I don't know if I mentioned it in a previous post, but I am a volunteer as Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) in NH (www.casanh.org). CASA is a great nationwide organization that represents children in the court system who may not have had the best of circumstances in their young lives. CASA has also helped me to see that working with/for others is something I wanted to pursue. What better place or program, but Granite State College's bachelor's degree in Behavioral Science.
As part of being a CASA volunteer though, I'm able to take advantage of the foster parent classes that are offered at GSC. I'm actually taking my first class now through the foster parent classes. The class is Delivering Effective Training and is 12 hours over two days. The class started Monday and will be finishing up tomorrow, Thursday. There is really quite a bit offered in foster parent classes such as
Caring for Children with Emotional Disabilities,
Unlocking Children's Learning Styles, and
Autism Spectrum Disorders (which is one I think I might like to try soon). The courses are offered at the different GSC locations or can be workbook or online.
If you are or considering becoming a foster parent, a current CASA volunteer or DCYF worker, check it out. It might be worth looking into. The courses are non-credit, but might be well worth it for whatever direction you choose in life. It's a good price... FREE! :)
What a snow storm we've had here in southern New Hampshire today. Lots of snow... unfortunately, lots of shoveling too! But I wouldn't trade living here for anything!
What's nice about my online Behavioral Science classes in this weather is that I don't have to miss any class time because of all of this snow. I went out, shoveled a bit, came back in, had a coffee, and did some homework. I have a whole week to complete that week's assignments and the flexibility of an online class is that I can work on my studies throughout the week. No traveling needed and my study hours are based more on the times I have available during the week.
And online classes for adults work out great for stay-at-home moms and those who work outside of the home. You just can't beat the flexibility of online learning.
So if you think you may not have time, contact one of the GSC advisors and see what might be possible! The only regret would be to have never have tried at all. What have you got to lose?
Hope to "see" you at one of the online adult education classes!
Stay warm everyone!
mary
Our Winter session has started. I was really excited about the start of this new semester. Part of the reason is that I only have five more courses (including this semester) before I graduate in June with my Bachelor's degree in Behavioral Science and I'm looking forward to my courses.
I'll have two online classes for college this semester and one in the classroom at the Manchester NH college campus. I can't say that I'm very good at biology, but I am so looking forward to my class, "The Human Brain." It will be interesting to learn more about different disorders and what parts of the brain are affected. Cool stuff!
I'll also have my Introduction to Research Methods in the Behavioral Sciences and Social Psychology - Hi Beth! (Beth was the instructor for my Human Development class too.)
The Intro class is so interesting even though we're only about half way through the first week. Lots of great online discussions as responses to a posted question from our instructor.
I can't wait to see how these classes unfold. I wish in some ways that I had started at Granite State College earlier because they have so many interesting classes being offered through the year. But I'm not complaining! It's because of Granite State College's flexible class schedules and different formats (classroom, online, and weekend intensive) that's allowing me to graduate in June!
I'll let you know how things progress!
mary
I watched a "60 Minutes" episode recently, where a half dozen people who have "superior autobiographical memory" were interviewed. (The group included Marilu Henner, whom I remember fondly from a sitcom called "Taxi.") The segment was called "The Gift of Endless Memory," and Leslie Stahl interviewed five people who didn't have just "great" memories. They could remember
everything that had ever happened to them, and when. Given any date, each could remember tiny details of the day, and of course, the interviewers made certain to verify these memories.
The researcher involved, Dr. James McGaugh, is a professor of neurobiology at the University of California Irvine, and he's a well-known expert on memory. He would ask these subjects (there are six known in the world), what would ordinarily be difficult or impossible for an ordinary person to recall, but could be verified by records, such as which days of a month twenty years ago, that it rained. When they showed one subject being questioned about the weather twenty years ago, she not only recalled which days it rained, but the weather for the days before!
Psychology courses often delve into how memory works. At
Granite State College we have a lot of
psychology courses and behavioral science classes, both online and classroom courses (the classroom courses take place in one of our nine NH state college campuses), including some we call "five-week intensives," that are accelerated courses. You'll read a lot, and become immersed in your subject, but at the end of five weeks, you'll be impressed with yourself, to realize that you've completed a whole college course! And the only shortcut is the length of time it took to finish the course. You'll still be learning the same things you'd learn in a full-length course! (But we can't promise that, like the people I've described, you'll remember
everything for as long as you live!!!)
