Adult Education Colleges

I have always been, and always will be a learner. I found myself faced with having to be creative with my education when my parents had the difficult conversation with me that my acceptance to Northeastern University was not something they could afford, even with the $3,000 a semester scholarship. A well respected and accomplished student all throughout my childhood education and suddenly I was faced with having to create my own method of continuing my growth as an adult. Little did I realize at the time - this was a good position for someone like me to be in.

I was fortunate to get a contracted job with full benefits at the University of New Hampshire right out of high school Fall of 2001. It is the University System of New Hampshire I have to thank for my education – both professionally and academically. While working full-time at UNH, I attended classes part-time, receiving a free class each semester as long as I kept my GPA up. Some semesters I took on multiple classes; a couple I even attended full-time while continuing to work full-time as well. It took five years, but I was able to receive my Associate of Applied Science in Community Leadership at the Thompson School without any debt whatsoever. This degree focused a lot on non-profit management and leadership development. It literally opened my eyes to options for a career I had never considered before. I began to research local non profits and seek out leadership positions. This search successfully led me to working for Strafford County Nursing Home as an Activity Aide, which then turned into the positions I have held since, working with elderly and in non-profit agencies.

For my bachelor's degree I was referred to Granite State College as my professor and advisor thought the self-design program was right for me. She was certainly correct in thinking so! The self-design program at GSC, along with their supportive staff assisted me to create a meaningful and fulfilling curriculum that I use today in my statewide job. Granite State College is a school that works alongside with you, and that is why I love it so much.

I am now working on my master's degree in Leadership at GSC so I can truly complete the journey I have started for myself through the University System of NH. I currently oversee a federal, statewide program for NH call the Senior Companion Program. We have 80 volunteers who visit with over 400 frail and homebound elders and adults with disabilities in their homes. We partner with 27 fellow senior care and non profit agencies in our program. To have a master's degree of this aptitude I will be able to continue to expand my leadership role within the program and beyond. I have aspirations to be the Director of Elder Services for my agency one day. My current director is looking at retirement in the near future and I would love to take on the challenge. If not with the current agency I am in, I am now also considering working for a federal or state program with a high level of responsibility. I have always said since realizing I loved working with seniors, I would like to one day be an administrator who oversees a community living facility for seniors or even work with the Attorney General’s Office.

- Nicole

Like the majority of GSC (or in my case, CLL) learners, I came to the college via a circuitous route. It was on this journey of self discovery that I realized I needed to be involved in higher education for non-traditional learners. It was with my GSC degree in hand that I headed off to obtain my MBA so I could work with adult learners returning to school. Upon completing my master's, I was hired as an adjunct business faculty member within the community college system, which has lead me to my current profession as a Military Academic Advisor at Southern New Hampshire University. And to think, it all started in 1996 with my first GSC (CLL) class in the North Country.

- John

Oh, do I remember my first day of college. It was a day in Nashville, Tennessee when I started my education, and a scary one at that.  I remember calling to schedule an appointment with an advisor. I remember walking through her door, the smile on her face, and her warm welcome.  I was still scared to death as a grown adult and mom of four children. I was going back to school to fulfill a dream.  I started my first class two weeks after that first meeting. As I walked through the classroom door, I noticed I was the oldest one in the classroom and that it didn't matter  - all ages of people wanted to learn, just like me.  We had a bond, we all wanted an education.  The professor asked us all why we wanted to come back to school? Everyone in the room had their own unique story and need for an education.  Whether it be for financial reasons, personal achievement goals or just the desire to do something worthwhile, one story was no better story or reason than the next. But, we all knew, we were going to do this together.

Classes started January 5th at Granite State College. If you are reading this and have not signed up yet, consider going to see an advisor and checking out a great school.  When I moved from Tennessee to the wonderful state of New Hampshire, I found GSC through my advisor in Tennessee. They took my credits with very little hesitation, took their prerequisites, and I followed their program until I graduated in 2009.  The faculty at Granite State College will help you in every way they can - they want you to succeed as much as you do!

This morning, instead of heading to Granite State College, GSC’s President paid a visit to a different kind of education institution:  Bow Elementary School!

Dr. Todd Leach, along with fellow college and university presidents across New Hampshire, joined young children in classrooms around the state for Jumpstart’s Read for the Record, a world-record-breaking campaign in which adults and children nationwide will read the same book on the same day to establish the largest group of people ever to collectively read the same story on a single date.

This year Jumpstart’s featured book is the New York Times bestselling children’s book, Ladybug Girl and the Bug Squad by David Soman and Jacky Davis.  

The purpose of this event is to shine a national spotlight on America's early education achievement gap and to highlight Jumpstart's programs as a way to address this crisis. It’s a goal that GSC certainly understands.

In our School of Education, the teacher preparation programs focus in on the critical shortage areas that exist in education, which includes our early childhood education major.

