Never would I think I’d hear so many college students basically brag about how they almost got into a car accident because they were driving drunk. How they were in the backseat, wasted and were almost in an accident because the driver was also drunk.

Every time I hear these people finish bragging and telling their story, I have to ask myself, “What is wrong with them?”
The best part is when these same people complain about how they don’t have enough money to pay the rent. Or how they failed an important exam because they were a little hungover from last night’s drinking binge. Or how they need new brakes for their car but they don’t have the cash. It makes me laugh sometimes. 

Why? Because these people would have plenty of money to fix their cars and pay the rent and would do better in their classes if they didn’t spend all their money and free time getting wasted at the local bar.

Now, I’m not saying that all college students do this. But, a lot of us do. Maybe you, the reader, are one of those people.

Why are you in school?

When I hear these stories, I really wonder why these college students are even in school. College is serious business. You, or maybe your parents, or even the government is spending a lot of money on you to get an education. Why? So you can get a good job when you graduate.

“…these people would have plenty of money to fix their cars and pay the rent and would do better in their classes if they didn’t spend all their money and free time getting wasted at the local bar.”

So why are they wasting on alcohol not only that money but the money from their jobs? Do they not know the fallbacks of drinking constantly?

The effects

Alcohol slows the function of the central nervous system which alters a person’s thought process; his/her emotions, vision, hearing, etc. Drink too much and you can even lose the ability to be able to walk straight or even talk correctly. It also can change your personality from friendly to violent.

And if you consume too much alcohol too fast, you can get alcohol poisoning which can kill you. Alcohol poisoning can cause in some cases, unconsciousness, severe trouble breathing, seizures and death.

People who drink on a regular basis can also end up being obese and unhealthy. It causes high blood pressure and, if continued into adulthood, can cause organ damage in your brain, heart, liver, lungs, etc.

And then there are the hangovers after every drinking binge, which cause fatigue, thirst, headaches, sensitivity to light and sound, nausea, dizziness, etc. It can also cause you being unable to pass your midterm.

DUI’s

Getting caught while driving under the influence (DUI) in Arizona results in jail time, loss of your driver’s license for a period of time and up to $1,800 in fines. And that’s just for the first offense.

The second offense can cost over $2,500 and almost 90 days in jail, depending on your blood alcohol content. You will also lose your driver’s license for an entire year and you could be placed on probation for five years.

The charges get worse as you gain more offenses. The other thing when it comes to having a DUI on your record is that you’ll have a less likely chance of getting a job. Because who would hire someone with jail time under his belt?

Also, think about this. Do you, a college student who probably lives in the dorms or have an apartment and a job while taking classes and paying for college have $2,500 or more to waste?

Alcohol isn’t cheap

And finally, alcohol is expensive. For example, a single shot of vodka can cost between $6-$40, depending on the brand, age and where you buy it. 

But, it is still around $6 for a tiny glass of liquid that you could spend on a small pizza or a meal at a local fast food joint, or something healthy, like fruit or yogurt.

With all this information and all the negatives to drinking, I cannot fathom why college students do this to themselves. Why they so readily damage their bodies and their minds just for a beverage that probably tastes horrible.

Perhaps it’s because it’s a stereotype, a generalization. Maybe it’s the movies that show college students getting wasted and having a good time. Maybe its peer pressure. Maybe its depression. Maybe this and that. 

There is really no good excuse.

The negatives nearly always outweigh the positives. I can’t force anyone to do anything. All I can do is encourage you readers to think before you drink.

The Clery report contains “information about crime on or near respective campuses,” says Federal Statute 20 U.S.C. 1092(f.).

These crimes include everything ranging from homicide, to sexual offenses to drug violations to parking violations.
The report is federally mandated for, “all colleges and universities that participate in federal financial aid programs,” says the statute.

Carol Quiring, administrative lieutenant of Campus Safety and Police, compiles the annual report. “The Clery Reort is useful to compare different institutions that you’re considering attending,” says Quiring. 

By becoming aware of the types and frequency of crimes around campus, students can obtain powerful knowledge about their surrounds, according to Quiring. 

“Use it to take precaution and make goods choices to protect yourself…,” says Quiring.

The stats

Of the crimes reported in the 2006-08 Three Year Crime Statistics section of the report, there were 14 burglary and robbery incidents and one incidence of aggravated assault across all six YC campuses. In addition there were 46 drug and 139 alcohol arrests. 

