1 00:00:01,468 --> 00:00:02,936 ANNOUNCER: Welcome to the "We Are Wake Tech Podcast" 2 00:00:02,936 --> 00:00:04,137 with your host 3 00:00:04,137 --> 00:00:06,306 Wake Tech President, Dr. Scott Ralls. 4 00:00:07,474 --> 00:00:09,342 Hi, I'm your host Scott Ralls. 5 00:00:09,342 --> 00:00:13,446 Welcome to the debut episode of "We Are Wake Tech Podcast," 6 00:00:13,446 --> 00:00:15,749 Wake Tech's official podcast. 7 00:00:15,749 --> 00:00:17,517 We're excited to get this podcast started 8 00:00:17,517 --> 00:00:19,052 and we look forward 9 00:00:19,052 --> 00:00:21,788 to bringing you insightful conversations each month, 10 00:00:21,788 --> 00:00:23,056 highlighting the programs 11 00:00:23,056 --> 00:00:25,658 and the people of Wake Tech. 12 00:00:25,658 --> 00:00:27,927 Today, I'm joined by a very special guest, 13 00:00:27,927 --> 00:00:29,829 Ruben Arrieta Mendoza, 14 00:00:29,829 --> 00:00:31,598 the SGA president of Wake Tech. 15 00:00:31,598 --> 00:00:33,166 And I think it's really appropriate 16 00:00:33,166 --> 00:00:35,969 that the very first guest on the first 17 00:00:35,969 --> 00:00:39,773 "We Are Wake Tech Podcast" is a student leader. 18 00:00:39,773 --> 00:00:41,207 Having had the great fortune 19 00:00:41,207 --> 00:00:45,045 to work in community colleges throughout my career, 20 00:00:45,045 --> 00:00:47,180 the greatest benefit to me, 21 00:00:47,180 --> 00:00:49,816 the thing I've appreciated the most 22 00:00:49,816 --> 00:00:52,051 has been the opportunity to be inspired 23 00:00:52,051 --> 00:00:54,287 by community college students. 24 00:00:54,287 --> 00:00:56,122 I like to refer to our students 25 00:00:56,122 --> 00:00:58,591 as our heroes in the hallways. 26 00:00:58,591 --> 00:01:02,228 And our first ever guest certainly falls in the category 27 00:01:02,228 --> 00:01:05,732 of inspiring community college student leaders. 28 00:01:05,732 --> 00:01:07,434 So welcome Ruben. 29 00:01:07,434 --> 00:01:09,269 So glad to have you join us here today 30 00:01:09,269 --> 00:01:11,337 on our "We Are Wake Tech Podcast." 31 00:01:11,337 --> 00:01:12,939 Thank you for having me. 32 00:01:12,939 --> 00:01:14,641 Firstly, a little bit more about Ruben. 33 00:01:14,641 --> 00:01:16,910 Ruben is studying business administration, 34 00:01:16,910 --> 00:01:20,580 plans to transfer to a four-year university later this year. 35 00:01:20,580 --> 00:01:22,982 And I want him to share some things, as I mentioned 36 00:01:22,982 --> 00:01:24,918 about what it's like to be a student, 37 00:01:24,918 --> 00:01:28,421 navigating through college at this time. 38 00:01:28,421 --> 00:01:30,790 It's a very different time for students 39 00:01:30,790 --> 00:01:33,126 and for everybody right now with the pandemic. 40 00:01:33,126 --> 00:01:36,629 But first Ruben, tell us a little bit about your story. 41 00:01:36,629 --> 00:01:39,732 Tell us the Ruben story prior to Wake Tech. 42 00:01:39,732 --> 00:01:41,601 Where you grew up, 43 00:01:41,601 --> 00:01:43,403 what your interest have been, 44 00:01:43,403 --> 00:01:45,638 and what made you choose Wake Tech? 45 00:01:45,638 --> 00:01:48,641 I've lived in Knightdale my entire life 46 00:01:48,641 --> 00:01:50,109 and I still continue to live in Knightdale. 47 00:01:50,109 --> 00:01:52,178 And I went to Knightdale High School right here 48 00:01:52,178 --> 00:01:53,880 and it happens to be 49 00:01:53,880 --> 00:01:55,148 leaving the neighborhood, 50 00:01:55,148 --> 00:01:56,683 make a left and then make a right. 51 00:01:56,683 --> 00:01:59,486 So it was very convenient when I was going to high school. 52 00:01:59,486 --> 00:02:01,354 But yeah, then high school, 53 00:02:01,354 --> 00:02:04,924 I was planning on going to a four-year university. 54 00:02:04,924 --> 00:02:06,860 And as a first-generation student, 55 00:02:06,860 --> 00:02:08,361 that seemed very easy, 56 00:02:08,361 --> 00:02:09,863 just hearing it from other students 57 00:02:09,863 --> 00:02:11,965 and some of my peers in my other classrooms just apply 58 00:02:11,965 --> 00:02:13,199 and then that's it. 59 00:02:13,199 --> 00:02:15,902 But the process was way more extensive 60 00:02:15,902 --> 00:02:17,470 than what I thought it would be. 61 00:02:17,470 --> 00:02:18,805 So I wasn't very prepared 62 00:02:18,805 --> 00:02:21,174 to apply to a four-year university 63 00:02:21,174 --> 00:02:22,709 and get the financial aid 64 00:02:22,709 --> 00:02:25,345 and all the other things that every student needs to submit 65 00:02:25,345 --> 00:02:29,449 and have for applying to a four-year university. 66 00:02:30,984 --> 00:02:32,385 I didn't have a guide and I didn't know 67 00:02:32,385 --> 00:02:33,953 because I don't have family 68 00:02:33,953 --> 00:02:36,322 that has gone to college here in The US. 69 00:02:36,322 --> 00:02:37,590 and that was very difficult 70 00:02:37,590 --> 00:02:39,058 which ultimately led to 71 00:02:40,226 --> 00:02:41,861 a friend of mine in high school also 72 00:02:41,861 --> 00:02:43,062 that was applying to Wake Tech. 73 00:02:43,062 --> 00:02:44,597 And he was like, yeah, you just apply. 74 00:02:44,597 --> 00:02:47,934 And, you know, you set up what career you want to do 75 00:02:47,934 --> 00:02:50,003 and your major here at Wake Tech 76 00:02:50,003 --> 00:02:51,504 and then you're good to go. 77 00:02:51,504 --> 00:02:53,072 And it wasn't that easy. 78 00:02:53,072 --> 00:02:54,774 There was a lot more other stuff that you had to do 79 00:02:54,774 --> 00:02:56,776 in the application process as well. 80 00:02:56,776 --> 00:02:58,945 But that's what ultimately led me go into Wake Tech. 81 00:02:58,945 --> 00:03:01,881 And also the decision to save some money. 82 00:03:01,881 --> 00:03:03,383 There's always that thing 83 00:03:03,383 --> 00:03:05,685 that you hear in high school from a lot of older people 84 00:03:05,685 --> 00:03:07,987 as well as people in college that, 85 00:03:07,987 --> 00:03:10,924 and even in four-year universities that say, 86 00:03:10,924 --> 00:03:13,660 you know, maybe I should have gone to a community college 87 00:03:13,660 --> 00:03:16,529 before I went to a four-year university. 88 00:03:16,529 --> 00:03:19,098 And that was probably the best advice 89 00:03:19,098 --> 00:03:20,600 that I would have gone as a high schooler, 90 00:03:20,600 --> 00:03:23,303 and which led me to apply into Wake Tech 91 00:03:23,303 --> 00:03:25,104 and ultimately coming to Wake Tech 92 00:03:25,104 --> 00:03:27,106 immediately after high school. 