Welcome to my blog :)

Ryan HillHello, my name is Ryan Hill.

I'm a 22 year old student who has been taking classes at Granite State College since the fall of 2007. I'm now 2 classes away from receiving my associates degree in general studies. While working on my associates degree, I decided I wanted to keep going on for my bachelors degree in behavioral science. I really enjoy the class sizes and diversity that I get at the Conway Campus.

Working two jobs really makes the adult education work the best for me, it has a great schedule and I really enjoy meeting all types of adult learners. I know that with the support of Granite State College I'm working towards a great career, and I know, a better future.

Vacation and Classes

Wednesday, May 22, 2013 by Ryan Hill

I just got back from a vacation to the beach and I'm so glad I was able to take my GSC studies with me! Both of my classes are online this semester, and I was able to work on papers while I was relaxing. I have had to miss classes before for vacation and it really impacts the momentum and how you learn. It was very convenient to take my computer and check-in while away from home, keeping me from getting behind -  just another reason I enjoy online courses.

Being in my third online class, I've noticed different teaching styles and class layouts in the moodle site. I enjoy trying each one and continue learning more about my online learning preferences. I enjoy meeting new people from all over the state in different places and social exposures - it really adds great insight into life in other parts of the state. I'm happy to say I've already completed a six-week intensive class online this semester and am one step closer to earning my bachelor's degree! Yay! I can't believe how fast these last few classes have flown by.

I recieved my Granite State College summer catalog in the mail the other day - can't wait to register for classes for next semester. Bring on summer!!!!! :)

Spring Online at GSC

Monday, April 15, 2013 by Ryan Hill

Winter semester at GSC is over - YAYYYYYYYYY! All my hard work is paying off and I'm now one step closer to having my degree in-hand. After taking an online class for the first time this semester, I'm happy to say I loved it. I was always skeptical about how I would do with it, and it turns out to be a lot easier and better for my schedule than I thought. I'm now taking both of my classes online this (spring) semester. If you're thinking of applying to Granite State College, definitely look at the online programs! With so many options to choose from, it's a great way to incorporate schooling into your life.

It's not always easy to stay focused on school work - especially with warm weather right around the corner! I'm looking forward to finishing my courses AND enjoying time outside - taking classes online has really paved the way for that, an option I never took advantage of before. I'm quite excited for this oppertunity! I have a vacation booked in May and will simply take my computer with me and not miss anything in my class while I'm on the beach - WIN WIN!! Warm weather, new scenery, flowers, and courses. So much to look forward to- :)

The "Real Life" Things We Learn From College

Monday, April 1, 2013 by Ryan Hill

For someone who's going for a degree in Human Services, I've taken my fair share of social science and psychology classes. I just finished "Stress and the Family" this winter and have to admit, "Nutrition Concepts and Contraversies" ranks as one of my favoriate classes during my time at Grante State College. This class was a blast and taught me a lot more than I thought it would. Not only did I learn a lot about nutrition, but a lot about myself as well. We had a project on our personal food intake that really helped me learn about my own eating habitts and the little things I can do to eat better - ultimately helping prevent health problems later in life. During our last class, it was neat to see all the topics people chose for their presentations - simple things can affect you in big ways; organic farming can help the world. We enjoyed a delicious and healthy feast as well - what a fun way to end the semester! Science was never my favorite subject, so enjoying this class as much as I did really surprised me. I love learning more about myself throughout this educational journey!

Snow Day

Friday, March 22, 2013 by Ryan Hill

With more than 12" of new snow Tuesday, it's hard to believe that Wednesday was the first official day of spring! What a nice treat so close to the end of the semeter - to get a snow day and catch up on all the homework I have for the last week of classes at Granite State College. What better way to motiviate you to write papers than be stuck inside all day! The day also gave me extra time for my online class. I really enjoy the online class experience and look forward to taking another one next semester. I find it helps me balance my time beween working two jobs, living my life, and not having to be in a certain place for 3.5 hours. So much to look forward to next month - Espcially a new semester :)

Crunch Time!!!