At
Granite State College, we find ourselves emphasizing "adult learning," but once you finish high school, it's true that all college learning is "adult learning." And our learners range from just out of high school to senior citizens! (The oldest student I've had so far was 71 years "young" and the youngest was 17!)
Oh, and back to that fascinating segment on "60 Minutes": I loved when Marilu Henner said, "You know what I love? I love when people get so flattered, Like they go, 'Wow, I must've really made an impression on you.' And I go, 'No, no, believe me - I remember everything' '" And the fact that these people seem to have just a little bit of OCD (obsessive compulsive disorder): they like to keep things in order and to collect things.
But the thing that's also stuck in my mind over the last week is that of the five subjects on the show, only one - Marilu Henner - had ever been married. (And she'd been married three times.) Is it possible that being able to remember everything (including arguments and hurt feelings) might make a long-term relationship more tenuous? Maybe it's important for our social "grease" to be able to actually forget details. (Ah, that's something that I should bring up in
Social Psychology course, one of the online adult education classes that's coming up!)
So, I'm wondering if maybe that not-so-great memory of mine may have contributed to the longevity of my marriage. (We just celebrated our 42nd anniversary.) Well, there certainly aren't any proven "magic pills," but you never know...
Here's a
link if you want to watch the "60 Minutes" segment.
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.
Hi all.
Only a few more days until I finish these three courses of the fall semester. I really enjoyed my Human Development class with Beth Benoit (Hi Beth!). Beth is my instructor as well as a fellow Granite State College blogger.
I'm finding my degree specific classes for the bachelor's in Behavioral Science to be so interesting. I want more of it! This may later prove to fall under the category of "be careful of what you wish for," but I don't think so. Beth will also be teaching my online course for Social Psychology, one of the behavioral science classes, and I imagine I will enjoy that just as much as I've enjoyed this one.
It's so nice to get to this stage of my life and really know what I want to focus on and that is to help others. Not that I regret the past, but now I feel more focused and ready to stretch myself to new experiences. When I was in my 30s, going back to school wasn't even a blip on the screen for me, but now... I can't believe how many cool things I've gotten a chance to do in my 40s! A few weeks ago, I received my GSC reminder to submit my "Intent to Graduate" form. How exciting! Two more semesters and I'll have my bachelor's from GSC, the center of adult education. I can hardly believe it.
We're capable of accomplishing so much and life can be so rewarding. I have my ups and downs too, but, wow, life is good!
If I don't write again until after the holidays. I hope your holidays are everything you hoped for and that you have a wonderful new year!
The semester is almost over and I can't believe how fast it went by. One of my classes is almost over, and one just ended last week. They were both upper-level Behavioral Science classes that had really neat projects and class discussions. I did very well in my Cognition and Learning class, and I hope I do just as well in my Art Therapy class.
Two research papers, two projects, hours of class time, and one night of class left, and I will be able to hold in my hands my Associates Degree in General Studies. Taking me one step closer to my Bachelors Degree in Behavioral Science. I can't believe that it's finally here after three long years. I'm so happy, I can't wait to admire my degree on the wall, that will make it worth it for sure :)
Now that I'm finally done for this semester it's already time to register for classes for Winter. There is never a dull moment in this college girls life, but that's all part of the fun!
Now that you have eaten the Thanksgiving turkey and all of those pies, you may be thinking about enjoying December and then making the regular New Year's Resolution to go on a diet. Well, how about something more lasting this year? A resolution that will really change your life?
How about enrolling in Adult Education classes at Granite State College. You have debated taking a class, finishing a degree or maybe getting an Adult Education Certificate. Now is the time. Granite State College has face-to-face and Online Classes in many areas. Maybe you are interested in an Adult Accelerated Degree Program, or Online Classes for Criminal Justice. Maybe you are interested in Childhood Education Classes or Behavioral Science Classes. Check out all the offerings at Granite State College and then make a New Year's Resolution to further your education. Classes at Granite State are offered in the evenings and people like you are coming from work to learn more and further their careers. The people are friendly and ready to learn. So, make a move and make a New Year's Resolution that you will enjoy keeping. You can register on line today. And, as for that diet, just watch that third piece of pie!