93 00:03:27,106 --> 00:03:29,709 And starting Wake Tech, 94 00:03:29,709 --> 00:03:32,545 I wasn't very much the student that you know today 95 00:03:32,545 --> 00:03:35,114 where I'm able to comfortably speak 96 00:03:35,114 --> 00:03:37,684 or speak even in a meeting like that. 97 00:03:37,684 --> 00:03:39,385 And I was very introverted 98 00:03:39,385 --> 00:03:41,387 at the time that I joined Wake Tech. 99 00:03:41,387 --> 00:03:42,889 But when I joined Wake Tech, 100 00:03:44,457 --> 00:03:45,391 I was a full-time student 101 00:03:45,391 --> 00:03:46,593 and I still continue 102 00:03:46,593 --> 00:03:48,494 to be a full-time student this semester. 103 00:03:48,494 --> 00:03:50,463 This semester being one of my biggest semesters 104 00:03:50,463 --> 00:03:52,765 and my last semester as well, 105 00:03:52,765 --> 00:03:54,167 18 credit hours, 106 00:03:54,167 --> 00:03:57,303 which is a lot (indistinct) for one semester. 107 00:03:58,271 --> 00:04:00,106 But when I started at Wake Tech, 108 00:04:00,106 --> 00:04:01,441 I was a full-time student. 109 00:04:01,441 --> 00:04:03,076 And I also made a decision 110 00:04:03,076 --> 00:04:04,577 because in high school 111 00:04:04,577 --> 00:04:06,045 I didn't get involved with a lot of too many things 112 00:04:06,045 --> 00:04:07,880 like student government and stuff like that 113 00:04:07,880 --> 00:04:09,882 or PBL here at Wake Tech as well. 114 00:04:11,050 --> 00:04:13,386 High school for me, it was wrestling 115 00:04:13,386 --> 00:04:15,188 and then student ambassadors 116 00:04:15,188 --> 00:04:18,424 and some other small clubs at school as well. 117 00:04:18,424 --> 00:04:22,428 So I wanted to pursue leadership positions 118 00:04:22,428 --> 00:04:25,732 that'll help me as right now communicate better, 119 00:04:25,732 --> 00:04:27,066 have better speaking skills 120 00:04:27,066 --> 00:04:30,570 and be more comfortable talking in meetings 121 00:04:30,570 --> 00:04:32,472 or talking with people as yourself. 122 00:04:33,673 --> 00:04:36,909 So I decided initially when I started Wake Tech 123 00:04:36,909 --> 00:04:38,344 was to look for opportunities, 124 00:04:38,344 --> 00:04:39,979 and that's what ultimately led me 125 00:04:41,447 --> 00:04:43,483 to joining PBL Phi Beta Lambda here at Wake Tech, 126 00:04:43,483 --> 00:04:45,385 which is a business oriented club. 127 00:04:45,385 --> 00:04:48,788 And I was very introverted at the time that I joined. 128 00:04:50,857 --> 00:04:52,392 Being in that club 129 00:04:52,392 --> 00:04:55,695 and going to the events that we had in the first semester 130 00:04:55,695 --> 00:04:56,796 definitely helped me a lot. 131 00:04:56,796 --> 00:04:58,264 And the advisors there 132 00:04:58,264 --> 00:05:01,634 Ms. Marny Rhodes definitely helped develop my skills 133 00:05:01,634 --> 00:05:04,137 and get comfortable speaking to other people at meetings 134 00:05:04,137 --> 00:05:05,638 and stuff like that. 135 00:05:05,638 --> 00:05:08,307 And other professors that I had at the same time, 136 00:05:08,307 --> 00:05:11,477 like Mr. Jeff Myers helped me a lot as well 137 00:05:11,477 --> 00:05:15,181 when I was taking a public speaking course get comfortable. 138 00:05:15,181 --> 00:05:16,382 And he gave me some advice 139 00:05:16,382 --> 00:05:19,519 on how to be comfortable on the podium 140 00:05:19,519 --> 00:05:21,054 and speaking to a classroom. 141 00:05:21,054 --> 00:05:23,289 And that was a very scary thing for me at the time. 142 00:05:23,289 --> 00:05:24,891 And it still continues to be 143 00:05:24,891 --> 00:05:27,493 a very nerve wracking thing at times, 144 00:05:27,493 --> 00:05:28,695 speaking in front of people. 145 00:05:28,695 --> 00:05:31,631 But ultimately these clubs and organizations 146 00:05:31,631 --> 00:05:33,866 that I joined at Wake Tech helped me develop 147 00:05:33,866 --> 00:05:35,268 a lot of my skills 148 00:05:35,268 --> 00:05:37,970 and made me a lot more comfortable here at Wake Tech. 149 00:05:37,970 --> 00:05:41,074 And I've truly enjoyed my almost two years now 150 00:05:41,074 --> 00:05:42,575 here at Wake Tech. 151 00:05:42,575 --> 00:05:45,144 And I definitely do not regret choosing Wake Tech. 152 00:05:45,144 --> 00:05:46,579 Well, you're a great student. 153 00:05:46,579 --> 00:05:49,716 It'll be hard for our podcast audience to imagine 154 00:05:49,716 --> 00:05:53,386 that you weren't just a naturally great public speaker 155 00:05:53,386 --> 00:05:57,090 because you certainly have that gift. 156 00:05:57,090 --> 00:06:00,593 The last time we were together at graduation, you spoke. 157 00:06:00,593 --> 00:06:01,994 I had to follow you. 158 00:06:01,994 --> 00:06:05,631 And it was like you just stepped up there, drop the mic, 159 00:06:05,631 --> 00:06:07,100 not literally dropped the mic, 160 00:06:07,100 --> 00:06:08,901 but just your performance dropped the mic. 161 00:06:08,901 --> 00:06:10,403 And then I had to follow right behind you. 162 00:06:10,403 --> 00:06:14,607 So you're a tough act to follow in public speaking 163 00:06:14,607 --> 00:06:16,375 and I'm having to do that with you right now 164 00:06:16,375 --> 00:06:17,610 with the podcast, 165 00:06:17,610 --> 00:06:20,480 'cause you're certainly a great public speaker 166 00:06:20,480 --> 00:06:21,514 and a great student. 167 00:06:22,382 --> 00:06:24,016 One of the things, 168 00:06:24,016 --> 00:06:26,419 if I can ask you before we kind of talk a little bit 169 00:06:26,419 --> 00:06:28,354 about what it's like in the pandemic. 170 00:06:28,354 --> 00:06:30,690 Something that a lot of students will say to me 171 00:06:31,858 --> 00:06:34,727 very frequently about Wake Tech is this, 172 00:06:34,727 --> 00:06:38,398 they never imagined Wake Tech has all it has to offer. 173 00:06:38,398 --> 00:06:40,233 I mean, sometimes they'll suggest like 174 00:06:40,233 --> 00:06:42,568 it's almost like they underestimated Wake Tech. 175 00:06:43,936 --> 00:06:47,573 Their expectations were exceeded 176 00:06:47,573 --> 00:06:49,876 once they they arrived here at Wake Tech. 177 00:06:49,876 --> 00:06:51,944 Has that been the case for you? 178 00:06:51,944 --> 00:06:55,081 That has most definitely been the case for me. 179 00:06:55,081 --> 00:06:56,315 As I mentioned in high school, 180 00:06:56,315 --> 00:06:58,317 everyone was applying to four-year universities 181 00:06:58,317 --> 00:07:02,321 like NC State or UNC or UNC Greensboro. 