Education is truly the key that unlocks doors and levels the social class playing field. It gives us the power in our own hands. Education is something that reaches beyond just colleges, schools and classrooms. Education is learning from those around you and their experiences. Education enables empowerment leading to the understanding of others and a broader perspective of the differences between people, higher tolerance rates and therefore an appreciation of human rights. Education is one of the very few things that can never be taken away. Becoming a lifelong learner in whatever way is a must, as the wise man, woman or non gender specific person realizes he/she/ze knows very little at all. Education is also key to our community moving forward, as an educated populous we will achieve our goals and fulfill our true potential.

In this day and age we all need to display and have the “wisdom of Solomon.” We need this in our everyday lives, in our workplace and in our leisure times, and the more we learn the easier it is meeting this challenge.

Some people believe that education is something that they cannot afford, either due to time or financial reasons. For most, this is simply not true. In this country, education is something that is available to almost anyone who is willing and has the desire. There are, however, some hurdles to overcome and achieving your education goals does require commitment and effort. Take heart; there are a great many people in the same boat, all attempting to reach the same goal. There are also a lot of myths about someone who has not obtained a certain GPA or completed a G.E.D being able to get financial aid or attend college.

One great option is the TAG program offered at any San Diego City College. What it offers is a guarantee (once meeting certain GPA requirements) into a state school such as SDSU after the completion of a two year associates degree at a City College. Another option is choosing a privately run school. However, there is a wide range of private schools, some among the top schools in the nation while others are not even accredited and fall very short of being called an educational facility, let alone a college. Ensuring that your chosen school is accredited is a must. A good example of a popular school that offers learning but little accreditations is The Art University. No accreditation can present huge problems in the future if a student wants further higher education, as most schools will not accept the degree you might have spent a few years working on at a non accredited school. In addition many employers will not accept a degree from a non accredited school. Accreditation should be one of the first questions that you ask a perspective school or university.

For a lot of people the thought of going to school and managing their already overloaded life is very daunting. Again, it is important to look at education as an investment in yourself. Starting even one class at a time can become enjoyable and as most students will tell you, you just make the time.

With the internet becoming a staple in the way we now interact, it is no wonder that it also used very widely for obtaining an education or degree. Even the Ivy League schools are starting to offer programs, classes and even online degrees. This puts learning on your terms and makes it possible for working professionals to further their education and skill set. It cuts a lot of time out of the traditional college experience as you do not have to wait between classes, waste time driving and finding parking among other things. For parents it means multi tasking as you can buy a wireless card, be at the park and doing course work at the same time. The only real drawback to this type of education style is that you must be self disciplined. A lot of people look at this method as still being too foreign, a stretch too far. Remember, it is one option out of many. It works the same as a traditional classroom in a lot of ways. Students have discussions and dialogue online, and a lot of the time you will find that students tend to be more open, honest and more willing to ask questions.

There are a few reasons for this; however the main reason is when students are not put on the spot or feel like they are being judged, they are more comfortable and are able to communicate in a more genuine way. They are forced to use skills to convey what they want or need without being face to face with someone. In that way the online classroom setting is much more intimate than a traditional classroom, you really get to know your professors and classmates in a real way.

It is also just as easy to enroll in one class at a time at a community college by simply reprioritizing your time and interests. Education and learning does not have to be a race to the finish. Instead you simply live your life, you will find that the time and classes quickly go by and before you know it you are qualified.

After the age of twenty five your public loans are based on your income vs. your parent(s) income. This is a big factor for those who want to go to college or are in college, but with funding based on their parent’s income. This can be a huge disadvantage for those whose parents make more than roughly $50,000 a year because they do not qualify to receive that much in financial aid as it is looked at as affordable by the parents. The main difference between a public school loan and a private one is that the private loan is through a bank or credit union and is based on your income and credit score. A public loan or government loan is based on your income, not your credit score. The other benefit with a government loan is that they are generally more lenient about repayment options and have lower interest rates. This means that as long as you are in school you will not have to pay it back until you are out of school, and they generally give you six months to start repaying a small amount at a time. The only exception is if you drop out or decide to withdraw, then payments are due almost immediately.

