Page 2 - Education and Career Advancement

The art of making a choice

Sunday, September 12, 2010 by Tom Oetinger

Art and artisans at the Santa Fe Indian Market

Michelle and I recently returned from a trip to New Mexico and the Santa Fe Indian Market, one of the oldest and largest gatherings of Native American art in the United States. Over 1100 painters, sculptors, jewelers, weavers and potters from a broad cross section of Indian nations, tribes and pueblos participated, displaying their craft and offering much of it for sale to the crowds that flocked to this annual, two-day event. Some of the work displayed with truly breathtaking, showcasing the considerable skill of the artisans. Over the last several years I’ve developed an affinity for the Two Grey Hills style of Din’e (Navajo) weavings and southwestern, hand-coiled pottery crafted by artists from many of the pueblos that dot northern New Mexico. When visiting the area I always look to pick up a piece that will then adorn my living room. But when attending an event that draws artists with a considerable range of skills it’s important to know a little bit about the work that you’re looking at. While purchasing art is usually a matter of aesthetic interest rather than an investment it is beneficial to recognize a hand-crafted piece from those that may contain commercially constructed elements. Making a purchase without doing your homework can lead to disappointment, especially when the sale involves hundreds or thousands of dollars.

With this in mind I am often surprised at the lack of research and due diligence exercised by older, non-traditional students when looking at adult college programs. For far too many the selection of an institution that claims to specialize in adult higher education is an impulse choice, guided only by the commercials seen on television, glossy advertisements and vague promises pitched by high pressure “admissions reps." If you haven’t noticed, continuing education degree programs and career advancement programs have become big business, populated by a number of for-profit institutions, some of which offer a questionable education carrying a hefty price tag. For those that are considering returning to college to complete their degree or attend college for the first time seeking education and career advancement, it is critical to be a conscientious consumer. Prospective buyers should ask questions such as: Is your college regionally accredited? Exactly how much is the tuition rate per credit and what fees do you charge? What does your accelerated adult degree program actually entail? A college education is one of the most important purchases anyone will make. It means far more than a diploma in a frame or piece of pottery on a shelf. Make sure that you become knowledgeable about the higher education system, ask questions, compare costs and don’t be rushed into making a decision. Find someone that you can trust to discuss your options with and take your time. In this case the decision is not an emotional or aesthetic one, it’s a life long investment.

It's Her Turn...

Tuesday, August 24, 2010 by Ellen Gagnon

Every Thursday night she came to her evening college classes. We would talk a little bit, usually after class or during the breaks. She drives from Farmington to the Portsmouth NH university campus, which is about 30 miles one way. Now it's the end of the term. Tonight she told me how she does it. She started by saying she had baked stuffed haddock for dinner. I looked at her and said,

"You made baked stuffed haddock before you came to class tonight?!"

" No, I went out with my friend."

"Nice."

"Yeah, this is my time. I arranged with the place where I volunteer to leave early on Thursday afternoon. While my brother comes by to watch the kids, I can do some studying. Then my friend and I go out to dinner."

I could not help myself. I smiled as she told her story. She then gave a little, unapologetic shrug, smiled back and continued, "This is my time."

There it was the Granite State College marketing tagline: It's your turn! The motto that says after you work to impress the world come to GSC to do something just for yourself. Adult learners are goal oriented and come to higher education for a variety of reasons. Yet here is a woman, a mother of three, who has chosen to honor herself with an education. She carved out time, (which as we all know is a precious commodity,) to create a space for herself. She has included her family and friends in that plan too. This says to me that her designs are more than mere career advancement. It's just like the sign says. I couldn't make this stuff up-- it really happens.

Calling All Early Childhood Professionals

Friday, August 20, 2010 by John Cook

I can't say enough about the classes for Early Childhood Education that we offer at Granite State College. Not only is this Bachelors Degree available in the form of evening college classes or online classes focused on adults, we have such wonderful Faculty as well. I'm thinking for example of Catherine Yeaton, who is currently teaching EDU 553, Creative Arts in Early Childhood Education, which we are offering this Summer at our Rochester NH College. Catherine runs the well-know Building Blocks School - located in southern New Hampshire.