182 00:07:02,321 --> 00:07:05,725 And there was always a stigma against community colleges 183 00:07:05,725 --> 00:07:07,293 like as if 184 00:07:07,293 --> 00:07:10,062 there weren't as many opportunities on community colleges 185 00:07:10,062 --> 00:07:11,597 as there would be on a four-year university. 186 00:07:11,597 --> 00:07:12,832 And I sort of had that. 187 00:07:13,900 --> 00:07:15,802 I completely underestimated Wake Tech 188 00:07:15,802 --> 00:07:17,637 when I initially applied and joined 189 00:07:17,637 --> 00:07:19,705 and enrolled at Wake Tech. 190 00:07:19,705 --> 00:07:22,275 But seeing all the opportunities that were available 191 00:07:23,709 --> 00:07:27,079 for me as a first-year student here at Wake Tech 192 00:07:27,079 --> 00:07:29,649 definitely exceeded those expectations 193 00:07:29,649 --> 00:07:30,883 that I had about Wake Tech. 194 00:07:30,883 --> 00:07:35,021 And that definitely made me love Wake Tech 195 00:07:35,021 --> 00:07:36,689 ultimately to this day 196 00:07:36,689 --> 00:07:39,992 that there's tremendous amounts of opportunities 197 00:07:39,992 --> 00:07:42,595 for leadership or anything really 198 00:07:42,595 --> 00:07:44,363 that a student from any background 199 00:07:44,363 --> 00:07:46,199 would like to get interested in and join 200 00:07:46,199 --> 00:07:48,434 and develop a lot of skills like speaking 201 00:07:48,434 --> 00:07:49,602 or leadership skills 202 00:07:49,602 --> 00:07:51,904 or any any type of skill that's available. 203 00:07:51,904 --> 00:07:54,240 And that definitely exceeded my expectations 204 00:07:54,240 --> 00:07:55,741 when I joined Wake Tech. 205 00:07:55,741 --> 00:07:56,976 I think one thing 206 00:07:56,976 --> 00:07:58,911 about being a student leader at Wake Tech, 207 00:07:58,911 --> 00:08:01,447 I was involved in different things. 208 00:08:01,447 --> 00:08:02,915 I went to a university. 209 00:08:02,915 --> 00:08:05,685 But you often weren't a leader until four years in, 210 00:08:05,685 --> 00:08:07,453 you know, that senior year at Wake Tech. 211 00:08:07,453 --> 00:08:09,422 It's a two-year college. 212 00:08:09,422 --> 00:08:12,992 You gained leadership really early. 213 00:08:12,992 --> 00:08:14,227 You can grasp that early. 214 00:08:14,227 --> 00:08:15,628 And you're a great example of that 215 00:08:15,628 --> 00:08:19,765 because I think that's something that you carry with you 216 00:08:19,765 --> 00:08:21,000 from that point forward. 217 00:08:21,000 --> 00:08:22,568 I think you can get it quick here at Wake Tech. 218 00:08:22,568 --> 00:08:24,537 Now let's jump in and talk a little bit 219 00:08:24,537 --> 00:08:26,439 about what it's like now. 220 00:08:27,640 --> 00:08:30,009 I mean, you're our first podcast guest. 221 00:08:30,009 --> 00:08:32,745 You're also the first student government leader 222 00:08:32,745 --> 00:08:35,681 in a pandemic at Wake Tech. 223 00:08:35,681 --> 00:08:37,216 And for all our students, 224 00:08:37,216 --> 00:08:40,286 it's has been a disruption in some ways from normalcy 225 00:08:40,286 --> 00:08:42,488 in this whole 2021 period. 226 00:08:42,488 --> 00:08:45,258 How are you and your fellow students handling it 227 00:08:45,258 --> 00:08:47,126 during these unsettling times? 228 00:08:48,494 --> 00:08:51,163 Well, Dr. Ralls, definitely the situation 229 00:08:51,163 --> 00:08:54,433 and the experience varies between students, 230 00:08:54,433 --> 00:08:55,501 for a lot of students, 231 00:08:55,501 --> 00:08:57,003 a lot of my peers, 232 00:08:57,003 --> 00:08:58,504 they've been able to go through it not with ease, 233 00:08:58,504 --> 00:09:01,140 but they've been comfortable with the new online environment 234 00:09:01,140 --> 00:09:05,177 and sort of probably previously having online classes 235 00:09:05,177 --> 00:09:06,646 and knowing what it's like. 236 00:09:06,646 --> 00:09:09,048 But for me and a few of my other peers 237 00:09:09,048 --> 00:09:10,283 as well as students here at Wake Tech, 238 00:09:10,283 --> 00:09:13,452 I'm sure we love 239 00:09:13,452 --> 00:09:17,290 and we prefer the traditional classroom experience 240 00:09:17,290 --> 00:09:19,692 of being student in a class, 241 00:09:19,692 --> 00:09:21,861 having the professor in front of us doing the lecture 242 00:09:21,861 --> 00:09:23,863 and using the whiteboard. 243 00:09:23,863 --> 00:09:26,032 And that rapid transition started back 244 00:09:26,032 --> 00:09:28,501 in late spring of 2020, 245 00:09:29,702 --> 00:09:31,837 where we were in our traditional classrooms 246 00:09:31,837 --> 00:09:33,539 and then the next day it's, 247 00:09:33,539 --> 00:09:35,341 you know, our classmates are going to be online 248 00:09:35,341 --> 00:09:36,943 from here now. 249 00:09:36,943 --> 00:09:39,745 I think it was March 17th when we said 250 00:09:39,745 --> 00:09:41,581 we had to move everything online. 251 00:09:41,581 --> 00:09:45,318 It was an amazing lift by everyone. 252 00:09:45,318 --> 00:09:49,589 Faculty, staff but certainly our students as well. 253 00:09:49,589 --> 00:09:51,257 Yeah, and that rapid transition, 254 00:09:52,692 --> 00:09:54,493 we would have never at the time expect 255 00:09:54,493 --> 00:09:58,297 that this pandemic would have lasted this long. 256 00:09:58,297 --> 00:09:59,699 So at the time, 257 00:09:59,699 --> 00:10:01,300 for me personally, I was okay with, 258 00:10:01,300 --> 00:10:06,305 okay, I'm fine with having a month or two of online classes 259 00:10:06,305 --> 00:10:08,407 and then going back to the traditional classroom setting 260 00:10:08,407 --> 00:10:10,509 in the fall of 2020. 261 00:10:10,509 --> 00:10:12,611 But then that didn't happen to be the case. 262 00:10:13,879 --> 00:10:15,514 And then for a lot of my friends, 263 00:10:15,514 --> 00:10:17,350 unfortunately, a lot of them took a break 264 00:10:17,350 --> 00:10:19,619 when the pandemic still continued 265 00:10:19,619 --> 00:10:22,555 and we were still having to be in an online environment 266 00:10:22,555 --> 00:10:23,789 for the fall 2020 267 00:10:23,789 --> 00:10:26,192 and then for now the spring 2021. 