It was a cold and blustery snow storm, the kind that makes you want to cuddle up in your fleece pajamas with cocoa and a good book--or with your nine-year-old son to watch Miracle for the hundredth time. Instead I was in the garage, cell-phone propped on my ear trying to follow my husband's instructions to start the snowblower. "Crank the choke, throttle the rabbit, prime the pump then tork the lever." Huh??
Ever feel this way? The person on the other end of the phone knows exactly what they're talking about and launches into a language that you can't even begin to understand. You're frustrated, cold, wet and feeling a little bit dumb that you can't even get past the first command, never mind actually make this machine come to life.
I know that this is how going back to college can feel for adults. I've had students in my classes tell me that this is their first time back in a classroom since high school. It's scary. And overwhelming and there are alot of acronyms. The good news is, they picked Granite State College. Because we're an adult college program, we try to avoid the acronyms and help our students navigate the maze of higher education clearly and with a road map. We have specific resources for adult students including advising, academic support and a virtual library. We also walk our students through the maze of adult financial aid. We'll help you distinquish between a FAFSA and a MPN (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) and (Master Promissory Note).
So if you're feeling overwhelmed with choices, and information, give us a call. We'd love to help you start fulfilling your dream of achieving your degree. (And we'll help you start the snowblower if you need that too!)
Like millions of Americans, my new-years resolutions included getting in shape. I think my expectations are pretty realistic. I know I'm not going to be Jillian Michaels within the next 6 months, but perhaps I can at least get rid of this double chin. To get started I decided to jump on the Wii Fit Advanced train. My son eagerly helped me set up my mii (because you know 9-year olds do this stuff about a thousand times faster than us adults!) I have to admit my mii was pretty stunning. Great haircut, nice glasses and the color eyes I've dreamed of having. I was in heaven. Until the board calculated my weight and bmi...at which point it started groaning what sounded like "ouch" each time I stepped on the board. I guess this is supposed to be a motivator...move from "ouch" to "yippee"? "amen!"? or even "phew!" (I'll let you know when I get there!). Unfortunately for me it had exactly the opposite effect. Who wants to be greated with "ouch" when they're jumping on board to get exactly the opposite reaction. How about a "good for you!" or "at least you're trying!"
This experience made me think about our students. Since we offer primarily adult college courses, we appeal to adults looking for affordable continuing education in an environment that is supportive and friendly. Some of our students are interested in accelerating their studies and completing their degree quickly. I believe that the experience we offer is closer to the "good for you!" than the "ouch." Based on our recent student satisfaction survey, our students agree. They give us high marks for academic support, faculty access and online course availability. If you're considering a college with online classes, I hope you'll choose the one without the "ouch"--Granite State College
Consider how many people return to college each semester. They are using Adult Education Services, accelerated studies, evening college classes, adult online classes, enrolling in continuing education degree programs and career training education programs. Some take classes from their home or office, some still walk into the classroom with other students and an instructor.
Now, think about all the reasons they are doing this. Some are there to finish something they started before work, family, life took them down other paths. Some are there to start their educational journey now that some other responsibilities have changed or gone away and they have the time. Some are there for the enjoyment of contuning to be a life-long learner. The vast majority however, are there to gain new knowledge in their efforts to become more valuable in their current positions, prepare for a promotion or in some cases, a complete career change. Either way the expectation is that whatever you learn will be something that you will be, and should be, able to apply in your daily set of personal and professional circumstances.
One of the key differences in educational experiences between students who enter college right out of high school and the adult learner seeking education and career advancement hinges on two elements:
When you participate in adult continuing education programs, for whatever reasons, remember that you have an obligation to apply your learning each and every day. The best way to keep your knowledge current and viable is to use it.
Remember to flex your knowledge muscles each and every day.....they are yours to apply and hone so the next set of learnings have a strong foundation to build upon.
Now, think about all the reasons they are doing this. Some are there to finish something they started before work, family, life took them down other paths. Some are there to start their educational journey now that some other responsibilities have changed or gone away and they have the time. Some are there for the enjoyment of contuning to be a life-long learner. The vast majority however, are there to gain new knowledge in their efforts to become more valuable in their current positions, prepare for a promotion or in some cases, a complete career change. Either way the expectation is that whatever you learn will be something that you will be, and should be, able to apply in your daily set of personal and professional circumstances.
One of the key differences in educational experiences between students who enter college right out of high school and the adult learner seeking education and career advancement hinges on two elements:
-
Experience - the student coming directly out of high school really is limited
in the level of experiences they bring to the classroom. Most of
their learning has to be more directed and often includes the use
of case studies. Case studies allow all students to share a common
set of experiences, usually with a known outcome, where the
proverbial "what ifs" can be explored through a guided lecture or
or assignment. In the case of the adult learner, often coming to the
the class with years of work/life experience, they ARE their own
case studies. They bring a unique set of circumstances, good and
bad, successful and not so successful, to the classroom. They can
and should use these experiences as a tool in their educational
journey. -
Focus - while the typical college student just entering college from high school
may have desires and aspirations that they firmly believe their pursuit of
an education will help them achieve, the adult learner, returning for
their education and career advancement desires tend to be very focused
and will willingly share their experiences with one another as part of their
overall classroom experiences. They are very focused on what they are
learning and how they can apply that knowledge immediately, not at
some time in the future. There is a sense of immediacy.
