As many of you may know, Adult Financial Aid has been a hot topic in recent federal and state budget debates. These debates have left many of us wondering, “What is financial aid going to look like in the future?” I can’t speak for other schools, and I certainly do not profess to know exactly what is going to happen, but here are my thoughts and opinions on how Granite State College students may be affected.
With regard to State Financial aid, I believe we will see a cut to many of the grant and scholarship programs for New Hampshire. Governor Lynch proposed the elimination of the Post-Secondary Education Commission as a stand-alone agency. They are currently the ones administering the NH Incentive Grant. With the proposed elimination, it is unclear who, if anyone will be administering this program. There have been mentions of each state school receiving an allotment of funding to be used at the school level, but we have not received any official word as of yet.
We have been notified; however, that we will no longer have funding for the Unique Allocation Scholarship or the Unique Endowment fund. These funds will be re-directed to support public institutions of higher learning in New Hampshire.
In addition, Congress is still debating the proposed cuts to its budget as well. There have been talks of decreasing the annual Pell Grant allotment from $5550 (maximum annual award) to $4705 (maximum annual award). Senate is planning to vote on these proposed cuts this week, and if they are not passed, they will return to the drawing board until they can come to an agreement.
That being said, Granite State College is still able to fund the majority of our students using the Federal Aid Programs available to us. Because we are mainly an Adult and Continuing Education college and do not have the high costs of residential campuses, we will not be as heavily affected by these proposed cuts as some of the more traditional colleges in the area. We are confident that no matter what happens, we will have proper funding to assist our students.
There are, however, things students can do on their own to help supplement their educational expenses. Because we may have to use more Stafford loan money to cover the portion of charges typically covered by the State Grant Programs, Students should take a good, hard look at what they are borrowing. Students should keep a close eye on their outstanding loan debt by checking the National Student Loan Data System on a regular basis. This will allow them to track how much they have already borrowed and reconsider their borrowing habits. Another good tool to use is the financial aid loan payment calculator. This will give them an idea of what their monthly payment will look like once they have finished their program. These tools allow students to make informed choices as to how they want to spend their money and more importantly, what they can really afford.
Another option students should be aggressively pursuing is scholarships. It takes a little more leg work since most have an application and essay requirement, but with the cuts to many grant programs, this is another very feasible way to get free money for education.
Students can create a profile on a scholarship search engine which will then send them different scholarships that may be applicable to them. Another excellent scholarship resource for New Hampshire residents is the New Hampshire Charitable Fund. Specifically, the adult student aid program is designed for adults returning to school to upgrade skills for employment or career advancement. In addition, the statewide student aid program is designed for the traditional student in a four year baccalaureate program.
Keep in mind that not all scholarship opportunities are legit. Take a look at these Scholarship Tips to avoid being caught in the middle of a scam.
So as we move forward into the 2011-2012 financial aid award year, things are still very uncertain. Rest assured though, Granite State College will have aid to cover our students regardless of what happens with both the State and Federal governments.
"If you want to go quickly, go alone. If you want to go far, go together." --African proverb.
I recently saw the above quote from my Granite State College Social Psychology textbook, "Social Psychology" by David G. Myers. There is something about this quote that really seems to resonate with me.
For many years, I believed that working hard would alone get me to the goals and ambitions that I had hoped for in my life. In many ways that is true, because without hard work, I probably wouldn't have gotten far. My choices were very much "I" choices and what "I" would do by my own steam. How much more fulfilling it has been to expand and be active in my community, being a volunteer in several organizations, and to continue my education. I find that college life has expanded my knowledge in many areas, has helped me to "think outside of the box," and has that advantage of being surrounded by many like-minded people who enjoy their degree choices. For me, that degree choice is a bachelor's in Behavioral Science. Granite State College's online adult learning courses has been my primary method of "attending" classes and has really proven to be much more fulfilling than I could have imagined. I'm on class discussion boards almost as much I'm on Facebook! :)
I also find that being in a course at Granite State College doesn't mean that I "go it alone," since there are so many helpful people that I meet up with as I pursue my educational ambitions. I will be continuing on to graduate studies after I complete my bachelor's in Behavioral Science in June. I've put in a lot of individual work that will help me to go quickly, but the quality of the journey is from working with others at Granite State College that has made all of the difference as to how far I will go.