268 00:10:29,395 --> 00:10:33,032 That break was caused by sort of a fear 269 00:10:33,032 --> 00:10:35,134 of not having the same amount of success 270 00:10:35,134 --> 00:10:36,769 as in a traditional classroom setting 271 00:10:36,769 --> 00:10:38,537 with the online environment. 272 00:10:38,537 --> 00:10:39,639 And me personally, 273 00:10:39,639 --> 00:10:41,273 I had that same concern as well 274 00:10:41,273 --> 00:10:44,043 when I was applying for fall 2020. 275 00:10:44,043 --> 00:10:47,480 But progressively, I would say that me and a few of my peers 276 00:10:48,814 --> 00:10:50,349 have gotten a little bit better 277 00:10:50,349 --> 00:10:52,385 and more comfortable with the online environment. 278 00:10:52,385 --> 00:10:55,354 But it's definitely a non-gun to the point where it's easy 279 00:10:55,354 --> 00:10:56,689 and we can go through it with ease. 280 00:10:56,689 --> 00:10:57,957 And for a lot of us, 281 00:10:57,957 --> 00:10:59,892 it's still a lot difficult as well. 282 00:10:59,892 --> 00:11:00,993 Let's dig into that just a little bit. 283 00:11:00,993 --> 00:11:02,495 Can you talk a little bit about 284 00:11:03,496 --> 00:11:05,097 some of the specific challenges? 285 00:11:05,097 --> 00:11:06,532 What are some of the, 286 00:11:06,532 --> 00:11:10,503 just examples of the challenges of making that transition? 287 00:11:10,503 --> 00:11:11,671 And then what are some of the things 288 00:11:11,671 --> 00:11:13,873 that over time helped you? 289 00:11:13,873 --> 00:11:15,941 I mean, you've obviously succeeded. 290 00:11:15,941 --> 00:11:17,476 You're moving forward, 291 00:11:17,476 --> 00:11:20,346 you're going to graduate as a successful student. 292 00:11:20,346 --> 00:11:22,648 I'm so proud of all our graduates over the past year, 293 00:11:22,648 --> 00:11:25,518 who had resilience and persistence, 294 00:11:25,518 --> 00:11:28,354 but they've also figured out ways to work 295 00:11:28,354 --> 00:11:29,922 as we all have in this environment. 296 00:11:29,922 --> 00:11:32,425 What are some of the specific challenges you faced 297 00:11:32,425 --> 00:11:33,659 and what are some of the things 298 00:11:33,659 --> 00:11:35,561 that helped you along the way in that regard? 299 00:11:36,996 --> 00:11:37,997 Well, for a lot of students 300 00:11:37,997 --> 00:11:39,498 I know it was technology. 301 00:11:40,700 --> 00:11:42,234 For me personally, 302 00:11:42,234 --> 00:11:45,037 it was having a printer so I can print assignments out 303 00:11:45,037 --> 00:11:49,308 or having a laptop that would be up to date 304 00:11:49,308 --> 00:11:50,676 for having Microsoft Teams. 305 00:11:50,676 --> 00:11:51,911 And to this day, 306 00:11:51,911 --> 00:11:55,681 I still have classmates who for some reason 307 00:11:55,681 --> 00:11:58,017 were trying to keep up with the class, 308 00:11:58,017 --> 00:11:59,785 but, you know, everyone has a different version 309 00:11:59,785 --> 00:12:01,287 of something like Excel 310 00:12:01,287 --> 00:12:05,124 and it definitely makes the classes a lot more difficult. 311 00:12:05,124 --> 00:12:08,360 But definitely, one of the big challenges was motivation 312 00:12:08,360 --> 00:12:10,296 and staying on track. 313 00:12:10,296 --> 00:12:11,564 For me personally, 314 00:12:11,564 --> 00:12:12,865 in the online environment, 315 00:12:14,300 --> 00:12:18,170 for me, it's very hard at home with so many distractions. 316 00:12:18,170 --> 00:12:19,105 We have the dog 317 00:12:19,105 --> 00:12:20,339 and we have family members 318 00:12:20,339 --> 00:12:21,307 and we have things going on in the background, 319 00:12:21,307 --> 00:12:22,608 we have cars going by. 320 00:12:24,110 --> 00:12:28,247 But staying motivated through a very difficult time really, 321 00:12:28,247 --> 00:12:30,216 and trying to focus on school 322 00:12:30,216 --> 00:12:32,051 while we're trying to focus on our health 323 00:12:32,051 --> 00:12:34,253 and our family as well 324 00:12:34,253 --> 00:12:36,755 makes it very difficult to stay focused and on track. 325 00:12:36,755 --> 00:12:38,924 And motivation was a big thing for me. 326 00:12:38,924 --> 00:12:41,193 And what I try to do personally at home 327 00:12:41,193 --> 00:12:44,597 is have pictures of my family around that motivate me 328 00:12:44,597 --> 00:12:47,833 and have taps, little things around my environment 329 00:12:47,833 --> 00:12:50,035 that just help me keep going. 330 00:12:50,035 --> 00:12:50,936 Yeah, that's great. 331 00:12:50,936 --> 00:12:51,971 Great advice. 332 00:12:53,405 --> 00:12:56,275 You know, Wake Tech is unique in online education. 333 00:12:56,275 --> 00:12:58,444 In fact, it's seen as a national leader. 334 00:12:58,444 --> 00:13:00,012 There are a couple of national rankings 335 00:13:00,012 --> 00:13:02,782 where Wake Tech is ranked the number one community college 336 00:13:02,782 --> 00:13:04,583 in online education. 337 00:13:04,583 --> 00:13:08,888 But still as you pointed out, it's challenging. 338 00:13:08,888 --> 00:13:11,557 It's challenging but have there been certain things 339 00:13:11,557 --> 00:13:14,426 about the online experience at Wake Tech? 340 00:13:14,426 --> 00:13:17,163 I think right now about 70% throughout the year, 341 00:13:17,163 --> 00:13:20,499 approximately 70% of our courses have been fully online 342 00:13:20,499 --> 00:13:22,334 and about 30% have been hybrid. 343 00:13:22,334 --> 00:13:24,236 So even in hybrid courses, 344 00:13:24,236 --> 00:13:26,405 even things like baking and pastry 345 00:13:26,405 --> 00:13:28,207 and things and healthcare 346 00:13:28,207 --> 00:13:31,277 and trades areas that require shops, 347 00:13:31,277 --> 00:13:33,112 we're using online resources. 348 00:13:33,112 --> 00:13:36,549 Have there been specific resources at Wake Tech, 349 00:13:36,549 --> 00:13:41,220 support services that have helped in that transition, 350 00:13:41,220 --> 00:13:42,655 helped to make a difference, 351 00:13:42,655 --> 00:13:44,690 things that may have surprised you in any way? 352 00:13:46,358 --> 00:13:48,794 Well, for me, even before the pandemic, 353 00:13:50,296 --> 00:13:52,665 if I were to give a shout out to one student support service 354 00:13:52,665 --> 00:13:54,200 here at Wake Tech, 355 00:13:54,200 --> 00:13:55,267 and I'm not sure if you would classify it as that, 356 00:13:55,267 --> 00:13:57,603 but the ILC. 357 00:13:57,603 --> 00:14:01,941 The ILC is definitely a big one 358 00:14:01,941 --> 00:14:03,876 that I've taken advantage of 359 00:14:03,876 --> 00:14:06,512 even when I started at Wake Tech before the pandemic 360 00:14:06,512 --> 00:14:08,581 and here into the online environment. 