According to Quiring, stolen objects range from laptops, chips and candy out of vending machines, personal property such as clothing and even school property such as projectors.   

Quiring suggests that the best solution is self protection. “We facilitate programs which advocate locking doors and being aware of your surroundings,” says Quiring. 

A trend present in the report is the steady decrease in alcohol violations and a marked increase in drug violations between 2006-2008.  Drug arrests on campus went from 3 in 2006 to 24 in 2008, whereas alcohol arrests dropped from 66 in 2006 to 34 in 2008. 

Instances of drugs discovered in the dorm rooms in 2008 include marijuana and heroine, according to Quiring.

“Yavapai College is a micro-cosm of the area. Drug issues have increased in the past year across the state,” says Quiring. 

Zero tolerance

The numbers may also be skewed due to the college’s choice of disciplinary action, according to Quiring.

“Yavapai College doesn’t tolerate drug and alcohol use,” she says. All incidences of drug and alcohol use result in legal action, such as citation and often arrest, which is a personal choice of the college, according to Quiring. 

“Some institutions make the choice to handle the discipline internally…we have zero tolerance.”       

Quiring also explains that drug arrests spread further, involving those who sold and used the drug, while alcohol arrests are simply those who are consuming alcohol when the Campus Police arrive.   

Consequences are not only legal for drug and alcohol, but can result in removal from the dorms.

Comparatively, Yavapai’s incidence numbers are low. Examining the numbers to other comparable colleges, such and Eastern Arizona College (EAC) and Central Arizona College (CAC) which both have residence dorms, Yavapai’s instances of burglaries are less than a quarter of EAC’s and a third of CAC’s. 

“These stricter polices account for the  increase in drug violations, according to Quiring.”

While Yavapai’s incidences of drug and alcohol arrests are much higher than CAC’s and on par with EAC’s, Quiring believes it is due to stricter policies.  These stricter polices account for the  increase in drug violations, according to Quiring. 

Overall, Yavapai College is a safe school, according to both Quiring and the statistics in the Clery Report.

“Named for Jeanne Clery, a 19-year-old Leigh University freshman who was raped and murdered in her campus residence hall,” the report hopes to promote awareness and knowledge, says the Clery Act.

“Knowing what goes on on-campus is very important,” says Quiring. 

Yavapai offers security and protection in the form of a 24-hour Police Department which employs State Certified Police Officers on the Prescott campus. These officers can be contacted at any blue light phone located in nine areas throughout campus, or at 776-2185 from a cell phone for the Prescott campus, 634-6599 for the Verde campus. 

The Clery Report is available on the Yavapai College Police website, or in hard copy at the Yavapai College Police Department.

Their Region I win earned them a trip to the National stage for the third year in a row.

Kyle Woodson, sophomore, scored in the seven minute of the game and was assisted by Gabriel Okito, sophomore.  Jonathan Castro scored at the twentienth minute mark assisted by Drew Russell.

The road taken

On Oct. 29 the Roughriders defeated Pima 2-1 in the semi-final game at Ken Lindley Field. There was no scoring in the first half, but Rodolfo Godinez scored in the fifty-eighth minute assisted by Okito. Pima was soon to tie it up in the 64 minute. With only 42 seconds left in regulation play Castro scores off of a corner kick by Greg Gilmer.

Yavapai College soccer team wins their 21 ACCAC title during a loss against Arizona Western 4-0 Saturday Oct 24. Yavapai’s regular season record is 16-4-0. This loss is the team’s first loss to Arizona Western in the 21 years of the program bringing the record to 41-1-0.

Wednesday Oct. 21 Yavapai defeated Pima 5-0 at home. David Malloy scored twice, while Gene Tibbetts, Russell and Gavin LaFollette each scored once.

Saturday Oct. 17 the ‘Riders beat Glendale at Ken Lindley Field 10-3. Malloy scored four times, Godinez and Jon Davis scored twice, while Woodson and Daouda Cisse scored once.

Wednesday Oct. 14 the soccer team beat Gateway 5-0. Malloy scored twice, LaFollette, Woodson and Okito each scored once.

Monday Oct. 12 Yavapai beat South Mountain 10-1. Vince Martin, Castro and LaFollette each scored twice; Malloy, Okito, Joel Mitchell and Godinez each scored once.