Trying checking out some of the courses that are available at Granite State College and you'll see that together we'll go far!
Have you read all the news stories lately about the Tiger Mom? The topic certainly has received a lot of press and caused many people to think about child rearing practices. Do you agree with what you have heard? Were you raised by a strict parent or one who was very permissive? At Granite State College, in a child development class, the discussion about child rearing has been an interesting one.
Students enrolled in Early Childhood degree programs and Behavioral Science classes and degree programs have engaged in a discussion about what aspects of parenting are important. In Foster Parent Classes at Granite State College, the conversation is similar. Research tells us that parents who are accepting of their children, and encourage exploration, while providing stability and love can help children to develop into healthy adults.
It's certainly an interesting discussion to be a part of in our adult and continuing education classes here at Granite State College.
I was so happy the other day when my Burpees seed catalog came in the mail. Aha! Spring is almost here - it must be since I got the catalog. Imagine my disappointment when I went outside this morning to go to work. As I stood there in about 6 inches of snow, I saw my dreams of an early spring drifting away like a snowflake on the wind.
I slogged through the snow and cleaned about a foot of snow off the roof and windshield and back of the car, started it up and waited for the ice to melt. My hair was dripping frozen ice down my back and my feet were already wet and I hadn't even left the driveway.When I got to work I had to trudge through another 6 inches of snow because of course we hadn't been plowed out yet.
Finally, I was at my desk, a little warmer and dryer and I was doing my favorite thing - checking in new books. One of the first books I opened up was a new gardening book. It had bright colorful pictures, lots of flowers and vegetables in containers and raised beds and neatly tilled garden beds. I daydreamed about the vegetables and flowers I might grow this year, if spring ever comes!
I remembered last year when I planted a garden for the first time in about 20 years, I was inspired to take the Sustainable Gardening class offered as part of the adult continuing education programs at Granite State College. It was taught by Henry Homeyer from Cornish and I learned so much. I noticed that he will be teaching it again this spring, at the Lebanon NH college campus, this time - I think.
If you like to garden, or want to know more about sustainable gardening or just want to get closer to spring check out his class. It was great, we visited several vegetable and fruit farms in the early spring, planned our garden plots and started seeds inside - it gave us something green to watch as the last of the snow disappeared. And, if the snow is depressing you as much as it is me, I recommend stopping into your local library and checking out a few gardening books and start planning your own garden, or dreaming about it anyway, maybe you could sign up for the Sustainable Gardening class if it's been a while and you need a few pointers.
Keep the faith - spring is just around the corner - I think.
OMG!! I can hardly believe that the north east is getting hit with all that snow. It was sixty-nine degrees here on Sunday. Of course this is South Carolina but I am only 14 hours away from my old home in Manchester, New Hampshire and Granite State College. I have a son that lives in Chicago and the weather lady just said that they are going to get more snow in the next couple days than they have had in forty years. Wow, I hope he stays warm and safe going to and from work each day. Each day is a new day in all of our lives. Some may be out of work, some so frustrated looking for a new job or some just praying that they don't get cut from their current job. Many stresses we face during this economy. It is a rough time we are facing but, we can face it head on if we continually think of our possibilities. It may be the time for you to start thinking about an adult education degree. Getting that education you have longed for after many years of raising children or doing other things. So, why not step it up and do it? It is just like going for a run; put on your tennis shoes, tie them up and open the door, then go. School is just the same. Call Granite State College, talk about your plans, desires aspirations and plan, organize and do it. It is that first step that can change your life. Sure, you will have stresses with school but you will also be doing something for YOU. So, maybe this snowy day is your day to do it. YOU CAN YOU KNOW!! I did, and so happy I did.