361 00:14:08,581 --> 00:14:09,882 And for our listeners out there, 362 00:14:09,882 --> 00:14:12,585 ILC stands for Individualized Learning Center. 363 00:14:12,585 --> 00:14:14,253 So these are our tutoring centers. 364 00:14:16,121 --> 00:14:18,257 I mean, it's an amazing resource at Wake Tech 365 00:14:18,257 --> 00:14:19,525 available at all of our campus, 366 00:14:19,525 --> 00:14:21,594 but also very much virtual now. 367 00:14:21,594 --> 00:14:23,162 Sorry Ruben, I just want to interject 368 00:14:23,162 --> 00:14:25,531 so folks who didn't know what we've said by ILC 369 00:14:25,531 --> 00:14:28,467 but certainly students at Wake Tech know what ILC means. 370 00:14:28,467 --> 00:14:29,735 No, yeah. 371 00:14:29,735 --> 00:14:31,604 The ILC has definitely been a big help for me 372 00:14:31,604 --> 00:14:34,506 and even in the online environment as well. 373 00:14:34,506 --> 00:14:36,675 For me, I primarily use it for mathematics 374 00:14:38,077 --> 00:14:40,646 and I've always continued to use it for math. 375 00:14:40,646 --> 00:14:42,214 And every time I go into the ILC, 376 00:14:42,214 --> 00:14:43,883 even just before the pandemic, 377 00:14:43,883 --> 00:14:45,117 my experience was great. 378 00:14:45,117 --> 00:14:46,452 And right now with online environment, 379 00:14:46,452 --> 00:14:47,653 it's great as well 380 00:14:47,653 --> 00:14:49,588 but I just remember being on campus 381 00:14:49,588 --> 00:14:51,290 and just going to the ILC. 382 00:14:51,290 --> 00:14:52,825 The minute it would open up 383 00:14:52,825 --> 00:14:55,794 because I would try to go before the class started. 384 00:14:55,794 --> 00:14:58,597 And there was always someone there with a smile 385 00:14:58,597 --> 00:15:01,567 and ready to help me with whatever problem 386 00:15:01,567 --> 00:15:02,801 that I had in math. 387 00:15:02,801 --> 00:15:06,005 And I would always leave very happy 388 00:15:06,005 --> 00:15:08,107 because I would know what I was doing right after that. 389 00:15:08,107 --> 00:15:10,943 And the ILC definitely was a big resource 390 00:15:10,943 --> 00:15:12,144 that's helped me get through 391 00:15:12,144 --> 00:15:14,780 a lot of my courses, especially math. 392 00:15:14,780 --> 00:15:15,714 I don't know where I would be 393 00:15:15,714 --> 00:15:17,516 without the ILC in mathematics. 394 00:15:18,984 --> 00:15:22,054 If there was a big shout out for a student support service, 395 00:15:22,054 --> 00:15:24,323 the ILC would definitely deserve one from me, 396 00:15:24,323 --> 00:15:26,892 and a lot of other resources as well deserved (mumbles) 397 00:15:26,892 --> 00:15:30,396 They do very great work for our students here. 398 00:15:30,396 --> 00:15:31,830 Well, ILC team I've felt 399 00:15:31,830 --> 00:15:34,366 like it's been just one of many great examples 400 00:15:34,366 --> 00:15:36,669 of also making the transition virtual. 401 00:15:36,669 --> 00:15:39,138 They took an environment which is very much 402 00:15:39,138 --> 00:15:42,207 you know, working with students who sometimes are nervous 403 00:15:42,207 --> 00:15:43,909 and you need that face to face, 404 00:15:43,909 --> 00:15:45,444 but trying to do the best they can 405 00:15:45,444 --> 00:15:47,713 and accommodating moving virtual 406 00:15:47,713 --> 00:15:49,648 and making it efficient and supportive. 407 00:15:49,648 --> 00:15:50,883 And so I've been so proud of them 408 00:15:50,883 --> 00:15:52,951 and all of our team in that regard 409 00:15:52,951 --> 00:15:56,422 to provide the support that our students need 410 00:15:56,422 --> 00:15:57,790 particularly in a year like this. 411 00:15:57,790 --> 00:15:59,258 And in that regard too, 412 00:15:59,258 --> 00:16:00,726 let's talk a little bit about what you've been doing 413 00:16:00,726 --> 00:16:02,628 in our student government in a unique year. 414 00:16:02,628 --> 00:16:04,663 We often use a phrase at Wake Tech. 415 00:16:04,663 --> 00:16:06,365 We say reach and rally. 416 00:16:06,365 --> 00:16:09,201 And rallying really means how much we value 417 00:16:09,201 --> 00:16:10,903 the importance of all of us 418 00:16:10,903 --> 00:16:13,572 collectively rallying around each other 419 00:16:13,572 --> 00:16:16,208 so that we achieve the goals we want to achieve 420 00:16:16,208 --> 00:16:17,943 so all of our students succeed. 421 00:16:17,943 --> 00:16:19,578 And student government 422 00:16:19,578 --> 00:16:22,081 I think has been just a leading example 423 00:16:22,081 --> 00:16:23,916 of the rally spirit here at Wake Tech. 424 00:16:23,916 --> 00:16:26,552 You've had multiple different fundraisers, 425 00:16:26,552 --> 00:16:28,187 the turkey trot, 426 00:16:28,187 --> 00:16:29,321 and rallying around the community too. 427 00:16:29,321 --> 00:16:30,656 I know even recently, 428 00:16:30,656 --> 00:16:33,859 students were involved over MLK for Service Day 429 00:16:33,859 --> 00:16:35,961 with raising money for food bank. 430 00:16:35,961 --> 00:16:39,098 And so we raised about $2,000 just last weekend 431 00:16:39,098 --> 00:16:40,032 for the food bank. 432 00:16:40,032 --> 00:16:41,367 So it's been a remarkable. 433 00:16:41,367 --> 00:16:43,669 You've set an example in that regard. 434 00:16:43,669 --> 00:16:47,106 Can you talk a little bit about what that means, 435 00:16:47,106 --> 00:16:50,309 why rallying is important here at Wake Tech 436 00:16:50,309 --> 00:16:52,211 and how the student government has really 437 00:16:52,211 --> 00:16:54,646 and all of our student organizations have stepped up 438 00:16:54,646 --> 00:16:57,649 and helped set that example here at Wake Tech? 439 00:16:58,884 --> 00:17:00,452 So when I started in student government, 440 00:17:00,452 --> 00:17:02,521 I've always wanted to do something 441 00:17:02,521 --> 00:17:03,989 that would benefit the student body 442 00:17:03,989 --> 00:17:06,025 both with learning something, 443 00:17:06,025 --> 00:17:09,261 especially more about the resources here at Wake Tech. 444 00:17:09,261 --> 00:17:13,599 That's a big thing that I wanted to focus on this year, 445 00:17:13,599 --> 00:17:16,735 was promoting the amazing clubs that we have 446 00:17:16,735 --> 00:17:18,804 and the organizations and the resources. 