Discussion 1

Welcome Senior Capstoners!

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1. Make sure you have completed and submitted to Canvas the PRE-ASSESSMENT. It is ungraded, but mandatory. It has about 20 questions and shouldn’t take you even 10 minutes to complete and submit.

2. Make sure you have watched the ORIENTATION/SYLLABUS PPT. It takes about 45 minutes.

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3. PROMPT: (a) Tell the class something about yourself that speaks to your character and/or personality. (b) Identify your top 2 NACE COMPETENCIES and why they are important to you. [I’ve attached a 2 pager brief if you need to review the competencies in abbreviated fashion.] (c) Next, tell us what you believe is your relative preparation for a transition from your undergraduate degree to whatever it is you plan to do next. Lastly, (d) Describe your dream job.

4. RESPOND to each of your classmates in a substantive way (beyond simple acknowledgements). Give them feedback on what they’ve said and what they’ve offered as clues to their character and personality. Address them by name and share something that indicates a connection you might have with them (previous classes shared? Your sister has the same name? You also like those 2 NACE competencies? Find a connection, no matter how small, with each member of the class.) There are seven students in this class; please respond to each one.

DISCUSSION 1 is due before Midnight on WEDNESDAY, JUNE 26th.  It is worth 10 points, approximately 3 points for your response to the prompt and 1 point for each classmate response you completed.

I will be here on Wednesday from 7-9pm if you have any questions or concerns about the class. Enjoy! –patty

PS: With less than an hour left on the deadline, and more students to respond to in order to comment on each one, I’ve extended the deadline on this first post to Friday at 11:59pm. As it is, nearly everyone has done their pre-assessment–THANK YOU FOR THAT!–and everyone has posted. What a great start! As stated above, Quiz 1 will open on Friday and be focused on the Orientation PPT and your 8 (very brief) articles on this week’s reading list. The Quiz is due this Sunday by 11:59pm. We will also have our second discussion due on Sunday–and the prompt for that will open tomorrow morning. You will each get your Research Assignment in Discussion 2, so be sure and check that out when it opens. I’m really looking forward to making the most of our four weeks together. Our first week theme–PLAN–is off to an excellent start. –pc

RESPONSES

Tyler Erickson

Jun 26, 2019 Jun 26 at 1:51pm A. Something that speaks to my character and personality is honesty. Honesty is huge to me because it revolves around so much of a persons life, and I want people to trust me on a personal and professional level. 
B. My two NACE competencies are leadership and teamwork. I have always been a part of a team so that’s how I know to get things done, and I am a leader in my opinion because I dont look down upon people and work just as hard as everyone else for a common goal. 
C. My relative transition to a real job is to hopefully get in as an intern to learn the ropes to hit the ground running once I’m ready. 
D. My dream job is to be in real estate. I like the thought of having my own schedule, and being my own boss. It is obviously a little uneasy being on all commission but you can also make a lot of money.  Reply Reply to Comment

Hi Tyler,

I really respect honesty in a person as well I think that is a big quality trait to have and admire in others. While it may not be the easiest thing to do in some situations it is always the right route to take, and will always pay off. I think leadership and teamwork go together and make for a job well done in an efficient manner.  I have also thought about real estate, I really like the idea of being my own boss as well and designing my own schedule.  Reply Reply to Comment Collapse Subdiscussion Tajha Briggs

Tajha Briggs

Jun 26, 2019 Jun 26 at 7:58pm

Hey Tyler! 

I wanted to comment and highlight on one of your nace competencies. I think sometimes we look over the teamwork skill people so many people now days have been apart of a team so we figure we know how to work well with others. when in fact, this can be a very difficult skill to get down. Working with a team involves compromise and communication and that can be hard when people have different views. I think you make a great point to put that as one of your top two!  Reply Reply to Comment Collapse Subdiscussion Heather Hall

Heather Hall

Jun 26, 2019 Jun 26 at 9:01pm

Tyler,

I am a firm believer of the whole mantra of, “Honesty is the best policy”. I have had it occur across different jobs I have worked where honesty is not a person’s forte which I find unfortunate as it is truly important to remain honest as it is influential and impactful to one’s own credibility. I give you props for wanting to pursue a career that is primarily commission based as I remember trying to get into the life insurance gig (has some similarities to the structure of real estate) and I found it hard to commit so much that I had to initially invest (testing fees, programs needed for training, etc.)  in before seeing reward so to speak.  I hope that you are able to pursue your dream job! Reply Reply to Comment Collapse Subdiscussion Tony Gonzales