Buy your textbooks used off Amazon for a fraction of the cost. If the new book ordered through a college is $200 new, that same book used will be roughly $20. Then, when the class has ended simply resell the book to fund the next book you need for your next semester.

Computer programs these days can be very expensive. Use a friend’s computer, who has the software needed such as Photoshop, or ask a friend who is into computers to help you out. This can save you anywhere from $500 to $5,000 if not more, depending on your degree. Of course you can buy these programs too, but only get what you need. You certainly do not want to be missing items key to your educational success, however with research and a little footwork you can obtain most items for classes online, in hardware stores and office supply stores far cheaper than on campus or ordering through school web sites. Understanding your syllabus is crucial to knowing what you can swap out for a cheaper brand and what you cannot.

If you went to high school then make sure you apply for the Cal Grant. You have to apply for this separately from your private loan. Applying for FAFSA automatically applies you for Pell Grant and SEOG Grant.

The Pell Grant is another grant that anyone can apply for and it will give you that extra bit of money needed. Again, you have to apply for this separately from your government or private loan. There are many other grants out there, so make sure you apply for all the ones that you can. It is important to note that the amount of grant you receive does not affect your financial aid. A Grant is free money that you do not have to pay back; loans you do not have to pay back.

When you receive what is left over from your grant and loan, which can be anywhere from zero to a few thousand dollars, spend it wisely. Buy what you need for school and make sure you don’t just spend it as if it was free money. Having a plan for managing your finances and sticking to it through college is very important as it is tempting to just spend cash when you have it in hand or it is just sitting there. When you work out what you need and why, you will see how wise a little planning can be.

One of the things that can dictate a student’s success or failure in college is having some sort of plan. One of the key components of this plan is financial and you will need to budget for food, entertainment and your bills. It is not all financial, however, and students will need to make sure they take extra time out to eat right, exercise and enjoy down time in order to achieve their goals. Each person is different and requires a different set of support systems. Ensuring you have someone or something in place prior to the class should be a priority. Choosing who you live with will also affect your success. Make sure that their lifestyle matches yours and choose to room with people who have similar habits. Having your own support system is fundamental. This can be friends, fellow students, family or professors and student advisors. Finding healthy outlets for stress and relaxation is something every student needs, however GLBTQ students deal with more pressures and challenges than their straight counter parts. GLBTQ students are more prone to drug and alcohol abuse.

A plan for your sexual health should be another concern as for most college is a time to experiment, overindulge and celebrate a new found freedom. When you study hard you want to play hard, but just keep in mind if you hook up be safe, go out with a friend you can trust and tell your roommate where you are going and when you will be back. That way if something happens to you or you need to get out of a situation, someone knows where you are and how to get to you. If you are hooking up and do not know the person consider taking a “wing man or woman” as some people are crazy! There is nothing worse than going to a party to find that you are surrounded by individuals who hate GLBT people and you are stuck. This is a unique problem that heterosexuals do not have to deal with.

Plan out your classes so that you know what you are taking and what credits will apply to your chosen degree. A guidance counselor should walk you through this; however it is good to double check. If you do not know what you want to do, it is best to go with a general degree and take a class here and there and then decide what to major in. This will save you credits, time and frustration. Plus, if done correctly those experimental classes can be used for electives or other credits.

Whether you live on campus, at your parents home or rent a room, find a place that is your own area just for school. This will help you focus and study. Research and find out how that school feels about GLBT people and what resources and student organizations they offer. Never be scared to ask as they are there to help you in your education and answer all your questions. That is what learning is all about.

SDSU GLBTQ Organizations

GLBT Student Union

The Gay Lesbian Bisexual Transgender Student Union at San Diego State University aims to enrich student life through outreach, education, and events. Through these activities, this student organization strives to provide a safe environment for students and community members of all sexual orientations, identities, genders, ethnicities, ages, faiths, belief systems and cultures. By these efforts, the goal is to facilitate a better understanding of the diversity within the GLBT community and the GLBT communities abroad. Meetings are held weekly and all students are encouraged to attend.