But here is the key detail that might surprise working childcare professionals looking for career advancement programs: Granite State College has a program that will jump start your Early Childhood Degree. If you are employed at least 20 hours a week in a NH licensed or license-exempt child care center or family child care program, GSC will pay for half the costs of your first class, or even the full cost, depending on the class.  Click this link for details.

Let me be specific about Fall Term, because registration is open right now. Here are two classes that you can sign up for using the ECE Tuition Assistance Program:

PSY 508, Child Development, 4 credits
(GSC Rochester, Tuesday nights, starting Sept. 14th)

EDU 601, Observation & Assessment in Early Childhood Education, 4 credits
(GSC Rochester, Monday nights, starting Sept. 13th)

You do NOT need to be enrolled in a degree program to take these courses - but if you ARE interested in career advancement education, give us a call (603.332.8335) or register online.

Diversity

Monday, August 16, 2010 by Erin Todd

In my Managing Diversity weekend intensive class, there is a 38-year-old Nigerian-born U.S. citizen, a 50-year-old Korean-American, a 28-year-old veteran of the Iraq War, a 20-year-old recent high school graduate, a 32-year-old state trooper, a 44-year-old executive and a 42-year-old UNH police officer. And me. Six of us are white. There are more men than women in this class -- a fact that is statistically atypical for Granite State College. Gender aside, the age, occupational and racial/ethnic differences of the students that make up this class are typical of GSC. Such diversity is one of my favorite aspects of taking classes at this NH State College.

Our first assignment for this class was to ask ten random people what they think "Diversity" means. The people I asked gave responses using the words "understanding, respecting, accepting, appreciating, embracing, honoring and celebrating" those "different from ourselves." That is how I feel in a GSC class, because my classmates and I come from all walks of life, from all over the state, even from different parts of the world. Some of us are just out of high school, some are stay-at-home parents and some are parents who also work outside the home, some of us are mid-career or mid-life, and some are older adults. And those differences always result in students coming away from any given class with a new understanding of someone else's perspective.

One of the people I asked responded that diversity is an opportunity that helps us grow as human beings. Another declared that there is strength in diversity. Several expressed how boring the world would be if everyone was the same. I agree with all of these statements. As a student, I have witnessed and experienced the really transformative learning that takes place in a GSC classroom. Part of that learning is intellectual, part is social, part is even growth on an emotional level. One of the greatest strengths of adult and continuing education at GSC is the opportunity to glean knowledge from the broad life experiences of our classmates.

How appealing would it be to sit down to a meal of, say, unseasoned white rice and plain boiled potatoes and white bread? Bland and boring are two adjectives that come to mind. On the other hand, partaking of a meal made up of butternut squash and flame-broiled steak and green beans seasoned with fresh herbs is a more vibrant and flavorful culinary experience. It's also more interesting.

My classmates are very interesting people. They come from all age groups, income brackets, occupations and geographic areas. A lot of my classmates are taking part time classes, though some have a full time course load; some prefer evening college classes and many also take college classes online. Many are looking for a career advancement education and some are fulfilling a goal of getting their college degree through GSC's continuing education degree programs.

The students that make up my classes are hard-working folks. They're focused. They're driven. They're probably not getting enough sleep. But. They know how important it is to have a college degree in this work climate. Many employers are expecting their employees to have, or be working on, a four-year college degree. At GSC my classmates and I are getting a truly affordable bachelor degree. No matter our age, our past work experiences, our income levels or our geographic background.

Connections, Lost and Found

Monday, August 9, 2010 by Mary Gaetz

It's all about making connections. This is one thing I have learned in the two weeks I have been here at Granite State College. Making connections can be scary, because what if it gets screwed up? What if my interpretation of connected isn't the same as others' interpretation? OK, Mary--get out of anxiety mode and into action mode! If a connection is somehow lost it can inevitably be found again. How many times in my life (I don't want to count) have I lost a connection only to have it come back to me, often at a much better time and place? Re-connected is just as good as connected, and sometimes better.

I imagine a lot of our current students have the same philosophy. I would love to know the statistic of how long our students researched and pondered going back for a degree before taking the first step and contacting someone for more information. How many times did they dismiss the information and go back to life as they know it? Making the connection to return to school as an adult learner is challenging, make no mistake. There are so many things to consider: what degree program, online classes v. face-to-face classes, scheduling classes around dinner, baby sitters, car pools, finding affordable continuing education and career advancement programs. It's enough to make smoke come out of your ears, and very difficult to find a place to get connected and focus one's energy. But even if you don't make the connection right away, it's OK. You never know when the connection will hit. And sometimes the connection comes along and hits you, which is perhaps the best way to know that time is right. I have always found it beneficial to pay attention when the universe is trying to get my attention.

