ParticiPant UPdateAugust 30, 2011

Keeping you Informed, Empowered and Prepared

A Time for Courageby David McNally

If you are experiencing fear as a result of the myriad

uncertainties in the world, here is an image to consider: in ancient times worry and fear were depicted as a wolf sinking its teeth into the neck of an animal. An unpleasant visual to say the least!

So no matter what is going on in your life right now, I encourage you to place your feet firmly on the ground of the present moment. Take a deep breath and consider the following: It is folly to believe that we can go through life

without being challenged, without being inconvenienced, without being blown off course. You may have heard the saying: “If you want to make God laugh, tell him your plans.”

Tough times are an opportunity to make a statement about who we are. Those who soar in this world understand that life offers many surprises, but within those surprises are lessons – and from the lessons comes wisdom. This is the courageous approach to life for it means deciding that fear will not control your life and defeat is not an option.

It is courageous to accept life as it unfolds without trying to have it conform to limited human expectations. It is courageous to shift our thinking from seeing life as a struggle, to experiencing it as an adventure. It is courageous to move from playing safe to playing to win.

No one has ever lived your life before, no one will face your challenges, and no one can take your place. You have the courage. The spirit exists within you and it will be triumphant. Ultimately, that’s all that matters, that is your purpose!

This is not time to withdraw - It’s time to soar!

Education ExtraThe latest class updates at TCR!

Education Services reminds you that we have a strong volunteer tutoring program ready to help you with your writing and computer skills. Tutors can help you figure out how to work through an assignment, get past a challenge spot, or just give you a pat on the back when you need it.

Whether you could use a hand with grammar and writing skills or producing Word documents and creating folders on the computer, tutors are here to help.

(By the way, if you’d like a quick introduction to the ribbons in Word 2010, just Google this phrase: “Word 2010: take a tour of the Ribbon.”)

Tutors are available Mondays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays. See your instructor or your coach for details.

So You Think You Know Everything?

◊ It is impossible to sneeze with your eyes open.◊ Cats have more than 100 vocal cords; dogs only have 10.

◊ Our eyes are the same size from birth, but our noses and ears never stop growing.

Recruit & receive bonus bucksTCR! is offering bonus money to eligible participants who help in the search for new applicants. We will pay you for every person you refer to the program who meets the referral criteria.

Help TCR! get the word out and make some money while you do it! For more details see the front desk, Recruiters or Shereese Turner.

It’s Your Turn!TCR! responds to your suggestions

Hopefully you’ve noticed the new suggestion boxes in the participant break rooms. We’re excited to hear your feedback--things we’re doing well, things you want improved, and your ideas of how to make your experience better at TCR!.

We’ll also be responding to your suggestions. Here’s the first batch of thoughts from your fellow participants:

1) I like the coffee service trays in the participant break room. Thanks! We appreciate that this helps to keep the break room neat and clean.

2) Instructors and staff are doing a good job. Keep it up!Again, thank you for the feedback. The staff works hard to ensure that excellent customer service is delivered. If there is an area where improvement is needed, please complete the feedback form and give us your suggestions.

3) I’m concerned about the negative environment impact of Styrofoam cups and suggest we use ceramic or paper cups. Ceramic cups are not a viable option due to the number of cups needed and our inability to wash them. However, we are investigating the cost of paper cups and should know soon whether this might be an option based on cost.

Thanks to everyone who voted for Twin Cities RISE! in the Ashoka Changemakers competition earlier this month.

Because of all your votes, our project is one of the 10 finalists! It’s now up to a panel of judges to pick 5 projects that will each receive $50,000. We will hear these results on September 14.

We couldn’t have done it without you!

Mark Your CalendarsSeptember 5 Offices closed for Labor DaySeptember 30 Last day of classesOctober 3-7 Evaluations WeekOctober 10-13 Workshop WeekOctober 13 Celebration at International InstituteOctober 17 First day of classes for Fall 2011Every Day You are Lovable, Important and Valuable!

Coaches’ CornerCan you feel it? Fall is coming and with it, transitions. Colors change, school opens, summer is stored for months. Parents at TCR! have firsthand insights about the transitions in their families.

Talk with your coach about how these new transitions will be affecting your success and ways to remain Empowered as you continue to be the person in your child’s front row.

Remember, parenting is the hardest and most rewarding final placement you’ll ever have.

Employment EssentialsDID YOU KNOW?

The average salary of a Twin Cities RISE! graduate last year was $24,665 per year, or $11.85 per hour plus benefits.

Just think about how having a career with this salary would change YOUR life!

- If you are applying for jobs and not getting interviews, stop by the Career Center for assistance in figuring out why.

- If you are getting interviews but not getting a job offers, stop by the Career Center for some tips.

Hiring season is in full swing, and now is the time to apply for YOUR job!

Schedule a one-on-one meeting with an Employer Services Coordinator to determine a job strategy and proactively take the next steps toward employment.

Career Center Hours:Monday-Thursday: Noon - 2 pm

Friday: 9 am - 12 pm

Internship InsightInterested in learning more about the TCR! Internship Program? Internship orientations are now being held for new applicants. Please join us! Minneapolis: Mondays at 1:00 pm St. Paul: Wednesdays at 1:00 pm

Feeling Social? Join us on social media to find out more about what’s new at TCR!.

www.facebook.com/twincitiesrise

www.twitter.com/twincitiesrise

www.youtube.com/twincitiesriseonline

www.twincitiesrise.org