The 500th win

Saturday Oct. 10 the Roughriders beat Phoenix 3-2. Yavapai played and won their 500 overall match. Castro, Malloy and Gilmer all scored in this upset.

Wednesday Oct. 7 the Roughriders lost to Scottsdale 1-0 on a penalty kick in the seventy-first minute, ending the ‘Riders 8 win streak.

Monday Oct. 5 Yavapai defeated Mesa 1-0. Malloy scored in the fifty-first minute.

Four players from Yavapai College’s soccer team were named NJCAA All-Region I Players: Gene Tibbits, Gabriel Okito and David Malloy were named to the first team; Greg Gilmer was named to the second team.

The National Tournament will be held on Nov. 19 through Nov. 22 in Trenton, NJ.

The freezing onslaught of rain is finally starting to let up, but anyone who’s been there long isn’t dry enough for it to matter. 

No one really cares. Everyone is there for the music. Everyone is there to have a good time.  No pain, no gain.
It’s day two of Rock am Ring 2009, the biggest music festival in Germany and nobody gives two Scheiße’s if the Nürburgring racetrack is being drenched from above. Chances are most of them are used to it. 

Germany’s biggest music festival

Rock am Ring started 24 years ago and is held annually in conjunction with Rock im Park, a sister festival that hosts most of the same acts during three days in Nuremberg, Germany.

The Killers, Placebo, Slipknot, The Prodigy, Limp Bizkit, Billy Talent, Korn and Marylin Manson led the somewhat eclectic ensemble of just over 90 bands that performed for the 2009 festival.

Some highlights

My favorite performance was probably by a hardcore punk band from England called Gallows at 10 p.m. on the last day in the tent (the smallest stage). They played their hearts out for 45 minutes with more energy and forcefulness than any other band I saw; their performance culminated with the heavily-tattooed singer, Frank Carter, climbing a tent support column he had crowd surfed to.

“After three days of live music, Rock am Ring left me tired, sore and inspired…”

Gallows aggressive performance was one of many highlights. Trivium’s bassist Paolo Gregoletto coming into the crowd while continuing to play was another great moment. 

Despite being ridiculous, DragonForce put on an impressive, over-the-top show as well, using the full range of the stage most effectively. And seeing Flogging Molly’s Dave King declare, “There’s only one beer,” while holding up a bottle of Guinness in a festival sponsored by Warsteiner got plenty of applause. 

Life in camp

With so many bands it was impossible to catch everything, but the party didn’t stop when the music did and was hardly contained within the walls of the track. 

The bordering campsites where many attendees stayed (myself included, with my sisters and friend) were almost an event within themselves, with countless tight-packed tents, roaring generators and the constant boom of music chosen by whomever cranked his speakers the loudest.

After three days of live music, Rock am Ring left me tired, sore and inspired, with plenty of memories and a few new bands to check out. The lineup of bands and the variety of fans coming together was something only a festival can offer and I would gladly partake in it again.

Far or near, a good show is a good show

In the end, however, what stuck with me most were the same things that make local shows great – the music, the artists and the energy they put into their performances.  

Those will always stay paramount, regardless of the size of the stage or the cost of the presentation. With a lot less money and just a bit more searching, equally incredible performances can be found right in Prescott at places like Casa de Calavera and Sundance’s Place – and it won’t cost ten bucks a beer.

“The term ‘Black Friday’ was coined in the 1960s to mark the kickoff to the Christmas shopping season,” says BlackFriday.com. “Black” refers to stores moving from the “red” to the “black,” back when accounting records were kept by hand and red ink indicated a loss and black a profit, according to the website.

Low prices

Black Friday gained popularity as retailers offered more and more discounted products, drawing in customers for early shopping as opposed to last minute sales, according to BlackFriday.com. Many prices are low enough the retailer may not even turn a profit, including such gimmicks as door busters, coupons and extensive advertising.

With the hardships in the recent economy, the lines for Black Friday sales can only be expected to increase this year. In 2008, according to the National Retail Federation, Americans spent over $41 billion on holiday shopping.

“Americans spent over $41 billion on holiday shopping.”

Irma Jarovic, a 19-year old Yavapai College student, considers herself a, “professional shopper,” and wouldn’t miss Black Friday shopping for anything.

“I go shopping at the mall…for percentages off of things such as shoes and makeup always has deals,” she says. The crowds don’t scare Jarovic. “I just shove them,” she jokes. However, it is clear that what may be a laughing matter to her may be a national issue.