It can be so hard to know if you are doing the right thing at the right time for the right reasons. Be assured that the universe (not to mention family and friends) is looking out for you. If you miss the connection this time, there is always another one that will be coming your way. The question is--will you be looking for it?

Change and education opportunities

Sunday, July 25, 2010 by John Ford

Recently I've had a few opportunities to talk with some recent high school graduates about their plans for the summer and beyond....including continuing education. I found it rather interesting listening to them talk about the pressures of attaining good grades to get into good schools to try and get good jobs (the typical parental mantra to motivate kids through the high school years - it didn't work on us when we were kids yet we try it on our kids and they will try it on theirs as well - maybe some things are genetically coded.....).

Anyway what struck me is the attitude of some of these young people. They are not "buying in" to the college right after high school tradition. As a matter of fact many of them are looking at ways to get involved in the global community for a year or two before going "back to school" to earn a degree.

Some are looking at AmericaCorp, Habitat for Humanity, and other global service opportunities. They are seeking ways to expand their experiences as a world citizen, gain a better understanding of how the world works, meet some people with similar values and aspirations and concerns, and share their passion for giving back. Some want to be able to use this time to get to know themselves better. Many are considering smaller, less well known colleges or universities. Some are pursuing their own interests distance learning universities and online classes. And yes, the truth be told, some just don't know what they want to do, but they know that the traditional path just isn't the right thing for them now.

Some are looking at the experiences that their parents have had both in academics and in the business world. Many think about deferring college to enlist in the military. Some are considering adult education certificate programs or getting into an adult education diploma program that allows them to go to school while pursuing a job or their passion. They've seen their parents working while getting their degrees (undergrad as well as post grad work). They've seen their parents go back to get a second degree or certificate and start a new career. They have learned that education is the key to their future, but it doesn't have to be down the traditional path.

For all of the caterwauling about today's generation (every generation past has complained about the one they created), there are a lot of bright kids (okay, parents, you can acknowledge that you did a great job with your kids....there, feel better?). I came away from this conversation feeling pretty good about the next generation of learners. They are taking charge of their own education. They have challenged the system, the teachers, the parent, and even the business world. They have options that we never heard about, they are courageous, they are afraid of the future, but not paralyzed by their fear. It feeds their desire to get outside of their comfort zone. They know that you can hit the reset button and recover if you make a mistake. They are not afraid of doing something they haven't done before. They create opportunities, they create their future, they create our future.

They will change the way education will be delivered in the years to come and they will complain and be overly concerned about the next generation.....and somewhere down the road, some one will have a conversation with a group of the next generation and find out that this new generation, like the ones before it, will create a world of new knowledge and opportunities for living, for working and even for learning.......

They are using online courses, accelerated undergraduate programs, and distance learning in ways that create opportunities for those in academics to create the future of colleges and universities. They are creating new careers and new technologies that are creating opportunities for colleges and universities to grow and evolve faster than ever before.

The adult learning community is listening and responding! Never before has there been so many options for today's learning community to access education. Never before has there been so many options and academic programs to purse so many unique and innovative degrees. Never before has the academic world been more ready to serve and support the adult learning community.

So, graduates (high school, tech school, community college, college and university grad, and even you post-grad learners) when you get ready to turn to the college and university community to continue and support your education and career advancement goals, we will be there, ready to give you the education you need to continue your journey as a lifelong learner......

See you in class......

Five week intensive classes

Monday, June 28, 2010 by Wayne Churchill

Part of my self-imposed responsibility of blogging for Granite State College is sharing my individual experience with readers. I believe I have many of the same concerns and fears that other current and prospective GSC students may have regarding aspects of college life as an adult, so as I share mine, you may find you relate, or the gumption to try something new.

I recently blogged about alternative course delivery options that my Lebanon NH college has, and in the spring term that I just completed, I took a five week intensive class. I had lots of questions going into this class, such as...where would I find time to take a class in five weeks that required the same amount of material be learned as a 12 week class?

