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5/1/2013

National Library Week 2013

The Virginia Beach Campus of Centura College celebrated National Library Week on April 13-20, 2013 with a Double Crossword Puzzle and an Essay Contest. National Library Week, first sponsored in 1958, is a national observance sponsored by the American Library Association (ALA) and libraries across the Country each April. This years theme was Communities matter @ your library.

In celebration of National Library Week, the students visited the library and explored the library resources in order to locate the correct answers to the crossword puzzle. Mr. Barbour, the school librarian, especially designed the crossword puzzle for students to learn about new library resources for their academic programs. The puzzle answers were: (1) Same Day Resume; (2) PDR; (3) Bergamot; (4) Entrepreneur; and (5) Hacking Exposed. The puzzle solution was Caroline Kennedy, the Honorary Chair of the 2013 National Library Week. The following were the lucky student winners whose correct entries were drawn: Stephanie Thomas, Business Management; Mark Pearson, Computer Network Management; Jeannine Quillen, Massage Therapy; and Christina Tomlin, Medical Assisting! The students were awarded Centura College Tote Bags and Backpacks equipped with school supplies!

In keeping with this years National Library Week theme, Communities Matter @ your library, the students were also encouraged to write an essay for a contest. Within the essay, the students discussed positive experiences about a library as well as the important role libraries have within their communities. All of the essays were amazing and thoughtful. The lucky winners of the narrative essay contest were Stacie Reyes, Medical Assisting, and Alexandra Conrad, Massage Therapy. Each student received a gift card to Wal-mart and a Merriam-Webster Collegiate Dictionary!

There was an atmosphere of excitement and much participation thoughout the event as the students visited the library while entering the drawings, using the computers, and browsing the collections. They received official National Library Week bookmarks, bibliographies, and brochures about the Centura College Virginia Beach Campus Library! Mr. Barbour, Librarian, would like to thank everyone who participated in this years National Library Week and congratulate the lucky winners of the drawings!

Stacee Reyes - Medical Assisting Student

Alexandra Conrad - Massage Therapy Student

Mark Pearson - Computer Network Management Student

Christina Tomlin - Medical Assisting Student

Stephanie L. Thomas - Business Management Student

Jeannine Quillen - Massage Therapy Student

Posted at 8:45 AM by Amber Santucci | Permalink | Email this Post | Comments (0)

4/24/2013

Alumni Workshop

On March 29th, the Medical Department at the Virginia Beach Campus of Centura College hosted an alumni/job searching workshop. The workshop began with a light lunch and the opportunity to speak with a graduate, Nia Bowman, who is currently working in the field.

Ms. Bowman spent some time discussing what she has learned since entering the medical field. One of the first things that she stated was how important patience is in the field especially with the doctors. The second point she made was remaining professional at all times in person and on Facebook. She added that even though her employer did not check Facebook for a potential new hire other people in the office did. The third point she made was the importance of establishing references and a network of connections. She was able to move into her current position because of a reference that she had established during her Centura externship.

After lunch, the job seeking students moved into a computer lab to review current job postings and establish LinkedIn profiles. Students were provided a folder of information about networking and how to maintain a professional image online to help during their job search.

The workshop is scheduled to meet again in June.

Posted at 3:56 PM by Amber Santucci | Permalink | Email this Post | Comments (0)

Sentara Recruiter Inside Information!

The Career Center and the Medical Department at the Virginia Beach Campus of Centura College teamed up to host guest speaker, Miranda Maynard a Sentara Recruiter.

Ms. Maynard came in to talk to the students about applying with Sentara. She went through the application process and gave pointers on successfully navigating the website. She provided a variety of tips to keep in mind when filling out the application and uploading documents. She also gave the students an overview of the interviewing process and stressed the importance of being prepared for behavioral interview questions.

The medical students really enjoyed the event and the opportunity to ask questions of a Sentara recruiter. If anyone is interested in the tips that Ms. Maynard shared with the department please stop by Career Services for a summary.

