Lorrie Blake (Antoinette Bradley/The Current)
Whether it’s called The Good Center or the Re-Entry Club, Longview Campus Center room 257 has a positive effect on students.
The Re-Entry Club is not only a lounge for students to study, says Longview Student Services assistant Lorrie Blake. It’s specifically for students who have been out of school for five years or more. Founded in 1978 by Longview English Fran Good, the program is designed to assist returning students to adjust to college demands.
Students come to the Re-Entry Club to form personal connections with other students, form study groups, receive updates on campus events, and to take part in good networking opportunities. Sometimes, they even have potlucks.
Last semester, the club engaged in sessions with the counselors participating in stress-management and relaxing exercises, and also learning about college success skills.
Blake has been a student at Longview for six years and the club gave her the opportunity to help other people, she said. As leader of the group, she wants to make sure that for future students there process is as smooth as possible.
“My goal is to make sure students know about The Re-Entry Club,” she said.
Kathy Baker, who has been attending Longview for two and half years, says that the Re-Entry atmosphere is friendly, the club is informative, and everyone is close-knit.
Club member Kenneth Miller agreed, and says that knowing people that are motivated to do something with their life is a good thing. Miller also says that the Re-Entry Club is a good support system, adding that meeting people who understand you and your situation can provide insight.
“Learn to focus on the successes than failures. Focusing on the successes will be more successful,” is what he’s learned as part of the group.
Good Center/Re-Entry Club office hours are Monday – Thursday 8 a.m. – 4 p.m. and Fridays 8 – 2:30.
February 10, 2010
Campus