Wasn't it just last week when it was 50 degrees and sunny? I looked out the window this morning and what do I see - more snow! I was planning on a craft program this week at the library, we were painting plant pots and then planting seeds in them. But, somehow, the project doesn't seem so timely after more snow. On the other hand it may be the only green growing things we get to see for awhile.
I guess if we were having a spell of good weather it would be harder to concentrate on school and right now I am finishing one class and getting ready to start another one.
Another exciting thing happening this spring is the first semester of OLLI (Osher Lifelong Learning Insitute) at Granite State College at the Claremont NH college campus. I will actually be helping with the computer class which still has several openings. The classes are available to students over 50 and the cost is very reasonable - appropriate offering from an adult education school!
If you know someone who might like to sign up let them know about it.
Learning online at Granite State College is practical and functional for many adult learners taking adult college courses. It lends itself well to how adult learners learn best, under the unique conditions they often find themselves. Online learning is appealing from a practical lifestyle perspective but also from a theoretical and neuro-scientific perspective. Here are the top ten reasons to take online classes for college:
Easy to get started - You can get started learning online with a computer and Internet access. Computers are becoming more powerful, less expensive and more user-friendly. Internet service is widely available in many places. If owning your own computer or accessing the Internet from home is a problem, many public libraries offer free computer and Internet access. Be sure to check your school’s technical requirements for your computer before taking an online class.
Economical - No travel costs, no commuting, and no dormitory fees - just tuition and occasionally materials fees.
Accessible – As long as you have an Internet connection, you can access your online course. This is particularly appealing to parents of young children or students who travel often for their work.
Flexible –Unable to make a 9:00 AM Economics lecture on a college campus? Online classes are available 24 hours a day. You can learn online from your own home at a time that is convenient for you.
Effective – When you take online classes for adults, you can expect to learn important career building skills and abilities equal to, or better than, a traditional classroom setting. According to a 2010 evaluation of online learning conducted by the U.S. Department of Education, “Students in online conditions performed modestly better, on average, than those learning the same material through traditional face-to-face instruction.”
It gets better - Thanks to advances in technology, learning online continues to improve at an unprecedented rate. New technologies facilitate active engagement that allow adult learners to apply, integrate, implement, differentiate, and formulate new learning into experience generating activities. Technological advances also enhance learner connectedness, interaction and mutual support. Immersive learning environments and serious games are no longer distant concepts but rapidly becoming more common in online learning.
Challenging – Though there are deadlines and due dates, there are no class meeting times (although some online classes may require mandatory synchronous session), you are constantly working on your own resourcefulness and initiative to complete the coursework.
Time for Reflection – Unlike a face-to-face class where immediate responses are often required in class discussions, online discussion boards allow time for thoughtful reflection and critical thinking when interacting and responding on an online discussion board. This reflection time can facilitate metacognition – thinking about one’s own thinking or “the ability to monitor one’s current level of understanding and decide when it is not adequate” (How People Learn, 2000).
Your experience counts – Online learning facilitates the connection to past experience (cognitive activation) critical to the adult learning process. Raymond Wlodkowski author of “Enhancing Adult Motivation to Learn” explains it this way; “adults have had more time and seen the benefits and outcomes of a greater variety of experiences. Neurologically, their brains are more developed and capable of judging, planning, and making decisions about their experiences in a manner that is more integrated, stable, reflective, and future oriented.” Online learning interactive activities such as discussion boards, blogs and journals provide the opportunities to employ an adult’s “rich mosaic of experience” at deeper levels of learning as part of the learning experience.
Meaningful - You determine the meaning of the learning. “Most experts who have studied or participated in online learning communities share an approach to adult learners described as ‘constructivism.’ It is based on the premise that knowledge is constructed by adult learners as they filter new information through the prism of their own experience. It is quite different from the more traditional ‘objectivist’ idea of knowledge as a preexisting reality that teachers simply transmit by means of effective communication, and reinforce through practice and repetition. Constructivists expect adult learners to be active, reflective, and creative: managing their own learning process and often collaborating with each other to test new ideas and information by applying them to real problems and circumstances. Therefore, constructivists often describe their approach as student-centered rather than teacher-centered. Instructors facilitate learners’ progress rather than operating primarily as podium-based sages.” – Dr. Burgess Smith, Granite State College.