I never want you to feel nervous or scared to start a fresh new life. That's the person I was until a friend brought me to Granite State College. Since I have begun my education by taking many behavioral science classes, I have become a whole new person. I am a go-getter now! I am happy and excited by things and I know I am headed to a great place. If you have any thoughts about starting your education, stop on by! We have so many things for you to take a look at, see what interests you. Maybe you are looking for online classes for criminal justice! Maybe you are looking for foster parent classes or an accelerated undergraduate courses! We have a wide range of things to offer you, and with convenient nights, weekend, and online courses, you can still work while you get your adult education diploma. Whatever you decide to do, I want you to know that I am here for you! You can stop by any time and we can talk about getting you a fresh start too! So come on by to the Manchester Campus and ask to speak with me, Danielle, and become the best that you can be!
P.S. Registration for our Winter term begins today!!
Ok. There. I said it. Unemployed. But this isn't about the who, what, where, why, or how of this topic. A little over three years ago, I was let go from my job, though I have to admit, I was very ready to move on to something new. I am so happy that when I left that job, I made the decision to go back to college. At 47, I received an associates degree in Paralegal Studies. I had always wanted my degree. I knew I could do more and I really wanted to prove that to myself. I'm now continuing on for my bachelor's in Behavioral Science.
Initially, I was able to pay for college out of my own pocket, but as time went on and the job market became tougher and tougher, I applied for financial aid to help me with the costs of going to school. I have student loans now, but I won't need to start paying them until after I graduate. Other students are able to qualify and receive Pell Grants and other types of grants. These grants are for education and never need to be paid back.
What I am trying to say is that being unemployed is a tough spot to be in, but it doesn't mean that I can't continue my education. With Granite State College's flexible schedules of evening, weekend, and online classes, I can look for a job during the day and accept a job when one comes up, without affecting my continuing education or possible employment. Granite State College also has a Financial Aid office that has helped me with applying for financial aid and any questions that I've had along the way.
Going back to school was the best thing I ever did and being unemployed didn't need to interfere with my ambitions. Perhaps there's an opportunity for you as well. Speaking with someone in financial aid about more information to continue your studies at Granite State College may end up being one of the best decisions you've ever made. You won't know unless you try! I'm so glad I did.
Hey everyone! I just wanted to let you know that I have begun my position as the new administrative assistant at Granite State College's Manchester NH college campus, working with our students who are taking Manchester NH classes to get their adult education diploma! I am so excited to be working with everyone! I want to help make our Manchester Campus the best it can be! So if you have any suggestions of classes you would like to take, like Behavioral Science classes or possibly any other career advancement programs, let me know! I would love to know your thoughts on how to make the Manchester Campus easier for YOU!
What are you thankful for? We hear that phrase a lot each November. And people respond with things like family, friends, health. Those are all such important parts of our life. But sometimes we are also thankful for the opportunities we are given in life.
I have to say that in addition to my family and friends, I am thankful for the opportunity I have to teach Early Childhood and teacher training education courses at Granite State College at the Rochester NH college campus. I have met so many wonderful people at Granite State. College I have met students who are excited about their work with young children. I have met people who have been in the field of childhood education for many years, but need a course or two to maintain their professional position. I have met people who have had a career in business but have always wanted to teach.
One man comes to mind. He was nearing retirement in the business world but had always wanted to teach. He was working his way through a Bachelor's Degree in Early Childhood Education. He has since graduated from Granite State College. He called me recently to tell me that he was now almost through a Master's Degree in Education. Another woman was pursuing a degree in Behavioral Sciences. She wanted to work with special needs children. Now she is in a position where she can impact the lives of young special needs children. Yes, when I think about the opportunity I have had to play a role in the further education of so many people who are now teaching young children, I am very thankful.
Time is flying by and in another couple of weeks we'll be celebrating Thanksgiving day. Amazing, isn't it? The seasons seem to go so quickly and before you know it, another year has gone by. When I was in my 20's... well... let's be honest... I wanted money, a lot of it, and the sooner the better! But college seemed like it would take "forever" and I wasn't ready to put in the time. I wanted everything
now. I worked hard, very hard, and I was able to accomplish and experience some terrific things... good pay, travel, my own house. But it took so many more years to get there and, at times, I had to prove myself to others more than my peers
who did have college degrees. I don't regret it, but where would I have been if I had started off with a college degree. Who knows, but it certainly wouldn't have hurt, I know that.
