I’m excited to write my first blog for NWC!  What’s even more exciting is that I can write this about a fun topic that we all enjoy – FOOD!!

My goal in this particular blog is to give you some helpful hints in trying to manage your family schedule, homework, household chores, etc. while feeding your family.  I know that there are some weeks it seems I especially fail, so don’t feel that this is by any means the best method.  Make sure you give yourself some grace!

So how do I figure out what meals to make and when?  Well, there are a couple of methods I use:

1. Look in your cupboards and freezer to see what should get eaten or has been sitting there for awhile. If it’s not expired, determine what you can make with it.  You can do this by looking for recipes that contain a few of your ingredients.  One of the best websites I have found for this is allrecipes.com
   
   
2. Take out one of your cookbooks each month and view recipes you think your family might like. Lay them out on a calendar according to your schedule. Make sure you write down any ingredients you might need for your next shopping trip to the grocery store. 
3. Once a month sit down and plan your meals according to the family’s schedule. Make sure to assign crockpot meals for those nights you are super busy!  Also, build in some leftover days.  Make sure you take advantage of tailgates and fundraising meals at various churches, schools, and other community events!  It’s a great way to ease the stress and mess!
4. Look at Pinterest for Meal Planning tips and tricks. Find one that best suits your family, food preferences, and lifestyle.
5. Cook some meals with friends! I love to get together with a group of friends and set aside a day to make meals!  You can also participate in meal exchanges too!

Ultimately, you need to do what works for you and your family’s lifestyle.  No matter what or when you eat, I would encourage you to enjoy your family meals together!  Ask each other about your day.

Remember some of the fondest memories are made around the table together!

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Enrolling in college is a huge step—whether it’s transferring to complete your degree or returning to school after some (or much!) time away. The transition to completing homework and writing papers on a regular basis can be intimidating at first. Thankfully, you are not alone in making the transition to academic life.

Academic support is available to those who need it. As a writing tutor at Northwestern, I have had the opportunity to help students in an online nursing course. While tutoring looks a little different online, we are here to walk alongside you to help you succeed.

Receiving feedback will be a different process than face-to-face interaction. However, the quality of support will remain the same, and tutors will go out of their way to help as much as they possibly can.

When asking for help, students will typically send an electronic copy of their paper via email. Depending on tutor and student availability, a time can then be set up to discuss the paper. Tutors aren’t there just to provide constructive criticism; we will also help you to capitalize on your strengths and grow more confident in whatever subject you’re working in.

In the past, I have done Skype meetings or phone calls. In-document comments are also provided so students can more easily remember the comments discussed. From there, any further questions can be discussed via email, phone call, or Skype. Tutors are willing to help and work to meet your schedule demands.

While college or grad school can seem demanding, you are not alone. Whatever class you’re concerned with, from math and chemistry to writing, support is available. The tutors are willing to work with your schedule to provide you with the best feedback possible. For more information about tutoring services, contact your Northwestern academic advisor.

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While it can be a challenge to prepare to go back to school, registering for online courses at Northwestern College is a simple process. Graduate School students may register beginning on the first day registration opens for the on-campus students at Northwestern. The academic calendar also shows the dates for the upcoming terms.   

The first step is to log into your MyNorthwestern account and choose “Registration” under the “Academics” tab. In the middle of the page, click the hyperlink that says “Add/Drop Courses” and check that the correct session and year is listed in the Term dropdown box.

Graduate students will also want to ensure “Graduate Program” is listed in the Student Program and Program dropdown boxes. Make sure you agree to the terms of the Registration Agreement.  

Next, students can add the courses they want to register for by entering the appropriate course code. For example, enter EDU525-01 for section 01 of Advanced Child Development.

 If you have any questions, contact your academic advisor or the registrar’s office ( registrar@nwciowa.edu).

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People often tell me “I always wanted to get my degree, but that’s a long time in school.”  My response is always the same:  That time is going to pass you by anyway.  Would you rather be two years older, with the degree you always wanted, qualified for the kind of job you always wanted, or would you rather be two years older and still be saying “I always wanted to get my degree….”? 

Education has never been so accessible.  You no longer have to commute to school, take night classes, figure out daycare and try to rearrange your work schedule in order to earn your degree.  Many colleges offer online or hybrid programs that work with your schedule.  I’m not suggesting those programs are easy, but that they can fit into your life.  If you want to earn a degree you can, without disrupting your family or your job. 

Your career is absolutely something that is within your power to control.  Don’t let two years be the barrier that prevents you from work you will enjoy for the rest of your life.  Two years are going to pass you by anyway.  Invest them in yourself.

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