Like any other endeavor, learning online is what you make of it. Organization, discipline and hard work are all successful components to a positive online learning experience. As Judy Willis, MD, M.Ed. puts it: “The person who does the work LEARNS.”
Citations
Means, B, Toyama, Y, Murphy, R, Bakia, M, & Jones, K. (2010). Evaluation of Evidence-based Practices in Online Learning: A Meta-analysis and Review of Online Learning Studies . U.S. Department of Education, Office of Planning, Evaluation, and Policy Development Policy and Program Studies Service.
How People Learn. (2000). Washington, D.C. National Research Council.
Wlodkowski , R. (2008). Enhancing Adult Motivation to Learn. San Francisco, CA: Jossey-Bass.
Smith, B. (2011, February). How We Learn Online [Web log message]. Retrieved from https://blackboard.granite.edu/
I am currently in this place where even though there are only 3 more weeks of classes, I know that time is going to fly by, however it feels like the days are never ending. This is the time when papers are due, quizzes are there to finish, etc. Outside of school, things have seemed to pile up and everything has now been officially moved to "#1 priority" which need to be done yesterday.
Life does this to you. These moments help define who you are as a person. I cannot even begin to tell you how many strong people I have met that will repeatedly stand up to the challenge. It's at these home stretches where you either "break" or walk against the wind "fight or flight."
I am a person who reflects...a lot! I was thinking about my first weekend intensive class I had at the Concord NH college campus here at Granite State College; not so much about the class itself but the atmosphere of it all. It was a very comfortable place for me. Not only was the class itself filled with information, but what was happening around us. Our class was constantly laughing - so much we had to shut the doors. The best part about it: we weren't the only ones! There were Foster Parent Classes right down the hall. Whatever you were there for, everyone seemed to have a glowing aura.
Career College Training is a resource that has become more easily accessible. From 4 year colleges, to strictly online classes, to adult accelerated degree programs (or even adult education certificates) which can be completed during day and/or night classes: there is something for you out there!
How does this relate with this being the end of the term for me? It's because I have been put in a position where I need to pick myself up off the ground, dust myself off, and get ready to fight for the next 3 weeks. These 3 weeks will be a test and I can guarantee you I will learn more about who I am as a person. Every experience, new or repeated, will help push us to where we would like to see ourselves. Hard work pays off: although I wouldn't mind having a personal genie at times :)
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.
Spring weather, spring flowers, spring break and what about Spring term at Granite State College?
Just think, with all that nice weather coming you can get out again. The nights aren't so cold that you need to hide under a blanket and shiver, so what about registering for an adult education program?
Granite State College offers affordable college study at night. Earn an Adult Education certificate, or just take a course.
Winter will end soon and it is time to believe that the nights will stay above freezing and on those warm spring nights you could be moving your career in a direction as refreshing as that spring breeze. Come on, be brave. I am excited to be teaching a spring course on special needs children and I am also excited that by the time the term starts, it will be spring for real. Hooray!
Working with prospective adult students at Granite State College, three concerns about returning to college frequently surface and these personal barriers all involve ‘fit’.
Admittedly or not, adults who are in the discernment process about college are worried if they are fit (capable) of taking on the academic challenge that comes with higher ed. “It’s been years since I’ve picked up a text book; am I really up to it?” is a concern that I often hear.
Prospective adult learners looking at colleges that tout adult college programs spend a fair amount of time considering the environment, learning formats and programs when narrowing down their choices of schools. Most adults are uncomfortable thinking about sitting in a classroom with traditional-aged students or trying to figure out how they will be able to make it to classes only offered during the day. They want to pick a college that is a good fit for their life situation and needs.