GSC is proud to support Jumpstart’s mission through Read for the Record and proud to contribute by empowering future educators in our undergraduate degree programs and post-baccalaureate programs for teacher education.

On a personal note...

As a Jumpstart alumni, I was excited to learn that the New Hampshire College and University Presidents were going to participate in 2012's Read for the Record and it was a pleasure to help coordinate on behalf of GSC! I did three terms of service while I was earning my bachelor's degree and even have some photos to prove it (note the "vintage" Jumpstart blue from 7 years ago!). 

-Jacqui Lantagne
Marketing Specialist, Granite State College
Jumpstart Corps Member and Team Leader, 2004-2007
 

Here it is Thursday morning and a new day.  My mind seems to be thinking about life, what mine is like and how blessed I truly am. Life is short which is why there is no time like the present.  The present to make some choices for your future.  If you have been thinking about going to school and getting your education, do it. Do it now and don't wait another day.  Pick up the phone and call Granite State College. It is the kind of college that will work with you, guide you to a curriculum that works with your busy life.  It worked for mine and it can work for you also.  I even took my last two years of school through online classes for adults. Yes, Granite State College has these classes. It worked for me, it can work for you too.  Life is short, don't waste another day!! 

Yep, that is quite a title and I could type forever on it!  I won't though, as my children would say I am preaching and I don't want to do that!! 

The one thing I have learned in life is that life is so short, and each day is a new one. We all have our daily routines and balancing of them: work, kids, husbands and significant others, but we also have ourselves to think about.  That is one thing I didn't do too much of until my children were grown. Lets face it, I didn't have time for me.  But, as the years passed by, I have had more time for myself.  I do have a significant other in my life now and that has been the nicest change in my life these days.  I still select some time during the week and weekend to satisfy my needs. 

One of my needs is sewing. I love to sew. I started sewing when I was around seven years old when my grandmother was sewing at the kitchen table. I sat and watched, and she said one day, "go up in the attic and find some material you like, you can make a pair of shorts." So from that pair of shorts on, I was hooked. I loved it and have sewn clothes, curtains or whatever for years, and I don't plan on ever stopping. Learning is also like that in my life. I loved going to Granite State College. As I said in an earlier blog, it was the best decision I made, to go back to school as an adult learner taking adult education courses. 

Yep, life is short so if you are thinking you may want to go back to school, just do it. You won't be sorry you did.

On Sunday, June 10, 2012, Granite State College held its annual graduation ceremony. Under a near-perfect blue sky and beautiful warm sunshine, more than 200 students marched proudly across the stage at Meadowbrook Pavilion. It is one of my favorite days of the year as it is an uplifting and positive reminder of what we do - help adult students reach goals, better themselves, and prepare for new adventures.

Quite simply, graduation is the attaining of an academic degree. The reality is much more than that. The common theme of the speakers at the ceremony was one of commitment and support. Commitment by the students to pursue and complete their degree despite obstacles that often came their way. Support from family, friends, faculty, and college staff to continue the journey even when it was rough going.

I am always drawn to the other word we use for this occasion: Commencement. This is the ceremony to mark the conferral of the degree but the word also means to begin, to commence, to start new.  As students walked the stage, clutching their hard earned diploma they feel great satisfaction about the accomplishment they have completed . What they may not be thinking about at the time is that it is a new beginning for them. Whether they studied Business, Health Care Management or Elementary Education, new opportunities will be theirs to pursue.

As I watched each happy graduate breathe a sigh of relief and celebrate their achievement, I was also reminded that Granite State College has helped them start  on a new path.  It is what we do. Congratulations and best wishes for all of the graduates.

If you are a skier and want to go someplace with awesome skiing, then Banff and Lake Louise should be on your bucket list. Yes, the skiing was wonderful and the views high in the mountains were breathtaking.  I know this because I just got back from Banff a couple weeks ago. Yes, I was sore from skiing but that is only because I hadn't skied in about four years.  We spent a week there and got to enjoy many days at both resorts and also got to go on a sleigh ride and evebn did a little dog sledding. 

The snow was deep and just perfect for skiing.  In Lake Louise they had people called "Friends" that would take you around and show you the runs.  I pretty much stayed on the green runs most of the time. Of course their green runs were like Michigans blue runs.  These friends were very helpful, they would gage how you skied and show you the runs that best suited your expertise.  

So I learned which runs were the best for me and which ones I would gradually advance too. I had so much fun and if you have never been there, go.  But in saying that, it is all part of living and learning as we go through life. I learned the level and type of runs I should ski on and when you are in school, you learn how to study. At Granite State College, I learned that I needed a study group when I was attending my adult education classes. I realized this even more when I was taking accelerated studies classes on weekends.  You only had a short time to retain a lot of information. Study groups just worked for me. I had them when I started college in Tennessee and I kind of put a group together when I got into my classes in New Hampshire.  Anyways, learning new things is good, perfecting skills in skiing is a good thing also. I don't think I will ski anymore this year, but next year, watch out. I will be headed for the slopes once again!!

