together or is it more just a job?
I will be the first one to tell anyone that the ARC is my family. I love being with the tutors! We have so much fun when we are around each other, you will always hear us laughing at the ARC. I absolutely love being able to be a complete goof ball when I am at the ARC…I get to be exactly who I already am. The ARC will always be my home away from home. #ARClove
When I was in eighth grade, the most exciting event of the year was the release of Wu-Tang Clan’s album Wu-Tang Forever. I distinctly recall a childhood friend describing his older brother coming down the stairs the day the CD came out yelling “WU – TANG!!! WU – TANG!!!” along with track number three on the first disc (I can never remember the song names but I am great at telling you the track number) and man, I tell you…that’s a vividly cool image.
As I grew older, I began to appreciate jazz music. Jazz music is, well, cool. There’s no other way to describe it. Sultry, soothing, crazy music with horns. You can feel jazz down to your bones. So the other day, as I began to research Shaolin Jazz — The 37th Chamber event coming to Nichols College February 18th and 19th — I was pleasantly shocked to discover exactly what this event is.
Shoalin Jazz, conceived by Gerald Watson and crafted/produced by DJ 2-Tone Jones, fuses jazz songs and breaks with the vocals of Wu-Tang Clan. Graphic artist Logan Walters is the man behind the inspiration with his recreations of Wu-Tang albums as jazz album covers. If that is not cool, I am certain I no longer know what is. If I was you, I would head here now: https://shaolinjazz.com/
Once you’ve checked that out, be aware that February 18th and 19th Shaolin Jazz will be on campus as follows:
February 18: Guests, Color of Sound and Creative Branding Presentation, Shaolin Jazz — 7:00 p.m. — Davis 205/207 (cultural credit)
February 19: All day class visits upon request. Guests, Multimedia Presentaion, Hip Hop & Jazz, Shaolin Jazz — 7:00 p.m. — Davis 205/207
An art exhibit of Shaolin Jazz pieces will be set up in Davis for student viewing both days. If you miss this, you are off your cloud. Did you check the link yet? Make sure to. Shaolin Jazz is revolutionary, an extraordinary mixture of two worlds. Don’t miss out.
Produced by the Bison for the Nichols College Community