Violence mars door busters

Crowds, riots and violence often find their way into these holiday events as can inevitably happen when many people and greed are combined.

In Long Island, NY a temporary Wal-Mart employee was trampled to death while unlocking the doors at 5 a.m. on Black Friday 2008, according to Associated Content News.

Nassau County police Detective Lt. Michael Fleming identified the man as a 34-year-old who lived in Queens. “This was utter chaos as these men tried to open the door this morning,” Fleming said.

This type of violence is not uncommon, with many cases of injury and death across the nation each year; some people choose to stay far away from the Black Friday rush.

This is seen on website forums giving detailed information on violence on Black Friday, such as The Digerati Life a blog about money and personal finance. Funny About Money commented, “I can’t imagine shopping under these conditions. You couldn’t get me into a brick-&-mortar at this time of year.”

However, if you side with Jarovic, there are other options.

First, there are multiple preparation plans, one of the most thorough including a ten step process offered by giftguide.com. It begins with “Select a storage device: purse, backpack, clutch, or fanny pack?” and ends with “hand signals” to help alert the shopping “squad” of things such as “clear aisles,” “card declined, switching to husband’s credit card” and “low prices here.”

Cyber Monday

A second growing option is to skip out entirely on Black Friday and wait it out for Cyber Monday. According to CyberMonday.com, “Cyber Monday is just like Black Friday, except all of the deals and price cuts are available online. It always falls on the Monday after Thanksgiving, which is seen by many retailers and shoppers as the official kick-off to the online holiday shopping season.”

An increase from 43 percent of websites offering Cyber Monday sales to 72 percent, according to Scott Mayerowitz of ABC News Business Unit, will help keep those not willing to face the crowds or prospective violence.

“It’s a starting point. It’s a kickoff point where many retailers have special deals and bargains,” said Scott Krugman, spokesman for the National Retail Federation. Whether it’s online or in store, Black Friday is just another way of knowing the holidays are on their way.

Selling stuff

There is always eBay. “eBay is the world’s online Marketplace,” the website states. “A place for buyers and sellers to come together and trade almost anything.”

Here’s how it works: A seller lists an item on eBay; it could be anything. Any member can bid on it and the highest bidder wins. Items for sale are very eclectic; they can be anything from bellybutton lint to used Hummers. Those pressed for cash can utilize this marketplace to sell old junk which could be the next man’s treasure.

“My job pays for necessities, food, gas and stuff like that. So if I want to do entertaining things I get the money by selling some of my vast amounts of video games…”

Others in need of cash may sell used movies and games to GameStop or Hastings. GameStop is a store in Prescott Gateway Mall and Hasting is located off of Willow Creek Rd. They both buy and sell used games and DVDs.

Trade-ins

“If we don’t have good deals on trade-ins, people want cash; it’s all kinds of people [who trade], young kids, college students, moms,” says a GameStop employee. Sometimes temptation is too much though. “I don’t even sell my games. My friends and I just get credit cards and max them out,” he says.

Jacob Harrison, 22, carries a grocery bag full of video games when walking into Gamestop. “I don’t play them anymore, so I figured I would either get new ones, or get something else recreational.”

Harrison uses this extra cash to line his pockets. “My job pays for necessities, food, gas and stuff like that. So if I want to do entertaining things I get the money by selling some of my vast amounts of video games, either by trading them in here, or selling them on eBay,” he says.

Harrison has also used pawn shops in the past. “I traded my Nintendo to get a Super Nintendo when I was younger, at the Pawn Shop on Sheldon Street,” he says.

Consignments

Libby Cedar, 27, sells clothes. “They aren’t worth much but I have so many. I know I should donate them, but sometimes I need gas for my car,” says Cedar. Her clothes are on consignment, which means she puts the clothes in the store owned by someone else and then is paid a portion of the sale price when the clothing sells. According to Cedar, she doesn’t get paid until the clothes sell.

Blood and body parts

So what about people that don’t have extra video games or clothes? Some people sell blood plasma. Steve Darb from Prescott say, “I feel a little run down afterwards but it’s like forty bucks cash every four or six weeks. And I need the money since my hours got cut at work.”
According to Darb, he received a physical in the first session which took about an hour. “It was worth it because next time, I left with cash in hand. I wish I could sell more often. It seems like I am always strapped for cash.”