In all honesty, this was a bit of a challenge. Each week of class required reading a chapter in our text book (not out of the ordinary for any class, regardless of intensity), but we also had to take two quizzes per week, write an essay paper each week, write a longer paper for the end of term, as well as the standard discussion board participation required when you take college classes online. As I learned in the economics class I took a year ago, every decision we make requires a trade off: if I get out if bed in the morning, I will miss sleep. But I will also lose my job, so I make the decision to get out of bed. Sure, taking a class with this much work did create some pain in my life, but it also allowed me to shorten the length of time I spent studying, which ultimately was the big payoff. I am taking two classes per term until I earn my Bachelor's Degree, so for the first seven weeks of the term, I only was taking one class, which allowed me to focus more time on other important parts in my life, like spending time with my son and working out.

The class I took was called Comparative Religions. This was a great opportunity to learn about the major religions of the world, as well as how locally spirituality is experienced. New England consistently rates in the bottom of the country when surveyed about church attendance, so when a requirement of this class had me visiting a house of worship, it will be no surprise to you that this was my first visit to a church in over eight years. It has been said that college is not only a great avenue for career advancement programs, but also has the distinction of giving people a different view of the world through giving them a well-rounded education. In this case, my view has taken a dramatic turn because I found a church to visit that spoke to my heart so much that I have become a regular member. That was not the intention of the class, and my grade was not impacted by my decision, but if not for college, I never would've considered attending, much less joining a church.

Whether trying something new for you means taking a five week intensive class or challenging yourself to try something frightening and different, the experience is what makes the journey so valuable. Live life.

Credit for Military Training

Saturday, May 8, 2010 by Bette Papa

As the Academic Advisor at Granite State College Portsmouth I have many advisees who are enlisted in the military. Pease Air National Guard is located less than a mile from where we hold evening college classes and is a convenient way for these men and women to take advantage of obtaining a degree. Many of the students are also pursuing an associates degree from the Community College of the Air Force (CCAF) or have recently completed that degree.

Granite State College has a great program that grants college credit for their military training. A Bachelor of Science in Applied Studies (BSAS) works in conjunction with their military credits as a technical/career focus and students receive 24 or more credits towards the major component of a BS degree. They then choose an option to further round-out their career goals: Management, Allied Health Service, or Education & Training. In addition to taking the general education courses such as math and English, students include classes in one of these focus areas to meet their specific career needs.

Have you been or are you now in a branch of the military service? Visit an Academic Advisor at Granite State College and learn how easily you can get an education and career advancement.

Learning Labs

Friday, May 7, 2010 by John Ford

Every time a student enters the classroom they should do so with the excitement of being able to discover something new about themselves, about the subject, about how they learn and finally, about how they can use the knowledge they are gaining in the real world.

I've been teaching adult education courses for the past 5-6 years now, and have taught adult learners for the better part of almost 30 years. The ones that are most successful are the ones who explore how they learn and what could happen when they apply their learning to real life situations, either at work, within the community or at home.

A current group of students are getting ready to graduate soon and are wrapping up their education. They are being tested by their final lessons to apply much of what they have learned over the past several years. This is new to some students and they stuggle mightily with the concept of "bringing it all together".

Education and career advancement opportunities are what you make of them. Teachers must create the environment where learning is possible for all participants, themselves included. Every time I get in front of a group of students whether I am in a corporate setting or a classroom or even using on-line teaching tools like Blackboard, I have the opportunity to create something where learning occurs.

I encourage students to think about the process of learning, not just the content they are reading or discussing. Process matters. Process matters alot. If we understand the process we use to learn, we can better educate ourselves to seek the learning in whatever we do. Rather than becoming robotic about the routine of class, students who engage in the process of learning will take so much more from each and every learning opportunity.

It's not about attending it is about being present!

It's not about doing assignments, it is about testing the limits of your knowledge!

It's not about completing classes, but combining knowledge and skills together!

It's about seeing every opportunity to learn as if you were in a laboratory....what can you experiment with and what do you think the results will be.........

Lemonade

Wednesday, April 21, 2010 by Jeanne Lester

With a snap and a thud, the bed lurched to the floor, sending all five of us flying. Coffee cups evicted their contents and the once clean sheets obliged in soaking it up. Startled, we looked around and tried to figure out what had happened.