Tony Gonzales

Jun 26, 2019 Jun 26 at 11:44pm

Hi Tyler,

I also can relate to a need for being one’s own boss. That is a large part of my rationale for going back to school; learning the skills and acquiring the education to facilitate being my own boss someday. My experience working for others, while fruitful in some capacities, really only highlighted how much more of a benefit my work was to someone other than myself. Good luck in the real estate business!   Reply Reply to Comment Collapse Subdiscussion Kylie Maycumber

Kylie Maycumber

Jun 27, 2019 Jun 27 at 12:23am

  • Hi Tyler,  I think that honesty is an incredibly important trait/characteristic to have. Real estate would be an awesome career path. One of my best friends worked at a local real estate office and she loves it. Its also a career that once established you can feel very comfortable in, with both clientele/ recognition as well as confidence in knowing the town and area that you are marketing in. Own schedule sounds great.  Reply Reply to Comment

Collapse Subdiscussion Cassandra Payne

Cassandra Payne

Jun 26, 2019 Jun 26 at 2:09pm

Something that speaks into my character/ personality is I have always been an outgoing person; I tend to lean more towards the extrovert side. I was raised in a small town and I was in a lot of club and had to do some public speaking which I think helped with this, I believe that I am naturally this way but the positions I have been in in my life has helped with this, and enhanced it. The two NACE competencies that stand out most to me are leadership and Professionalism/ Work Ethic. I chose leadership because I have always felt that I am a natural born leader, and while being at Eastern I have taken some classes that relate to leadership and I have really enjoyed them, within leadership you identify your strengths as well as others and work as a team to get the job done, there are certain skill in leadership that are natural and taught like motiving, organizing and prioritizing and I think with this you can continue to grow and learn as a leader and I think that is something that is important. The second one I chose was professionalism and work ethic this has always been something that has been important to me, I think that this can set you apart from someone else and what stands out to employers. If and individual is willing to go the extra mile for the greater good it isn’t taken for granted and doesn’t go unnoticed. If you work hard and well with others you will be seen as professional. I believe with this once you practice this it becomes a habit and you naturally work hard and it creates a good reputation for yourself that sticks. To prepare for life after college, I have been in contact with future employers and ensuring I am doing all that I can do with my time at Eastern to be a candidate for jobs, I am working extremely hard to get good grades to graduate with a good GPA. I am working right now and doing school which has taught me how to stay organized and I am going to job fair and using networking to the best of my ability. My dream job would be something with traveling, as of now my dream job would be a flight attendant and as of now I am in contact with an airline and working towards that goal. Reply Reply to Comment

Hey Cassandra! I wanted to comment and talk about your character trait you told us about yourself. You stated how your an outgoing person ( which I think is great as am i), and were born and raised in a small town. You mentioned that because of that you were in many clubs that you got to exercise your public speaking.  I found that really great that you got a jump in the game,  because I was born and raised in a large city, so things move really fast and I never had the time to joined any clubs, intact I was actually terrified to speak infant of people until I got to college and actually got the practice.   Reply Reply to Comment Collapse Subdiscussion Lauren Blazekovic

Lauren Blazekovic

Jun 26, 2019 Jun 26 at 8:31pm

Hi Cassandra,

I had a class with you last quarter! From your posts class quarter, it obvious that you have solid communication skills and are a natural leader. This is a skill I do not have as I am a very introverted person, I have always wished I could be outgoing and a leader but anxiety takes a toll on me. I also want to travel for a dream job, I think seeing and learning about new cultures is one of the greatest ways to learn. That is wonderful that you are in contact with an airline to pursue your dream, being a flight attendant would be such a fun and meaningful experience. I have a friend that just started being a flight attendant and she is loving meeting new people and traveling for free. I hope it works out for you and I am looking forward to working with you again this quarter! Reply Reply to Comment Collapse Subdiscussion Tony Gonzales