Gamma Rho Lambda is a chapter of the United Sorority and Fraternity Council at San Diego State University. It was the first LBT-focused Greek organization to be established on campus. This queer-based social sorority is focused on fostering a progressive environment for its members to excel in social, academic and community settings. By providing a forum for diversity, expression, and understanding, future leaders will be empowered with the courage to affect social change.

The Pride Action Committee is a group of faculty, staff, and students who work to maintain current, and develop future lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, intersex and questioning supportive and affirmative infrastructure at SDSU. This working committee focuses on establishing a permanent GLBT resource center at SDSU.

The GLBT Resource Center provides a space for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender students, staff and faculty and our allies to come together in community. We provide resources and referral to those with questions regarding sexual orientation and gender identity.

Services:

Information relating to sexual orientation and gender identity, including publications, rare books, brochures, and a multimedia lending library

Speakers Bureau: Contact lgbtspeakers@ucsd.edu.

Student leadership development, including internships and employment opportunities: Contact jeestrellado@ucsd.edu.

Scholarships for undergraduate students: Contact the Financial Aid Office for more information.

For information on the following services, contact rainbow@ucsd.edu:

• Q Camp, an orientation for incoming GLBT students and their allies;

• Rainbow graduation, a celebration of GLBT graduating seniors and volunteers;

• Student organization meetings for recognized student groups;

Regular group meetings

• Group counseling (you can also contact Psychological and Counseling Services)

Organizations

The Alliance

Email: alliance.ucsd@gmail.com

Interested in raising awareness on campus regarding LGBT issues and working on the Day of Silence? Then join the AS Alliance! Similar to Gay-Straight Alliances found at many high schools, the AS Alliance brings together folks who are committed to being allies to the UCSD LGBT Community. Please e-mail alliance.ucsd@gmail.com if you are interested in attending training, joining the Alliance or if you have any other questions!

Coming Out Group

Thursdays, 5:30pm - 6:30pm, starting January 7, 2010

Location: Small Conference Room, Women’s Center

The Coming Out Group is a place to meet and gain support while discussing your sexual and/or gender identities in a confidential setting. This group is for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, straight or questioning folks who are coming out and who may already be out. Topics are determined by group participants, and can include coming out to yourself, coming out to family, coming out to friends, coming out and the work place, and coming out at school. For more information, please e-mail Jan (jeestrellado@ucsd.edu).

Fluid Sexuality

Thursdays, 5pm-6pm, starting October 8, 2009

Heritage Room, LGBT Resource Center

This group is an open and intimate discussion regarding bisexual identities/labels, attraction to multiple genders, and the fluid nature of sexual attraction, sexual orientation and sexual identity that many experience in our community. People of all sexual and gender identities are encouraged to attend, listen, and actively participate in this unique forum. Come together and share your experiences or learn from the experiences of others about what fluid identities mean in people’s lives. Contact Nat at nguerrer@ucsd.edu or Beta bhampton@ucsd.edu for more information.

LGBTQIA: Lesbian Gay Bisexual Transgender Queer/Questioning Intersex Association

Mondays at 7 PM

LGBT RC

LGBTQIA is committed to providing safe spaces for the community and work toward this goal in many ways: holding regular meetings to provide a space to talk and socialize; putting on social dances open to all, allowing people to have a good time without fear; holding rallies to show our pride; promoting education, both within the LGBTQIA community and to the larger San Diego community. Find us on Facebook! Email: lgbtqia@gmail.com

Men’s Group

Wednesdays, 7pm-8pm, starting September 30, 2009

Heritage Room, LGBT Resource Center

Men’s Group is a space for male-bodied and/ or male-identified members of the UCSD community to discuss what it means to be bisexual, gay, transgender, queer, straight, or questioning within the context of UCSD and beyond. The setting is personal and confidentiality is a prime objective. Thus, a safe discussion space is created for discussing these issues with trained and friendly facilitators. For more information, please e-mail Brian Ng ((bjng@ucsd.edu).