Saturday mornings when we don't have obligations are a luxury in our home. I relish that rare opportunity to sit in bed sipping endless cups of coffee and talking with my husband. In various stages, one by one each of the kids will also congregate there and we end up having great family time together---that is, until the kids become awake enough that things get a little too rambunctious and someone inevitably ends up getting hurt. (Did I mention that three of the kids are boys?) Still, it's something I cherish. Last Saturday, we were on our way through enjoying this ritual, when my son (who weighs only about 75 pounds) sat on the bed, and like the last straw in the game "Kerplunk" the frame supporting the mattress gave way, and we---like so many marbles tumbled to the floor. Game over.

Initially, we were---irritated. But as the morning wore on, and we discovered that the bedframe might not be salvageable I realized that might also mean the end of the uncomfortable mattress. Suddenly I began to see opportunity, where previously had dwelt only dismay. Visions of a new mattress now crowded my thoughts. Re-energized, I made shopping plans.

You know, continuing my education and career advancement with adult school programs at Granite State College is a bit like that. I was unhappy about the fact that I had not finished my college schooling in the "traditional" way I had begun at age 18. But now I also see that unfinished degree as an opportunity to enjoy schooling in a different context; that of having an adult's perspective, and life experience to bring to the classroom. I guess it's like they always say....."when life gives you lemons, make lemonade."

A New President

Tuesday, April 6, 2010 by Beth McKenna

I can't help but be excited about a new president joining Granite State College. Each president that comes through the college leaves an amazing legacy. So many new programs and initiatives are started under the guidance of the president. Granite State offers so many adult education courses, online courses and opportunities for career advancement and many of these began as the dream of the president.
So with a new president joining the college, it is exciting to think that Granite State will move ahead again in the field of education. Will there be new initiatives that we can all be a part of? Will there be additional programs offered? Our new president will lead us into the future.
I hope you will come along.

Planning for Continuing Education

Wednesday, March 17, 2010 by Beth McKenna

I am planning to teach a new course at Granite State in Rochester for next term. It is not a new course to the college, or to me, but it is not one I have taught before here. So as I am gathering notes, media and information for the course I stop to think about the students I will have. These are students who are looking at career advancement programs, or adult education courses, adult continuing education courses, or classes for early childhood, or elementary education. What does that mean to me as a course planner?

Well, I want to meet the needs of my students. If they are taking a course to advance their careers, they will want practical knowledge that can be applied to what they do all day. If they are taking the course for continuing education, they may want a wide knowledge base but not the day to day focus. So, for all the students about to take a course, I want to make sure the course is meaningful and worthwhile.

The planning for my new course will take all these things into consideration so that on any given day the course will include a wide knowledge base and the hands on applications that students need.

I am so excited!

Wednesday, March 10, 2010 by Bette Papa

I have heard this statement numerous times in the past few weeks uttered by new students planning to start attending evening college classes at Granite State College. Of course it was also uttered with "I don't know how I will find the time" and "I am not sure I can do this." But they are doing it and they are excited about it.

"It" is college evening classes or weekend college classes. They will make the time because education is important to them. A college degree will advance their career, help them feel confident and proud of themselves, and even stave off Alzheimer's. I actually had a student tell me this was her reason for returning to an adult college program. She is right, too. Education will keep your mind active, exercised, in shape, sharp and, well you get the point.

Another adult learner I met with was returning because her grandson asked her why she hadn't finished her college degree. After all she had just 2 classes left. There was no good reason not to and now she will be graduating in September. She is so excited! As are so many adult learners who are taking classes to complete, or start, a college degree.

Is it your turn to get excited? Contact a Granite State College advisor today.

I have enough trouble balancing work & life...and now school....right!

Thursday, February 18, 2010 by John Ford

Every semester thousand of people in the adult training and education communities try to balance their career development goals with their work goals and sometimes even family time is taken into consideration (hopefully family time is the first consideration and the rest is after that, but I digress). We struggle with the daily demands of taking care of our jobs and our families, yet we also see the value and benefit to fitting in either some career advancement programs or maybe decide to enroll in one or more online classes for college credit or maybe to finish that elusive degree work.

