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Show AggieLife Page 6 Wednesday, Feb. 3, 2010 Protectin students from identity theft By APRIL ASHLAND staff writer Identity theft happens no matter how prepared and cautious people are with their information. But professor Alena Johnson said there are easy ways to protect sensitive information. Johnson has been teaching the family finance class at USU since 1998 and said people have to be careful with all their information. Johnson said it may be frustrating trying to keep information safe when ANto students have roommates, because informa- them once a year, so if you check your score tion is inevitably left out and about. every four months, it will help you be able "A higher identity theft percentage hapto see if someone has stolen your identity," pens from people you know - and that Johnson said. means roommates, friends and relatives. Not all three bureaus will give the same Don't assume anyone is OK," she said. score however, because some places only "Anyone can go through your stuff, even if report to one of the credit bureaus, Johnson it's not someone you know, like your roomsaid. But the scores will be similar to each mate's friends. That's why it's so important other, and that is how students can see to keep it out of their whether there is an account reach." that belongs to someone else. "If wherever you Johnson said students In order to access inforshould buy a lockbox mation from the credit go needs you for all important docubureaus, students need to Social Security ments - bank statements, have specific information, number, ask Social Security papers, Johnson said. them how they checkbooks and any "You need to know where other important informayou got any loans, like a car store it. Then tion that has personal or loan or school loans," she write it down financial information on said. — don't say it out it. If a card or information loud. " Johnson defines identihas been stolen, she said, a ty theft as when someone fraud alert can be placed on steals personal informacredit reports. Alena Johnson, tion in order to open new "A fraud alert makes it finance professor accounts. If the thief only so no new accounts, cards steals a card, it's considor loans can be opened or ered fraud, she said. acquired," she said. Johnson said she uses The Federal Trade Johnson said when a card is stolen or Commission's Web site to teach her classes lost, people should immediately take steps about the three steps to deal with identity to limit damage and avoid the possibility of theft. The Web site shows three different identity theft. areas that help people in dealing with iden"Immediately call the credit card compatity theft: deter, detect and defend. ny, cancel the card and file a police report," When people go to the doctor, the recep- she said. "Then contact The Federal Trade tionist sometimes asks for a Social Security Commission. And never, ever, carry your number, and Johnson said students should Social Security card in your wallet." ask whether the number is necessary The reason to file a police report, - because often it's not. according to the FTC Web site, is to help "If wherever you go needs your Social with creditors, who may want proof of the Security number, ask them how they store crime. it. Then write it down - don't say it out The three credit bureaus can be accessed loud," she said. at: www.AnnualCreditReport.com . The The easiest way for people to detect iden- FTC can be accessed at FTC.gov/idtheft. tity theft, Johnson said, is to check their - april.ashland@aggiemail.usu.edu credit score. "There are three credit bureaus, and you can get your credit score from each of — CATHERINE URIE photo illustration Past: Bringing history to life Ho wTo continued from page 5 in cutout squares of the painting. The artist of the mural, Trent Gudmundsen, was selected out of eight artists who applied and said it was an "honor" to be chosen. The original plan was to hire a more famous artist to paint the mural, but then hiring a local was suggested. "I think many would be surprised just how many talented professional artists there are right here in Cache Valley," Gudmundsen said, After being commissioned, the mural took almost five months to plan and one month to paint. The painting "represents quintessential Cache Valley," Gundmundsen said. It includes those four original settlers, as well as portraying each of the four seasons. The American West Heritage Center may appear like a small, old barn upon first glance, but inside, the rustic beauty of it evolves. The logcabin feel, combined with the amount of history, inspires the visitor to learn more. In addition to the exhibits and murals, there are also toys for children to play with, touch-screen technology and a gift shop. The museum is not just for tourists. Although it may be a welcome center for visitors, it is also ideal for locals wanting to learn more about this beautiful valley. Delong said, "Our mission is the living history," as shown by the various live events that occur throughout the year. Pulling handcarts and live re-enactments tie the living history into the new exhibits inside the building. The land, owned by USU, is able to accommodate those wanting to see the festivals, learn from educational workshops or just stop in and learn more about the history of Cache Valley. -kellyn.anderson@aggiemaiLusu.edu APARTMENTS 454 N 400 E email: forestgatemanagers @live.com (435) 752-1516 $2350-$2650* Summer $550* School Year • • • • Onsite Laundromat Close to USU & Bus Stop Fully Furnished Private Bedrooms • $50 off if you sign up with 2 or more friends! • $100 off off rent if you sign up by March 1st! *Price includes utilities, cable, and high speed internet. The ultimate guide to everything and anything How to survive college math M ath is a four-letter word. Not only is it expensive $100 textbooks, pencils, graphing - calculator, batteries for graphing calculator, notepads - it's also difficult for many students. It involves latenight calculations, hair-pulling problems and the occasional calculator thrown at a wall. It's not uncommon to hear a student admit to taking a math course multiple times. One way to avoid repeating a math course is to save everything, said Sarah Pickering, freshman studying elementary education. "I still have my math book from 1010," she said, "and I go back to that to remember things." Pickering encouraged all Math 1010 students to follow suit. "Those who go through Math 1010 hold onto the book and assignments," she said, "because they come in handy later." Emily Tholen, freshman in agricultural machinery, said she takes every advantage at her recitations. "I've looked over sections prior to recitations," she said, "to know where I have problems. I'm finding I really rely on those recitations." Tholen stressed the importance of finding a study partner. "Find yourself a math buddy early," she said. "That way there are two of you to figure it out, instead of just you." A plague among college students is the habit of procrastination. Clayton Fielding, freshman in business, said the way to make it through a college math course is to never fall behind. "Stay on top of it," he said. "Don't get behind. Try to do the assignment before recitation so you have an idea what questions you have." When figuring out how to pass a class, it's often best to go directly to the source - the professor. Larry Cannon, professor in the math department, teaches 1050 and holds to the adage, practice makes perfect when it comes to math. "Practice and practice and practice and practice," he said. "That's the price of learning this stuff. Ask questions, then go back and practice some more." Here are five tips to surviving a college math course: 1 - Save everything. You may think you won't use it again, but you never know when you'll need to remember the quadratic equation or how to find the area of a triangle. 2 - Come to class prepared. If you do your assignments before class, you'll know where you need help and be able to ask the teacher to go over the parts you don't understand. 3 - Find a math buddy. You'll have the fun of being social, while having another head to help you with the parts that don't make sense. 4 - Don't procrastinate. It's especially important in math to stay caught up with the material. If you miss one concept, you risk being lost the rest of the semester. 5 - Practice, practice, practice. Don't get lazy with assignments. The problems will give you the practice and variety that you need to do well on the tests. Kasey Van Dyke is a sophomore majoring in print journalism and political science. Questions or comments can be sent to Kasey at k.vandyke@ aggiemail. usu.edu. |