There are some really cool things that Granite State College provides there students with to help them succeed. One huge helper is my WebROCK portal. I log into that and I have access to so much more! I can change my name and adress if I move or get married, I can check my grades, and my financial aid. This year I even get to take control over my financial aid package through WebROCK. The coolest thing for me to be able to do in WebROCK is too keep tabs on my degree! I can see what courses I have taken, what courses need to be taken and all of my course options all laid out in front of me! I don't have to call and ask someone else what they think I should do. After all, this is my degree! If I am smart enough to get through the classes then I think I am smart enough to choose them. Besides, I have a specific mind of where I want to go. I want to be a child psychologist someday, so for my electives I want to choose classes that would make sense for my studies. I know when I am through with my undergraduate psychology degree I am going to be 100% satisfied because I chose the classes I wanted based on what interested me. I have to say that my favorite feature on WebROCK is the "What if Analysis". Let's say I get bored with psychology and want a BS Health Care Management. All I have to do is click a few buttons and the screen will show me what courses would transfer into the new degree program and what courses I would have left to take! Is that not the coolest thing ever? No more wasting money bouncing from program to prgram. I can try it out for free to see if it "fits"!
In order to get one step closer to my undergraduate psychology degree I recently took the Intro to Ethics course online, and man, what an excellent course! I originally took it because I am a very passionate and opinionated person and thought I would do well in the course. Little did I know I was going to walk away from the class with an even broader span of understanding of humanity. The things I learned throughout the course were not only interesting, but relatable to real life events. To see politics in a different light and to see why other people think the way they do. The instructor was super nice and very effective at teaching. He really took a different approach, and that is what I love most about Granite State College. They do not hire instructors who “preach” to you. That say read chapters so and so and take a test. They really get you to think, to associate your life with the materials. You become more of an educated person intellect and character becomes more three dimensional. I think the most eye opening resource you can look at is the Horace Miner’s “Body Ritual among the Nacirema Tribe” here- http://www.ohio.edu/people/thompsoc/Body.html. While you read the story, keep in the forethought of your mind all of the judgment’s you may be passing on this tribe’s people and their rituals. If you find this interesting, then you should really check out the intro to ethics course! And this course is not just limited to fullfilling requirements for just the Bachelor of Science in Psychology, but also in many other degree programs here as well, both online and in class! Take a look at the most recent course offerings and I promise you, you will not be disappointed!!
If you are a skier and want to go someplace with awesome skiing, then Banff and Lake Louise should be on your bucket list. Yes, the skiing was wonderful and the views high in the mountains were breathtaking. I know this because I just got back from Banff a couple weeks ago. Yes, I was sore from skiing but that is only because I hadn't skied in about four years. We spent a week there and got to enjoy many days at both resorts and also got to go on a sleigh ride and evebn did a little dog sledding.
The snow was deep and just perfect for skiing. In Lake Louise they had people called "Friends" that would take you around and show you the runs. I pretty much stayed on the green runs most of the time. Of course their green runs were like Michigans blue runs. These friends were very helpful, they would gage how you skied and show you the runs that best suited your expertise.
So I learned which runs were the best for me and which ones I would gradually advance too. I had so much fun and if you have never been there, go. But in saying that, it is all part of living and learning as we go through life. I learned the level and type of runs I should ski on and when you are in school, you learn how to study. At Granite State College, I learned that I needed a study group when I was attending my adult education classes. I realized this even more when I was taking accelerated studies classes on weekends. You only had a short time to retain a lot of information. Study groups just worked for me. I had them when I started college in Tennessee and I kind of put a group together when I got into my classes in New Hampshire. Anyways, learning new things is good, perfecting skills in skiing is a good thing also. I don't think I will ski anymore this year, but next year, watch out. I will be headed for the slopes once again!!
Granite State College recently hosted a Career Information Workshop at the Portsmouth campus. It was a big success and attendees received valuable tips on job searching and career possibilities. There was a panel of faculty members who work in various professions in addition to teaching college evening classes. They are dedicated to facilitating the students taking adult college classes to excel in their coursework as well as explore potential new careers once they graduate.
Here are some brief tips they recommended when starting the job search process:
- Self-evaluation: Who are you? What are your interests? If you could have any job what would that be and where? What are your best skills? What skills need work? What would your current coworkers say about you if asked these same questions? This exercise may take you beyond your comfort zone but is invaluable in highlighting the path you take after college.
- Resume with Impact: The panel all agreed that crafting a powerful resume is very important. Employers receive a multitude of resumes every day so yours needs to set you apart in the first 30 seconds of being viewed. As you pursue your undergraduate education you may not be able to list a degree you have completed. Instead add specific courses to your resume: Communications, Critical Thinking, a Health Care Management course, a Leadership course in Management,or a Human Resource class. All of these show vital skills that can be put to use in a work environment. Highlight your skill set early in the resume and in a way that will show your distinction above other applicants.
- Informational Interview: Are you unsure if a particular job or company is right for you? Are you exploring career options and are undecided which direction to go? Set up an informational interview with a potential employer to gain insight into the type of careers they would offer. In this format, you are the interviewer asking the questions rather than the other way around. It not only gives you information but it may help get yourself recognized should you apply for a job at a later date.