Witih more and more challenges in terms of the economic environment, corporate downsizing, companies only hiring small percentages of what they need, it can become more and more difficult to balance all of our priorities and feel like we are still in control of what we do.

We all know that time management is an oxymoron as we all have the same 168 hours each and every week to accomplish whatever we deem to be important. Typically, if you take sleep (a non-negotiable) into consideration (averaging 6 hours per night) we are now down to 126 hours. If you are working the typical 40 hour per week job, you know that you are committing at least 55 hours per week to work (not taking into consideration the commute time), we now have 71 hours left in our week. If we commit 24 hours per week for the people in our lives that we hold dear, we now have 47 hours left.

What to do with those 47 hours. Given that most college courses are about 3-4 hours per week with another 3-4 hours of homework per week, it doesn't look as difficult as it did when you started reading this blog. Maybe you might even consider taking two classes (there goes another 8 hours per week) and you are down to a mere 31 hours of free time per week.

Now, those of you who are still reading this commentary are either laughing or wondering what cave I just walked out of to figure out how we all have approximately 30 hours per week of spare time. Well that equates to about 4 hours per day. Just pick any of the last 7-10 days and look at where your time went.....I'll be you have at least 2-3 hours per day that you can't really account for, right? It's like having money in your pocket. You may start the week with $100 dollars in your wallet and then before you know it you need to get more from the bank, simply because you don't know where your money went.....$3.00 for coffee, $10 for lunch, $1.00 for the paper, a quick run to the grocery store and "what did I buy" becomes the guessing game. Same as "where did the day go?" Ever been so busy at the end of a day you sit back and none of the things you needed to get done got done, but you were so busy you don't know where the time went? We all have been there.

So, if you didn't follow the math in this thought process, Granite State College has online adult college courses in math and other business programs. If you want to make a great investment, take some of those 30+ hours of spare time and enroll in an adult education college course or two and find out where your time goes!

A bad case of nerves

Tuesday, February 16, 2010 by Tom Oetinger

I find it interesting that as I travel around southern New Hampshire, speaking with prospective students who have been out of school for a while, who are looking at NH colleges to ease back and take part time classes; a familiar theme repeatedly surfaces: FEAR.

So many working adults that have considered going back to college for career advancement education are hesitant or procrastinate because they're not sure they're up for it. Either they've been away from the education process too long, they believe that they can't fit it into their schedule or that an adult college degree is simply not affordable. For these individuals I can honestly say; "been there, done that!"

I started college as a traditional-age student at a large urban university. After a year and a half "life got in the way" of my college aspirations. A career opportunity pulled me away from my full time studies in Criminal Justice and into policing. My plan was to get settled into my job and return to college to finish my degree part-time. As you can guess that's not how things worked out. I ended up taking a 15 year summer break. I considered going back a number of times over the years, but the thought of the time it would take and the cost caused me to repeatedly put this idea on the back burner. When I hit my mid-thirties I recognized how important that a degree would be for my continued career success. This reality finally overcame my reservations and I bit the bullet.

In researching colleges in NH I discovered that Granite State College was my most affordable option and GSC offered me significant credit in transfer and through validating professional training. I still was a bit anxious about returning to school after such a long period of time, but after I started attending classes I discovered that most of my fellow students were in circumstances similar to my own. I found that I actually enjoyed the coursework and my time in class. It was a great feeling being able to finally earn my degree and walking in the graduation commencement with my wife and son in the audience made all of the time and effort worthwhile. So for those of you considering returning to college as an adult I have two words for you:

NO FEAR!

Classmates: Friends or Foes?

Thursday, February 11, 2010 by Deidre Romeo

I was 40 years old when I finally began my Adult Education Courses in pursuit of my Education and Career Advancement by enrolling at Granite State College. I chose GSC for two reasons; it was convenient as they offered Evening College Classes, Online Adult Degrees and Weekend College Classes, as well as the fact that their student demographics at the time showed their enrollment to include a large number of middle aged students. I could not picture myself sitting in a classroom surrounded by 19 and 20 year olds. Much to my surprise and benefit I have found myself sitting in very diverse classrooms. I have learned so much from the 19 and 20 years olds sitting next to me, not to mention what I have learned from the 40, 50 and 60 year olds. My classmates have included recent high school graduates, grandparents, firefighters, police officers, IT professionals, Bank VP’s, Town Managers, career Military personnel, para educators, business owners, nurses and the list goes on. The professional and personal experiences of my classmates have tremendously added to my education.