Wednesday, March 6, 2013 by Ryan Hill

It's hard to believe, but the winter semester at Granite State College is almost over and crunch time is here - so many papers and projects due in the next few weeks! Spring semester is almost here, yet we're still getting snow stormsI just hope we don't have any more snow days so that we can end this semester on time! My "free time" is being spent finishing up these assignments and hoping that my final grades reflect of all my hard work over the last 12 weeks. Don't forget to contact an academic advisor and register for classes - classes begin April 6! I'm already signed up, so I say bring it on GSC! :)

Guidance - Faculty and Staff Support at GSC

Friday, February 22, 2013 by Ryan Hill

I am so lucky to have such an amazing academic advisor at Granite State College. She reaches out to me when it's registration time, and always knows the best solutions for my questions and best academic plan for me. I'm lucky to have known my coach my whole life, as I grew up with her daughter - but I know that even if I had just met her, I would be treated with the same respect, patience, and guidance. I'm always able to get right in and meet with her no matter what. She's been there since the beginning of my academic career at Granite State College, and I couldn't have made it this far on my educational journey without all she's done. I really feel blessed knowing that not only my advisor, but all the staff at GSC are always so friendly and ready to help in any way possible - it really takes so much stress out of the leg work that goes along with college. It's not always the teachers that have an impact on us at school, it's the staff that really work so well as a team to make Granite State College and its students so successful.

Half Way!

Tuesday, February 19, 2013 by Ryan Hill

It's hard to believe that it's already half way through the winter semester at GSC - time to make another appoinment with my academic advisor and look at signing up for classes for spring! The classes I'm currently taking are pretty interesting so far - looking forward to completing quite a few projects due in the next few weeks. I'm also doing a self-analysis on my food intake for my science class - Nutrition Concepts and Contraversies. I'm really enjoying learning about myself and health related things that affect us all. It's crazy how much you don't think about when you eat. I'm looking forward to seeing how some of these projects turn out, and what great courses I have to look forward to in the spring :)

What I Love About Granite State College

Tuesday, February 12, 2013 by Ryan Hill

In honor of celebrating the college's 40th anniversary, the million dollar topic of discussion has become, "What I love about Granite State College." It's amazing to see the answers that people have come up with, and the positive impact Granite State College is having on so many lives. If you get a chance to ask someone, read a sign on one of the campuses, or look online, you will see all the reasons why Granite State College is so successful. Not to mention I got a free t-shirt just for saying why I love GSC. Here's to another 40 years of changing lives :)

Winter 2013

Tuesday, January 29, 2013 by Ryan Hill

I can't believe Christmas is over, and we're already starting a new semester here at Granite State College. There are so many new challenges I'm facing this semester as I'm taking my first online class and learning how to better manage my time for school work. I really enjoy being able to take this class at my own pace and on my own schedule. I'm enjoying learning the new technology of the online world, as well as exploring the new ways I can learn. With just about 9 classes to go, I can see the light at the end of the tunnel. I know this is going to be a great year for me :)

Pizza and Office Space

Tuesday, April 3, 2012 by Ryan Hill

   Last night was my last managment class for the semester YAYYYY!! What a great way to end such a hardworking semester than getting pizza and watching a funny movie that really helped wrap up the course. It's nice to know hard work pays off. Not only with getting a good grade, or credits, but with the little things like having our last class being so laid back. With the semester being so intense and stressful it's nice to end it on such a relaxed note. Makes the hard work worth it, and makes me encouraged for the next semester. I can't believe 12 weeks are already over, seemed to fly by. With a mini break I'm going to get ready for next semester make sure my books are ordered and I'm ready to start all over again! There's still time to sign up for classes don't keep waiting :)

Merchandise

Friday, March 23, 2012 by Ryan Hill

I'm so happy that Granite State College finally has a merchandise store. Now I can show off my GSC pride with apparel, mug, tote bag, or so many other fun things. How exciting to finally be able to help promote the school, while also being able to enjoy something new. I love this college more and more everyday. Can't wait to get my sweatshirt, and see my fellow classmates with their GSC swag!!