It’s that time of year again! It’s time to start thinking about filing the 2011-2012 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). For many, this can be an overwhelming process, so here are a few tips to help make your FAFSA filing experience less stressful.
Many traditional schools require the FAFSA to be filed no later than March 1st. Granite State College, however, does not have a filing deadline since our institution provides Adult and Continuing Education classes with rolling admissions. This means that our students can apply for Financial Aid at any point during the year. We do strongly encourage our students to apply by May 1st if possible so they will be considered for any State Grants available. However, if students file after the priority filing date, they will still be considered for the federal aid programs including the Federal Pell Grant and the Stafford Loan Programs.
Students must be enrolled at least Part Time to be eligible to receive federal financial aid. Each school determines what they consider to be Part Time Classes and for Granite State College, students are required to take at least four credits to be eligible for aid. This means that our students who want to Take College Classes Online or in one of our centers, but can only do one class per term are still eligible to receive Federal Financial Aid.
For those students who recently got married, please be very careful when filing your new FAFSA. If you have not received confirmation from Social Security that your name has been updated in their system, you do not want to file your FAFSA using your married name. This will cause the FAFSA to reject. Always file your FAFSA using your legal name; this means the name that is listed on your Social Security card. Do not use abbreviations or nicknames either as this will cause the FAFSA to reject as well.
If at the time you filed your previous year’s tax return you were married, but you are now separated or divorced, still use the joint income listed on the tax return when filing your FAFSA. The Office of Financial Aid can separate out your income to reflect a more accurate financial picture, but will need additional documentation to do so. You will be required to complete a Special Circumstance form. Once your documents are received, the Office of Financial Aid will review them and make any adjustments possible to the information listed on the FAFSA. It is required that the Office of Financial Aid makes these adjustments since any change to a student’s income must be fully documented for audit purposes.
To be considered a veteran, you must have served on Active duty and must have been discharged under other than dishonorable conditions. If your service was only for training purposes such as the National Guard or Reserves, you are not considered a veteran for federal financial aid purposes.
The number one mistake students make is leaving a field blank. All income questions must be completed. If the answer is zero or the questions do not apply to you, write in a zero. Do not use dashes or leave the question blank.
If you have an unborn child who will be born before or during the award year (July 1 through June 30th) and that child will receive more than half of his or her support from you, you can count that child as a member of your household when answering the household and dependents questions on the FAFSA.
Always remember to electronically sing your FAFSA with your PIN. The FAFSA will not be considered valid until your signature is applied.
For more tips and instructions, check out this FAFSA Video.
As always, please contact the Office of Financial Aid at Granite State College at 603-513-1392 with any questions or concerns. Happy Filing!
I realized that any time I end up talking about Granite State College, or any other Adult Education Degree Program, that I always relate it to my life. Granted, I tend to do this to get people excited/motivated through the knowledge that some random person gave herself a chance to change her life. But this one is for you, putting aside my life for comparison.
What got you to the point of reading these blogs? There is obviously something in you that wants to start, or continue with an accelerated undergraduate, or an accelerated degree program. There is something in you that has made you take those steps to search for these. Are you looking to start a program, or finish? Are you looking to improve your current job situation? Personal reasons?
It's very easy for me to say "you won't regret it!" - (and I know you won't), however it's really time that you took that next step to commit! There are so many excuses out there, many that are more than valid, but there are 5 reasons to do it to every 1 excuse. Want to test that theory? :)
I know I'm being very repetitive, but I'm curious: what is fueling your desire to be here? We all have something that inspires us to "take the plunge"; it's time for you to find your inner fire, and embrace it.
Every time I begin a new semester, I wonder about the kinds of students that will come through the door at Granite State College. I wonder about ages, past educational experiences, work history, reasons for coming to class and I wonder if I will be able to meet all the various needs for attending Adult Education classes at Granite State College.
