The thing about lifelong learning is, even after you've acquired the formal education you might need for your career, as an inquisitive human being your brain continuously craves more information. That's why the Internet is so powerful, right? It's driven by information. How do things work? What events in history led to where you are? How do you accomplish certain things? Who else has written about, discovered, or invented the subject matter that you find fascinating?
There's a reason that Granite State College used to be called the College for Lifelong Learning. And that former title was one of the major factors that drew me to the school. I am a lifelong learner. Ever since high school when I first became able to pick my own classes, I've always gotten so excited over the new course schedules. So many amazing choices with so many possibilities to learn something new!
Now, since Granite State College's website has become more advanced, it's easy for me to explore the new class offerings online. And it doesn't matter that I've already graduated because you don't have to be enrolled in a degree program to take a class here or there.
Here are some Concord, NH classes that look promising for the Spring term in 2012:
"Modern America and the Movies"
"Society and the Individual"
"Nutrition Concepts and Controversies"
"Vietnam War: An Historical Perspective"
And if I wanted to take college classes online in July and August, these look really interesting:
"Interpersonal Communication"
"American Popular Culture"
"History of New England"
"Survey of World Architecture"
Here's the link to the full summer course schedule:
http://www.granite.edu/courseschedule/summer2012.html
When our PTO meetings resumed in the fall I utilized the use of “ice breakers” to help create a sense of comfort, ease and familiarity between the group members. I was also able to identify and draw out participation from the members that were less than enthusiastic in playing an active role in the group. Through my learning and understanding of the group dynamics of our PTO I was able to become a more effective leader in this group and therefore elicit more active participation and positive results from our meetings.
It was not until this Granite State College communication course that I actually understood what the authors and social workers were trying to explain to me during those years. This was a huge breakthrough in my life, both personally and professionally. I now understand how to “hear” what others are trying to tell me and how to assure that others “hear” what I am saying. My relationships, learning and daily life have all been enhanced by this new-found understanding of effective communication and its positive effect on my life.
I began watching one of those marathon sessions running (conveniently) on New Year's Day, and for the first few minutes I was intrigued by watching the contestants struggle through their rigorous diet and exercise regime, spurred on by the hope of a different future. Once I began to see evidence of their progress, in the form of lost pounds and found confidence, I was hooked. I am a bit embarrassed to say that my whole family (ok, not the 4-year-old) allowed this program to chew up the better part of our day, as I sat making food lists with new resolve. We watched together and cheered on these folks who were moving past the beginning struggle of change, toward the goal, and vicariously shared in their victories.
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