Bring on Spring

Monday, March 12, 2012 by Ryan Hill

With the weather being so beautiful in the last few days, I got to thinking about what courses Granite State College was offering at the Conway Campus for the spring semester. Hard to believe it's already that time again, but Spring is upon us. YAY!! With a few emails to my advisor, I was able to figure out which courses were best for me and my degree path. Registering online is super easy and now I'm good to go for next semester. Three more weeks left of History and Managment and it's onto the next classes. I can't wait for spring weather, flowers, and cool new courses! What a great time of year in New England, and it's always a great time at Granite State College :)

Group Work

Wednesday, March 7, 2012 by Ryan Hill

In both of my courses at Granite State College this semester we have been doing a lot of group work. Group projects are not only fun and educational, but also a good way to learn more about working with different kinds of people.  College is supposed to help prep us for the workforce, and I love working with my teammates. It's really helping me get a good idea of how to deal with situations at work. Plus it's also helping me learn more about how I work within a group and the things I can improve on. I love it when classes teach me more than just what's in the syllabus. Can't wait to see how these projects turn out :)

Free Textbooks...Yes Please :)

Monday, February 27, 2012 by Ryan Hill

It's hard to believe we are almost done with the winter semester. It's already time to be thinking about signing up for classes. One new incentive Granite State College has been offering is the chance to win a free textbook for a course if you sign up by a certain time. What a great oppertunity to possible get a free book, and to sign up for some great courses!! I know I can't wait for the spring semester to begin :)

Moodle

Thursday, January 19, 2012 by Ryan Hill
For the Winter 2012 semester we have a great new online tool called Moodle. Im not sure if any of you are familiar with it, but I have been nothing but impressed. It makes having to pass in any work, take quizzes, get lecture outlines, or even message the teacher or fellow classmates so easy. You can build your own profile and add a photo which helps to make it more personable. I have to say I'm not an online student, but this makes me feel very confident in taking an online class in the upcoming semesters. So many possibilites and always plenty of time :)

Winter Semester

Tuesday, January 10, 2012 by Ryan Hill
   It's hard to believe the holidays are already behind us, and the new year has begun. Boks have been ordered and supplies bought as winter semester begins this week at Granite State College. I'm filled with anxiety and excitment, I'm taking some great courses this semester, Vietnam War: A Historical Perspective and The Human Brain. I can't wait to see which class mates I will have in class again, and to meet the new great teachers I will have. Sign up now there's still time.. See you on Campus :)

Winter Semester

Wednesday, October 26, 2011 by Ryan Hill
I can't believe it's almost Halloween; with the fall semester well underway it's time to start thinking about the winter semester at Granite State College. The course lists are available early, which is a great convenience for students. It gives time to meet with your academic adviser to discuss which courses are the best ones for you to take. I know I have already met with my adviser and it's so nice to know what classes are available when it comes to planning for my degree.

As much as I don't want to let summer go, I can't wait to sign up for classes for the winter semester. I get the opportunity to take a History class, which I haven't taken yet. There are always such great choices for classes, and if you decided to take a class at another campus it's always just a short drive away!

Masks

Wednesday, October 19, 2011 by Ryan Hill
Tonight in my Human Development Psychology course, we made masks of our faces. It was an amazing experience.

One of the things I love about Granite State College is that I can always learn something out of every experience I have there. Tonight was a great trust, as well as learning experience, that we got to do hands-on with our classmates.

I really enjoy this class, I can't wait to see how everyone decorates their mask!!! Classes like tonight's class make me so happy that I'm a college student and I know Granite State College is the place for me :)

Back in the Saddle Again

Monday, September 26, 2011 by Ryan Hill
It's been a year since I received my associates in general studies from Granite State College. I can't believe the year has gone by so fast. After taking some time off, I'm ready to get back in the saddle again and dive back into my education. I'm currently enrolled in a Literature and Ideas course, and a Psychology course at the Conway NH college campus. Although it's a bit hard getting used to doing homework again, I'm learning some really great things. Not only just about the courses I'm taking, but about the world around me.
  
I'm really looking forward to some neat projects coming up in the next few weeks in my adult college classes that will help give me good hands on experience of what I'm learning, and how to apply it to my life. I can't wait to see what this semester has in store for me :)

Happy Holidays

Tuesday, December 7, 2010 by Ryan Hill
My favorite time of the year, and what a better way to celebrate then to be done for the semester with all my classes!! I can't believe it's over. It seems like just yesterday we were signing up for the Fall, and now it's already Christmas again.

What a great semester it has been. I really feel that I took two great classes that really helped me know more about what I want to do when my college career is over. I think that sometimes when you take a class, it ends up really showing you what a certain career will involve and it can help you decide if you really want to pursue that path or not. 

I have never done any online classes, but I think I will try one for the winter semester. I have been so busy it will be nice to not have to always take classes in the classroom. I'm a bit nervous, but the online system at Granite State College is really easy to use. If my mom can do it, I can do it!

Have a nice holiday season, see you next semester :)