Granite State College recently hosted a Career Information Workshop at the Portsmouth campus. It was a big success and attendees received valuable tips on job searching and career possibilities. There was a panel of faculty members who work in various professions in addition to teaching college evening classes. They are dedicated to facilitating the students taking adult college classes to excel in their coursework as well as explore potential new careers once they graduate. 

Here are some brief tips they recommended when starting the job search process:

1. Self-evaluation: Who are  you? What are your interests? If you could have any job what would that be and where? What are your best skills? What skills need work? What would your current coworkers say about you if asked these same questions? This exercise may take you beyond your comfort zone but is invaluable in highlighting the path you take after college.
2. Resume with Impact: The panel all agreed that crafting a powerful resume is very important. Employers receive a multitude of resumes every day so yours needs to set you apart in the first 30 seconds of being viewed. As you pursue your undergraduate education you may not be able to list a degree you have completed. Instead add specific courses to your resume: Communications, Critical Thinking, a Health Care Management course, a Leadership course in Management,or a Human Resource class. All of these show vital skills that can be put to use in a work environment. Highlight your skill set early in the resume and in a way that will show your distinction above other applicants.
3. Informational Interview: Are you unsure if a particular job or company is right for you? Are you exploring career options and are undecided which direction to go?  Set up an informational interview with a potential employer to gain insight into the type of careers they would offer. In this format, you are the interviewer asking the questions rather than the other way around. It not only gives you information but it may help get yourself recognized should you apply for a job at a later date.
4. Internships: Do you need an elective in your major? Are you interested in earning college course credit for exploring career options? Do you want to learn more about a job and how your classroom learning can apply?  Set up an  internship during one of the terms and gain valuable experience as well as credits towards your degree. Talk with your Academic Coach about the details of this option.
5. What all companies need: Business Management gives you broad professional capabilities. All areas of  business need managers, whether Health Care, sales or marketing, government or public services. Every company and organization has a Human Resource department. Every department in a company or organization has a manager. At your informational interview, find out what that company needs.
6. Job Fairs: Once you have a polished resume attend job fairs, dressing as though you were going to an interview.  A job fair gives you the opportunity to distribute your resume, explore the companies that anticipate growth and therefore new jobs, network with others in your field, and practice communication skills. It also will help you to educate yourself on specific companies that you may have considered applying to. Knowing as much as possible about a potential employer before your interview if vital.
7. Top industries with expected growth: Health Care is a growing industry and one that will remain vital to all communities. Management, marketing, human resources, social work, and case management were also discussed as occupations on the rise. Education related careers are prevelent. Find out what is available for someone with your degree and determine what areas interest you the most.
8. Be open to all possibilities and to further education: As an adult college student you may think completing your bachelor's degree is the ultimate goal. You may also think that landing the perfect job is an important goal. However, in the job market today you must be open to all possibilities and even decide if continuing your education is going to be beneficial to obtaining that perfect job.

There is so much more on this topic and I encourage you to research, network, ask questions and get the help you need to make your job search successful.

I am teaching a Foundations in  Early Childhood Education course online at Granite State College this semester. It is a course that I have not taught before. Many of the people in the class are involved in the early childhood field, but need the coursework for their certification. Their first assignment was to introduce themselves and tell a little about their interest in the field of early childhood. It amazes me how many of the students talked about how much they love what they are doing. Almost every person in the class mentioned how much they love their job. Early Childhood education is not a high paying career field. It is also not an easy job, but it is one of the best jobs on the planet. Imagine working with young children who are excited about things such as butterflies in a garden, or clouds in the sky. Adults are usually too busy to notice the little things, but young children spend their time noticing these things. It is great to see so many people working in a field that they love and taking the time to improve their understanding of the field through online undergraduate education courses at Granite State that may lead them to an Associate Degree or a Bachelor's degree in early childhood, or even  special education teacher certification. 

That's right; What everybody ought to know about higher education.  You ought to know that it is possible and as easy as going to the grocery store for food.  You are just going to school for knowledge.  At Granite State College, they make it all possible.  They have so many diverse schedules that there is sure to be one that works for you and around your busy schedule.  I know this because I had one of those crazy life schedules. Working a full time job, raising children, paying bills and taking care of all the other stuff that you have to do to Live. I did it and so can you.  You just have to Want it bad enough. Bad enough that you will drive off to school or sit at the table behind the computor and say, " I am doing this for me!".  But maybe you are not just doing it for you, maybe you are doing it to advance in your career, be a good example for you kids, so in turn, you are doing it for you family and their welbeing.  Doesn't that sound nice!!  Going to school to help you family. It is know fact that children of parents who have a degree, are more likely to get a degree themselves. So, start today. Give Granite State College a call and get that adult education degree. Even if it is taking part time classes, do it. You will not be sorry you did, trust me on this.

