To the editor:

Nov. 11 was a date known to me as a kid in New York for three things.

It was Armistice Day, representing the end of World War I; the war to end wars.

Second, it was a holiday so I didn’t have to attend school.

Last week, the Pioneer contacted the Records and Graduation office to obtain the date of the last day to drop fall 16-week classes.

The date was not to be used in a story, but rather, in a small bulletin in last week’s issue to remind students of the last day to withdraw from their courses.

I speak in dozens of classes each semester on a variety of topics related to academic success.

In addition, I work with individual students in my office regarding the same kinds of issues. Typically, my admonishment is for you not to emulate what other students are doing, but to find those strategies that truly work for you and employ them.

This week’s admonishment will be a slight departure from that one.

OCCC students have choices.

They can forge their own career paths, taking classes when they want and as many, or as few, credit hours as they want at any given time. Classes are offered morning, noon and night – and even on Saturday.

It’s all about you at OCCC — except when it comes to food.

To the editor:

On the Office of Student Life Election Information board, the Lt. Governor Jari Askins photograph was defaced.

The photograph was later removed and replaced with a new one.

The upcoming election is a reminder that we, as individual citizens, have a voice in government through our votes.

On Tuesday, Nov. 2, we will be selecting new leadership at the state level, in addition to selecting those who will represent us in Washington, D.C.

This particular election has elements that make it especially noteworthy for the state of Oklahoma.

For most college students financial aid is a lifeline, a means to fund higher education. When the offer of a student loan comes, most students just say yes.

Fresh out of high school with a new found freedom and free money from Uncle Sam, student loan debt is the last thing on a college student’s mind. But it should not be forgotten.

To the editor:

Although I am a proud non-smoker, I found myself respecting Bonnie Campo’s Oct. 8 editorial, “Don’t tell smokers new smoking ban policy is for their own good,” right until the end.

Ms. Campo stated that while she realizes “cancer sticks” cause health issues for some, she also asserts, “so is eating fried food from the cafeteria.”

For college students, time is much more than a unit of measurement.

Whether it is completing an exam in under an hour or learning how to juggle 16 hours worth of classes, time management can easily make or break a college student’s academic career.

To the editor:

If you are a current OCCC student, you can (now) enroll for your spring classes.

I know that you have many options on where to go for advice, and friends seem to be a popular choice.

While you may trust your friend’s opinion when suggesting a nice restaurant or what outfit looks best, I encourage you to seek more professional advising when creating your academic plan.