Tony Gonzales

Jun 26, 2019 Jun 26 at 11:39pm

Hi Cassandra,

Having a job with traveling perks seems like a necessity these days. With innovations in flight technology most of the world is less than a day away from any other point. You would experience this phenomenon first-hand as a flight attendant. What a unique way to see new places.  Reply Reply to Comment Collapse Subdiscussion Kylie Maycumber

Kylie Maycumber

Jun 27, 2019 Jun 27 at 8:01pm

  • Hey Cassandra
    I feel like growing up in a small town and being in different clubs and sports made me more outgoing as well. That is awesome that one of your NACE competencies is leadership. I always feel like that is something I have to consciously work on.
    Working while in school has really kept me more organized also. I actually have the best grades when I am working more hours and have more on my plate. Being a flight attendant would be such a fun job! Reply Reply to Comment

Collapse Subdiscussion Dr. PC

Dr. PC

Jun 26, 2019 Jun 26 at 7pm

Thank you Tyler and Cassandra for your thorough Discussion posts. I just sent another announcement so that you’d have other students to respond to before the deadline. I hope it works! I will be here, refreshing the page regularly, from now until 9pm tonight. If you have questions or concerns, feel free to post in the reply to this box. I am watching the debates tonight as well, but will be keeping at least one eye on this Discussion. 🙂 Reply Reply to Comment Collapse Subdiscussion Tajha Briggs

Tajha Briggs

Jun 26, 2019 Jun 26 at 7:43pm

(A)Something that I would say speaks to my character and or personality would be my competitiveness. I am the youngest of four kids so I have had to compete from everything may it be as small as the last juice in the fridge, to as big as sports competitions. I will get a task in mind and give it my every last bit of energy to reach it.

(B) If I had to my top 2 NACE Competencies, I would say my first one would be Oral/ written communication, because I believe you cannot get anywhere without communication. You need to be able to professional speak in public as well as execute stellar written prompts, emails, and pitches. My second pick would be critical thinking and problem solving; because let’s face it, things rarely go exactly as planned. Critical thinking will allow you a great advantage when thinking quick on your feet, while problem solving will help with delivering those alternate ideas to assure you find a way to make the best out of something. 

(C) I believe I will absolutely use both of those competencies in my transition from undergrad to the professional world. I plan to also really incorporate and work on my leadership skills, taking the initiative as well as not being afraid to be bold with leading others is a huge plus that will help me in my next stage of life.

(D) When I graduate, my dream job is to be a Publicist. A publicist more specifically in the sports industry, I would love to work one on one with players, but I would be open to a sports agency as well, just no the entertainment industry. Reply Reply to Comment

Thank you, Tajha! I really appreciate your being here. I hope you can go take the pre-assessment if you haven’t already. Very thorough response. 🙂 Reply Reply to Comment

4 others have already taken the assessment and turned it in, though they haven’t been in the discussion yet. It’s possible they are on their way. I’m sticking around until 9pm to provide support or answer questions as needed. I *really* appreciate your answers here already. OH! I thought I would attach a very drafty template of the manual or handbook on Career Preparation we are building for CMST students. Nothing is in stone…it’s just to give you a visual so you have an idea where your work will go as you each take on one of the competencies and research the stuffing out of them. See attached! 🙂DRAFT cmst manual for career preparation.ppt Reply Reply to Comment

Collapse Subdiscussion Lauren Blazekovic

Lauren Blazekovic

Jun 26, 2019 Jun 26 at 8:38pm

Hi Tajha,

Having a competitive mindset is a great, especially when it comes to furthering your career past graduation. Jobs today are so competitive so this will give you an advantage, this is a skill I do not really have, so competing for a job would be much more challenging for me. Like you, I definitely need to work on my leadership skills in order to excel in my career. A publicist job sounds like it would be a great choice for you if you are interested in sports, you seem like you have a good mindset to follow through with this career!  Reply Reply to Comment Collapse Subdiscussion Heather Hall

Heather Hall

Jun 26, 2019 Jun 26 at 8:50pm

Tajha, 

I have to admit that I too am competitive as well. I personally grew up an only child but I was always competitive to the idea of overcoming my mother’s accomplishments due to the type of unstable relationship we have. I agree with you as well that oral and written communication is important because it in a sense, it eliminates the barrier of misconception that could occur when you are trying to understand nonverbal cues. I see that you are interested in becoming a publicist. Have you ever taken the class that is offered from Jessica Boyer that’s called Sports PR? I would highly recommend it if you haven’t!  Reply Reply to Comment Collapse Subdiscussion Tony Gonzales

