August 2023 Newsletter
Hey, Highlanders! Welcome (back) to campus! We’re excited to connect with you this semester!
If this is the first time you’re receiving our resource newsletter, let me tell you about it. Every month, we’ll compile a list of on- and off-campus resources, a self-care tip, and some stats around a specific theme (this month is back-to-school success). You can find old newsletters and hundreds of resources on our website: https://www.mclennan.edu/campus-resource-guide/
Faculty & Staff! We need your help!
Paulanne’s Pantry Donations
We are in need of the following items for the food pantry:
- Plastic grocery sacks
- Reusable grocery bags (The ones you've been meaning to get rid of)
- Empty coffee cans with lids
- Empty wipe containers with flip tops (Clorox wipes, baby wipes, hand wipes, car wipes, etc)
- Canned fruits and veggies
- Snacks for snack stations
All items can be dropped off at Success Coaching Services. However, if you need someone to pick items up from your office, please email Natalie James or the CREW .
Diaper Drive
In conjunction with MCC’s Fall 2023 convocation, Paulanne’s Pantry will be accepting donations of disposable diapers (sizes 2–6) and pull-ups (sizes 2T–6T) to benefit future Highlanders and Highlassies. For every pack of diapers OR $10 you donate, you will earn an entry into a drawing for an Ember Travel Mug . If you can’t make it to convocation, we will accept donations at any time in the Success Coaching Services office.
Spotlight: Resources
NEXT WEDNESDAY, September 6th, from 11 am – 1 pm, we’re hosting a resource fair underneath the Student Services Building. Come out to connect with dozens of on-campus offices and community-based organizations that want to help you thrive during your studies at MCC.
Shout-out!
Shoutout to the awesome team in the SLC (Student Life Center) for hosting orientation all summer, providing a sweet space to get away from the academic grind, offering free food all the time, and helping us plan and host the resource fair. Joe, Cassy, and peer mentors—y’all are great!
Self-Care Tip
As the new semester is starting, it might be tempting to think about all the things you want to do and all the opportunities available to you at MCC. That’s the great thing about college!!
But please do yourself a favor and don’t overbook yourself. It’s so easy to see all the time, freedom, and opportunity during syllabus week without considering the time demands of the busiest parts of the semester.
Here’s one of my favorite tips for those of us who love to say yes. Whenever someone asks you to do something, say, “Let me check my calendar.” Then, you have a moment to assess whether or not you really have time to add this thing into your schedule and/or if it is worthwhile for you.
Remember, you are a college student and you also wear other hats—friend, child, sibling, parent, athlete…. Make sure that the things you say yes to align with your most important values.
By saying you’ll check your calendar, you’re buying yourself a little time to assess what your best yeses are this semester.
Easy Recipe
Fall might be upon us, but we can still savor some summer eats! This bruschetta pasta is light, fresh, fast, and easy. And it’s super easy to add a protein of your choice to the dish. Grilled chicken? Yum!
Need any ingredients? Swing by Paulanne’s for some non-perishable goods, frozen meat, fresh fruit, cheese, and/or milk! There’s a good chance we’ll have most of the ingredients for this meal when you stop by to shop the pantry!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 10 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Servings: 6 (1.5 cups per serving)
INGREDIENTS
- 1/3 cup olive oil
- 3 Tbsp balsamic vinegar
- 1/2 Tbsp Dijon mustard
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp freshly cracked pepper
- 4 Roma tomatoes
- 12 oz. penne pasta
- 1/2 cup fresh basil, loosely packed
INSTRUCTIONS
- Make the vinaigrette first. Add the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, salt, and pepper to a bowl, then whisk until smooth.
- Finely dice the tomatoes. Add the tomatoes to a large bowl, then pour the dressing over top. Stir the combine the tomatoes and dressing, then set them aside to marinate.
- Cook the penne pasta according to the package directions (boil 7-8 minutes, or until tender), then drain well in a colander. Allow the pasta to cool.
- While the pasta is cooling, roughly chop the basil.
- Give the tomatoes another stir, then add the drained and cooled pasta and chopped basil to the bowl. Stir until everything is evenly combined and coated in dressing. Taste the pasta and add more salt or pepper if needed. Serve immediately or refrigerate until ready to eat.
Calories: 334 kcal | Carbohydrates: 46 g | Protein: 8 g | Fat: 13 g | Sodium: 215 mg | Fiber: 2 g
Stats
- Waco Transit: 996 rides using the free transit cards provided by MCC
CREW This Month
Every Thursday, 1–5 pm @ SLC || Greater Waco Legal Services
Reach out for FREE legal advice that’s open to all students!
Wednesday, 9/6, 11am – 2pm @ Student Services Building || Fall Resource Fair
Come out to the student services center to learn about tons of on- and off-campus resources that are available to improve your experience as a student at MCC!
Thursday, 9/7, 12:30pm @ LTC 321 || Workshop: Take Advantage of the Learning Commons
Join in person in LTC 321 or on Zoom: 254 999 8332
Wednesday, 9/13, 11am @ LTC 318 || Workshop: Success Coaching Services
Join in person in LTC 318 or on Zoom: 254 999 8332
Thursday, 9/14, 3–4pm @ Parking Lot R || Shepherd’s Heart Food Distribution
Swing by Lot R for FREE food from Shepherd’s Heart! Free and open to anyone in the community!
Sunday, 9/17, 7:30am @ Meyer Center || Mission Waco Walk for the Homeless
This two-mile walking event starts at the Meyer Center at 1226 Washington and concludes at Church Under the Bridge. Join us as Mission Waco leads us to visit a number of different service providers who help those struggling on our streets. Come learn about all of the incredible resources our city has to offer and how you can get involved. Mission Waco will have transportation provided to take you back to the Meyer Center after the event is over.
Wednesday, 9/20, 12:30pm @ LTC 318 || Workshop: Advising & Career Services
Join in person in LTC 318 or on Zoom: 254 999 8332
Thursday, 9/21, 11:30am – 1pm @ SLC || Third Thursday Thoroughfare
Come for free lunch and learn about resources in McLennan County just for college students!
Wednesday, 9/27, 12:30pm @ LTC 318 || Workshop: Career Decisions
Join in person in LTC 318 or on Zoom: 254 999 8332
More events are available on the CREW calendar ! Be sure to save the calendar so you never miss an event!
View past newsletters here: https://www.mclennan.edu/campus-resource-guide/newsletter.html
*Composed by Emma Cartisano*
