Palm Beach Community College - Galleon Yearbook (Lake Worth, FL)

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Ill ill||Discovering Europe||llii ' There are probably very few peo- ple who have not wished they could drop everything and pack it off to Europe. However, fearing expensive air fares and skyrocketing prices, many soon put such thoughts aside. Most fee! they must wait until they are financially secure before they can throw money into traveling abroad. But, it should be realized that many burdens come with this security. In just a few years most of us will be tied down to homes, jobs, and families. Young people are at the best time of their lives for expanding their hori- zons. The Old World has always drawn us back. As the birthplace of Western Civilization, Europe provides a great learning experience, a cultural look in- to our own past. Seeing all this first-hand is not as difficult as one might think. True, there can be a lot of preparation in- volved, and the value of the American dollar is a bit unpredictable, but a pos- itive attitude and a little research can go a long way. You may be surprised to find there are many ways to overcome money problems. One of the most obvious being the off-season rates that apply to the air, rail, and hotel industries. A few phone calls may give you the in- formation you need, or you may want to talk with a travel agent. A good travel agency can help you plan your trip and will usually take an interest in young people as they may be future business. If you do have a plan, it is a good idea to write for travel brochures on the countries you wish to visit. Most European Countries have a Bur- eau of Tourism here in the United Sta- tes. They can give you a wealth of in- formation, from accomodations and tipping customs, to sightseeing and even weather. If you plan to cover a lot of ground, rail travel is your best bet. (Intra-European air fares being as they are: two or three hops between cities; might cost you as much as your trans- atlantic flight.) This is where a Eurail- pass can be a great advantage. With this card you can simply board your train, (be sure you have the right car) find a compartment to your liking and you ' re on your way. You ' ll have to- tal freedom to wander the continent, and will almost always find interesting traveling companions. A eurailpass must be purchased here at home prior to departure. Ran- ging from $190 for fifteen days to $460 for three months, the Eurailpass gives unlimited first class travel. For those under 26, a Eurail Youthpass is quite a bargain at $260 for two mon- ths of second class travel. Both are valid in Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Holland, Itlay, Luxembourg, Norway, Portugal, Spain, Sweeden, and Switz- erland. They also provide free passage on some ferries and steamers and usu- ally a 50% fare reduction on the Euro- pabus lines. Now if you don ' t want to be both- ered with all the complications of striking out on your own, foreign stu- dy programs offer a valuable alterna- tive. They allow a close look at Eur- ope and its people, along with the aca- demic benefits of course study. Inter- est in International Education and cul- tural exchange has increased steadily in recent years. A group of educators here in Florida are putting this inter- est to good use. The Florida Coll- egiate Consortium for International- Intercultural Education was formed in response to the need for organization. As one of the twelve member schools, Palm Beach Junior College and its students benefit from a com- mon catalog of information concern- ing courses, programs, and activites. Involving among others, Art, Human- ities, Phylosophy, and languages, these foreign study programs range from five week, three credit courses, to res- ident programs lasting up to a year and earning 30 credits. Dr. Paul Gra- ham, Vice President of Academic Aff- airs, says costs are rising with pro- grams averaging $2,000. Even so, for- eign study is still of value to the stu- dent and always will be. But remem- ber, don ' t think about it too long, weeks can turn into years. 5 Gary Gallagher ' IIII31

