Making a Difference: Jellico Area Revitalization

Today we will begin brainstorming some ideas for making Jellico better.  Then we will compare to the ideas we came up with last year.

Get a piece of paper and start thinking about this.  If you were suddenly in charge of Jellico and could actually MAKE changes happen... what would you change?

Let's start with the basics:

• What businesses could succeed here?
• What is there for kids to do?
• What is there for teens to do?
• What can we fix up?
• What do we have to offer that other places don't?
• Why would people choose to live here of all places?
• What changes could make life here better?  Laws, improvements, or whatever?

When finished, drop your paper in the 3rd basket (ECONOMICS) on my desk and I will pick them up this weekend.

Journal: Ashton Kutcher Teen Choice Awards Speech

Journal Write: Ashton Kutcher Acceptance Speech

After watching Ashton Kutchers acceptance speech for the Teen Choice Award, discuss the following:

1. What is his view of hard work and opportunities?  How does his view compare to yours?
2. What is his opinion about what is "sexy"?  How does his view compare to yours?  
3. What is his view of what the world is?  How does his view compare to yours?
4. If you were given a platform like this and had a chance to give a huge crowd of teens advice about something you are passionate about, what would you tell them?

Getting a Roommate: Pro's & Con's

Moving out on your own can be a financial nightmare.  One way to cope with the extra bills (rent, utilities, and even transportation) is to get a roommate.  But having a roommate is not always what it's cracked up to be.  Friendships can be tested [and lost] over trivial things that you didn't think were a big deal.

A couple things you can do to prevent problems is to do a serious consideration of your compatibility (we will be working on a compatibility chart) and to work out an informal roommate contract.  The compatibility chart will bring up issues you may not have thought about and the informal roommate contract will help to settle disputes that will undoubtedly arise during your shared housing period.

The Roommate Compatibility Chart should include sections on personalities, sleeping habits, eating habits, housekeeping attitudes, social habits, etc.

The Informal Roommate Contract is not legally binding -- it's more of a guide to help you resolve little problems that come up (who is paying for what, who is in charge of taking out garbage, who is responsible for dishes on a certain day, what time visitors are allowed to stay, etc.).

In this example, Leonard meets Sheldon to discuss renting the room and Sheldon gives Leonard a compatibility questionnaire.  Although this is a parody, the idea was to prevent an incompatible person from becoming a roommate.  This is important to do even with people you have known for many years.

Moving Out on Your Own

(Modified from http://www.selfgrowth.com)

Read the article then follow the instructions at the end:

As we move through your last year of high school, many of you are thinking about moving out on your own.  Moving out for the first time is one of the biggest steps you’ll take in life. It not only represents your freedom, independence and a sense of growing up, it also tests your ability to make it on your own.

Since most of us will be renting our first place, we will begin there. There are usually two ways to go. You can rent month-to-month, which means you are able to move out whenever you want, but it also means the landlord can kick you out or raise your rent almost at will. The other way to go is a lease. The lease locks you into a predetermined number of months. For most apartments and condos, a one-year lease is standard. Landlords will usually charge you less if you sign a lease with them. Keep in mind that if you sign a one-year-lease and decide to move out after two months, you’re still on the hook for the additional ten months. Make sure you really like living under that roof and plan to stay there for the lease period or you may want to stick with a month-to-month.

Whenever you rent an apartment or a house, there will always be a deposit required. This deposit will vary based on:

1. The amount of the rent.
2. Your credit score.
3. Are you signing a lease or renting month-to-month?
4. Is the landlord buying a new car that month?
5. Do you have a pet?

You can usually expect to pay first month plus a security deposit equal to first month’s rent. If you are renting an apartment or condo, many times there is a reduction or special deal offered by the complex. For example, you may be able to pay first month’s rent plus a small deposit of say, a few hundred dollars. If you have pets, and the landlord allows them, you will be required to pay a deposit for the pet. In some cases, the landlord may require you to pay first month’s rent plus last month’s rent and a security deposit. The important thing to remember is to find out exactly what will be required before you sign anything and what will be required in the end to get your deposit back when you move -- and get that in writing.

OK, moving day.  You’ve taken ten minutes and packed up all your worldly possessions. Mom is standing by the door weeping because her baby is now ready to fly the coop. Even though you needed them to give you 20 bucks to go out last week, you are ready to be an independent adult. Dad is also standing by the door, but he’s got a slight grin on his face. Why you ask? He is planning how to turn your room into his office or new entertainment center! But forget about that for now. You’ve found the apartment, signed the rental agreement, paid your fees and are moving in. Now what?