If you’re in the business of selling parts of your body for money, selling hair can pay up to $10 an ounce according to AOL Health. The hair cannot be chemically treated and smokers cannot sell hair. But if you qualify, hair can be sold online at thehairtrader.com.

Son of Cash for Clunkers

Recently, there was the government “Cash For Clunkers” program. This program states that American’s old trucks or other vehicles were eligible for a government rebate which can go towards a new vehicle.

This bill was passed to help get low MPG cars off the road according to whatiscashforclunkers.com.

The program would voucher up to $4,500 towards the purchase of a more fuel efficient vehicle. The program started processing claims July 24 and the program ended August 24.
Programs such as “Son of Cash for Clunkers” and other government generated stimulus are offering relief daily. For those without access to clunkers, there are always these other methods.

In 2007, driver distractions such as cell phones or text messaging contributed to nearly 1,000 crashes involving 16- and 17-year olds according to Edgar Snyder’s & Associates attorney website.

Arizona has a few pending bills on this topic, which can be found on www.azleg.gov.

There is SB 1443 which would ban text messaging for all drivers in Arizona. This bill was rejected by the full Senate on a 15-14 vote, according to www.azleg.gov.

The website also includes HB 2492, which would prohibit text messaging on Arizona roads. This bill is still pending.

Another pending bill is HB 2590, which would outlaw use of handheld phones by drivers under the age of 18.

The Hands-free use OK bill and HB 2191 seeks to ban driving and talking on cell phones, unless a hands-free accessory is utilized. It is also pending.

Why HBs should pass

I am really hoping these cell phone bills pass. I cannot find the statistics for the decrease in accidents in other states since the passing of these bills but I have to hope that they have decreased.

It is tempting to answer a call while driving.  I for one have answered a call or two. The way I get passed it is to play my music loud so I can’t hear my phone when it goes off so I don’t answer it. Then I just listen to the voicemail’s and return calls. I follow this simple rule and I have never been in an accident due to cell phone use.

I drive often since I live in Yavapai Hills and it never fails that I see a driver swerving because they are texting or taking on a cell phone.

I was taught in driver’s education to keep both hands on the wheel, at ten and two.

In Ohio, a 49-year old bus driver was making a left turn while using her cell phone when she hit a killed a 59-year old man who was at a crosswalk.

May I ask: why on earth would a bus driver be using a cell phone? That is absolutely unacceptable.

Not only is texting while driving putting oneself in danger, it is putting everyone on the road in danger.

Is texting Tiffany about what Brad said last night worth putting other people’s lives at risk?

It’s hard enough to remain safe in Arizona with all the older drivers whose license do not expire for many years, it is up to adults and teens to drive responsibility.

Texting while driving causes a huge increase in time spent with eyes off the road.

A good friend of mine was driving on HWY 69, when she was hit from behind by a teenage driver. The teenage driver stated that she didn’t look up in time from texting so braked late and plowed into my friends car at a red light.

This is also unacceptable.

A motor vehicle is a deadly weapon. Attention must be paid when operating one.
The thing that really bothers me is that many drivers know how dangerous it is. Yet they continue to text and talk while driving.

Is texting Tiffany about what Brad said last night is worth putting other people’s lives at risk?
I can’t say I haven’t noticed people doing other things they shouldn’t be while driving: picking their noses, doing their makeup, eating. However these actions do not cause nearly as many accidents as texting while driving.
Hands-free devices can be purchased at cell phone stores. For about $20 for a wired headset, or about $50 for a Bluetooth headset you can be an actively safer driver.
Life can get busy and for people with long commutes, it seems the only way. I have seen Billy Mays advertise on television for something called a “Jupiter Jack”. It’s a small add on to a phone that transmits sound from a phone to the car speakers. It’s only $19.99. No wires, no ear pieces. It sounds like a good investment to me.
So next time you’ve got some extra cash, instead store of buying a expensive touch-screen phone or a colorful “look at me” cell phone case, consider buying an easy to use hands-free headset.

You could save a life.

“Nearly 46 million Americans, or 18 percent of the population under the age of 65, were without health insurance in 2007,” says the US Census Bureau in its most recent data. With rising poverty levels, this number is sure to rise.

Many jobs that previously offered healthcare benefits have revoked them, according to the National Coalition on Healthcare (NCHC).