447 00:17:18,804 --> 00:17:19,738 As I just mentioned, 448 00:17:19,738 --> 00:17:21,907 the ILC or The REAL Center. 449 00:17:21,907 --> 00:17:23,642 Resources like that that truly (mumbles) 450 00:17:23,642 --> 00:17:25,744 Let's talk about The REAL Center real quick, 451 00:17:25,744 --> 00:17:27,913 just so we get that. 452 00:17:27,913 --> 00:17:29,581 So The REAl Center, I remember using it 453 00:17:29,581 --> 00:17:31,550 for public speaking, 454 00:17:31,550 --> 00:17:32,785 and that's what I've used 455 00:17:32,785 --> 00:17:36,221 to sort of review any problems that I had 456 00:17:36,221 --> 00:17:40,526 when I was taking public speaking in the (mumbles) 457 00:17:40,526 --> 00:17:41,994 I forgot which semester it was, 458 00:17:41,994 --> 00:17:44,596 but I used it to review 459 00:17:44,596 --> 00:17:46,465 and also to practice as well 460 00:17:46,465 --> 00:17:48,967 aside from being at home and practicing with the dog. 461 00:17:48,967 --> 00:17:52,504 And so The REAL Center was definitely a good resource 462 00:17:52,504 --> 00:17:55,541 to use when taking a course like public speaking. 463 00:17:58,777 --> 00:18:00,279 You know, one of the things 464 00:18:00,279 --> 00:18:01,713 students had to make a lot of sacrifices right now 465 00:18:01,713 --> 00:18:02,848 on their own education 466 00:18:02,848 --> 00:18:04,516 to put food on the table. 467 00:18:04,516 --> 00:18:05,451 As you mentioned earlier, 468 00:18:05,451 --> 00:18:06,919 some are choosing that. 469 00:18:08,120 --> 00:18:09,688 You know, this is too challenging a time. 470 00:18:09,688 --> 00:18:11,089 And we're seeing that particularly 471 00:18:11,089 --> 00:18:14,159 with community college students who a lot of times work, 472 00:18:14,159 --> 00:18:18,964 have family responsibilities, job responsibilities. 473 00:18:18,964 --> 00:18:20,899 So many are making that choice that, 474 00:18:20,899 --> 00:18:23,435 well, maybe now is not the time for me. 475 00:18:23,435 --> 00:18:24,670 But others like you have found, 476 00:18:24,670 --> 00:18:27,339 well, there are resources here, 477 00:18:27,339 --> 00:18:28,807 there are supports. 478 00:18:28,807 --> 00:18:30,042 What advice would you give to students right now 479 00:18:30,042 --> 00:18:33,645 who are struggling with those challenges, 480 00:18:33,645 --> 00:18:35,114 struggling with that decision? 481 00:18:37,149 --> 00:18:38,417 (mumbles) these students 482 00:18:38,417 --> 00:18:40,185 and a lot of them are in my classes 483 00:18:40,185 --> 00:18:41,720 and in my previous classes as well. 484 00:18:41,720 --> 00:18:44,756 These students are a very great example of students 485 00:18:44,756 --> 00:18:46,024 that we have here at Wake Tech, 486 00:18:46,024 --> 00:18:47,359 the students that Wake Tech produces 487 00:18:47,359 --> 00:18:49,795 and the students that are at Wake Tech 488 00:18:49,795 --> 00:18:54,233 studying extremely hard to pursue a career of their dreams. 489 00:18:54,233 --> 00:18:56,702 And personally, because I haven't been 490 00:18:56,702 --> 00:18:58,504 in a situation like that, 491 00:18:58,504 --> 00:19:00,906 I don't think I can offer advice to these students. 492 00:19:00,906 --> 00:19:03,909 But what I can give is my utmost respect to these students 493 00:19:03,909 --> 00:19:06,945 that work extremely hard to take care of their family 494 00:19:06,945 --> 00:19:10,015 and also to at the same time pursue a career of their dreams 495 00:19:10,015 --> 00:19:11,383 here at Wake Tech. 496 00:19:11,383 --> 00:19:13,986 And so what I can give is my utmost respect 497 00:19:13,986 --> 00:19:15,487 and some words of encouragement, 498 00:19:15,487 --> 00:19:17,890 which is that they're very great and beautiful example 499 00:19:17,890 --> 00:19:20,959 for a lot of students here at Wake Tech of dedication 500 00:19:20,959 --> 00:19:22,661 and perseverance here. 501 00:19:22,661 --> 00:19:25,097 And they're also being great examples to the children 502 00:19:25,097 --> 00:19:27,032 that they're taking care of at home too. 503 00:19:27,032 --> 00:19:30,536 So these students are extremely a very great example 504 00:19:30,536 --> 00:19:32,938 of perseverance and dedication 505 00:19:32,938 --> 00:19:36,475 to pursuing a career at the same time as hard work 506 00:19:36,475 --> 00:19:38,544 as well as taking care of their family 507 00:19:38,544 --> 00:19:41,079 and taking care of everything in their household. 508 00:19:41,079 --> 00:19:43,882 Ruben, I think you just now beautifully articulated 509 00:19:43,882 --> 00:19:47,052 what I hope to mean when I say heroes in the hallways. 510 00:19:47,052 --> 00:19:50,789 Because our students at Wake Tech, 511 00:19:50,789 --> 00:19:53,358 much of what they do I see as being very heroic. 512 00:19:55,794 --> 00:19:58,897 Being a college student for many of our Wake Tech students 513 00:19:58,897 --> 00:20:00,666 is not the only thing they do. 514 00:20:00,666 --> 00:20:03,502 It's an additional thing that they're doing 515 00:20:03,502 --> 00:20:04,903 to further their lives, 516 00:20:04,903 --> 00:20:05,837 to further their family opportunities, 517 00:20:05,837 --> 00:20:07,306 to further our community. 518 00:20:07,306 --> 00:20:10,175 And so they truly are heroes for us here. 519 00:20:10,175 --> 00:20:12,077 And you're a hero for us as well, Ruben. 520 00:20:12,077 --> 00:20:15,881 You've been a a great leader in a very difficult time. 521 00:20:15,881 --> 00:20:18,217 We're so fortunate to have had you 522 00:20:18,217 --> 00:20:21,520 in this role as our student body president 523 00:20:21,520 --> 00:20:25,824 in this most unique year at Wake Tech. 524 00:20:25,824 --> 00:20:28,560 And so I want to thank you for being who you are 525 00:20:28,560 --> 00:20:30,095 and being a part of Wake Tech 526 00:20:30,095 --> 00:20:31,597 and for being a student leader 527 00:20:31,597 --> 00:20:33,966 and joining us for this first episode 528 00:20:33,966 --> 00:20:36,668 of the "We Are Wake Tech Podcast." 529 00:20:36,668 --> 00:20:38,203 I'm your host Scott Ralls. 