This semester was no different except that I was teaching at the Portsmouth NH college campus, where I have always taught at Rochester NH college campus. I entered the Portsmouth NH campus for the first time and was greeted by a work study student. She welcomed me, assuming that I was a student. She asked if I was ready to begin classes. I smiled and thought how much fun it would be to be taking one of the many continuing education classes at Granite State College. For a moment I envied the adults that come to do an Adult Education Certificate or an Adult Accelerated Degree Program. I love teaching the courses, but what fun to take one.
I felt so welcomed at Portsmouth and so excited about the new semester. So thank you for welcoming me to my "new" campus. Come and visit yourself and see all the course options Granite State has to offer.
We have many traditions in our family and one of them is to skate on Christmas Eve. We started it years ago and have done it ever since. We skated in TN, NH, FL and now SC. Well, as close to Christmas Eve as I could since I have moved to South Carolina. They don't seem to have the inside rinks open during Christmas Eve so as long as we do it during the holidays, we can all say "we skated." The four children are scattered all over the US these days so we try to call each other and tell each other when we are hitting the rink.
That event took place yesterday at the Pavilion in Taylor's, which is suburb of Greenville. My daughter and her fiance came as well as a fellow I have been dating and two girls from work. One friend brought her daughter along for the fun. It was the first time her daughter had skated and she took to her skates in no time and was out there enjoying herself just like the rest of us. Learning to skate? Is just like learning anything, it takes time and patience. Patience and determination is all it takes which is similar to learning in school. One has to be determined to do it, patience to keep going, and will to polish off the task at hand.
College is very much the same. Going back to school for me took lots of patience as I took adult college classes. I had wanted to go to school for years. I was busy being a mom to four kids, there was not much time for me. But, once I had made that decision, which was a hard decision to make. Once I had the determination to get my adult education degree, the rest was easy. I had a professor tell me once, "not to look at all the classes you have to take to get your adult college degree, but to take one class at a time, then move on to the next". Those words got me through college, one class at a time. Just like that little girl learning to skate, one slide at a time and before she knew it, she was doing it.
Standing with me is my oldest daughter Amber. Her and I just love to skate. My youngest daughter will get in just before Christmas and we will hit the ice after Christmas this year. It is a family thing we do and one of our traditions. School is another tradition that I am hoping they cherish along life's journey. Learning is such a part of my life and will continue to be so for as long as I live.
Another twelve weeks has come and gone at Granite State College, and I am emerging on the other side of this term changed once again. Perhaps 'changed' isn't the right word, as each class has enhanced or refined who I am as a person. I don't believe that one can actively engage one's mind and learn new concepts without being impacted. A truth, once learned, becomes a part of who we are. Once our eyes are opened, it would be utter foolishness to close them again to what we have seen.
Learning doesn't stop at the classroom door. Some people consider their educational career to have been completed upon receiving their high school diploma; others equate learning with adult continuing education programs, and "pause" between courses. What I've found from taking my behavioral science classes, as well as the core and elective classes, is that the readings, discussions, and assignments throughout the terms have stirred my hunger for knowledge.
I've often filled the between-times trying to learn more about the subjects I've already learned, or trying to satisfy my curiosity about thoughts and ideas yet to be explored. A simple search for "behavioral science" on YouTube results in many videos illustrating the psychological concepts discussed in textbooks and classes. Another favorite site of mine is http://www.sciencedaily.com, which I've used extensively both in my classes and for my own interest.
One of the many benefits of being a recipient of adult higher education at Granite State College is that it has prepare my mind to be a lifelong learner, not only in the classroom or through the online adult programs, but in the great classroom of life.
There is knowledge waiting to be discovered everywhere. Whet your appetite and prime the pump at Granite State College.