In even larger numbers, employees who could previously afford their premiums are facing a 117 percent increase between 1999 and 2007 on employee spending for health insurance coverage, according to the NCHC.

However, the problem isn’t just big numbers, it’s also right at home.

Chelsea Niven, a 19-year old Yavapai student, feels the pain of being uninsured daily. “I think about [insurance] because it’s something I should have, but it’s just too stressful,” says Niven.
Niven is currently in need of a root canal and a procedure to remove her four wisdom teeth.

It gives me headaches, it hurts so bad,” she says.

The two procedures total over $2,000 without insurance; as a student and part time waitress, Niven cannot afford that.

Between living and school expenses, insurance simply isn’t an option for Niven. She says, “I have too much to pay for already… insurance rates are just out of hand.”  According to Niven, she hopes to save up enough money to have the root canal procedure and eventually have her wisdom teeth removed two at a time.

“You don’t want to get sick because you worry about how much it costs.”

In the meantime Niven sticks to over the counter pain medicine and hopes she doesn’t get sick. She says, “You don’t want to get sick because you worry about how much it costs.”

Other options do exist, though. The government funded Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System (AHCCCS) “is Arizona’s Medicaid agency that offers health care programs to serve Arizona residents,” according to the AHCCCS website.

Dependent on income, an uninsured Arizona resident can receive partial or complete medical coverage according to the website.

On campus there is another option, the Yavapai Health Center. Yavapai College is one of the few community colleges lucky enough to run such a program.

If you are a registered student you can receive treatment from the health center for only $5 a visit, not including lab fees or prescriptions, according to Rebecca Oldani one of the three nurse practitioners at the Yavapai Health Center.

“We can do nearly anything a doctor’s office can do,” says Oldani. “We’re only charging you the price to cover what we spend.”

Oldani believes that the health center can provide a huge relief in stress to students who, like Niven, are uninsured.

“Most things are minor problems,” she says. “It costs a huge amount to go to the ER and for some people it’s just not an option.”

The Health Center sees nearly 120 people a week in the 20 hours it is open. And of those, at least 85 percent are uninsured, according to Oldani.

“Most insurance is not adequate, not affordable,” says Oldani.

The Health Center hopes to alleviate some of the pressure in a difficult economic time and hopes to continue growing past its 500 percent increase in growth since the first year, according to Oldani.

Along with these solutions comes hope of impending reform.

Ongoing discussions regarding universal healthcare and other possibilities are up in the air.
A proposed reform offers relatively cheap individual policies with the condition that a person will be fined for not having one, according to the Washington Post.

Whether it is mandatory insurance, free standing clinics, government programs or simply payment plans, the uninsured masses are seeking solutions.

The hard economic times makes the approach to recruiting different. “Every year the School Board re-evaluates its budget and has to move funds from one area to another,” says Farnsworth.
Coaches have to do the recruiting themselves and in these economic times they have to use all possible resources to get the players they need. 

Using newer tools

The recruitment funds come from a few different areas, including County and State taxes which are shrinking, tuition and fees, which is where the majority of the money comes from and donations from third parties, which mostly go towards other departments on campus.

Basketball player Breen Weeks, a freshman from San Diego, CA, was given an opportunity from YC to play and he accepted. Weeks played on a traveling basketball team that helps players get noticed.

Coaches also use newer methods of gathering information through the internet and youtube.com. According to Farnsworth, some players will contact the school and have videos of their performance online so the coaches can see if they are interested before they make their way to the player’s next game.  

Often the coaches have a huge network of people who are looking to gather athletes into programs. Some of these are agencies that charge a monthly fee to the coaches and others the students pay for to get noticed.

Difficulties of Scouting

Scouting can be difficult in a few other ways, according to Farnsworth.  A coach may find an excellent player, but that player may need some work on his personality. 

Coaches at YC are looking for student athletes, not just athletes and the student comes first, he says. 

Coaches need to be “Selling the program one area to another and be selling the college,” says Farnsworth. Students tend to pick their schools based on athletics and academics. 

Pure talent isn’t enough

Just because a player is great doesn’t mean the school needs them; some positions fill up faster than others, which causes the coaches to turn down some good talent. While other times the talent is great, but the coaches don’t think the student will better the sports team and/or be able to handle the academics, according to Farnsworth. 

“Recruiting at a junior college is the most challenging,” says Farnsworth. When students only play for two years, coaches are replacing half their team every year.”