Good news (terrific news, actually) is that it's never too late! I can't believe all of the amazing experiences I've had since leaving my job of 20+ years a few years back and going in a completely different direction in my career. I grabbed hold of all of the possibilities of college life and ran with it. Heck, I even played the college mascot at one of Nashua Community College's basketball games. Yup! That's me at 47! What a kick!
So, is it ever too late to go to college? I don't think so! Granite State College has many degrees to suit your interest or, perhaps, working with a Granite State College advisor, create your own! I chose Behavioral Science and I'm psyched about being able to complete my courses via GSC's online courses and by attending both the Manchester NH college campus and the Concord NH college campus. I can't wait to walk in June with my bachelor's in Behavioral Science. How cool!
Hi.
I thought I would write a bit about the degree that I'm pursuing. I'll be receiving my bachelor's in Behavioral Science in June of next year (2011). What got me interested in Behavioral Science was the community service work I had started while at Nashua Community College. Some of the community service was helping at the local soup kitchen or helping homeless vets with creating resumes and checking online jobs boards. I am a volunteer advocate for victims of violence and have also helped with Habitat for Humanity. I get such good feelings from volunteering in these groups, it's amazing.
I wasn't sure if I wanted to focus on psychology, sociology, and social work, but the Behavioral Science degree offered at Granite State College was perfect to sample a bit of each of those areas. What was interesting too was after taking a quick look at other local colleges, Granite State College appeared to be the only one that offered a Behavioral Science degree. So far I've taken Counseling, Human Development, and Victim Rights and Advocacy. Exactly the topics I'm interested in. Next semester I'll be taking Intro. to Behavioral Science Methods, Social Psychology, and The Human Brain. Cool courses! I can't wait. Which reminds me, don't forget to sign up for courses starting Nov. 22!
It's hard to believe that I'll have my bachelor's in Behavioral Science in less than a year. Granite State College is helping me obtain my dream of having a bachelor's degree and maybe even move on to another University System of New Hampshire University's to pursue my Master's. It is soooo exciting!
Life just happens.
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.
A few weeks ago I took a mid-term in my Behavioral Science class at the Conway NH college campus and we got our grades back two days ago. I got an 89 - wow, what a good feeling to know all my hard work is paying off. It's moments like those when I know I'm doing the right thing.
I have two research papers due next week, so I've been busting my butt proof reading and putting together my PowerPoint presentation. I have taken so many great classes on PowerPoint, I know I won't have any problem. I love it when I can use something I learned in one class for another class. Bridging that learning between more then one class really is a full circle feeling and it helps me to know I'm on the right track.
I know I made the right choice choosing Granite State College, I can't wait to see what the future holds :)
It seems hard to believe that another summer has gone by. At about the time I'm ready to enjoy it, fall starts making its way in.
I wanted you all to know about my first semester at Granite State College. The summer session was the first semester that I have been at GSC and it went by so fast. I took two online courses, Critical Thinking and Victim Rights and Advocacy. I'm pursuing my bachelor's degree in Behavioral Science and chose the Victim Rights course as one of my electives, among a variety of behavioral science classes. I am also a volunteer advocate for victims of violence, so this was a class that I knew I could use as part of my volunteer work. What a great course!
I wasn't sure how the online course would work out, whether I would learn anything or if it would even keep me interested. I was very pleasantly surprised by how well the course went. We used Blackboard, an online learning "environment." There were links for the class discussion board, messages, quizzes, grades, syllabus, and module (usually weekly) descriptions of what was due and when. Every week, our instructor, Kathy Minaert, would post questions/topics on the discussion board for us to answer and we would have weekly quizzes. What was nice about doing the quizzes online was that once we finished a quiz, it was automatically graded, so we could see how we did.
The discussion board always had some interesting discussions going on. We were a diverse group from different backgrounds such as law enforcement, court workers, and education. What a great group to learn from! And Kathy helped out with any questions that we had either through the discussion board or through email.