When you participate in adult continuing education programs, for whatever reasons, remember that you have an obligation to apply your learning each and every day. The best way to keep your knowledge current and viable is to use it.
Remember to flex your knowledge muscles each and every day.....they are yours to apply and hone so the next set of learnings have a strong foundation to build upon.
I'm thinking alot about relationships lately. Perhaps due more to the class I am currently enrolled in -- Interpersonal Communication -- (one of the many "weekend intensive" Concord, NH classes I have taken) than due to the upcoming Valentine's Day hoopla. I enrolled in the course, figuring it would be useful in my current job, as well as my future career path, but it occurs to me that this subject matter has many immediate practical applications.
Already I have picked up tips that will assist me in communicating with my husband, my kids, my boss, my dry cleaner, etc. Very useful. But as I sit in class looking around me, it strikes me how intriguing it is to get to know the others sitting there. Although some of us are taking part time classes, and some are fast tracking through accelerated studies, for the next couple of weekends this class is the equalizer, bringing us all together to work through the same material. Thinking back to any of my classes, I chuckle thinking of the first impressions I had of some of my classmates--and the resulting surprise when I began to slowly see the layers of personality "revealed."
Robin was just one of those surprises. I met Robin in a writing class, and she was quiet, serious, and expressed to the instructor her "reluctance" (I think it was loathing?) to write. As the first few weeks went by, Robin entertained us all with her witty comments, boisterous laugh, and phenomenal writing. So much for first impressions.
Another case for unexpected bonding with classmates----"stuck" on an island with 10 other strangers for four days. Sounds like a bad TV reality show, right? Yeah, I had my doubts as I looked around at these folks I would be spending day and night with. I was prepared as if for survival. Due to the age of the old, wooden hotel we were staying in, we were unable to bring with us any hair dryers, straightening irons, or any other implement requiring electricity. (Eeeeek!) And yes, that meant no laptops, or cell phone chargers. The result? We loved it! We had class most often sitting in rocking chairs on the extra-wide porch overlooking the ocean, and had actual conversations with each other.
We played cards together at night, had fresh food--family style, and face it--after 2 or 3 days with none of us showering (very rustic) there's not much room for pretense. We laughed a lot, got serious, and struggled with our work at times, and by the end of that couple of days there was an odd sense of reluctance to leave the island. Though we each brought very different situations, experience and personality to that class--we had new appreciation for each other and new friendships to take home with us.
Although not every class lends itself that nicely to forging new friendships, I have come to enjoy that first day of class as I wonder about the people sitting around me. Which ones will surprise me most? Which ones will I get to know better? Ya never know. So whether or not you take the class "Interpersonal Communication" (which I do recommend), don't overlook the relationship education going on all around you. You just might be surprised.
Already I have picked up tips that will assist me in communicating with my husband, my kids, my boss, my dry cleaner, etc. Very useful. But as I sit in class looking around me, it strikes me how intriguing it is to get to know the others sitting there. Although some of us are taking part time classes, and some are fast tracking through accelerated studies, for the next couple of weekends this class is the equalizer, bringing us all together to work through the same material. Thinking back to any of my classes, I chuckle thinking of the first impressions I had of some of my classmates--and the resulting surprise when I began to slowly see the layers of personality "revealed."
Robin was just one of those surprises. I met Robin in a writing class, and she was quiet, serious, and expressed to the instructor her "reluctance" (I think it was loathing?) to write. As the first few weeks went by, Robin entertained us all with her witty comments, boisterous laugh, and phenomenal writing. So much for first impressions.
Another case for unexpected bonding with classmates----"stuck" on an island with 10 other strangers for four days. Sounds like a bad TV reality show, right? Yeah, I had my doubts as I looked around at these folks I would be spending day and night with. I was prepared as if for survival. Due to the age of the old, wooden hotel we were staying in, we were unable to bring with us any hair dryers, straightening irons, or any other implement requiring electricity. (Eeeeek!) And yes, that meant no laptops, or cell phone chargers. The result? We loved it! We had class most often sitting in rocking chairs on the extra-wide porch overlooking the ocean, and had actual conversations with each other.
We played cards together at night, had fresh food--family style, and face it--after 2 or 3 days with none of us showering (very rustic) there's not much room for pretense. We laughed a lot, got serious, and struggled with our work at times, and by the end of that couple of days there was an odd sense of reluctance to leave the island. Though we each brought very different situations, experience and personality to that class--we had new appreciation for each other and new friendships to take home with us.
Although not every class lends itself that nicely to forging new friendships, I have come to enjoy that first day of class as I wonder about the people sitting around me. Which ones will surprise me most? Which ones will I get to know better? Ya never know. So whether or not you take the class "Interpersonal Communication" (which I do recommend), don't overlook the relationship education going on all around you. You just might be surprised.
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