“Recruiting at a junior college is the most challenging,” says Farnsworth. When students only play for two years, coaches are replacing half their team every year. 

Why YC?

Coaches do have a great amount to offer students who might be interested in one of  YC’s programs. YC has Title winning athletic programs, as well as award winning coaches. Being a member of a YC program has gotten many athletes into some prestigious schools.

Players who go to a four-year university would most likely sit on the bench for the first two years, but at Yavapai they will get plenty of playing time to enhance their game, according to Farnsworth.

YC coaches can also show future student athletes that Yavapai College has many degree programs and certificates. According to Farnsworth, some students will have similar athletic programs to choose from but the academics will make them choose one school over another.

Coaches have one last bargaining tool, which is scholarships. Scholarships may be given in any increment, from partial tuition to full-tuition; the incentive package may also include the athlete’s books, his room and board and even the possibility of a round trip to home and back.   Although trips home are rarely given out, according to Farnsworth.

“The majority of County kids turn down scholarships,” says Farnsworth. Athletes from Yavapai County tend to go out of state for their athletics, because they have grown up here. 

Some of the County athletes who end up playing for Yavapai are here because they couldn’t get the scholarships they were looking for elsewhere, according to Farnsworth. 

Fewer than ten percent of all freshmen athletes at YC don’t play a second year, according to Farnsworth. This shows that most of the students who come here are happy with the programs both academically and athletically.

“Receiving a check that always cashes is one of the best benefits of nursing,” says Yavapai Regional Medical Center (YRMC) Nursing Supervisor, Shelly Beal. 
Beal is commenting on the current state of the economy and the lack of stable jobs.

She has been working at YRMC for 18 years and according to Beal, she has never had any regrets about her career choice. 

Hannah Singleton, a student at Yavapai College, is choosing to pursue nursing because it is a “recession proof job.”

Although she has been encouraged since childhood, to join this profession, she just recently decided to go for it. 

“I have other interests, but it comes down to having a job or being broke and struggling,” says Singleton.

From nurses to nursing students, everyone is in agreement that the financial benefits are a key part of his/her decision. 

There are other benefits as well. Beal describes her other benefits at YRMC as health insurance, paid time off, discounts on prescribed medication and excellent shifts.

“I am able to work the shifts that best fit into my family’s schedule. I worked night shifts for 12 years, so that I could be home during the day for my kids,” says Beal. 

Troy Alderete, a YRMC nurse, also enjoys the flexible and plentiful shifts available. “My wife’s hours were cut at work and I was able to pick up extra shifts so our budget wasn’t affected. There are always extra shifts for those who are willing to work,” says Alderete. 

Even nursing students working as certified nurse assistants (CNAs) have the chance to work extra hours. 

“I never expected to earn this much while attending school…”

“I never expected to earn this much while attending school as well. I have never had to worry about having my hours cut,” says Yavapai nursing student, Tonya Fealtman. 

With all these amazing benefits, why wouldn’t everyone want to be a nurse?

“This job can be difficult as you get older. The long shifts take a toll on your body after awhile. It also gets harder to pull and move patients around,” says Beal. 

While some may assume nursing is an easy occupation, it can be physically and emotionally demanding. Helping patients can be rewarding but on the other hand witnessing pain and suffering is stressful. This can be one of the major downfalls of nursing, according to Beal. 

Another challenge is actually becoming accepted into the nursing program. There are a limited number of spots available each year and many students are vying for these few positions.

“The competitiveness and arbitrary requirements of the program are the only negative things I can say about nursing at this point,” says Singleton. “To sign up for the nursing assistant class I had to show up a couple of hours early because there were so many people there.”

Students must have received credit for College Algebra, College Composition I, Human Biology, Anatomy and Physiology and have a current CNA certification before they can even apply for the nursing associate degree program. 

Although students may see the rigorous program as a negative aspect, nurses appreciate the amount of effort needed to complete it.

“The difficulty of the classes deters many people who aren’t serious about the level of commitment it takes to achieve this degree,” says Alderete. 

In every occupation, there are both pros and cons. When determining the compatibility of a person and a profession it becomes about weighing the good against the bad. 

While nursing may not be suited for everyone, there are many who feel the benefits far outweigh the negative aspects. 

“I have always enjoyed my job, and in 22 years have never had any regrets about my decision to become a nurse,” says Beal.