Aside from the professional and educational insights and advances my classmates have offered me, I have found lifelong friends in the classrooms and offices of Granite State College. I have discovered Professors who have mentored me, staff and faculty who have befriended me and students who have become important to my life, have shared family moments with me and have encouraged and supported me in all of my life pursuits.

There is one classmate in particular who has influenced my life in so many positive ways. Her name is Barbara and she is an amazing woman.

She raised three beautiful daughters, one of whom lives close to me and has become my friend as well. This wonderful woman has attended school events to support my daughter, has welcomed me to her family celebrations, invited me to the VIP section of the Christmas Boston Pops Concert and reads, proofs and edits any school, professional or personal writings I may be struggling with. In my three years as an adult student I have yet to find a classmate I would consider a foe but I have found many who I now call my friend.

Are you looking to change your life?
Are you looking to enhance your life?
Are you looking to start your life?
If so, Granite State College is the place to start!

Energized

Wednesday, February 10, 2010 by Jeanne Lester

Like much of America, I got drawn in to watching tv's "The Biggest Loser."

    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.

As I am buckling down to complete the assignments due in my next class, it strikes me that the process of furthering my education is a bit like that diet & exercise struggle. The goal is important---finishing my degree, and expanding my knowledge.  Although the day to day steps of studying and stretching myself are most often enjoyable, I sometimes go through a cycle of self-doubt --"can I really do this?". But even in the midst of that process--the struggle leaves me energized.

The first class I took at Granite State College was one of the Concord NH classes "Critical Thinking."  I didn't know what to expect---it had been several years since I had been in school---and actually, I got something I didn't expect ---energy! I had anticipated being tired, drained, and overwhelmed after class; after all I was sitting down to class from 6 - 9:30 in the evening. Not exactly my most productive times! The process of settling into a classroom with no other distractions (no one needed a sippy cup, help with laundry, or input on fundraisers for any committee) but the flow of new ideas, combined with the input from a group of fresh faces was absolutely exhilirating. I came away feeling charged up and eager to talk. I sat down with my husband for a couple of hours and chatted with him, had philosophical debates, and just enjoyed the very non-mundane conversations.

I'd love to say that I came away from that first experience a constantly confident, calm person. Not quite.  There have been a few classes where I still reach a point of doubt, and a couple of times when I have thrown my papers on the floor, marched out into the living room and announced "I am not going to do this anymore!" When this happens my husband grins to himself, looks at his watch, and waits for my little "rain dance" to be over.   He knows that within 5 minutes, I will have calmed down, and have gotten back to work. Funny thing is, after these breakdowns I usually manage to produce a project that turns out very well, and the victory following that initial frustration can't be beat.

Similar to the discovery that through exercise you actually gain energy; the journey through education and career advancement through Granite State College has brought with it an energizing source of new ideas, as step by step I'm achieving my goal.

Education: Achieving a Childhood Dream

Wednesday, February 10, 2010 by John Ford

I've been thinking a lot about leadership and every day life lately. I have recently had several acquaintences diagnosed with cancer and each are dealing with this in their own personal ways. Some better than others, but in an interesting way, it has made me reflect on each of us and how we take on "leadership" roles each and every day.

I also just re-read the book, "The Last Lecture" by Randy Pausch, who, for those of you that may not recognize his name, was a professor at Carnegie Mellon University, diagnosed with terminal liver cancer. He gave his "last lecture" and presented his thougts as an opportunity to leave something behind for his children. You can use this link to watch his last lecture - www.youtube.com/watch - and do yourself a favor, take the 45 minutes or so and really watch and listen to what he has to say.

Now, you may be asking what does this have to do with "leadership" or adult education resources or career advancement education. If you think the connection is that he was a professor at Carnegie Mellon, I faked you out. Here's the connection, each one of us as opportunities to take on "leadership" challenges every day. Some we can easily recognize - a new team, a new work assignment, maybe coaching a little league or high school sports team. What we don't recognize are the hundred of moments where we use our leadership capabilities just to move through a difficult or challenging day.

