A new financial aid refund card was introduced via campus-wide email by Volunteer State Community College’s president, Dr. Jerry Faulkner, on Friday, April 19.

Rachel Welch, the business office’s assistant director of accounting, said,

“The refund card, which doubles as a prepaid debit card, is optional and it’s just for financial aid students.”

She continued to say that the card has become the default refund option.

“If you’d like, you can email the Business Office to opt out and still receive a paper check or direct deposit from Vol State. So, it’s just another option, it’s not something that is required. We’re encouraging it, but it’s not required,” said Welch.

“The business office and the vice president of business and finance as well as the college president decided to implement this Tennessee Board of Regents initiative, for the student’s convenience,” said Welch.

“(Students) get their money quicker. A lot of students don’t have bank accounts. So, that provides an option for them to get their money as opposed to waiting on a check in the mail,” said Welch.

“There are fees associated with the program [for the college], but it should be offset by the reduction in checks. … It will reduce the cost of printing the checks and mailing the checks out to students,” said Welch.

However, she said the students would not have to pay to use the card.

“There are some other fees,” said Welch, which include a card replacement fee and an inactivity fee.

She made it clear that the card processing company, Heartland, is willing to consider refunding some fees if a student were to call and explain the situation.

“We’re going to have an ATM placed on campus that should be coming in mid May. It will specifically for the refund cards. Students are allowed to make unlimited withdraws from that ATM,” said Welch.

According to the email from Faulkner, there are Money Pass and Pulse Select ATM’s in Gallatin, Livingston and Springfield. Welch stated that students are allowed two free withdraws from these select ATM’s per disbursement of funds, “but they can make unlimited withdraws at the ATM on the main campus.”

Welch said that for fall and spring, the cards would be mailed in a plain white envelope with a Vol State logo on it, about five weeks prior to the beginning of the semester.

“For summer, it’ll be a little bit shorter, just because we are still in the implementation process. We’re hoping to have those mailed out in the next couple of weeks,” said Welch.

Welch explained that when the card is mailed, there are no funds on it, so, when it is received it must first be activated at www.acceluraid.com/volstate.

“Once we have released your refund, you will have immediate, same-day access to your money through your Volunteer State Campus Card,” according to Faulkner’s email.

“You can use it anywhere that accepts Discover. According to Heartland, 97 percent of the places that accept Visa and MasterCard also accept Discover now” said Welch.

“We’re trying to make it as convenient as possible for students. We don’t want anyone to feel put out or inconvenienced. All the information is secure,” said Welch

“It makes the money a little bit more accessible, which can be dangerous,”
said Evan Ray, VSCC student and treasurer of GSA.

Nonetheless, “I think it’s a cool new method to try,” said Ray.

“We’ve had a few students that have wanted to opt out. A lot of them that have direct deposit want to keep that, and that’s completely fine. We understand. Then there are some that just want to go with the paper check, and that’s fine as well,” said Welch.

However, “If anybody has any questions or concerns before opting out, we’re encouraging them to call the business office so we can talk to them, … and let them know the facts before they just decide to opt out,” said Welch.

More information about the card including details of fees, ATM daily limits, transferring funds, and bill pay can be viewed at acceluraid.com/volstate.

The veterinary technology program at Volunteer State Community College is waiting for the accreditation of the program from the American Veterinary Medicine Association. Set to meet at the end of the month, the AVMA will decide status of the program. The college is currently in compliance with the requirements of the AVMA but has not received its provisional accreditation.

The AVMA visited Vol State in February 2012 to evaluate the veterinary technology program. As dean of the math and science department, Nancy Morris stated that the results of that evaluation spurred major changes to the program and its capabilities, including the hiring of two new veterinary technology faculty members, expansive renovations of the field station and the purchase of over 75,000 dollars of equipment for the program.

“Any professional program that has an accreditation process has the accreditation process coincide with the first graduating class, so this is not unusual. [The accrediting agency] wants to come in and evaluate your program and see how your students have done. You cannot examine an empty classroom or a curriculum that has been untested. The curriculum has been approved and the program is in place. Now we just have to go through some hoops to get our accreditation,” said Morris

The veterinary technology program, or vet tech for short, admitted its first class of students in the fall of 2011, although Morris said the veterinary technology program at Vol State had been in the works for some time.