Posted at 3:56 PM by Amber Santucci | Permalink | Email this Post | Comments (0)

Exploring Massage Therapy – Massage LuXe

On March 28th, the Career Center and the Massage Therapy Department at the Virginia Beach Campus of Centura College hosted guest speakers from Massage LuXe.

The general managers of Massage LuXe came into the morning and evening massage therapy classes to talk to the students about what it is like to work for Massage LuXe.

The students learned about the interview process, scheduling, pay, duties, and company expectations. After the information was presented students were given the opportunity to ask questions.

The event was very successful and students expressed a new interest in the possibility of working for Massage LuXe upon graduation. The students were impressed with the various opportunities that would be available for them through the company. One of the general managers, Abel Keen from the La Promenade location, strongly encouraged anyone interested in working for them to come down and take a tour.

At the end of each session a raffle was held: Andre Skipper (day) and Ruth Edwards (night) each one a new set of sheets for their massage tables.

Posted at 3:55 PM by Amber Santucci | Permalink | Email this Post | Comments (0)

Spring Career Day

The Virginia Beach Campus of Centura College Spring Career Day was held March 12th from 10 – 1 pm. The event was a huge success with 13 different employers participating.

Students and graduates were prepped with their business attire and resumes. Participants were encouraged to talk to a variety of employers to explore possible career opportunities and to practice their networking skills.

The employers had a steady flow of students throughout the day and scheduled several interviews. Massage Envy commented that it was “one of the best” Career Day’s that they had participated in yet and that they were looking forward to two potential new hires.

Overall, the event was a huge success and Centura College – Virginia Beach is looking forward to hosting its next Career Day in August.

Posted at 3:54 PM by Amber Santucci | Permalink | Email this Post | Comments (0)

4/11/2013

St. Patrick’s Day Library Scavenger Hunt

Shamrocks, Leprechauns, Ireland, Oh My!

The Virginia Beach Campus of Centura College celebrated St. Patricks Day throughout the week of March 17 with a library scavenger hunt designed for students enrolled in our academic programs of study. The librarian, Mr. Barbour, and the faculty encouraged the students to visit the library and research the answers to Irish trivia for a prize drawing! The students not only learned about Irish culture and its legends but also how to use the library resources, such as the Internet, the online electronic databases, and the reference books.

There were two student drawings from the correct entries! Cranston Bouknight, a student in the Bachelor of Business Management Program, correctly responsed that blue is the official color of Ireland. Anne Rolle, an evening student in the Computer Network Management Program, correctly answered that lamb is the type of meat in Irish stew. Each of the students were awarded a Centura College Umbrella for the prize drawings! If you would like to read more about Ireland, its history and additional information, you may check out the book, Irish Trivia on Tap: 600 Questions to measure your IQ (Irish Quotient) by Jennifer Grace (2009).

Thank you to everyone who participated in this years St. Patricks Day Library Scavenger Hunt; and congratulations to the lucky winners, Anne Rolle and Cranston Boutnight! I am pleased to say it was another learning opportunity for the students at the Virginia Beach Campus of Centura College!

Posted at 2:21 PM by Amber Santucci | Permalink | Email this Post | Comments (0)

11/1/2012

The Centura College Virginia Beach Campus held its 2012 U.S. Citizenship Day & Constitution Week Celebration!

The Virginia Beach Campus of Centura College observed U.S. Citizenship Day and Constitution Week, September 17 through 20, 2012, commemorating the original signing of the U.S. Constitution held on September 17, 1781 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Our educational program attracted the attention of many students, faculty, and staff for the purpose of learning more about our single most important document of self-government in the United States. Throughout the week, there were many library activities and campus-wide opportunities designed for everyone to explore the importance of the United States Constitution.