Tony Gonzales

Jun 26, 2019 Jun 26 at 10:52pm

Hi Tajha,

Being the youngest of four children must produce a worldview vastly different from the oldest. Kudos to you for turning that into something positive. I couldn’t possibly know what that’s like being a second born only boy, but I also have a younger sister born fourth. She also demonstrated a tenacity that the rest of my siblings aren’t familiar with. Good luck with your career goals!    Reply Reply to Comment Collapse Subdiscussion Cassandra Payne

Cassandra Payne

Jun 27, 2019 Jun 27 at 8:46am

Hi Tajha,

I think having a competitive personality can be an aid in a lot of things you do barbecue you wont stop until the job is done . I like that you chose written/oral communication I think there has to be communication with anything that someone does so you can ensure that everyone is on the same page and has the same game plan so the job can get done. I think that a publicist within the sports industry would be a fun job especially with your competitiveness, hope that works out for you!  Reply Reply to Comment Collapse Subdiscussion Kylie Maycumber

Kylie Maycumber

Jun 27, 2019 Jun 27 at 8:06pm

  • Hi Tajha
    I completely agree that oral/written communication is important because you can’t get anywhere without it. The critical thinking was an interesting competency because I thought it could tie in with some of the other competencies. After reading your response I realized how much more thorough I should have answered my questions. Reply Reply to Comment

Collapse Subdiscussion Lauren Blazekovic

Lauren Blazekovic

Jun 26, 2019 Jun 26 at 8:25pm

A. Something that speaks to my character is organization and time management. I have found that these skills create less stress in my school and work life, they have great importance in my everyday life. 

B. My top two NACE competencies are oral/written communication and professionalism/work ethic. These are important to me because I have gained a lot of knowledge and skill in communication as I have almost finished all of my communication classes. I think this plays a huge role in my professionalism in work as I have learned how to professionally and personally communicate with others depending on the situation. Being able to know how to properly communicate with others is a crucial aspect in building a career and working with other people on a daily basis.

C. My transition out of school is relatively undecided for now. I do plan on moving to Seattle after I graduate where there will be more opportunity for me to grow in my career, I have lived in Spokane my whole life and feel I pursue more jobs in a bigger city. I am hoping to get a job or internship where I can grow and move up in. 

D. My dream job would be to work in a company in the fashion industry and one where I could travel. For right now, I am working in clothing and shoe sales and I really enjoy it, but I disagree with many of the business practices in the company I work for. I would like to take this further by being in management of a clothing company so I have a say in how the business is run and what the products are.  Reply Reply to Comment

What a great post, Lauren! When you’ve responded to each of your classmates, you’ve completed today’s assignments (because you already did the assessment!) Good job. 🙂 Reply Reply to Comment Collapse Subdiscussion Cassandra Payne

Cassandra Payne

Jun 26, 2019 Jun 26 at 9:58pm Hi! I think the dream job within the fashion industry would be amazing. I’m sure it would be a lot of fun. I think the two you picked of being professional and the communication are very important skills to possess within this job so I think that’s awesome that those are the two that you picked. Your name looks familiar, I believe we’ve had a class together in the past. Hope this class goes well for you! Reply Reply to Comment Collapse Subdiscussion Tony Gonzales

Tony Gonzales

Jun 26, 2019 Jun 26 at 10:43pm

Hi Lauren,

I think it’s really fascinating that you maintain a professionalism and work ethic even when you disagree with your employer’s business practices. I think that’s always been the conflict that takes the wind out of my sails, so to speak, when it comes to being employed. Going from job to job, working for one unscrupulous capitalist after the other. This is what drove me to go back to school, more or less. Autonomy in the workplace is rare, and rarer still in wage employment. That you can maintain that work ethic is to be admired, for sure.  Reply Reply to Comment Collapse Subdiscussion Kylie Maycumber

Kylie Maycumber

Jun 27, 2019 Jun 27 at 8:16pm

  • Hi Lauren,
    That is really cool that you want to go to Seattle for an internship after graduating. My transition is fairly undecided right now as well. but I am calling it open minded.
    I worked in a clothing store for a few years and as much as I loved the fashion industry I felt the EXACT SAME way about some of the business practices. I actually did an assignment on it in a previous communications class.  I have seen other stores not use the same practices, and do much better sales wise, so you know it doesn’t have to be done that way, you know?  Reply Reply to Comment