“We were approved to have the animal care technology certificate, that was the initial foundation, to get students headed in the right direction. This was while we were working on submitting the A.A.S. degree in veterinary technology, for approval through the Tennessee Board of Regents and the Tennessee Higher Education Commission,” said Morris.

“Once a program receives provisional accreditation, colleges will have five years to do a self-study report. Once the college submits the report to the AVMA, they will make another site visit. If everything regarding the program is in place and up to standards, the program will receive full accreditation,” stated Morris.

“Students must graduate from an accredited program, in order to sit for the national licensing exam. Provisional accreditation is still accreditation, and it will allow our students will be able to sit for that exam, once we get [accreditation]. We will have a review course for our students, over the summer, so that students can continue to master the material until the time of the exam. We really want the first class of students to do well,” she said.

The goals of the veterinary technology program, even while waiting on the AVMA to make its decision, are also in-line with the goals of many accredited programs at the college.

“One of our goals for the program is to prepare students to sit for the national veterinary technician license exam, while our larger goal is a 100 percent pass rate for students taking the exam. We would like to give Cory Martin in the Respiratory Care program a run for his money,” said Morris.

As Morris explains, the veterinary technology program often receives more applicants than it can service. Morris states that the animal care technology certificate was a way to make sure that students who did not get into the program because of grades or space could still work on completing the requirements of the A.A.S. Degree in veterinary technology. According to literature from the math and science division, this path would leave students only one class short of the proposed A.A.S. degree in veterinary technology.

This approach of nesting certificates within degrees is not uncommon, according to literature from the business division, as a similar structure exists within the business division where an animal care technology certificate recipient can continue their studies in the A.A.S. in General Business Administration, Management Concentration. With both paths, the college asserts that the student should see no loss of credit. Morris agreed with the sentiment that both of these opportunities give the business division what it wants, while still expanding opportunities for students.

“If a student starts down the veterinary technology program and do not get accepted into the veterinary technology program, here is another A.A.S. degree that they can complete and count everything they have already done. This has turned out to be of huge interest to the veterinary community because they can hire someone to work the front office that has not only animal sense but managerial sense,” said Morris.

I have been going to school at Volunteer State Community College since 2009 and have been involved with student life for the bulk of my time here. I can say, unequivocally, that some of my most enjoyable experiences at the college have come from my involvement with student publications. As an avid new consumer, I had always admired and respected those worthy few who went out of their way to tell me about the world as it was and working for the Settler has provided me an opportunity to “play hero for a day” and perform in a capacity that I have greatly admired since I was young. As you read through this exhaustive list of reasons why working for student publications is for you, remember this: I did not always work for this paper. I started out as a student and a reader but once I started, I realized just how great of an experience student journalism can be.