On Monday, September 17, 2012, we showed the movie, A More Perfect Union: America Becomes a Nation in the student lounge with a full audience of students from various programs taking time from their busy schedules to watch the movie. They also enjoyed homemade popcorn, compliments of Ms. Mary Morgan, our student advisor! This movie was filmed in Monticello, Virginia, and reminded us of the detailed process in which our forefathers wrote and adopted the original U.S. Constitution. The students answered trivia questions which correlated with the events of the movie. From the correct entries that the students submitted, we held two drawings. Anita Westmoreland, Computer Network Management student of the morning session and Adena Johnson, Medical Assisting student of the evening session were the lucky winners!

Visiting the library during that week, many students participated in library scavenger hunt trivia and completed word search puzzles. The questions for the library scavenger hunt gave students an opportunity to explore facts about amendments to the U.S. Constitution, the Articles of Confederation, The Supreme Court and Civics, and the U.S. Presidents. The word search puzzle required the students to locate the names of the signers of the original Constitution. The winners of the library scavenger hunt trivia drawings were: Business students, Gregory Taylor and James Ruckman. The winner drawn from the word searches was Medical Assisting student, Sara Graves!

Business Student, Gregory Taylor

Computer Network Management Student – Anita Westmoreland

Medical Assisting Student – Sara Graves

Business Student - Christina Piercy

Medical Assisting Student – Adena Johnson

Business Student - James Ruckman

Additionally, Mr. Barbour, our librarian, placed an exhibit on display in the library which included memorabilia, representing the historical events leading up to and including the formation of our present-day U.S. Constitution. The students were encouraged to visit the library to see the special exhibit and to locate the missing link within the display case. Christina Piercy, Business student, responded correctly identifying the missing stars on the U.S. flag within the display!

Centura College Virginia Beach Campus’ Classic U.S. Constitution Day Display Case, containing a missing link!

Congratulations to this years lucky winners who received Centura College lunch totes and T-shirts! Everyone who participated in the Constitution Week also received U.S Constitution Day bibliographies, pocket constitutions, and patriotic bookmarkers! Overall, the goal was for students, faculty, and staff to recognize the importance of our United States Constitution and the freedoms which we share as citizens of the United States of America. A special thanks goes to everyone who participated in the educational program.

Posted at 10:32 AM by Amber Santucci | Permalink | Email this Post | Comments (0)

6/14/2012

The Virginia Beach Campus of Centura College Incorporates Zumba into Medical Assisting Role II Class

By Amelia Level, Medical Assisting Instructor, CVAB

As part of Mrs. Amelia Level’s “Medical Assisting Role II” Class at the Virginia Beach Campus of Centura College, she incorporated a Zumba dance class to reinforce exercise and nutrition going together as part of the Food Guide Pyramid. Zumba represents dance and exercise combined. It can consist of different styles of dance such as Raggae, Salsa, Country Dancing and others. The students in the class did Zumba 30 minutes per morning. They also walked around Mount Trashmore every Thursday as they watched what they ate through Food Dairies and “Weigh-Ins” on the scales. They kept track of what they ate for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, including snacks for the five weeks. The students “Weighed-In” once per week when they did Zumba. There were also several Massage Therapy students who participated during the Zumba Class at the evening and day classes: Chris Spruell, Fatima Ahmed, Eugene Potts, Torrey Huggins, Beverly Stegall; Alyssa Parido, and Zamanda Ramsey. Mrs. Kristin Chandler, Medical Assisting Instructor, assisted Mrs. Level with the numerous classes, as well.

