friday takeout

Winter is Here ... Remember to Dress for the Occasion!

Ever heard someone tell you, “there’s no such thing as bad weather just bad clothing”? I’m not sure I buy it entirely because winter can be, well, long and cold. However, there are better ways to dress for the weather that can make outdoor activities safe and enjoyable even when the winter wind howls.

Head:

● Make sure any headwear covers your ears. If your face is uncomfortably cold, then wear a balaclava.

Hands:

● Mittens will be warmer than gloves. Insulated gloves, especially ones with waterproof/breathable shells, will be warmer than strictly fleece gloves.

Heart:

● Base layer: consider long underwear that keeps you skin dry. The base layer should fit snug, but not too tight. It’s best to have a non-itch fabric like merino wool. The thickness depends on what you’re doing outside. If there’s minimal activity, aim for a thicker base layer; but if you’ll be active, consider a medium thickness.

● Middle layer: a fleece or jacket that retains as much heat as possible. A puffy jacket can be a good option; however, pay attention to materials. Down is good if you’re not planning on getting wet. Synthetic is better if you’re going to get wet or sweat.

● Outer layer: a shell that protects from rain and wind. Consider a shell that’s breathable or moisture can build up inside it and soak you.

NOTE: Cotton/Cotton flannel is probably the worst fabric to wear in the winter because it gets wet easily and retains moisture which can be bad news for staying warm. Good luck and play hard!

Source: https://www.rei.com/blog/snowsports/how-to-dress-in-cold-weather

Green Corner: Tips for an Eco-Friendlier Holiday

● Make your own wrapping paper or go without it! Use newspaper as gift wrapping, old maps, old calendars, children’s artwork or fabric. Decorate the presents with things you can find in nature.

● Remember less can be more! Consider making your own holiday gifts to reduce consumerism or give the gift of experience (e.g. tickets to a ball game, play or concert, a trip somewhere, membership to a zoo or museum, a cooking or dance class, or a homemade dinner)

● Try out a “One Gift Rule” that will make that one gift truly more meaningful and special!

● Opt for LED lights. This could save you over $50 on your energy bills over the holidays. They burn out less frequently than traditional holiday lights.

● Use actual dishware. I know, I know ... this means someone has to wash it, but it’s far better than throwing away bags of disposable utensils and plates.

● When having company, turn down the thermostat before your guests arrive. Their collective body heat will add to the room temperature. An extra note: The US Department of Energy estimates savings of about one percent for each degree of thermostat adjustment per eight hours, and recommends turning thermostats back seven to 10 degrees from their normal settings for eight hours per day to achieve annual savings of up to 10 percent.

Sophie Malcolm | Admissions Representative

Peosta Campus

Share a truly “oops” moment.

When I started working at the College, I toured the Industrial Technology Building. It was fantastic and I learned so much. About a month later I was setting up a Visit Day for students to explore our advanced manufacturing programs. After getting in contact with the faculty, I went to the HVAC lab, reached to open the door and it didn’t open. I thought the lab was locked, and so I left. The next day I went back and opened the door, only to be greeted by, “Did you try to come into the lab yesterday?” It turned out that I was trying to open the door the wrong way, and it was open the entire time!

What is the most memorable moment you recall from your college or high school experience?

The most memorable moment was after I transferred to the University of Iowa and met with my adviser. I had showed with my entire graduation course plan mapped out to her and she said: “You know, that's my job.” She was so blown away. She asked me, “You would make a great academic adviser. Have you ever thought about working in higher education?” That moment, my life changed forever because a whole new world of professions was presented to me. I graduated in May 2018 and next thing I know, I am working in higher education at a fantastic institution filled with amazing, knowledgeable, passionate individuals.

What is your opinion regarding the education system in the US? What changes would you recommend?

I am not normally one to voice my opinions on political and controversial issues, but being the daughter of a middle school teacher and as someone working in higher education, I cannot help but have an opinion. Growing up I wanted to be a teacher and a soccer coach. Until I saw how restricted my father was within his role as a middle school teacher. He is he most passionate and qualified individual who only has one goal – bettering and educating every student that walks through his door. However, the district has shifted and quality teachers are limited. It seems that it’s not focused on the individual growth of the student, but about cumulative test scores and financial income ratios for the school and district. It broke my heart to see that individual students and their needs were no longer the main focus of education in our nation. After seeing this firsthand, I knew I wanted to work in education in a way that I could truly feel confident in what I was promoting. Northeast Iowa Community College is the perfect bridge for me to fulfill that passion.

Do you believe that more technology in the classroom or in the world is helping students learn? If yes (or “no, it isn’t”), why?

As a millennial who talks to millennials and generation Z students, I would be silly to think that technology doesn't play a massive role in absolutely everything. From liking and sharing Facebook posts to sending filtered selfies on Snapchat, we can no longer deny the grip that technology has on our society. It only makes sense to meet our potential students on the forums they spend their time on. Aside from social aspects of technology, new advancements allow our faculty and staff to better teach and engage with both current and prospective students each and every day.

What is something you love to do that doesn't fit with how others see you?

Seeing as I am relatively new, there are lots of things people do not know about me. One thing that everyone should know is that I am obsessed with the mountains. I love everything about them. I love hiking and just spending time in the foothills. I lived in Colorado for a summer, and I am lucky I even came back to the Midwest. I constantly dream about moving to a chalet in the mountains in Switzerland and coaching soccer in the foothills. I cannot even begin to describe my passion and love for them.