Adult students bring a wealth of both personal and professional experience to the classroom. This experience can be leveraged by faculty to enhance the overall learning experience of students by drawing connections and providing students with more opportunities to apply their knowledge to situations they have experienced for themselves. At Granite State College we promote an androgogy that embraces student experience, not only the prior experience students bring upon entry, but also the ability to take the skills and knowledge they obtain in the classroom and apply it to their current professional or community environments. This "Action Learning" approach is incorporated throughout many GSC programs, and is most particularly evident in our graduate and post-baccalaureate programs (including our new MS in Leadership) where students work on applied projects or in practicum environments.

Having taught for many years, I know from first-hand experience that students tend to gain the most understanding when theory is contextualized and when students have the opportunity to apply concepts and achieve measurable results. The Granite State College MS in Project Management incorporates Action Learning throughout the program in a way that connects core professional competencies to actual projects. Students in our MS degree programs find that the skills and knowledge they are gaining can be applied to actual needs that exist in either their work or community settings, and feedback from students so far has indicated that applying what they are learning to the actual project challenges they face is a win-win for their own learning—and for the organizations they are supporting. 

As Granite State College continues to develop new programs, Action Learning will remain an important component of the educational experience. By providing greater context through opportunities to apply knowledge as it is learned, Granite State College students should prove to be better prepared for professional success. 

It's Christmastime, the decorations are out, the carolers are warming up, the shopping season is in full swing, and it's time to reflect on the challenges and accomplishments of the past year.  If I were making a list, the first item in both the Challenges column and the Accomplishments column would be the pursuit of a Masters Degree in Project Management.  

The challenge lies in the fact that I haven't been a college student in, oh, let's just say, a very long time.  Not only am I enrolled in the very first graduate degree program offered at Granite State College, I am in the very first cohort scheduled to graduate in 2013.  I am so proud and excited to be part of such an illustrious group of bright, dedicated and funny people...I really like this thing called adult higher education!  

In the accomplishment column I proudly include the completion of the first of ten terms in the project management masters program.  This term was made up of two six-week classes - PM 804 Project Management Seminar and PM 804 Leading Teams; both were excellent courses.  My preferred delivery method for instruction is face to face, on the ground at our Manchester NH campus.  Of course, for those of you who would rather operate completely in the digital world, you always have the option of taking any of our adult college courses online. 

It is interesting now that I am immersed in the world of project management...all that we do in life is a project in one way or another.  I see it all around me.  The applications, tools and techniques of project management can be applied to everything from planning a holiday party to putting a man on the moon. 

Now there's a thought...how might I apply what I've learned so far in my project management classes to make my holiday season just a little less stressful and a bit more organized? 

Project Scope:  Just what do I want to accomplish this holiday season?  I certainly don't want to bite off more than I can chew so I had better define exactly what I will and can commit to this year.

Project Team:  My family...who is responsible for what and can we accomplish everything we have identified in our project scope?

Project Planning:  Creating a task list (work breakdown structure in project management speak) that includes all of the typical activities (cards, gifts, parties, decorations, food, etc.) around the holiday would be helpful.

Project Risk:  Have you ever had your heart set on a particular gift for someone only to find the gift is not available, or that the cost exceeds your budget?  Contingency plans are always a good idea.

Project Close:  The holidays are over; now is the time to assess what worked and what didn't...lessons learned are a very valuable tool at the close of any project, but only if you use them.

So as you think about everything you have to do for the holidays, remember these four easy steps to help you along:  plan, execute, manage and close.  Wishing you a very merry and stress free holiday season!


GSC Factoid:  Granite State College offers the most affordable continuing education in the state and is the University System's leading online provider.

What a long strange trip it’s been… Jerry Garcia

I’d like to take the journey metaphor a bit further with regard to the paths that lead you to Granite State College and pursuing an adult education degree at this point in your life. How many times have you found yourself in the right place at the right time? Feels great when it happens and you have the presence of mind to recognize the moment and act accordingly… those times when you are clearly in the driver’s seat and the GPS is spot on.

Other times we find ourselves in the passenger seat –restrained, observing the scenery and letting others take charge.   Then there are the events that leave one stranded on the side of the road or that car you thought was your trusted friend, (you even named it) that won't start and betrays you on the morning when you can least afford to be late. These are the situations that test our ability to think critically, explore options, and identify opportunities.  

Returning to or beginning college is a turning point for anyone. It’s exciting, daunting, exhilarating and a leg of the journey to finding out things about the world and yourself that will change you. Savor every moment, fill the tank and step on it!

What’s in your trunk?