Since arriving at Granite State College, I have met with students at our Concord, Claremont, Conway, and Rochester regional campuses and hosted an online chat for our distance learning students. The message has been consistently positive when it comes to the quality of education and services students feel they are receiving from GSC. I have also spent enough time with staff throughout the college to know that there is a very high level of student caring that exists throughout the college. The Granite State College mission of access and opportunity is one staff embrace and students appreciate.
At the same time, colleges and universities must learn to go beyond caring about students and ensure that their practices, systems, and policies are "student-centered." Which means that we anticipate student needs and align our practices, systems and policies in a way that enhances student success and minimizes student frustration.
Over the past several months we have taken steps at Granite State College to better align our practices, systems and policies with student needs and goals. For example, more than half of our students are now enrolled in online courses, so in order to better support our distance learning students we have recently added new online tutoring services. We are also introducing new self-service capabilities that allow students to better plan their programs of study. And we are focusing attention on course scheduling to ensure more rapid tracks to degree obtainment.
This student-centered focus will be core to Granite State College as we engage in a process of continuous improvement moving forward, and find new ways to serve the evolving needs of adult students throughout the state of New Hampshire and the region.
I finally did it! I finished the paper for my independent study project. My paper was on the Influence of Place on the Poets and Poetry of New England. It started out that way anyhow; because I believe the climate and culture of our area definitely finds its way into the work of New England authors. After I began the paper, in fact, when I was almost finished with it, I realized something else: the paper was also about poets who lived very close to the Claremont area. In fact, one of the poets, Wes Mcnair was a graduate of Stevens High School.
Claremont often gets a bad rap when it comes to education, but I like to hope that things are changing, for the better. We now have Granite State College located right on Pleasant Street, we have an active theater group not only at the Opera house, but also in the Middle School and High School. We are also in the process of setting up a branch of OLLI (The Osher Lifelong Learning Institute) in Claremont - if you aren't familiar with the program, check it out. OLLI is a program of enrichment classes for people over 50. There are many great classes on a variety of topics at little or no cost, all over the state.
Here I go again getting off topic - I finished my paper! Consequently, I should be done with my adult college classes, ready to walk down the final path in June with my brand new B.A. in Literature and Creative Writing, but somehow I'm still not ready. So for now I am going to continue to take classes; some history, some social studies, and maybe a couple of OLLI offerings. Just because I finished my first goal it doesn't mean I'm done learning. Education is a lifetime process and I intend to enjoy every minute of it!
Have I mentioned that I am a big believer in life-long learning? To that end, I have recently embarked on a new adventure. I am currently teaching Intro to Drawing for the first time at the Conway, NH Granite State College campus. Teaching a college evening class has always been on my "bucket list" and it has been a wonderful experience so far.
Much to my surprise and delight, 15 students registered for my course. As is typical at GSC, the class is a rich and diverse mix of ages, from 18 to 50. I have been so impressed by the warm and supportive atmosphere that has developed in the class. I have always heard about the wonderful atmosphere in GSC courses, but it is exciting to experience it first hand.
When you think of continuing education degree programs, you wouldn't necessarily picture a studio art class like this one, with students of all ages sprawled around the room with drawing boards, the furious sound of quick sketching, the smell of fixative and markers in the air. Every Monday when I teach the class, I am struck by the wonderful diversity that Granite State offers, from online degrees to live college classes.
At Granite State College, adult continuing education includes those of us who are staff and faculty, not only students. We strive to develop new skills, expand our knowledge base and engage in professional development.
I'm excited by this experience because it gives me a new way to connect with my students, as well as allowing me to use a lifetime of accumulated knowledge in a new way. Even though this course is still in progress, I can't wait to do it again!
As a full-time Granite State College employee, a part-time GSC student, and a parent of two teenage daughters ... my life has been a blur these last twelve weeks. I can honestly say that I live up to my image on the billboard GSC put up in Newport, NH, in that I could be the poster child for adult and continuing education. As proof, here is a partial list of the parental responsibilities that have occupied my time & energy over the past several months:
Packing up and delivering my daughter, Jess, to college. It was one of those 98 degree days, she had a car FULL of stuff, and she's on the third floor of her dorm (no elevator). Whew!