The results of the Zumba class were amazing and the students truly saw fitness and healthy eating results. LaVonda Armstrong was the student leader who kept track of “Weigh-Ins” and attendance at snacks and brunches that the group had. Sara Graves assisted her with the events. Briana Thomas was our Zumba weight loss winner who lost 12 pounds during the five-week period. She was awarded a Wal-Mart Gift Card. Two evening students, Winnie Cox and Katlynn Betit, also participated in Zumba. While getting ready to deliver her baby, Katlynn still participated in Zumba under the advice of her physician. All students received certificates for completing the Zumba classes and the student leaders received additional certificates for their dedication and participation. The students felt blessed by the results and excited by the class. The program really benefited the students, and here are a few of their testimonies:

“When I started Medical Assisting Role II, I was 269 lbs. Today I am 257 lbs. Although it is just twelve pounds, I feel like it is a new beginning to being healthy. Food does not control me anymore. … I am healthier for myself, my children, and I do not plan on stopping my workout even after this class ends. I thank the Centura College Staff for allowing us to take this opportunity to get in shape and get healthy.” - Briana Thomas

“During this class I have realized a lot about myself like how far I can push myself mentally and physically. … I used to smoke 5-6 times a day, with this class I’ve learned how to cut back to 2-3 a day and trying to only have one then eventually none.” - Nikki Elliott

“This program also saved my life. I was a walking time bomb and didn’t even know it. … I have been diagnosed with hypertension. … I am learning and starting to take better care of myself. … Thank you for caring about our well-being and incorporating the workouts and walks at Mt. Trashmore in the course. I have benefited greatly from this class.” - LaVonda Armstrong

“…When we started doing the Zumba, and writing down what we have been eating, and I have been cutting back on what I was eating and drinking. My clothes have started fitting better, I’m not as tired, and I am starting to feel a lot better. I have also started doing stuff at home. I’m now walking around the block and playing with my son outside more. …” - Rhonda Mallison

“I can see a big change in me since starting this class. … This will really help me get ready for the summer and healthy. … I really want to thank Centura for letting us do Zumba.” - Avonte Frost

“Zumba made me more alert and awake before class. It also has motivated me to stay active in some form of exercise. It is very health for me and it is also an exciting fun way to get in shape.” - Kareena Davidson

“My whole attitude about exercising has changed. I remember when I used to say I am not trying to lose weight. But it is not just about losing weight, it’s about staying tone and being healthy all at the same time.” - Deonta Humphrey

“My behavioral habits have changed as a result from doing Zumba daily. I have noticed that not only am I losing weight but I have begun to eat healthier. … Zumba has given me the energy and drive to be more involved with outdoor as well as my son’s activities. … I was borderline diabetic until the past couple of weeks due to the better change in my daily diet.” – Sara Graves

“I have learned that this school is not only for an education but also to make you feel better about yourself and they care about your health. I want to send a huge thank you to Mrs. Level, my teacher and the one who thought of the idea of working out each morning, she not only pushed me to work harder but she also made sure to compliment us. I would also like to thank Mrs. Bedford, our Medical Coordinator, for allowing us to construct this program and participating with us.” - Dyanne King

Posted at 10:57 AM by Amber Santucci | Permalink | Email this Post | Comments (0)

6/11/2012

Guest Speaker Inspires and Enlightens our Business Students!

By Brenda Houck, Career Services Coordinator, CVAB

Ms. Hitchman’s Professional Ethics class and fellow Business students welcomed guest speaker Belinda Pitts, Office Coordinator for Dr. Margie Corney, on Wednesday, May 23rd to the Virginia Beach Campus of Centura College.

Ms. Pitts started her presentation by sharing with the students her experience through the administrative side of the medical field. She stressed the importance of ethics and personal presentation at all points of contact in the medical office. Another topic she covered was documentation of a patient’s medical record; she stated that if it is not written down “it didn’t happen!”

Ms. Pitts then conducted a question and answer session with the students. She answered several questions regarding errors in medical bills: she summarized that it was usually human error. She recommended to calmly investigate the discrepancy. She advised that if you are ever in charge of billing to make sure that you take your time to prevent errors. She wrapped up her presentation by reminding students to take every opportunity to learn new skills and volunteer to gain experience!

Posted at 1:54 PM by Amber Santucci | Permalink | Email this Post | Comments (0)

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