Like entertainers on stage juggling multiple balls most adult learners have many life priorities. Work, family, home maintenance and leisure activities carve chunks of time out of people’s lives. Going to college is admittedly a big commitment and prospective students have legitimate concerns about their ability to fit it all in.
The good news in Granite State College in built around addressing these three concerns. Small classes populated mostly by adults with significant life experience, evening weekend and online course formats offering the ability to progress at our students’ own pace have made GSC the natural choice for those adults who quite naturally ask themselves the ‘fit’ questions.
If you're considering taking the leap feel free to give me a call. (603-513-1379)
What if I were to tell you that many of the people who come to classes at Granite State College are a lot like you? They are adults interested in adult education courses. They may have found a program they are interested in but most are not going to school full time. They are taking part time classes or even online adult education classes to further their education. That is pretty ambitious because they are working during the day and coming to class at night.
But classes only meet one night a week. So, just think, one night a week you could come over after work to a campus in Portsmouth, or Rochester, or Concord, or Manchester, or Berlin or Littleton and take a class instead of crashing in front of TV.
Right now I am teaching a child development course. Two people are taking the course for their Bachelor's Degree in Early Childhood, one is taking it for a degree in Behavioral Science, another for an associates degree, and one person is taking it because he thought it would be interesting to know about the theories of child development.
There are so many reasons to come to Granite State College. I hope you will find a reason and I will see you in a class next semester.
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!
This is the second term that I have taken online classes for college. One thing you should know about me, is that I was intimidated by taking online adult education classes, mostly because there was a lot of uncertainty. It was one of the smartest things I've done! Instead of ignoring them altogether (my original plan) I started talking to other students at Granite State College who had taken online classes and they got me excited about it. One student even opened up his laptop to show me the layout of his class.
The reason I bring this up is because recently I have been taking a lot of time looking back at where I was a year ago. A year ago, I was just getting my life put back together, and I was just starting to think about going back to school - I had quit after only having 9 credits (3 classes) from another school. Now I'm a sophomore and I'd like to think I've done a pretty darn good job piecing my life together.
I was having a conversation with an old friend (who goes to another college), and she was telling me that school can get in the way of life. I felt sad for her, because she honestly doesn't know what school is supposed to be like. I didn't start out at Granite State, and I know that if I didn't get that push to go in and talk to somebody here, I wouldn't have gone back to college at all.
An adult college program, for me, is a way for me to grow; every time I'm in a class or even writing a paper, I feel stronger. (Corny I know...but hear me out) When you find yourself in that tough spot, this is the place where you can reach out to people and they are there for you with welcome arms. You are the one that has/is putting in all that work, and every result that you get back is from your hard work. College, and classes, are something that we have control over. Granted, there may be a few things that may not be in our favor, but we still have the chance to affect our outcome.
I finally booked tickets for the winter season tour and invited a couple friends. When the night arrived I discovered one of my friends had taken the same course at Granite State College and the other friend had no idea what she was coming to see when she met up with us but almost immediately became emotional when she realized it was a tour of a Frank Lloyd Wright home. She knew little of him or his work but remembered that her deceased mother had been a huge admirer of Wright’s architecture. She asked the guide how long the home had been open to the public and was so disappointed when she learned it had opened to the public almost two years before her mother’s death. Had she known, she would most definitely have taken her mother.
The home was amazing and we all enjoyed every minute of it. During the tour we learned that “Falling Waters,” another amazing home of Wright’s is also open to the public in Pennsylvania. We have all vowed to take a weekend trip together this summer to tour this home as well. My adult college degree did not just educate me on business but opened my eyes and mind to many new experiences and interests.
Thank you GSC!
She was extremely frustrated from attempting to get into art school as an adult student. Most of the art schools she contacted were very discouraging. They told her she needed a portfolio and letters of recommendation. "I'm a mom!" She said. "I have been home raising my children. Why do I need a portfolio to show I know how to do something that I am looking to learn?" "Don't they understand that if you aren't coming straight from high school, you might not have these things? Who am I going to ask for a letter of recommendation? My kids? My neighbor? "Isn't there an adult college program for people who want to get an art-related degree?"