Chanel’s Top Ten Reasons for Working for Student Publications

1. Mr. Scott is great. As an advisor, you will be hard pressed to find a better one. He will give you the hardest of times but he always has your back. Whether it is helping you chase down leads, teaching you how to use software or showing you how to corral the forces of the internet into your own personal news delivery service, Mr. Scott has proven to all those who work for the publications that he is always there to help and do everything he can to make sure you don’t embarrass the fine profession of journalism.
2. We are the TMZ newsroom of Vol State. What happens in the newsroom stays in the newsroom – at least until we put it in the paper. The group of students you meet working for student publications are great companions. They are some of the sharpest students at the college, and witty to boot.
3. Everything about the student publications at Vol State is first rate. For many students attending four-year institutions straight out of high school, freshmen and sophomores are at the bottom of the totem pole. Those students usually do not have open access to equipment and facilities like the junior and senior class members. At the Settler/Pioneer, everyone has a shot to do whatever they desire, regardless of class rank. Both freshman and sophomores can use all the facilities of the newsroom, from great new software to brand new Macs. They won’t even laugh at you while you figure out the mouse.
4. Four Hundred Words. The average length of our articles are four hundred words. Considering all the benefits that come with participating in student publications, four hundred words is not a lot to ask. One to two articles a week, about a topic you care about.
5. You give back to the student body. The Settler has given me an opportunity to do something I already loved doing: helping students understand the great machinations of the college. Sometimes, this place can be so confusing, and at the Settler, you can provide the student body with a better understanding of how things work at Vol State. Your article can help students connect with someone who can help them understand their major or join an organization in need. There is nothing greater than helping students breathe a little easier during their college experience.
6. You can build a professional portfolio and gain real experience. The students who work for student publications gain many skills that can be used in a journalistic capacity outside of Vol State. With a weekly article under your belt, at the end of the semester, a student can have 12-13 articles. Students working for the Pioneer magazine can have their work published in a professional looking, award winning magazine. Never before would I have ever thought that I would see my name in a byline in a magazine but it happened, and it has been one of my proudest accomplishments.
7. You will become a better news consumer. I know that sounds lame but it is true. Working for the Settler has made my reading comprehension, something I did not have trouble with before, even sharper. It has made me able to read a story and understand what it says, not what my brain implied. Student publications give you the ability to understand those aspects of daily life that we know little about but fill in the details according to our assumptions.
8. You’ll become a better writer. Every Wednesday, we go over “red lines”, which is a chance for Mr. Scott to “gently” point out where you went wrong in your article and how to improve. You can only see so many red marks before rules start to burn into your brain with a red-hot fury.
9. You get to interview Dr. Parrent. Everyone in the newsroom loves to get his interviews. He’s the best interviewee most of us have ever had the pleasure of talking to and you will not fight him to give information. Plus he also has candy. Free candy and a pleasant conversation, what’s not to like?
10. You get to meet students. Shy? Don’t know many people on campus? Working for the Settler will change that. Whether you are taking pictures or just interviewing an interesting student, you will learn so much about the human beings you pass in the halls every day. One of the greatest joys in working for the Settler/Pioneer is learning people’s stories and sharing them with our college community. I have meet and befriended so many individuals through my work with the publications that I have lost count. The publications give any student willing to work for them a golden opportunity to branch out and meet the news stories all around you.

I love working for these publications and I hope that I have given you a reason to join.

Student Appreciation Week is being hosted at Volunteer State Community College, by the Office of Student Life and Diversity Initiatives during the week of April 29.

“The faculty and staff wanted to recognize and set aside a time for them to appreciate the students that go to Vol State,” said Dr. Kenny Yarbrough, director of Student Life and Diversity Initiatives.

“We’ve broken it down by day and we’re going to do different activities each day,” said Yarbrough, noting that each day is themed according to the activities.

“The kick-off day” is Monday, April 29, “our theme is being resourceful,” said Yarbrough.

Yarbrough explained that at noon in the tiled dining room, a “promotional video from different offices on campus” made specifically for Student Appreciation Week will be shown. Also, there will be faculty and staff performing live music, as well as “a surprise that we’re not going to tell you about,” said Yarbrough.

We want the surprise on Monday to be “an introduction to student appreciation week. So, that will be the first time they’re [the students] really going to hear about it,” said Tabitha Sherrell coordinator of student activities.

“Tuesday, we’re having what we call ‘Ask the Prof’. … Our theme is educators at work, learning in progress,” said Yarbrough.

“From 10-2, it’ll be over in the Great Hall in the Ramer building. Then from 4-7, it’ll be in the carpeted dining room,” said Sherrell.

During these times, “each division will have two faculty members, … set up with stations,” said Yarbrough. Students can “ask what they want to ask and then leave,” Yarbrough explained.

“May is national physical education month, so we’re going to set up physical activities in the quad [on Wednesday]. The theme is students at play, ” said Yarbrough.

“We’re going to have a rock climbing wall, an obstacle course, and a dodge ball arena,” said Sherrell.

Yarbrough explained that “the recreational center and all the physical education courses” will be open for participation. This includes classes such as “Zumba, Tai Chi, and Yoga,” he said, “any student can participate in that class, if it’s meeting that day.”

He also said that all day there will be healthy snacks available all day in the quad.

Also, Sherrell said United Healthcare and the Sumner County Health Department will have tables set up in the main hallway of the Wood Campus Center.

Thursday is the finale, said Yarbrough, “We will have a patio day party. … The theme will be the community partying with a purpose.”

Yarbrough explained that the upper-level patio of the Wood building will be blocked off for a cook-out, complete with music from DJ Frederick Douglas Shelley.

There will be “free hamburgers, hot dogs, chips, drinks, the whole nine yards,” said Yarbrough, “It’s a party!”

Although Shelley’s set list will have to be approved by Yarbrough and Sherrell, he said he will incorporate all different genres and play “whatever my heart decides.”