Assuring, and reassuring, Jess that her financial aid situation WILL work out. Even if her FA package changes a dozen times before the semester is half over! It will all be ok. (and it is!)
Talking Jess through her 'first-year' anxieties ... will she make any friends, will she and her roommate get along, will she be able to keep up with the other students??? (Yes, yes & yes!)
Bringing Jess home for an extended break when she got Mono. Mm-hmm ... Mono. Washing three weeks worth of her laundry & germ-ridden bedding. Nursing her back to health. Returning her to school with a month's supply of provisions - because "the food at school is terrible!"
Cheering Jess on with all the positive encouragement I can muster (You can too write that Psych paper by tomorrow noon! Honey, 'B' is a GOOD grade, not something to lament about! I'm sorry you're tired and your head hurts ... take a nap, drink gallons of water, take an ibuprofen if you need to ... and then study for your Italian exam.)
***
Cell phones & computers have made it possible to stay in CONSTANT communication with each other. Texting, Calling, Emailing, Facebook messaging ... there's no escape! I've barely had a chance to start missing my kid. But I do. Of course I do. There are certain things that cannot be conveyed in a text message.
There's nothing like the spontaneous discussions that spring forth when Jess bounds into my bedroom at midnight to enlighten me of her latest philosophical revelation. I miss my daughter's energy, her joi de vivre, the excitement that emanates from her very pores, when she is following the thread of an idea. I miss her pensive, deep-in-thought facial expression when she's reading a book or writing a paper. I miss Jess' light-up-a-room smile.
Fortunately, my daughter will be home over (aptly enough) Thanksgiving break, and I look forward to spending some face-to-face time with her. I think this is what people mean when they say they are enjoying the rewards of the hard work of parenting. Here's wishing all my classmates and colleagues at GSC's Claremont NH College a Happy Thanksgiving! I hope you each get to take a break from the hectic pace of work and school to count your blessings - mixed though they may be.
This has not been one of my best terms. I don't say that because my classes are difficult, or because I've been under the weight of heavy coursework. I say that because life threw me a curve ball at the end of summer, a sudden change of direction that I am still processing. Over the past few months, I have found my sense of focus and motivation challenged by these unexpected circumstances, and it has been all I can do to keep myself still moving forward toward my goal of earning my Bachelors Degree in Behavioral Science.
Having said that, I can say that it goes to show the beauty of adult online classes. Had I been constrained to a more traditional approach to continuing education, I might not have made it this far through this term. The ability to adapt my schooling to my ever-changing daily life has been a critical part of my success so far. As adults with busy lives, careers, families, and a thousand other demands put upon us, finding the time and the self-discipline to add school into that mix is challenging.
But it can be done.
Another thing that I can attest to is that the professors at Granite State College are committed to helping you succeed. I've yet to encounter even one teacher who has not been willing to work with me when situations have emerged that I have had to tend to. Communication is important. Don't make excuses, but be real. You'll be pleasantly surprised at the people who rally to your side.
I have four weeks left to go to this term. To date, I've been running a 3.97 GPA, but this term may bring that number down a little bit. One thing I have learned, however, is that it is not so much about how well you run each step of the race, but that you persevere to the finish line. I have four more terms to go, and though I may have stumbled a little during this leg of the race, I am still on my way forward.