We made an appointment for a phone meeting. When we spoke she told me that she was just about to give up on college when she did a Google search for "non traditional students" and found my blog. She said that after she read it, she decided to speak with me to see if Granite State College could help her to achieve her goal.
Happily, I know a thing or two about art schools, in addition to knowing Granite State College. I suggested that she look into coming to GSC for an associate's degree. She could pursue a General Studies degree, filling up her program with all of the art classes that we offer. Although we do not offer enough art classes to create a major, we do offer entry level drawing, painting, sculpture, etc...
By pursing this path, she could start school without having to jump through the hoops that were frustrating her, and through taking our art classes she could begin to create a portfolio. Because this type of studio class is always offered in a live format, she would have instructors that she could ask to write her a recommendation. She would also be able to get her general education classes out of the way. At the end of the General Studies degree she would have 64 college credits to potentially transfer to the art school of her choice.
When I pointed out to her that we were offering an Intro to Drawing class at the Currier Museum in Manchester this winter, She was extremely excited. When I finished explaining how easy it is to apply to Granite State College - she was sold. Her plan is to become a student at the beautiful new Manchester Granite State College campus.
I love helping people to start on the path toward their dreams!
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.
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!
I had the time of my life. My friends in high school were mostly those I shared classes with. I worked hard in high school and was in the honors programs. I think I am the only honors student that did not immediately go on to and finish college directly after graduating high school. I felt good about myself this weekend attending the reunion but I was surprised by how others observed me. People saw me as a woman that has finished raising her family, that still has a sharp enough mind and strong enough ambition to go back to school and earn my adult college degree 20 years after they struggled to do the same.
In their mid-forties most of my former female classmates were stay at home moms dealing with the stresses of having become an educated chauffeur, babysitter, tutor, maid and personal assistant to their families. I am now a confident, established, accomplished middle-aged woman with an adult college degree and two adult daughters.
Thank you Granite State College for giving me the confidence to attend my 25 year high school reunion, and the degree to back it up!
So, on that note, I thought I'd mention a few things for which I am particularly grateful for Granite State College this year:
- I am thankful for professors who, though physically distant, have shown empathy, patience, and compassion as I've struggled to keep up with this term's coursework. Though I've not had this problem in my previous classes, I've seen these qualities consistently exhibited to my fellow students. The educators at GSC truly want to see us succeed, and are willing to work with us to ensure that.
- I am thankful for my advisor, Kate O'Neill. Based out of the Claremont office, she has always made herself available whenever I've had a question, or have needed some guidance in the next steps I should take in my journey.
- I am thankful for being able to participate in the GSC student blogging program. Though I've not yet written much, I have appreciated the opportunities to tell my stories, and to encourage anyone considering, or pursuing, an adult college education.
- I am thankful for the Granite State College blogs in general. The various posts by some of the administration, teachers, and fellow students have given a state-wide, online school for adults a sense of community. Even though I am an isolated student, I feel as though I am part of a digital campus. It has been great to hear the heartbeats of the very people who make GSC such a great college.
- I am thankful for having had the opportunity to redeem past potential and dormant dreams. I'll be writing more about that in the days ahead, but for now, I can attest to GSC's contribution toward helping me to become the person I was always meant to be.
YOU will be thankful that you did!
Happy Thanksgiving!
Maybe you said "Yeah, sure," but meant, "No way."
Maybe you said, "I would but I am busy that day."
Or maybe you said, "It's not worth it."
Have you thought about how your vote might influence the future of education? There are candidates out there who would willingly cut the funding for college scholarships, for HeadStart programs, and for every other education level in between. There are also candidates out there who want to add to federal funding for schools and colleges. Adult Education Certificates, Adult Education Diplomas and undergraduate education in New Hampshire can easily be impacted by what happens on November 2.
If you get out and vote in favor of education you will be taking part in an opportunity to improve and protect education from preschool to college. See you at the polls.