“I’m stoked,” said Shelley.

“You can lay a blanket out there and just enjoy the day,” said Yarbrough, “There’s never been just a party where you can just get out there and dance. … We want you to get outside and just have a good time.”

“[Student Appreciation Week] is specifically faculty and staff driven,” said Sherrell. “We just want you to know how much we appreciate you being here,” said Yarbrough.

“We just want to set aside some time to honor our students and appreciate them,” said Yarbrough.

With the tragedies in Boston and Texas, social media was flooded with many inspirational quotes. The one that stuck out in my mind was from my favorite childhood Icon, Mr. Rogers. “When I was a boy and I would see scary things in the news, my mother would say to me, ‘Look for the helpers. You will always find people who are helping.” This quote was comfort and solace to many people, me included.

I think the reason this quote was so striking to me was that I have a lot to be scared about. College is a scary thing to have to deal with in general. In addition to that, I also deal with a chronic illness that causes myriad problems that include: movement difficulties, cognitive dysfunction and fatigue. The problems Of MS scared me something awful, so I did what Mr. Rogers said to and I looked for the helpers.

My college adventures initially brought me to the disability services office. Kathy Sowell and her entire staff have been constantly helpful. They helped me with taking tests. And offered a sympathetic ear when the day was not going well. I would like to say thank you to Katthy Sowell and the whole gang in the disability services office.

When a paper needed to be proofread, I found more helpers at the language center in The Ramer building. When I was worried about a paper, Suzanne Previte and the people at the language center were always available to proofread or help me brainstorm.

I am awful at math, but luckily the college is set up to help the mathematically uninclined. A visit to the math lab helped me out every time.

What it boils down to is that Vol state is not setup for a student to fail. I have not met a professor yet that plotted against a student. And, with a few exceptions, I have not been made to feel any different because of my particular differences. I wholeheartedly believe that Volunteer State Community College is pro student, after all we do pay their bills. And that brings me to my next point.

I have spent most of this semester pointing out faults in various areas of the school. These faults have usually been met with prompt and efficient responses. I would like to commend the powers that be for all there help and fast action.

Among some of the highlights of the actions taken were seeing the maintenance men work on the doors, usually the same day the paper was published, in response to my opinioned rants, no doubt. Another highlight was having random people stopping me on campus and telling me that they really understood and empathized and then they would usually exclaim, in a typically collegiate manner “yes, those things need to be fixed!” I would smile and nod, appreciating the sentiment.

How did they find me you may ask? Well it isn’t too difficult; I am the guy wearing a fedora riding a motorized scooter. Or when I would see someone that needs the accommodations, use them. My actions were not entirely altruistic, mind you; I hate having to depend on other people.

The crux of my writing has been to point out that I have changed from the man I was when I walked in too my first class ever in a college setting. So thank you to all my friends (this means you) and the faculty and staff. And remember, college will change you for the better if you let it.

Slim Shauny

Selected from three applicants of various background and work experience, Torrence is scheduled to begin his new job, vacated by retiree Jim Hiett, June 1.

“My goal is to come in and assist with the vision that people already have,” said Torrence.

His work history includes Lehigh Carbon Community College in Schnecksille, Penn. where he served as associate dean of educational support services and later, associate dean of academics. He was also the assistant dean of students at Keystone College in Factoryville, Penn.

His other employment includes service at Tennessee Technological University as both an adjunct English instructor and director of Enrichment Activities.

Torrence believes this combined experience to be helpful in his future, especially his time at a community college.

“I feel that I have acquired the background to understand the mission of a community college,” said Torrence, who was a returning college student after time spent in the Air Force.

He has a masters degree in English and a PhD in Exceptional Learning, which he did his thesis research for while living in Poland.

A TTU alumnus, Torrence has long time friends in the state, which is also home to his wife’s family.

“There really isn’t a word in my vocabulary to describe how I feel,” said Torrence. “I feel like I’m coming home.”

Interviews for the position were conducted on an individual basis over the course of the week with a strenuous schedule that began at 8:45 a.m. to meet the Vice President of academic affairs, Dr. Bruce Scism and concluded at 3:45 p.m. after an interview with Vol State President, Dr. Jerry Faulkner. Applicants similarly met with faculty and staff as well as department Deans.

Torrence had his interviews on Thursday, March 7.