Collapse Subdiscussion Heather Hall

Heather Hall

Jun 26, 2019 Jun 26 at 8:46pm

1. Something that speaks to my character and personality is motivation. Motivation is important to me because it is my driving force. I have been constantly motivated to prove my mother wrong when she told me that she didn’t expect me to go far due to some challenging events that tested my “inner core” so to speak. I consume myself in motivation in order to prove my mother every single day as if I thrive for it.


2. If I had to name my two top NACE Competencies, I would say that they are Oral/Written communication because communication has become the most vital asset in today’s society and is crucial to be aware of when communicating beyond the stereotypical interpersonal relationship with one other person. It also helps aiding in being able to communicate more extensively than trying to pick up on nonverbal cues. My other NACE Competency that I would name would have to be critical thinking/problem solving. I chose this because I tend to use critical thinking/problem solving every single day whether its communicating with my fiancé on how we are setting up the nursery with limited space or when I had to use conflict management skills when I worked as a gas station attendant. I feel that this is a skill that is always used even if we do not necessarily recognize it, it is a favorable asset to carry with you in life.
(c) My relative transition from an undergraduate degree is to either try and get an internship within the Spokane County 911 dispatch office or to continue on to getting my master’s in communications with an emphasis in instructional communication.
(d) My dream job is to work for Spokane County as a 911 dispatcher. I want to be able to help people and incorporate learnings from conflict management and assist those who are in need. Reply Reply to Comment

Hi Heather, thank you for your fulsome post! I have a book chapter from my Language & Social Interaction class. It’s on communication strategy that uses a 911 dispatch center as a case study. It is so intriguing. I attached it here for your “light” reading, because I think you’ll get a lot out of it. 🙂chapter 6 applying the skills concept CMST 410 LSI handbook.pdf Reply Reply to Comment Collapse Subdiscussion Tony Gonzales

Tony Gonzales

Jun 26, 2019 Jun 26 at 10:33pm

Your aspiration to be a 911 dispatcher is admirable. Being on the front line of first responders is a position that takes an extraordinary attention to detail and no-nonsense communication skills. What a fascinating experience that will be. Good luck in that endeavor.  Reply Reply to Comment Collapse Subdiscussion Cassandra Payne

Cassandra Payne

Jun 27, 2019 Jun 27 at 8:49am

Hi,

I like that you chose motivation, I would have never thought of something like that but I think that is a great trait to have in whatever you do. I tend to gravitate towards these kind of people I have noticed. I see others around me doing this as well. I like the two you chose and I think they work nicely together, you can problem solve through communication and get much figured out. I think the job you chose would be difficult but I think it would also be rewarding knowing you are helping.  Reply Reply to Comment Collapse Subdiscussion Kylie Maycumber

Kylie Maycumber

Jun 27, 2019 Jun 27 at 8:19pm

  • Hi Heather,
    I think that is an awesome thing to speak to your character, motivation drives absolutely everything. I think working for 911 dispatch would be such an exciting/intense/scary job! The only two times I have had to call 911 I was absolutely anything but calm and the fact dispatch can remain so calm in those types of situations is incredible. Reply Reply to Comment

Collapse Subdiscussion Tony Gonzales

Tony Gonzales

Jun 26, 2019 Jun 26 at 10:27pm

(a) Something that speaks to my character is that I’m sympathetic. I tend to root for the underdog and side with the vulnerable. I really appreciate the “little guy fighting against the system” stories that are so prevalent in mass media.

(b) The two NACE competencies that I could most identify with were Critical Thinking and Global/Intercultural Fluency. Critical Thinking is important to me because so much of the information we receive, be it visual or aural or otherwise, is wrapped in layers of subtext and innuendo. Rarely is media to be taken at face value. Critical Thinking provides a toolset for discerning truth from a myriad of smoke and mirrors. Global Fluency also resonated with me because as this country becomes more diverse, and stronger because of it, we can help to alleviate the growing pains by becoming better ambassadors. Knowledge of worlds outside our own experiences is necessary to promoting and identifying with diversity.