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iilll Never too Late Senior citizens are a welcome part of the student body at Palm Beach Junior College, in both day and night classes. Any individual who has reached the age fo sixty-five by registration is eli gible for senior citizen benefits. Registra- tion is on the final day to drop or add classes and senior citizens may only sign for classes which already have a vacancy in it for them. Senior citizens may register for two classes at a reduced fee. Tuition is only $4.00 per class and they do not have to pay the activity fee. Why would a senior citizen decide to come back to school? Many of them are motivated to come back to school for reasons other than to get a degree. Compan- ionship, a useful way to occupy time, and involvemet in the community are other reasons for starting school again. George Hemberger, a student at the south campsu, decided to come back to school first to fill hsi time fruitfully and second because he feels you are never too old to learn something new. George, formally an engineering student, is now majoring in journalism. He feels it is a challenge f or him going back to school but he loves every minute of it. As a hobbie, George sings and plays his guitar at nursing homes to help give some happiness to others his own age less fortunate than he. George does not feel uncomfortable about going to school with other students much younger than he. He says there have been no problems and that no one has made him feel uncomfortable about his age. Most younger students look up to him and respect him for the years of experience that he has behind him. George plans to go to Florida At- lantic University after he finishes PBJC. He is motivated to learn and lives by his philosophy on education- you are never too old to learn. Sylvia McDaniel, originally from Pittsburg, is going back to school purely for pleasure. She is not pur- suing any type of degree so the classes she takes are for her enjoyment only. Time was hers to spare before she started taking classes here but now she is as busy as ever. She says meeting new people has been one of the many assets of going to PBJC. She doesn ' t mind the age difference between her and most of her fellow students but she says she is teased by her grand- children about being a student again. Getting into school as a senior cit- izen is as easy as it is for someone just out of high school. A high school di- ploma or its equivalent (from the Gen- eral Education Development Tests) is sufficient. There is no reason why anyone should feel unable to attend school, regardless of age. We are seek- ing the further use of the college by the senior citizens. Workshops, non- credit courses, and lower tuition fees are all part of this effort. Palm Beach Junior College has miich to offer the senior citizen, as it does anyone else. The senior citizen also has a lot to offer this younger generation. Denise Therriault 30I '

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Aoir© He who laughs last, laughs best. Norai Barraza has the last laugh and is laughing best today. Not too long ago I was interviewed by her and I laughed to myself because she had such difficulty pronouncing my name. Now, I am in her shoes, and I am really learning the truth of the saying above. Recently, I interviewed a foreign student whose name I Graduation is an exciting time for every student. It is indeed a happy experience for all of us since we ' ve been awaiting it as a result of our hard work in school. But there is another side to graduation that is a little frightening. Perhaps graduation can best be compared to a birth. Before birth we were secure in the womb of our mother. There was warmth, nourishment and especially the security of protection. Everything was provided for us. All we did was to receive what was given. Perhaps this is why we call our school our alma mater. For many months, even years we have received training, direction, and support from our teachers and friends. We have lived a secure life among the familiar places and sights. PBJC has really been our mother, But there comes a time for birth! We of course, don ' t remember our physical birth. We were born into a new world of strange sights, sounds, smells and tastes. We were frightened and even cried at the prospect of a new life. Now as we face graduation, we are on the verge of another birth into the working world. There are many strange and perhaps frightening questions before us, where will I work? With whom shall I share my life? Where will I live? Will I be a success? still have difficulty pronouncing correctly: Jamil Abdullah Omain. I may have trouble pronouncing Jamil ' s name, but I have no problem appreciating him as a person, as he shared with me much of his personal backgrounds. Jamil traveled from Saudi Arabia to north Carolina two years ago. When he first came to the United States, he ex- perienced problems with our society and culture, even though he knew quite a bit about the United States. As the English language becomes familiar, he is adjusting himself well to the celebrated mood of American life, and dealing with his everyday living here is more fun than a problem. Jamil finally moved down to Florida and attempted to study at PBJC. I have a friend who knew a former student here and suggested this school to me. I like the weather here because it is very similar to where I come from, he explained. American teachers are very friendly and always ready to help students understand what they have learned. Such an attitude allows students to feel at ease while in class. he added. Jamil is now a full time student. He is majoring in chemical engineering because of the need of this in his country. In spite of having such a busy schedule, he still finds time for tennis, swimming, and gettign together with Amer- ican friends. He enjoys talking with Americans because he learns more about American culture and ways of life, jlf Cuong Nguyen Let ' s remember one important thing! We survived our first birth and probably surprised many other people; perhaps even some who will attend our graduation! One thing is also sure on the basic of our past, we can go into the future with confidence that many other pleasant surprises are ahead of us. Our graduation is not the ending but the beginning of awhole new life for us all and it will be even more exciting than our first birth. -L Y Cuong-Nguyen ]DD(]d°-