It is about understanding outcomes. It is about doing things that will ensure the results you want, not just going through a series of tasks, one right after the other. It's about being in a particular place and space and being really present where it counts. Leadership isn't about the what.....it is about the who and the why!

In his book, Randy speaks to how we should chase our childhood dreams, no matter what they are or how long they take to achieve. He also challenges us to help others chase and achieve their childhood dreams. To be an enabler of those around us to realize their goals. To always be present and engaging.

He uses his "last lecture" as a gift for his children, but it is wrapped in a present for each of us who has taken the time to listen to the video or read his book.

A good education has been a childhood dream of almost every child at some point. While many people will never recognize that their time in an adult education class, or weekend college classes, or using distance learning universities is a way of achieving their childhood dreams, it certainly is our way of helping many gain the skills and knowledge they need to reach out and make that dream their own.

It's never too late . . .

Friday, January 29, 2010 by Alison Cohen

Have you always dreamed of being a teacher but worry that it's too late to for you to change careers? We hear that frequently. Harriet Richardson Ames is proof that there are no limits to lifelong learning. She realized her goal of earning a bachelor's degree at one of our sister institutions just three weeks after celebrating her 100th birthday.

Regardless of your age or educational attainment, the teacher training education programs at Granite State College offer the perfect pathway to a career in education from an entry-level para-educator through an advanced endorsement. Somewhere there's a blackboard waiting for you.

If you don't have a bachelor's degree, Granite State offers affordable college study at locations all around New Hampshire. Our adult online degrees make it possible to get a college education without leaving the comfort of your own home.

Isn't it time for you to pursue your dreams and goals? Our post-baccalaureate teacher certification programs will help you make a difference in the life of a child. The question is "what are you waiting for?" So call or write -- it's YOUR turn to realize your dreams.

Your learning is yours to apply

Wednesday, January 27, 2010 by John Ford

Consider how many people return to college each semester. They are using Adult Education Services, accelerated studies, evening college classes, adult online classes, enrolling in continuing education degree programs and career training education programs. Some take classes from their home or office, some still walk into the classroom with other students and an instructor.

Now, think about all the reasons they are doing this. Some are there to finish something they started before work, family, life took them down other paths. Some are there to start their educational journey now that some other responsibilities have changed or gone away and they have the time. Some are there for the enjoyment of contuning to be a life-long learner. The vast majority however, are there to gain new knowledge in their efforts to become more valuable in their current positions, prepare for a promotion or in some cases, a complete career change. Either way the expectation is that whatever you learn will be something that you will be, and should be, able to apply in your daily set of personal and professional circumstances.

One of the key differences in educational experiences between students who enter college right out of high school and the adult learner seeking education and career advancement hinges on two elements:

Experience - the student coming directly out of high school really is limited
                          in the level of experiences they bring to the classroom. Most of
                          their learning has to be more directed and often includes the use
                          of case studies. Case studies allow all students to share a common
                          set of experiences, usually with a known outcome, where the
                          proverbial "what ifs" can be explored through a guided lecture or
                          or assignment. In the case of the adult learner, often coming to the
                          the class with years of work/life experience, they ARE their own
                          case studies. They bring a unique set of circumstances, good and
                          bad, successful and not so successful, to the classroom. They can
                          and should use these experiences as a tool in their educational
journey.
Focus - while the typical college student just entering college from high school
                   may have desires and aspirations that they firmly believe their pursuit of
                   an education will help them achieve, the adult learner, returning for
                   their education and career advancement desires tend to be very focused
                   and will willingly share their experiences with one another as part of their
                   overall classroom experiences. They are very focused on what they are
                   learning and how they can apply that knowledge immediately, not at
                   some time in the future. There is a sense of immediacy.

Keep in mind that every student, regardless of age or reason for being in class, has their own set of expectations. Some take courses that are required simply because they are required, others zoom in on what are the lessons that will help them achieve very specific career goals. In either case, the student and teach form a relationship that should result in the student knowing exactly how the lessons learned in that particular class can be used in their current situation.

When you participate in adult continuing education programs, for whatever reasons, remember that you have an obligation to apply your learning each and every day. The best way to keep your knowledge current and viable is to use it.

Remember to flex your knowledge muscles each and every day.....they are yours to apply and hone so the next set of learnings have a strong foundation to build upon.