(c) I really have no plans as to what my post-graduate life might be like. It’s difficult for me to envision a career at this point in my college experience. Perhaps this class will shine some light on that.

(d) My dream job would be in some capacity where I could make a positive difference in the world. Perhaps teaching at a small, diverse college where I could impart a fascination and a reverence for the planet and its people. But, y’know…not in like, a hippie sort of way. Something practical and down to earth. Reply Reply to Comment

Another great post, Tony. Glad to see you back in another online course I get to teach! I’m also glad you picked up on the value of Global/intercultural Fluency, because that competency is one of the reasons we challenge the status quo in this discipline and on our campus. I’m really liking your responses to others, too. Empathy, indeed! Reply Reply to Comment Collapse Subdiscussion Tyler Erickson

Tyler Erickson

Jun 26, 2019 Jun 26 at 11:52pm

Tony, 

Sympathetic is a great quality. I did not even think of that. I also admire the fact that you seem to be a very critical thinker, and that is something i am awful at and need to get better at. I find it very refreshing that you just want to make a difference in the world and not just chasing a check. That is admirable.  Great post! Reply Reply to Comment Collapse Subdiscussion Cassandra Payne

Cassandra Payne

Jun 27, 2019 Jun 27 at 8:53am

Hi Tony,

I like that you chose sympathetic as your character you can definitely set people apart if they aren’t and this trait is  admired by a lot of people and employers, I think that it would work nicely with whatever you chose as a job with helping people. Sometime not having a plan is also a plan because a lot can happen here. I have heard of many people having the job choose them! Reply Reply to Comment Collapse Subdiscussion Kylie Maycumber

Kylie Maycumber

Jun 27, 2019 Jun 27 at 8:25pm

  • Hi Tony
    I think sympathy/empathy is a great characteristic. Though I would say I am sympathetic I wish I could be more empathetic than what I am. That’s cool that you can identify with Global/Intercultural fluency, as no one else has identified with that yet and I think the importance of that continues to grow.  Reply Reply to Comment

Collapse Subdiscussion Kylie Maycumber

Kylie Maycumber

Jun 27, 2019 Jun 27 at 12:15am

 I think that something that speaks to my character would be that even though I am softer spoken I would consider myself outgoing.

 I think my top 2 NACE competencies are career management and (depending on the situation) oral communication. I am very confident with my knowledge of my strengths and weaknesses and always try to use them in my favor. In a way that goes hand in hand with my other NACE competency because even though I am fairly soft spoken I would consider myself outgoing in smaller group situations. My current job fits into that category well as my job includes visiting with small groups of people all day. I also completed various business communications classes at my other college and feel as though my written skills are strong.

 I would say I have been preparing for life after college by completing my co-op work experience (it was that colleges version of an internship), as well as learning some of the ‘firm specific skills’ that are only possible on the job, as one of the articles we are reading this week mentioned. 

I go back and forth on what I would consider my dream job. Originally, I had always wanted to become an academic advisor, which requires a masters, but while pursuing my bachelors I began working at a tasting room for a winery in Walla Walla and fell in love with the industry. Many of the tasting room management positions require a bachelors in communications or a form of business management, so I was already on the right track for that. I have been interested in different jobs including different sales positions after talking with someone who completed their bachelors in communications through Eastern and has loved that career path. I would love to continue to learn what opportunities I could have with my degree. Reply Reply to Comment

Hi Kylie, 

I also consider myself outgoing and it has helped me in many aspects. I think that it will work well with the job you choose. I like the idea of academic advising especially with having experience being a college kid and going through it and having a background in communications. I like that you mention that you want to continue to learn about more opportunities with your degree, I think being open minded is important and will only aid in your journey!    Reply Reply to Comment Collapse Subdiscussion Tony Gonzales

Tony Gonzales

Jun 27, 2019 Jun 27 at 3:46pm

Hi Kylie,

I also served beer and wine at a tasting bar, but mine was in a fancy-shmancy grocery store. I found that the best part of the day was interacting with people and talking about the beers and wines available to sample. I hadn’t ever considered that the skills gained through Comm Studies would be a benefit in that position, but in hindsight I totally get that. Just goes to show how diverse your skills are with a Comm degree and the opportunities available to graduates. Edited by Tony Gonzales on Jun 27 at 3:47pm

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