Educational Journeys

I'm Jeanne Lester, and I'm a student here at Granite State College.  When I started my journey at GSC, I was a stay-at-home mother of four.  Feeling a little bogged down at times between Rice Krispies and Sesame Street, I began looking for an outlet to remember who I was in addition to "mommy-the-human-napkin."  Caring for my children was a wonderful gift and sometimes a challenge, but I also wanted to be challenged intellectually.  My husband had just completed his degree through  the College for Lifelong Learning -- later renamed Granite State College -- (incidentally, he went on to get a job paying $15,000 more than he was making without his degree) and he encouraged me toward Adult and Continuing Education at Granite State College.

Perhaps what I like best about Granite State College is the ability to adapt my coursework to my life.  Let's face it--life rarely proceeds in a straight, planned-out line, and when I was at home full time, I loved the ability to go out and attend class.  When family plans and events seemed to all come at once and I needed to free up time during the week, I took advantage of the "weekend intensive" courses.  Now I work part time, and sometimes between work, kids, and school (theirs and mine!) online classes sound like the best option.

I love meeting other adults who are also working toward their degrees, and many of them are also juggling families, jobs, and myriad other life events.  I learn a ton of things from the other students--practical and impractical--it took a class trip to Star Island (love those Portsmouth, NH classes!) and an informative friend for me to learn what an obelisk is, and I have a great recipe for steamers with seaweed from a guy I met from Newfoundland in my Intro to Oceanography class.  It's amazing hearing some of the life experiences students bring to the table!  And the faculty, of course, has been knowledgeable and accessible--great combinations!  Completing my degree is certainly my goal, but I'm loving the journey!

I have lived a whole summer in the first 6 weeks of this one!  Typically, when the summer season stretches before me, I make lists of destinations and day trips.  Whether it be Whale Watching trips out of Rye Harbor, poking through the shops of Perkins Cove and walking the Marginal Way, or planning a "lake day" right here at Lake Winnipesaukee, much of the list typically remains just that --a list---by the end of the summer. 

This year, I am trying to live more deliberately.  Because let's face it---while drifting along "life's river"--the current can start to move pretty quickly 'til I find I am further downstream than I thought.  Ahem.  Dramatic metaphor aside, I'm attempting that old Nike philosophy, "Just Do It."  So, instead of making lists and dreaming about great summertime excursions, I have taken more of a 24-hour approach to summer fun.  That is, pack the car tonight, for tomorrow we play! 

 
We have been to Ogunquit Beach several times (my new favorite), White Lake State Park, New Durham Town Beach--(ok, that one still counts 'cuz I had to pack the car) and even a trip to Hershey, PA.  (For that one, we played one day at the amusement park, 

 
and then one day in Amish country.  What a contrast!)

Instead of lists of paper on my counter top, I have great memories of time spent with my husband, kids, friends, and my parents!  Best part is, summer is only half over!

Just like with my adult college education.  It remained a "to do" until that day I finally called Granite State College and inquired about part time classes.  The good feeling I got from taking that off my "list" and "just doing it", was priceless.  What will you do with the rest of your summer?

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." 

There's nothing like telling someone that something is "good for you" to suck the enjoyment right out of it.  Silly really, but true.  One of my favorite breakfast cereals is "Quaker Crunchy Corn Bran" --yes, I am under the age of 73--it just plain tastes good.  That is, it did until I discovered that it has been "certified" by many nutritionists and personal trainers as one of the healthiest cereals.  Suddenly it has lost some of it's appeal for me. 

And as a confirmed and proud-of-it chocoholic, I initially rejoiced when "experts" determined that dark chocolate has health benefits.  That is, until I realized that really, when you come down to it, I prefer milk chocolate.  Suddenly.

Jumping rope was one of my favorite things to do outside as a kid.  Now, I know it is a great form of excercise.  (Strangely I no longer own a jump rope.)  

My 6-year-old and 4-year-old sons actually love broccoli.  Last night, Nicholas did not want any of his chicken or rice for dinner, but asked for more broccoli.  I hope he will never find out it is good for him.  Lock that information in the childhood vault of secrets right beside Santa Claus and the Tooth Fairy--only to be released in dire circumstances.  
                                     
                                                                                                              

Of course, we all need to do things that ARE good for us, even if they are not particularly enjoyable.  This brings me to tell you about radical action we took in our house--we cancelled our cable.  (Insert gasp here.)  No, it wasn't any statement we were making to the cable company, or protest we were staging--it was something we simply felt would benefit us--and were willing to try.  After noticing how much time "evaporated" as we fell into a habit of watching TV pretty often, and at the same time jumping for the remote as a commercial began to air that was decidedly inappropriate for the kids to see, it was easy to see this as a great way to save money and mental health each month.  Easy to see, a little harder to make the call and pull the plug.  Especially once we decided it would be a good thing for us to do.  But call we did, and cancel they did--and we prepared for the misery of our good decision.  



The results?  Living more deliberately.  Hey, we're not martyrs--we "upped" our membership in Netflix, and have bought a few more movies, but now we consciously choose when and what we view, and have had some great family times together watching new movies and revisiting old favorites.  Anyone remember The Waltons? 
                                                                                                      
I spend more time reading to the kids, talking with my husband, and it just seems like I get more done without the distraction.   Do I miss TV?  Truly there have only been a handful of times that I really wished we had it:  for the olympics, sometimes for the news (although I can get most of it online), and I was an "American Greed" junkie.  Otherwise, I am enjoying the benefits of this "good for you" decision.  

