Tornadoes ripped through the state May 24, leaving 10 people dead, more than 100 people injured, and destroying numerous homes and lives.

“This is devastating,” said Nhan Ha, premed major. “A lot of people lost their homes. It was really close to my home.”

Heather Pemberton, Phi Theta Kappa president, said her group is ready to help.

“We are just waiting for sign off from (Student Clubs and Organizations Assistant) Karlen Grayson,” Pemberton said. “We’re hoping to get that on [June 3.]

OCCC provides an affordable, educational, and entertaining way for kids from first through eighth grade to spend their summer vacation in a constructive environment that helps them build knowledge as well as friendships, said Community Outreach and Education Director Jessica Martinez-Brooks.

Academic Affairs Vice President Felix Aquino challenged 20 newly inducted members of the Phi Theta Kappa academic honor society to make learning a lifetime commitment.

A City University of New York graduate, Aquino served as a guest speaker at the ceremony, held on campus April 29.

“Remember, some of us are aces and kings, some of us are twos and threes,” he said. “But even with twos and threes, you can get a full house.”

OCCC will host a Water Safety Fair from 1 to 4 p.m. Saturday, May 21, in the the Aquatic Center, said Media Relations Coordinator Cordell Jordan in a press release.

Jordan said participants will be shown various water safety tips such as the proper way to apply sunscreen, (hands only) CPR, (automatic external defibrillator), and general water safety.

Preparing for a final exam or a final project requires planning with the end in mind, said Mary Turner, learning support specialist, in a campus workshop about preparing for finals on May 3.

“Work backward from the due date of an assignment or test to figure out how much time you really have to study for them during the week,” Turner said.

“You must assess what you need to do and get it done strategically,” Turner said when speaking to a small audience as part of the Brown Bag luncheon series.

OCCC’s Communications Lab is offering an opportunity for employment.

Students can apply as lab tutors to work with students on writing projects.

“Tutors will be trained to help students with writing assignments,” said Rachel Olsen, lab supervisor.

“Tutors also assist students with minor computer issues.”

There is limited space for new hires, she said.

The Psychology Club is hosting a snow cone sale from noon until 2 p.m. on Thursday, May 5, in the College Union to raise money for their annual trip to a psychology conference, said Laurie Thornton, Social Sciences division assistant and club sponsor.

Thornton said several flavors of snow cones will be available for 50 cents. Participants can bring their own flavors, such as soda, if desired.

Currently, the club has raised approximately $100 for the trip, which will be held in Cincinnati, Ohio.

Pop! Pop! Pop!

The sound of popping bubble wrap resounded in the College Union April 26 when English Professor Mark Schneberger encouraged students to visualize their current stress as an unlucky bubble, and pop it.

Schneberger said stress is neither good nor bad — it just is.

The International Student Association raised $1,400 in the past six weeks for relief funds going to Japan, said Carol Pittman, an OCCC student from Japan.

Pittman is a nursing sophomore who will graduate this semester.

“I was very impressed with the students at OCCC,” she said. “I wish I had taken a photo of the Japan Tsunami Relief table. It would have been nice to share with the Japanese people and friends on Facebook.”

Mother’s Day is on May 8, and the Art Guild is getting ready for the holiday.

According to the Student Life event calendar, Art Guild OCCC is hosting a card sale in preparation for Mother’s Day from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on May 3 and 4 in front of the Communications Lab.

Participants will be shown how to make their own hand-made Mother’s Day card, but pre-made cards also will be available for purchase.