While browsing the web this morning, I came upon some sad news. A man by the name of Jim Miskelly, born July 4, 1914 died on Oct. 16, 2010. This man was diagnosed with cancer in 1975 and had a dim prognosis of only living five more years. He lived and beat the prediction by 30 years. This man was a former accountant and member of the New Hampshire House of Representatives, married 75 years to his loving wife Carolyn, who had just died one year proceeding him. He had a self-taught art of calligraphy. He would use his talents down in Palm Coast, FL, where he had moved too back in 1975, and also at the local High School. He was asked on many occasions to write for the newspapers, fill in important documents for Palm Coast as well as a New Hampshire high school where his special brand of penmanship was widely known. What a wonderful talent and he shared it freely throughout his life. I am sure Mr. Miskelly learned so much through those 96 years he lived. His knowledge, whether is was through accelerated studies or for his education or career advancement, became part of his legacy.
Today is my mother's birthday, she would have been 87 today. I never forget when my mother's birthday was, it saddens me in ways but also delights me for the women she was. She was a warm loving person who would do and do for others. Not a selfish bone in her body. She never knew I got my Adult College Degree back in September 2009 but I know she would have been so proud of me. My children and my grandchildren may follow my path as it is all part of ones legacy that we pass on. Continuing education degrees or learning how to have wonderful penmanship like Mr. Miskelly did, is life. One should never stop learning, I know I won't, love it!!
It is a rainy morning here in South Carolina. Just sitting watching Sunday Morning on TV and thinking about what I will do today. I have a bit of sewing to do as Christmas is just around the corner. I also want to head out to the stores to look for some hiking boots. I do have the book that my friend wrote to dig more into later on in the day but I think most of the day will be sewing. I learned how to sew from my grandmother. She was from Scotland and was a tailor and sewed all my mothers dresses. At a young age, she sat me in front of the sewing machine and I made my first pair of shorts at the young age of seven. From then on, I was hooked. Learning to sew has been so much part of my life through the years. From making clothes for my grandsons, myself and my children. Learning, is the key word here. From all that sewing, my young son sewed for the Navy, packing and repairing parachutes was his assignment. He learned how to sew from sitting on my lap at a very young age as I made him and his brother and sisters outfits to wear. We pass things onto our children as they grow and mature. Even if we don't think they are picking things up, they are.
I went back to school for many reasons. One of those reasons was to be a good example for my children and my grandchildren. Just like my son learned how to sew from watching me, maybe he will continue his education like I did. Granite State College was a good foundation for my education and gave me the tools and smarts to carry on in today's working society. There are so many adult education services like the accelerated studies as well as online classes for adults; all are valuable recourse's to receive your adult education degree. I hope he goes to college to get his degree someday. It will only help him in his future and his development as a young adult in today society.
Life is all about learning, whether it be learning how to sew or learning that a college education is so valuable, it is all about learning. Studies show we should never let our minds get stagnate even in our senior years, so I will be learning for the rest of my life, at least that is the plan.
Today I was voted into the Granite State College Alumni Board Association (“ALA”). President Todd Leach was kind enough to attend today’s board meeting and bring us all up to speed with the direction he is moving the college towards. He shared his observations, initiatives and strategies to continue the growth of our great institution. His focus is clearly to transform GSC into a “student centered” adult education school.
I was most concerned about the possibility of GSC turning into one of the many distance learning universities; offering only online courses leaving those who require the availability of evening college classes, part time classes and weekend college classes without the flexibility and convenience of an affordable bachelor degree throughout New Hampshire. My concerns were quickly addressed. Growth and innovation are certainly at the top of President Leach’s strategy, but reducing or eliminating the availability of live course schedules throughout New Hampshire is not included in his plan.
I am excited and extremely hopeful at where Dr. Leach will lead GSC in the coming months and years. I am grateful to have the opportunity to come along for the ride.
