You’ve conquered those finals and those end-of-the-semester projects, so your winter break is well deserved. But scrolling through Instagram and browsing Netflix can get old, so you may want to start thinking about how you can make the most of your winter break. There’s a lot you can do to make your winter break a productive one and to start the spring semester on Jan. 30 worry-free.
Register for January Intersession
One whole class in just one month. You can get ahead on your requirements by registering for intersession that begins on Jan. 3. Before you know it, you’ll have just completed one more requirement and checked it off your Student Education Plan. Classes in geology, landscape, psychology, reading and more are available. Head to webadvisor.swccd.edu to enroll.
Visit the Caesar Chavez Building
The departments inside the Chavez are getting their well-earned break, too, but they’ll be back on campus on Jan. 3. Paying them a visit is the best way to beat those early semester lines and get more face time with the people who’ll help you get prepared for the next semester. On Jan. 3, the Chavez will resume regular hours: Monday-Thursday from 8 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. and Fridays from 8 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Create or Update Your Education Plans
The Student Education Plan and the Semester-by-Semester Plan are some of the top ways to get your path on track. If you’re thinking about transferring, getting an A.A. or even if you need more time to think while you complete your G.E.s, both these plans are critical. Since you can visit the counseling department, on the second floor of the Chavez building, before school even starts, you can make sure the upcoming semester lines up with your academic goals.
Apply for Financial Aid
The Free Application for Federal Student Aid has been open since October, so you may have already started it. If you have, now’s a good time to finish. If you haven’t, it’s time to sit down and file the application. The financial aid department can answer any questions about the process, and FASFA has a bunch of resources to help you figure out what you need and how to file.
Update Your Resume
Coveted internships and part-time jobs require a top-notch resume. Winter break is the perfect time to get your resume in order, develop your portfolio and start thinking about opportunities you may want to seek out in the new semester. The Southwestern College Career Center will hold workshops throughout the spring semester on resume writing, interview tips and more. Keep an eye on their website for their upcoming schedule.