1. Have the phone turned on
   [unless you have your own cell phone].
2. Have all the utilities turned on
   [gas, electric, propane, water, kerosene, etc.]
3. Have cable activated if you’re using cable
   [if you even have your own television].
4. Move all your stuff in
   [which is usually a bag or two]
5. Get some furniture in that place
   [beanbags and milk crates are popular in first apartments]
6. Get some food in the fridge
   [make sure the place COMES with a fridge!]
7. Make sure you have at least a towel or two and don’t forget the toilet paper.
8. A vacuum cleaner would be nice.
9. Get hooked up for Internet access (might be part of your cable or phone service).
10. Get some plates and silverware and maybe a glass or two
    [you may get tired of paper plates and plastic silverware]

This is a fun and exciting time in your life. Sitting in your new apartment for the first time is great feeling of accomplishment for both you and your parents!

Assignment:

• Title your page "Moving Out".
• Write one paragraph about when you plan to move out on your own and describe how you expect to be able to do that.  Will you have help?  Where will you go?  If you are already out on your own, discuss how it went for you and what you have learned.
• Create a section title called "Questions:"
• Explain the following items based on your reading above:
1. When would a lease be good for you?  
2. When would a lease be bad?
3. What kinds of "deposits" might you have to pay when moving in somewhere?
4. What does the term "first and last" mean in an ad for an apartment?
5. How does having a pet affect your plans for moving out?
• Create a section title called "Must Haves".
• Create a bulleted list of items that you absolutely must have when you move out
• Think about which tools you need (hammer, screwdriver, etc.)
• Which cooking supplies (frying pan, turner, etc.)
• Which appliances (microwave, mixer, vacuum, etc.)
• What do you use every day? (towels, coffee cups, etc.)
• List other things you wouldn't want to do without (television, furniture items, etc.)

Plan Your Résumés

Targeted résumés are different than regular résumés in that they're written with the specific employer in mind.  No employer wants to hire you -- they only hire staff when they have problems to solve.  And remember that no employer wants to spend a lot of time hiring you, either.  It can take days or weeks to read résumés, call candidates, interview and hire them.  This process takes employers away from their business, which is not where they want to be.

So your résumé must quickly answer this question:  "What can you do for me?"

That's the question going through every employer's mind as he or she reads your résumé.  If you can clearly explain the good things you can do, then prove you've done them before, you'll greatly improve your chances of being called for an interview.

It's that simple.  Write what the employer wants to see.

Here's an example of my résumé from about 17 years ago.  I had office experience but had never taught.  I was applying for a variety of office positions and teaching positions.  Notice that the résumé is a bit confused -- I was listing computer and office skills instead of focusing on the teaching.

In this case I got lucky because Ukiah High School needed a Computer / Business teacher.  Even though I was only certified to teach History at the time, I got the job and worked toward my Computer and Business credentials.

Today you are going to be putting together a résumé for a specific occupation which you think you could get. Because you are young [and yes, 17 or 18 is still very young] you will probably not have the years of experience or professional skills that someone in their 20's or 30's might have, but your résumé is the tool to showcase the skills that you DO possess.

Some suggestions I have for résumés include:

• Keep it on one side of one page
• Use Font: Size 12
• Use Font: Times New Roman
• Header Fonts: You can use Arial Black, Bookma, or Albertus Medium
• Include a line at the bottom such as "References available upon request."

An objective with a job title is the best way to start your résumé.  It shows that you know exactly what job the employer is trying to fill.  Example:

Restaurant Management where more than 10 years of food service and management experience will contribute to efficient operations.

Network Administrator where three years of successful experience and training will add value.

Pharmaceutical Sales Rep where eight years of training and experience in health care and sales will add to profitability.

If you don't know the job title, you can start with a summary.  This will focus the reader on the skills you've used while giving you a bit more flexibility to apply for different jobs.  Examples:

Seeking a position where more than 12 years of sales, management and operations experience will contribute to increased efficiency.  An energetic team-player, able to motivate staff for best results.

Seeking a position as business analyst or consultant, where more than 13 years of software development and support will add value.  Proven skills in re-engineering and project management.

SAMPLE RESUME