From left to right: Barbara Grant, Kathy Moulis, Dawn Corriveau, Ruth Tappin, Deidre Romeo, President Leach, Carrie Landry, Dee McClave, Steve Cotter
Michelle and I recently returned from a trip to New Mexico and the Santa Fe Indian Market, one of the oldest and largest gatherings of Native American art in the United States. Over 1100 painters, sculptors, jewelers, weavers and potters from a broad cross section of Indian nations, tribes and pueblos participated, displaying their craft and offering much of it for sale to the crowds that flocked to this annual, two-day event. Some of the work displayed with truly breathtaking, showcasing the considerable skill of the artisans. Over the last several years I’ve developed an affinity for the Two Grey Hills style of Din’e (Navajo) weavings and southwestern, hand-coiled pottery crafted by artists from many of the pueblos that dot northern New Mexico. When visiting the area I always look to pick up a piece that will then adorn my living room. But when attending an event that draws artists with a considerable range of skills it’s important to know a little bit about the work that you’re looking at. While purchasing art is usually a matter of aesthetic interest rather than an investment it is beneficial to recognize a hand-crafted piece from those that may contain commercially constructed elements. Making a purchase without doing your homework can lead to disappointment, especially when the sale involves hundreds or thousands of dollars.
With this in mind I am often surprised at the lack of research and due diligence exercised by older, non-traditional students when looking at adult college programs. For far too many the selection of an institution that claims to specialize in adult higher education is an impulse choice, guided only by the commercials seen on television, glossy advertisements and vague promises pitched by high pressure “admissions reps." If you haven’t noticed, continuing education degree programs and career advancement programs have become big business, populated by a number of for-profit institutions, some of which offer a questionable education carrying a hefty price tag. For those that are considering returning to college to complete their degree or attend college for the first time seeking education and career advancement, it is critical to be a conscientious consumer. Prospective buyers should ask questions such as: Is your college regionally accredited? Exactly how much is the tuition rate per credit and what fees do you charge? What does your accelerated adult degree program actually entail? A college education is one of the most important purchases anyone will make. It means far more than a diploma in a frame or piece of pottery on a shelf. Make sure that you become knowledgeable about the higher education system, ask questions, compare costs and don’t be rushed into making a decision. Find someone that you can trust to discuss your options with and take your time. In this case the decision is not an emotional or aesthetic one, it’s a life long investment.
I set up a table the last three weeks at the Lebanon Farmers Market, hoping to catch a few eyes and have a few conversations. Granite State College is still a small player in the Lebanon community so I was there to have a ready answer for all those people who walked by and asked "Who are you?".
I was lucky enough to be placed between a fabulous food stand and a farm stand. One afternoon as I was setting up, my neighbor at the farm stand, an older woman, asked me THE question: "Who are you?"
As I was giving my standard answer (adult continuing education, career training programs, affordable college study, etc.) she came over and browsed through a fall course schedule.
"I started writing a book about education", she said. "Really? Wow. That's great", I replied. "Don't think I'll ever get it done." "What's it about?"
She went on to tell me about research she had done for her book about the rise of higher education in the 40's and 50's. With the GI bill helping so many servicemen and women pay for college, college enrollment grew astronomically. She also made the point that so soon after the wars and the Great Depression, many people were looking for something that no one could take away from them. After losing so much, many people turned to higher education as security for the future.
I had never thought about my education in those terms: something that will never not be mine. I could lose everything I own in a fire tomorrow and be homeless and penniless, but I will still possess my greatest assets and investment, because I invested in myself. It's not a sheet of paper or books or papers written and published. It's the knowledge that I carry around all the time and use everyday in ways I could never have imagined. It's the confidence and the tenacity, the passion and the dedication. It dawned on me that my education has made me rich in ways I had never realized, and will always be there to hold me up.
I took a moment to breathe deeply and congratulate myself on not letting that dream of education get away from me. I finished setting up my table and sat down to talk to people, excited and energized by the comments of my world-savvy, produce-selling neighbor. And her cucumbers were tasty too!
Standing with me is my oldest daughter Amber. Her and I just love to skate. My youngest daughter will get in just before Christmas and we will hit the ice after Christmas this year. It is a family thing we do and one of our traditions. School is another tradition that I am hoping they cherish along life's journey. Learning is such a part of my life and will continue to be so for as long as I live.
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