530 00:20:38,203 --> 00:20:41,473 We'll see you back here next month for our next episode 531 00:20:41,473 --> 00:20:43,642 where we will look forward to sharing more with you 532 00:20:43,642 --> 00:20:46,612 about our new WakeWorks Apprenticeship programs 533 00:20:46,612 --> 00:20:48,680 and our WakeWorks Propel programs 534 00:20:48,680 --> 00:20:51,416 which provide some very unique opportunities 535 00:20:51,416 --> 00:20:53,318 for folks in our community now 536 00:20:53,318 --> 00:20:57,456 who are looking for those quick and longterm pathways, 537 00:20:57,456 --> 00:21:00,759 that starting point in making career transitions 538 00:21:00,759 --> 00:21:02,894 and gaining employment opportunities. 539 00:21:02,894 --> 00:21:04,396 And in the meantime, 540 00:21:04,396 --> 00:21:07,432 you can connect with me on Twitter @WakeTechPrez. 541 00:21:07,432 --> 00:21:12,404 You can also find our podcast @podcast.waketech.edu. 542 00:21:13,305 --> 00:21:14,740 Or subscribe on Apple Podcasts, 543 00:21:14,740 --> 00:21:18,877 Google Podcasts, Spotify or YouTube 544 00:21:18,877 --> 00:21:22,514 to have the latest podcast delivered right to your phone. 545 00:21:22,514 --> 00:21:24,683 So thank you all and be well. 546 00:21:24,683 --> 00:21:26,618 And we'll see you soon. 547 00:21:26,618 --> 00:21:29,187 (bouncy music) 548 00:21:30,689 --> 00:21:32,157 Hi, I'm Laurie Clowers, 549 00:21:32,157 --> 00:21:34,059 and here's your Wake Tech news update. 550 00:21:34,059 --> 00:21:37,195 Wake Tech spring semester started January 7th 551 00:21:37,195 --> 00:21:39,197 with most classes beginning online 552 00:21:39,197 --> 00:21:42,467 as a result of the holiday spike in Corona virus cases. 553 00:21:42,467 --> 00:21:45,504 Hybrid classes started adding on-campus instruction 554 00:21:45,504 --> 00:21:47,506 on January 19th. 555 00:21:47,506 --> 00:21:49,041 Safety guidelines and protocols 556 00:21:49,041 --> 00:21:50,842 are strictly enforced on campus 557 00:21:50,842 --> 00:21:53,945 including mandatory masks and social distancing 558 00:21:53,945 --> 00:21:57,182 in classrooms, hallways and all public spaces. 559 00:21:57,182 --> 00:21:59,384 The buildings are cleaned at regular intervals 560 00:21:59,384 --> 00:22:01,453 throughout the day and at night. 561 00:22:01,453 --> 00:22:03,555 The spring semester welcomed the first students 562 00:22:03,555 --> 00:22:06,692 in Wake Tech's new Medical Sonography Program. 563 00:22:06,692 --> 00:22:09,528 The program prepares students for this high demand field, 564 00:22:09,528 --> 00:22:12,998 training them on use of high frequency sound waves 565 00:22:12,998 --> 00:22:16,868 to produce images of internal organs and tissues. 566 00:22:16,868 --> 00:22:18,203 We are pleased to announce 567 00:22:18,203 --> 00:22:20,238 that David Favre has joined Wake Tech 568 00:22:20,238 --> 00:22:22,641 as Dean of Transportation Technologies. 569 00:22:22,641 --> 00:22:26,178 He'll oversee the college's programs in automotive systems, 570 00:22:26,178 --> 00:22:28,313 collision repair, heavy equipment 571 00:22:28,313 --> 00:22:30,682 and agricultural systems technology. 572 00:22:30,682 --> 00:22:32,317 He'll also be the director 573 00:22:32,317 --> 00:22:35,187 of the new Hendricks Center for Automotive Excellence. 574 00:22:35,187 --> 00:22:37,189 That's due to open later this year 575 00:22:37,189 --> 00:22:39,825 on the Scott Northern Wake Campus. 576 00:22:39,825 --> 00:22:41,159 On the RTP campus, 577 00:22:41,159 --> 00:22:43,662 the second building there is taking shape. 578 00:22:43,662 --> 00:22:45,030 This new facility will focus 579 00:22:45,030 --> 00:22:47,199 on our new biotechnology program 580 00:22:47,199 --> 00:22:49,468 and will be a site for short-term training 581 00:22:49,468 --> 00:22:51,236 for biotech companies. 582 00:22:51,236 --> 00:22:52,537 It'll also become the home 583 00:22:52,537 --> 00:22:54,373 of a new collaborative partnership 584 00:22:54,373 --> 00:22:56,274 with Wake County Public Schools. 585 00:22:56,274 --> 00:22:58,376 More on that to come. 586 00:22:58,376 --> 00:23:02,447 The first WakeWorks students have started in their programs. 587 00:23:02,447 --> 00:23:04,516 WakeWorks Propel offers scholarships 588 00:23:04,516 --> 00:23:06,818 for short term training programs. 589 00:23:06,818 --> 00:23:09,755 And WakeWorks Apprenticeship offers opportunities 590 00:23:09,755 --> 00:23:12,958 to learn on the job while earning a paycheck. 591 00:23:12,958 --> 00:23:13,992 For more information, 592 00:23:13,992 --> 00:23:18,330 visit wakeworks.waketech.edu. 593 00:23:18,330 --> 00:23:19,898 A huge note of gratitude 594 00:23:19,898 --> 00:23:22,401 to Lane & Associates Family Dentistry, 595 00:23:22,401 --> 00:23:24,102 which has made a major commitment 596 00:23:24,102 --> 00:23:26,671 to Wake Tech's dental assisting program. 597 00:23:26,671 --> 00:23:28,140 The funds will support students 598 00:23:28,140 --> 00:23:30,442 with scholarships and emergency aid 599 00:23:30,442 --> 00:23:32,911 to help them be successful in the program. 600 00:23:32,911 --> 00:23:35,714 The funds will also go toward equipment for the facility 601 00:23:35,714 --> 00:23:39,351 which will be named The Lane & Associates Family Dentistry 602 00:23:39,351 --> 00:23:41,019 Dental Assisting Clinic. 603 00:23:41,019 --> 00:23:43,655 Lane has been a valuable clinical training site 604 00:23:43,655 --> 00:23:44,923 for our students, 605 00:23:44,923 --> 00:23:46,525 and we thank them. 606 00:23:46,525 --> 00:23:48,860 And big news for Wake Tech athletics. 607 00:23:48,860 --> 00:23:50,328 It has a new logo 608 00:23:50,328 --> 00:23:52,631 that marks a resurgence of Wake Tech sports 609 00:23:52,631 --> 00:23:54,933 for 2021 and beyond. 610 00:23:54,933 --> 00:23:57,435 The new Eagle logo is bold and modern 611 00:23:57,435 --> 00:24:00,505 and more closely aligns with the college's brand. 612 00:24:00,505 --> 00:24:04,009 Each Wake Tech's sports team now has its own special design. 613 00:24:04,009 --> 00:24:06,444 Check it out on waketechsports.com. 614 00:24:06,444 --> 00:24:09,114 And that's not the only news for Wake Tech athletics. 615 00:24:09,114 --> 00:24:11,583 The college is launching Esports this spring. 616 00:24:11,583 --> 00:24:13,084 That means Wake Tech has become 617 00:24:13,084 --> 00:24:15,787 one of few with any institutions in the country 618 00:24:15,787 --> 00:24:17,956 where gaming is a competitive sport 619 00:24:17,956 --> 00:24:20,826 and game development is an academic degree. 620 00:24:20,826 --> 00:24:23,662 And finally, just in time for Valentine's Day, 621 00:24:23,662 --> 00:24:27,465 a big congratulations to Jacob Keller and Meredith Roach. 