“I personally felt like I established a good reputation with everyone, they were all so open and welcoming,” said Torrence.

Before his interview, he took the day to visit each of the three VSCC campuses.

“I saw a want to engage in helping with development. Not only with personal development, but also with the development of the community…” said Torrence.

“I feel confident and comfortable that [Vol State] could be a good place for me to come in and help facilitate positive outcomes,” said Torrence.

Aries

As the stars move out of your sign, move into relaxation mode.

We all saw what you did and they are never going to let you into SeaWorld again.

Taurus

Stop being so stubborn and shake what your mama gave you. It is birthday time and you are going to party so hard, the bards will sing songs of your adventures. Good songs though, not like the songs they are singing about Aries. That poor dolphin never saw that crane kick coming.

Gemini

 Having one Pinterest account for each of your personalities is so not crazy. Satisfy your inner explorers this week by going on a hike this weekend. Some fresh air might clear a little of that crazy out. Maybe.

Cancer

I know you are a little moody right now so I’ll cut to the chase. You are awesome and anyone who doesn’t think so is just jealous because you bought all the awesome at the last clearance sale. It’s not your fault they were too slow. It’s a dog eat dog world out there and you’re a tiger.

Leo
Let your haters be your motivators but beware of those who want to sabotage you. Don’t be the person that is kicked off the bunk bed.

Virgo

Please, for the love of all that is clean and organized, help some poor, disheveled soul get things in order before finals. Everyone doesn’t possess your otherworldly powers of labeling and organization. Make the world a better, more organized place. Captain Planet would thank you.

Libra
It is garden party season. You know you want to break out that kicking spring outfit and dazzle everyone with your kitchen expertise but just remember what happened last time. Eyebrows are hard to draw back on and your sense of smell just came back. I told you not to invite Aries to the party but no, someone knew better.

Scorpio

Don’t be that guy. No one likes that guy. ‘Mysterious’ is the new creepy. It’s official; we checked.

Sagittarius

Hey, don’t be down. Things aren’t great but they could be worse. Currently, there is a woman in this world who spent a fortune to look like a cat and the results…Well let’s just thank your lucky stars that your plastic surgeon is not Picasso’s ghost.

Capricorn

Cappy, did you really put all your eggs in that flimsy basket? I mean, it didn’t even have a bottom. Spend this weekend cleaning up the mess you knew was coming and, perhaps, the mess you didn’t see.

Aquarius

Take joy in the little things this week. Sometimes, we forget the pleasure of a child’s laughter or a friend’s smile as they watch a dog try to run through a closed screen door.

Pisces
We know you’re upset but biting your tongue might be beneficial. We know they were out of line, but making that guy cry was a bit much. If you aren’t careful you’re going to have to do quite a bit of damage control, this week. Just so you know, he’s still crying.

Vol State recently brought back an old idea that was put in place to make the campus feel like a more unified institute.

The idea originally derived from Belmont University, and was known as “Its All Belmont to Me” at the campus in Nashville.

The idea was to have faculty and students gain a larger experience on the campus grounds, other than the typical day-to-day routine of going to class.

The campaign, “ Its All Belmont to Me,” was the foundation for the concept of the Vol State core values, sparking a core values committee.

The committee, which started in 2008, was formed by Dr. Shauna Jackson, executive assistant to the president.

The function of the committee was to determine and establish core values for the Vol State campuses.

The core values derived from the committee centered around five concepts: students, learners, educators, resources, and the community.

All five things contain important insight into what makes Vol State campus life unique and different.

In Spring 2009, the committee took a survey of students, who described how they made a difference on campus. After multiple drafts for the values, the final meeting with the President Nichols was set for December 1, 2009.

Jackson shortly departed from Vol State to attend a sister institution and the ‘core values’ ceased with her departure. Now that the Vol State core values are beginning to be rolled out for a second try, the faculty is making up ways to promote the idea.

Over the last four weeks of school, the campus will be hosting events to show students exactly what the core values are.

During the week of April 9, Professor Len Assante, director of communications, organized a Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory themed scavenger hunt to promote the “learners” value.

“ I had one of my work study students choose ten random books and put a golden ticket in each of them in the library. Then I invented these clues for each of the books and we sent them out. If you get the golden ticket, you win a prize,” said Assante.

This past week, April 22-26, the core value that was focused on were the educators.