                                                                                            

Kind of like pursuing adult education and training at Granite State College.  The University of New Hampshire system provides the vehicle for completing my degree--which is good for me; good for my future, and good for my kids to see that learning never stops--even when you're "way old" like me.  But the students and faculty provide added benefits which make the process enjoyable.  I get additional social interaction, intellectual challenge, and to hear of great experiences from people I probably wouldn't have run into otherwise.   Am I missing out on something while I am at school?  Ehhh- there's not much on TV now anyway.    

I didn't wake up one morning and shout "I want to be an insurance clerk!"  Nor did I dress as a customer service rep for career day in elementary school.  It was not my lifelong dream to become a property manager.  Yet, I have held all of these jobs, among others.  No, when I was 10 years old, my usual response to the question "what do you want to be when you grow up?" was "a writer," or sometimes, "a pilot."  Ok, yeah....I had my time when I wanted to be a celebrity too.....



So what happened?  How did I get here, and what happened to the dream?  Well, life happened, bills needed to be paid, and somehow in my "younger years" I got distracted from the goal of finishing my degree.  Of course, it hasn't been all drudgery...life can be as fulfilling as we choose to make it, but I found myself wondering just when I gave up on what I wanted for a career.  

I find it liberating to be able to still ask myself what I want to do for the next several years, and realize that it's not too late to achieve my goals---namely completing an affordable bachelor degree, and pursuing a career that incorporates writing.  That desire to finish what had begun as an idea so many years ago, combined with practical considerations like......life won't "stop" while I am a student....are some of the things which brought me to Granite State College.  I love that we are part of the University of New Hampshire System, and that I can enjoy the benefit of studying alongside other adults with complex lives as well.  Here I am able to learn, and at the same time still keep up with my life as a mother, wife, and employee. 

Not only am I looking forward to the choices that will open up to me once I have my degree in journalism/marketing, but I cannot wait to fill out one of those annoying employment applications and be able to put something down in the degree section.  I confess that each time I have to bypass that section on the form I wince.   I am 42 years old, and I am really tired of wincing!  (Plus, not great for the "crow's feet" lines around my eyes!)  

So, that's the rest of my school story...my reasons for finishing.  How about you?  What do you want to be?  

After a particularly frustrating day in the sales world - (I am not being looked at to replace the late pitchman Billy Mays) I felt depleted and diffused.  Deep inside, I know that everybody has a "day"...but it doesn't make it feel any better while you're experiencing it. 

As I involved myself in my homework for one of my weekend college classes(admittedly to absorb my mind with something other than work), I ran across a quote that changed my thinking.  The quote is this: "Most of us have more potential than we will ever develop.  What holds us back is often courage." --Gary Chapman 

The simple truth of that statement is convicting.  Each of us have so much to give; so much to discover, but often times the fear of "what if I can't?" holds us back, and keeps us in that safe zone of not trying.  (If I don't try, I can't fail.)  The problem is, when we don't try, we are certain not to achieve.

Whether it's mothering, furthering a career, pursuing continuing education degree programs, being a good wife, embarking on a healthier lifestyle.....all of those worthwhile things are going to require the courage to try; the courage not to give up when I experience a setback; and the courage to find new potential within myself.

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. 

I'm thinking alot about relationships lately.  Perhaps due more to the class I am currently enrolled in -- Interpersonal Communication -- (one of the many "weekend intensive" Concord, NH classes I have taken) than due to the upcoming Valentine's Day hoopla.  I enrolled in the course, figuring it would be useful in my current job, as well as my future career path, but it occurs to me that this subject matter has many immediate practical applications.

Already I have picked up tips that will assist me in communicating with my husband, my kids, my boss, my dry cleaner, etc.  Very useful.  But as I sit in class looking around me, it strikes me how intriguing it is to get to know the others sitting there.   Although some of us are taking part time classes, and some are fast tracking through accelerated studies, for the next couple of weekends this class is the equalizer, bringing us all together to work through the same material.  Thinking back to any of my classes, I chuckle thinking of the first impressions I had of some of my classmates--and the resulting surprise when I began to slowly see the layers of personality "revealed." 















Robin was just one of those surprises.  I met Robin in a writing class, and she was quiet, serious, and expressed to the instructor her "reluctance" (I think it was loathing?) to write.  As the first few weeks went by, Robin entertained us all with her witty comments, boisterous laugh, and phenomenal writing.  So much for first impressions.
 
Another case for unexpected bonding with classmates----"stuck" on an island with 10 other strangers for four days.  Sounds like a bad TV reality show, right?  Yeah, I had my doubts as I looked around at these folks I would be spending day and night with.  I was prepared as if for survival.  Due to the age of the old, wooden hotel we were staying in, we were unable to bring with us any hair dryers, straightening irons, or any other implement requiring electricity.  (Eeeeek!) And yes, that meant no laptops, or cell phone chargers.  The result?  We loved it!  We had class most often sitting in rocking chairs on the extra-wide porch overlooking the ocean, and had actual conversations with each other. 




















We played cards together at night, had fresh food--family style, and face it--after 2 or 3 days with none of us showering (very rustic) there's not much room for pretense. We laughed a lot, got serious, and struggled with our work at times, and by the end of that couple of days there was an odd sense of reluctance to leave the island.  Though we each brought very different situations, experience and personality to that class--we had new appreciation for each other and new friendships to take home with us.

Although not every class lends itself that nicely to forging new friendships, I have come to enjoy that first day of class as I wonder about the people sitting around me.  Which ones will surprise me most?  Which ones will I get to know better?  Ya never know.  So whether or not you take the class "Interpersonal Communication" (which I do recommend), don't overlook the relationship education going on all around you.  You just might be surprised.