QxN: Queer By Nature

Tuesdays, 6pm, starting October 20, 2009

LGBT RC

We are a Queer wilderness collective of friends interested in experiencing the beauty of the natural world through means of exploration. We hike, bike, surf, swim, camp, climb and kayak and anything else outdoorsy you can think of. Our goal is to provide a safe and fun wilderness experience for LGBTQI students of UCSD and other colleges in the San Diego area (State / Private / Community all welcome). Email:qxnature@gmail.com.

Queer Peer Support Program (QPSP)

Meetings determined by program participants

QPSP is a student organization that broadens queer and questioning UCSD students’ support networks by developing an individual mentoring relationship with another queer UCSD student. It is for queer UCSD students by queer UCSD students. The mission of QPSP is to help queer and questioning students at UCSD succeed during their time at the university, reach their full potential as individuals, and connect with other queer UCSD students in an intimate and confidential setting. Participants will meet with Peer Supporters (PS’s) once every two weeks for the academic year and attend quarterly socials. Email: jeestrellado@ucsd.edu.

QPOC: Queer People of Color

Thursdays at 7 PM

LGBT RC

Email: ucsdqpoc@gmail.com

Queer People of Color (QPOC) was established in 2000 by a group of Queer students of Color FED UP with racism in the queer community. Because of this, at the core of QPOC is our commitment to struggle and our commitment to activism. We recognize the intersection of our identities, as well as the related intersection of various social justice movements. We create a SPACE: social, political, academic, and cultural environment - to enhance our members entire self-being!

QWOC: Queer Womyn of Color

Tuesdays of even weeks, 7pm-9pm

LGBT RC Conference Room

Queer Womyn of Color is a group for self-identified queer womyn of color to come together to establish our own space, acknowledge our intersectionalities, create visibility and community, and discuss possible ways to move forward. QWOC was established January 13, in the winter quarter of 2009, to provide a safe space for its members (student, staff and faculty). While the LGBT RC is where we primarily meet, we also branch out to other Campus Community Centers. During our quarterly Q-Trips, we meet off campus. Our first meeting is October 6th! For more information, please contact us at ucsdqwoc@gmail.com.

Queer Womyn’s Collective

The Queer Womyn’s Collective (QWC) is starting this year with a General Body Meeting inviting anyone—regardless of gender or sexual orientation, interested in creating new friends and learning about or implementing QWC’s mission statement. The mission of QWC is to create a space that is inclusive and representative of queer womyn and is inclusive of the multiple identities of queer womyn. The collective works to actively create change and opportunities for womyn in the queer community. Questions? Contact: womynscoalition@gmail.com.

Transgender Intersex Alliance

Thursdays, 2:00pm - 4:00pm , starting October 6, 2009

Heritage Room, LGBT Resource Center

The Transgender Intersex Alliance is a safe supportive environment to discuss gender, the gender/sex matrix, sexuality, female/male dichotomy, intersex identities, transgender identities, and anything else that comes to mind... All identities are welcome. Please join us! For more information, e-mail transgenderintersexalliance@gmail.com mailto:cgauthie@ucsd.edu.

The UCSD GLBT Staff and Faculty Association

First Tuesday and Third Thursday of each month at 12 PM

LGBT RC Conference Room

Email: Fred West at fwest@ucsd.edu

The UCSD GLBT Staff and Faculty Association is the official faculty and staff association for the gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender folks at UCSD. We provide the opportunity for faculty and staff to meet new people at the University and make connections that will last your entire career. All of our events are open to faculty & staff regardless of one’s sexual orientation and gender identity.

Women’s Group

Tuesdays, 5:30pm-6:30pm, starting October 20, 2009

Heritage Room, LGBT Resource Center

Women’s Group is a space for female-bodied and/or female-identified members of the UCSD community to discuss general, specific, or personal issues in an informal and comfortable atmosphere. We meet in a respected space, so all information and identities are kept confidential. If you identify as lesbian, bisexual, queer, transgender, straight or are questioning your sexual orientation, stop by Women’s Group to meet other like minded women and gain support from your peers. For more information, please e-mail Jan Estrellado (jeestrellado@ucsd.edu).