To promote this, the Vol State staff held a “lucy booth,” where students could come and ask questions about the teachers area of expertise.

“We’re doing this for the roll out, but we are also trying to engrain this into the college,” noted Assante.

The “student” and “resource” value weeks will also have activities as well.

The core values will have full promotion in fall 2013.  For more information about the Vol State Core Values, contact the Vol State public relations office at 615-452-8600 .

Typically, an article in an opinion column might contain a variety of complaints, nay-saying, negative response and rebuttal.

With digression, this encomium is inspired by Volunteer State Community College and, more imperatively, the people who make it the exceptional place to receive an education.

To all the educators whom I have had the honor and privilege of being your student:

You do make a difference. It is a marvel to be witnessed upon every day. You are a beacon of light in dismal territory. You have given me skills, knowledge, and tools to get through life that greatly exceed the price of rubies. You are not told this at a rate of frequency suitable enough. There is no way for me to reciprocate all that you have done for me and countless others. You all taught me about opportunities, particularly, the opportunity to learn. May you be blessed with students who are willing to take advantage of and utilize the vast opportunities to be discovered within the confines of Vol State.

To the faculty whom I’ve had the pleasure of your acquaintance:

The experience of working as a staff writer for The Settler brought me to you. Thank you for your time and patronage. If you are as receptive to your students as you were to me, you are deserving of the accolades previously mentioned.

To all of the staff who work tirelessly:

Your work does not go unnoticed. Without you, this institution would not run like the well-oiled-machine it does. Thank you for all of your hard work and dedication.

To my fellow paper staff members:

This has been one of the most treasured experiences of my life. You were a major part of the reason for that. My only regret is that I did not partake sooner. Thanks to all of you.

If I could implore a notion on young, impressionable minds, it would be to make the best of the opportunities placed before them here at Vol State.

So proud am I to list Vol State as part of my educational repertoire. I vow to make Vol State proud of me.

Thank you, again.

The Volunteer State Community College student art exhibit is on display now through May 5, in the lobby of the Ramer Building.

An open invitation to the public is extended for the awards ceremony, entitled “Reception & Arts Alive” Wednesday, May, 1, at 12:30 p.m. in the lobby of the Ramer Building.

This competition for award recipients is unlike any other.

“Typically, what our judges do, and what we encourage, is to select a group: a first tier group, a second tier group. And then that group will get equal awards. The only difference there is that the college, which provides the awards money, buys, out of those awards, one of those is a purchase award. So the college owns one of those top-tiered awards, selected by the judges. It is very hard to pick just one, particularly, when you’ve got a lot of different media,” said Claire Hampton, associate professor of art.

“At this time every year, we have a competition. It allows them to exhibit their work. It teaches them about competition. They learn how to put together a reception. They have to learn how to prepare their work for presentation. We had over 350 entries this year. The judges pulled 122 pieces for this show. As part of the preparation for the show, we also have a scholarship competition. It is a lot of work getting everything prepared,” Hampton said.

Yvonne Petkus, professor of art from Western Kentucky University, was a judge.

This exhibit provides the opportunity for students to market and sell their art.

“They (students) benefit because it is a great learning experience. The award winners benefit because it is cash awards. They can put a price on their work. And we often sell student work out of the show. There is the opportunity to sell,” said Hampton.

Art students benefit not only from the accolades and cash prizes, but the experience.

“They (students) really work hard to put it together. They spend two whole weeks of the semester, not only making the art, which they have been doing all year, they also have to learn how to properly present their work: to matte it, frame it, and hang it. They are responsible for hanging the pieces in the exhibition. They are learning how to be accepted and rejected. So they really get involved in the whole process of what it is to share your art,” said Sue Mulcahy, professor of art.

Pam Nixon, recipient of an art award spoke of her experience as a student.

“It is very exciting. I have spent a lot of time and hours in the art room to push myself into a new skill. This is my first year with print making. It was a whole new experience. I had Sue Mulcahy as a teacher, I think she could teach anybody,” said Nixon.

“I feel that art helps a person grow socially. It helps a person grow spiritually. It really develops your critical thinking skills, because art is like a big puzzle. How can I make this image look how I want it to? How can I transfer this image to paper?  You can apply that to life. How do solve this problem? It teaches you skills that help you develop into a better person,” said Nixon.