I love this season. The views of the changing colors of our trees are truly something to be seen and appreciated; no matter how many autumns one has spent in New England. Granite State College has centers throughout the state. All one has to do is travel from one Granite State College location to the other to enjoy all that New Hampshire has to offer; from the seacoast to the white mountains.
To me the fall season means it is time to go apple picking and pumpkin shopping. It means it is time to yell and cheer at soccer games and then return home and start hitting the books again. I took the summer off from my adult college program but could not wait to get back into the classroom this fall. For the fall season I opted to take weekend college classes, every other Saturday so that I could still enjoy the weaning daylight after work! For the winter season I decided to take advantage of the offered online classes for college so I can stay home in the cold weather and accomplish my schoolwork at my convenience in the warmth of my own home!
What does the autumn season mean to you?
Friday morning, while I made every effort to work on my Linguistics Homework 6, becoming more frustrated in the process because I could not access the online Oxford English Dictionary, no matter what method I tried, I realized I needed to pack my bags, fill up the car with gas, and drive northbound for our cabin in Maine.
Make no mistake about it! I packed one bag full of books; text books, notebooks, and the one book for my capstone project that I needed to finish by the end of the weekend. By 12:00pm on the sunniest afternoon ever with a large cup of Dunkin' Donuts ice coffee in my cup holder, I approached rte. 95 at 70 mph and never looked back.
Three hours later, when I pulled into the driveway, my husband was happy but very surprised to see me until he spied the bag full of school books in the back seat of the car. Then he knew...
Homework is more portable than ever now so don't let it be the reason why you shy away from taking classes to complete your degree through an adult learning program such as I am achieving through Granite State College.
Even though I went for a foliage ride, took a long hike in the woods with my husband, and played Rummie 500 with him in the evenings, I still completed my goal of working on my Linguistics homework as well as finishing the book for my I-search paper before I headed for home on Sunday morning at 7a.m.
Because I remembered to stop and catch my breath a bit, I rejuvenated myself for the hard work ahead of me this week.
I never liked getting up in front of people, hated it. I was shy as a youngster and in my teenage years, I was pretty much a loner. Standing up in front of a lot of people was something I just dreaded. I had a teacher/professor who taught a class called Small Group Dynamics. She gave us assignments to give presentations every week, individually as well as a small group presentation. It was one of the adult accelerated degree program classes I had taken in TN and it was accelerated class. Giving a presentation every week was the pits. Preparing by making note cards, standing in front of the mirror the night before and thinking about it all through the day until the class came that night was so unbearable at times. But, I did it and so did everyone else who had the guts to stay in the class. That class went from a roll of 20 students down to 14 students in just one week. Only the strong survive, as I told my girlfriend Doris Card. We joked about that years later saying we got through the Class from H _ _ , we can do anything!!! Doris is no longer on this earth, but my fun and fond memories of our days in school will stay with me always.
So today I have another presentation to give. I am not dreading it anymore, in fact just the opposite, I looking forward to it, I love it. I love getting up there explaining what I do to others, showing them a career path they may want to explore at some time in the future. College gave me that confidence to do so. Whether it be on-line classes from distance learning universities or from Granite State College, anyone can do it if they just stick to it. You too can be a survivor!!
- To encourage those adults who are currently contemplating returning to, or even beginning, college. For years, I had given much thought to finishing what I had started all those years ago, but was held back by fear. When I finally took those steps at 40 years old, I was encouraged by a couple of blogs I'd discovered written by other non-traditional students. Had Granite State College offered this blogging program earlier, I may have decided to take those steps even sooner. Over the past several months, I've enjoyed reading the various blogs written by faculty and students, and consequently have felt more personally connected to the college, even though I live in a remote location.
- To share some of my experiences over the past couple of years with others who have found themselves in a similar life situation. When I first started, I wasn't entirely sure if I would prefer taking evening college classes, where I would have face-to-face interaction with my professor and classmates, or online classes for college, in a format that would afford me a much broader range of educational choices and greater flexibility with my already busy life schedule. I'll be writing more about those experiences in coming days.
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