622 00:24:27,465 --> 00:24:28,667 Right before the holidays, 623 00:24:28,667 --> 00:24:30,535 the couple got engaged in the classroom 624 00:24:30,535 --> 00:24:32,070 where they met a couple of years ago 625 00:24:32,070 --> 00:24:34,039 at the Scott Northern Wake Campus. 626 00:24:34,039 --> 00:24:35,707 An October wedding is planned 627 00:24:35,707 --> 00:24:39,544 and we wish them both a lifetime of happiness. 628 00:24:39,544 --> 00:24:40,946 There is still time to enroll 629 00:24:40,946 --> 00:24:43,782 in an accelerated eight-week course this spring. 630 00:24:43,782 --> 00:24:47,018 Visit springahead.waketech.edu 631 00:24:47,018 --> 00:24:48,787 And that's our news update. 632 00:24:48,787 --> 00:24:51,356 (bouncy music) 633 00:24:57,596 --> 00:25:01,266 (light-hearted guitar music) 634 00:25:02,601 --> 00:25:04,102 Hi, I'm James Freeman. 635 00:25:04,102 --> 00:25:06,571 I'm the Program Director for the Air Conditioning, Heating 636 00:25:06,571 --> 00:25:09,274 and Refrigeration Program at Wake Tech. 637 00:25:09,274 --> 00:25:10,642 And we're going to talk a little bit 638 00:25:10,642 --> 00:25:13,278 about what you can do to help save energy 639 00:25:13,278 --> 00:25:14,846 and save you some money this winter 640 00:25:14,846 --> 00:25:16,882 with your heating and air conditioning 641 00:25:16,882 --> 00:25:19,518 especially your heating costs this winter. 642 00:25:19,518 --> 00:25:21,353 Some things that homeowners can do 643 00:25:21,353 --> 00:25:23,989 to allow their home to be comfortable 644 00:25:23,989 --> 00:25:25,490 and save them some money. 645 00:25:25,490 --> 00:25:27,492 Most homeowners you're going to either have 646 00:25:27,492 --> 00:25:29,461 a gas heat system 647 00:25:29,461 --> 00:25:32,163 or you're going to have a heat pump system. 648 00:25:32,163 --> 00:25:34,599 This is a gas heat system. 649 00:25:34,599 --> 00:25:37,936 Gas heat, you can save money a little bit different 650 00:25:37,936 --> 00:25:39,170 than you can with a heat pump. 651 00:25:39,170 --> 00:25:41,740 One of the things you can do with gas heat 652 00:25:41,740 --> 00:25:44,409 is you can get a setback thermostat. 653 00:25:44,409 --> 00:25:48,413 I would recommend having it installed by a professional. 654 00:25:48,413 --> 00:25:52,050 But a thermostat that allows you to program it. 655 00:25:52,050 --> 00:25:56,421 So in times when you're not active in the house, 656 00:25:56,421 --> 00:25:59,524 the temperature in the house can be reduced. 657 00:25:59,524 --> 00:26:01,559 It'll save you on your energy costs. 658 00:26:01,559 --> 00:26:04,829 And then the thermostats there, 659 00:26:04,829 --> 00:26:07,799 especially some of the smart technology we have, 660 00:26:07,799 --> 00:26:11,536 they can kick on and warm the home back up. 661 00:26:11,536 --> 00:26:13,939 Very efficient with gas heat. 662 00:26:15,340 --> 00:26:18,076 Another thing, whether it's gas heat or heat pump, 663 00:26:18,076 --> 00:26:21,012 the number one thing homeowners should do 664 00:26:21,012 --> 00:26:25,216 is they should keep their return air filter replaced often. 665 00:26:28,253 --> 00:26:30,822 You gotta be able to keep that air flowing 666 00:26:30,822 --> 00:26:33,024 across that piece of equipment. 667 00:26:33,024 --> 00:26:36,928 Dirty filters calls very inefficient units. 668 00:26:36,928 --> 00:26:40,699 So the homeowner should keep that air filter replaced. 669 00:26:40,699 --> 00:26:42,300 I'm not going to say every month. 670 00:26:42,300 --> 00:26:43,501 It depends on the home. 671 00:26:43,501 --> 00:26:46,271 But check it often and replace it often. 672 00:26:47,906 --> 00:26:50,909 We talked about heat pumps or gas heat. 673 00:26:52,010 --> 00:26:54,179 Some homes have package units, 674 00:26:54,179 --> 00:26:57,582 some homes have what will be known as a split system. 675 00:26:57,582 --> 00:26:59,351 Either way, the maintenance for the homeowner 676 00:26:59,351 --> 00:27:02,253 is going to be pretty much the same. 677 00:27:02,253 --> 00:27:06,024 You need to keep your filters replaced like we talked about. 678 00:27:06,024 --> 00:27:08,994 The heat pump is a little different than the gas heat 679 00:27:08,994 --> 00:27:10,528 where we really don't like 680 00:27:10,528 --> 00:27:15,500 to turn our heat pump thermostats down a lot. 681 00:27:17,836 --> 00:27:20,772 If you make too much of an adjustment 682 00:27:20,772 --> 00:27:23,642 when it goes to warm the house back up, 683 00:27:23,642 --> 00:27:25,977 you'll bring on electric strip heat. 684 00:27:25,977 --> 00:27:29,280 So my advice for heat pumps is set that thermostat 685 00:27:29,280 --> 00:27:32,083 on an area where you're going to be comfortable 686 00:27:32,083 --> 00:27:33,318 and leave it alone. 687 00:27:33,318 --> 00:27:35,086 Let it stay there. 688 00:27:35,086 --> 00:27:37,689 I would also recommend that both, 689 00:27:37,689 --> 00:27:40,392 whether it's a heat pump or a gas furnace, 690 00:27:40,392 --> 00:27:43,128 you have a professional come out before the season 691 00:27:43,128 --> 00:27:44,629 and check it, 692 00:27:44,629 --> 00:27:47,132 and make sure it's ready for the winter operation. 693 00:27:47,132 --> 00:27:50,669 If they can find little things that need to be repaired, 694 00:27:50,669 --> 00:27:52,337 take care of them. 695 00:27:52,337 --> 00:27:55,073 Your unit will run more efficient for your winter season. 696 00:27:55,073 --> 00:27:58,777 (light-hearted guitar music) 697 00:28:04,849 --> 00:28:06,284 ANNOUNCER: Thank you for listening to the 698 00:28:06,284 --> 00:28:08,620 "We Are Wake Tech Podcast." 699 00:28:08,620 --> 00:28:11,756 Join us next month for more insightful conversations 700 00:28:11,756 --> 00:28:14,359 about the programs and people of Wake Tech 701 00:28:14,359 --> 00:28:17,862 and how the college changes lives every day. 702 00:28:17,862 --> 00:28:20,565 Be sure to subscribe to your favorite podcast app 703 00:28:20,565 --> 00:28:23,501 to have each episode delivered right to your computer 704 00:28:23,501 --> 00:28:25,270 or mobile device. 705 00:28:25,270 --> 00:28:30,241 For more, find us @podcast.waketech.edu. 706 00:28:30,875 --> 00:28:32,343 To learn more 707 00:28:32,343 --> 00:28:34,212 about Wake Tech's exceptional educational opportunities, 708 00:28:34,212 --> 00:28:36,581 visit waketech.edu.