My first semester at
Granite State College went really well and any of the fears that I may have had regarding how engaged I would be were completely removed. It was a terrific introduction to how well online courses are done at GSC.
I started my fall semester in September and I'll share more of that in my upcoming posts!
Enjoy the fall!
I have been working part-time jobs since I began my college career. One of the biggest reasons I starting taking classes at Granite State College was because I wanted to work towards a career. Working and living pay check to pay check is something I wanted to avoid. I really feel that since I began classes at the Conway NH Campus, I have really enriched not only my education but also my work ethic.
Some courses I have taken have really taught me more about work then school, and have really helped me decide which path I want to take once I have my Bachelors Degree in Behavioral Science. I feel that knowing I have Granite State College on my resume, I really shine over some of the other applicants when I apply for a job. I never realized how much that impacts my chances. As much work as school is, it's totally worth it to be building my future, and working towards something I really want to do with my life.
I recently got offered a really good job, and I know one of the main reasons is because of my education. I feel that I can credit that to Granite State College and the knowledge I have acquired, while being a student there. I really feel like all my hard work is paying off, that's a really encouraging feeling when planning for the future. :)
"Education is learning what you didn't even know you didn't know." ~ Daniel J. Boorstin
I recently began my new fall courses at
Granite State College, two years after making the decision to return to college and taking those tentative first steps in seeking out adult financial aid. Now, with six terms of Behavioral Science classes behind me, I'm more than halfway through my journey toward earning my Bachelors Degree.
I applied to participate in the GSC student blogger program with two intentions in mind:
- 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.
Is there anything that you have been wondering about that I may be able to answer for you? Are you longing to pursue education and career advancement, but find yourself wrestling with self-doubt? Are you wondering if there is such a thing in this economy as an affordable Bachelors degree? Are you daunted by the prospect of applying for adult financial aid?
Or, have you also made the leap, and are currently trying to juggle family, career, and school? Are you challenged with the task of optimally managing your time? Do you sometimes feel overwhelmed by coursework and second-guess the wisdom of your decision to take on these extra responsibilities?
I've been there. Not only that, but I am still working my way through all the dynamics of this chapter in my life. You're not alone, and I'd love to hear from you!
So I just finished my second-to-last class; Victim's Right and Advocacy. For me, it was one of the more interesting online classes for criminal justice. Mostly due to the fact that with 25 years of experience, I have had plenty of training in the application of law enforcement theory, but not a lot of experience in the more human side of the endeavor. Also, the class was made up of a larger mix of students in the social and behavioral sciences and not just CJ students. It was nice to see other viewpoints expressed on topics I had dealt with for years but never really discussed intellectually.
This class got me thinking more about what kind of school Granite State College really is. What might have been considered a kin to a correspondence school 20 years ago, because the institution didn't have classrooms or a singular campus, it really is a first rate distance learning university. The students have ample opportunity to exchange ideas, access to excellent research tools and professors that care.
I think the most endearing components of our school are the motivations everyone expresses as to why they are here. Reasons like; Moms making a better life for themselves and their kids, mature adults who have raised families and now want a formal education for themselves, and adult learners who want to continue to contribute in their chosen fields by staying current and up to date, are all common themes with my fellow classmates. Sincerity, selflessness and concern for the greater good are all goals that are held by members of our institution. These are the types of beliefs that any college or university would be happy to have their student body hold sacred.
So along the way, on this journey of mine that has spanned 20 years, I have come to realize something. Granite State College IS a "Brick and Mortar" school of sorts. Not one with a campus, and a quad or a student union, but one of a different kind. One where each and every GSC student that lives a life each day, and studies each night, are the bricks. Those bricks are bound together not only by the collective experiences we share in the virtual classroom but by our goals to become better people, and to make the world around us a better place as well. Those ideals become the mortar, solidifying us into a real place, a place where accomplishing more than your believed you could becomes a reality.
As I enroll in my last class, I reflect on the work I've done, the people I've met, and the real sense of satisfaction I feel knowing that I accomplished much more than I believed I ever could. At Granite State College, I feel like not only did I GO to the school, but that I am an integral PART of what makes the school special. In the end, virtual or brick and mortar, that's what a great college experience should be all about anyway.
Thanks for reading, and I'll see you at graduation in June ;)
Powered by Compendium