The Achieving the Dream Committee will be conducting seminars throughout the semester to help students with challenges that affect their academic and personal lives.
Since last spring, counselors at all EPCC campuses have been teaching different subjects such as time management, how to discover your best learning style and more. 
On Feb. 11, Dr. Lee Sullivan gave a seminar called “Voices from the Margin Speak Out.”
Abel Uranga, counselor at VV, will be conducting a seminar entitled “Academic Advising – the Key to a Successful College Experience,” on Feb.14 at VV, room B-187, from 2 to 3 p.m.
“I will be teaching the importance of students seeking information regarding courses that are required for their degree,” Uranga said, “and also how important it is for students to maintain a constant or frequent contact with an advisor or counselor.”
Counselor Carlos Armendariz
will be conducting a seminar
that focuses on career goals, entitled “What Am I To Do?” This is scheduled for Feb. 15 at VV, room A-2119, from 10 to 11 a.m.
“It’s important for students to start thinking about a career so they can start taking control over their life,” Armendariz said. “It has to do also with financial aid, because if you’re not following the appropriate degree plan, you’ll end up using all your financial aid. Whatever occupation you choose, you want to make sure you are happy with it.”
Sandra Lujan, academic counselor and coordinator for the seminars, explained how at the beginning there were less than 10 students per seminar and sometimes nobody showed up.
However, now the average attendance is about 10 to 20 students at a single session. Lujan attributed the increased attendance to the faculty.
“Now the instructors know about the workshops,” she said, which has led them to inform their students of this helpful service.
Lujan will be hosting the “Reducing Test Anxiety” seminar on Feb. 18 from 10 to 11 a.m. at VV, room A-2119.
She plans on teaching participants relaxation techniques.
The seminars are designed for students, particularly freshmen, but not limited to them only, according to Uranga.
“Other people are allowed to sign-up, if you want to bring a parent or a friend.”