- Internships: Do you need an elective in your major? Are you interested in earning college course credit for exploring career options? Do you want to learn more about a job and how your classroom learning can apply? Set up an internship during one of the terms and gain valuable experience as well as credits towards your degree. Talk with your Academic Coach about the details of this option.
- What all companies need: Business Management gives you broad professional capabilities. All areas of business need managers, whether Health Care, sales or marketing, government or public services. Every company and organization has a Human Resource department. Every department in a company or organization has a manager. At your informational interview, find out what that company needs.
- Job Fairs: Once you have a polished resume attend job fairs, dressing as though you were going to an interview. A job fair gives you the opportunity to distribute your resume, explore the companies that anticipate growth and therefore new jobs, network with others in your field, and practice communication skills. It also will help you to educate yourself on specific companies that you may have considered applying to. Knowing as much as possible about a potential employer before your interview if vital.
- Top industries with expected growth: Health Care is a growing industry and one that will remain vital to all communities. Management, marketing, human resources, social work, and case management were also discussed as occupations on the rise. Education related careers are prevelent. Find out what is available for someone with your degree and determine what areas interest you the most.
- Be open to all possibilities and to further education: As an adult college student you may think completing your bachelor's degree is the ultimate goal. You may also think that landing the perfect job is an important goal. However, in the job market today you must be open to all possibilities and even decide if continuing your education is going to be beneficial to obtaining that perfect job.
There is so much more on this topic and I encourage you to research, network, ask questions and get the help you need to make your job search successful.
I am teaching a Foundations in Early Childhood Education course online at Granite State College this semester. It is a course that I have not taught before. Many of the people in the class are involved in the early childhood field, but need the coursework for their certification. Their first assignment was to introduce themselves and tell a little about their interest in the field of early childhood. It amazes me how many of the students talked about how much they love what they are doing. Almost every person in the class mentioned how much they love their job. Early Childhood education is not a high paying career field. It is also not an easy job, but it is one of the best jobs on the planet. Imagine working with young children who are excited about things such as butterflies in a garden, or clouds in the sky. Adults are usually too busy to notice the little things, but young children spend their time noticing these things. It is great to see so many people working in a field that they love and taking the time to improve their understanding of the field through online undergraduate education courses at Granite State that may lead them to an Associate Degree or a Bachelor's degree in early childhood, or even special education teacher certification.
Have you ever wondered if a college education was a good idea? Have you debated with yourself about going back to school, spending all that money to find out things you already know? Have friends told you there is no purpose in going to college?
Well, think for a minute about what you want to be doing 5, 10 even 20 years from now. Do you want to be doing the same thing you are doing now? Are you up to date with the latest technology for your field? Well a college education can help you to change careers or get up to date with the technological advances in your field. Recently I spoke to someone who started college right out of high school but then stopped. He works in the landscaping field. He wishes he knew something about running a business so he could work for himself. I suggested college courses and he said no way was he going to sit around in a classroom. Then I suggested on line courses. You can take them when your schedule allows it. You can take the courses you need for your career, or you can put together a program of classes for a particular degree. He is considering the idea and maybe you should too!
Did you know that Granite State College offers many different kinds of degree programs? They have on line and face to face courses to meet your needs. Maybe you want Special Education Teacher certification after being a paraprofessional for many years. Maybe you are thinking of an undergraduate psychology degree, or a health care management program. Consider the options and consider that things are changing so fast in our society, that without training, it will be hard for anyone to be prepared for a career, even 5 years from now. Don't be left behind. Think about your reason for a college education.
That's right; What everybody ought to know about higher education. You ought to know that it is possible and as easy as going to the grocery store for food. You are just going to school for knowledge. At Granite State College, they make it all possible. They have so many diverse schedules that there is sure to be one that works for you and around your busy schedule. I know this because I had one of those crazy life schedules. Working a full time job, raising children, paying bills and taking care of all the other stuff that you have to do to Live. I did it and so can you. You just have to Want it bad enough. Bad enough that you will drive off to school or sit at the table behind the computor and say, " I am doing this for me!". But maybe you are not just doing it for you, maybe you are doing it to advance in your career, be a good example for you kids, so in turn, you are doing it for you family and their welbeing. Doesn't that sound nice!! Going to school to help you family. It is know fact that children of parents who have a degree, are more likely to get a degree themselves. So, start today. Give Granite State College a call and get that adult education degree. Even if it is taking part time classes, do it. You will not be sorry you did, trust me on this.
I remember learning how to ice skate when I was young, I remember that feeling and probably thought "what am I suppose to do on this one blade?" I am sure he probably thought the same as he could not keep himself upright for too long without the help of Grammy supporting him. The next day my daughter had off so the three of us went up to Cave City Kentucky to go through Mammoth Cave. He had never been in a cave so I was not sure how he was going to be and my daughter was really young when she last went through. It was about a two hour drive from Nashville but it went by fast as we stopped for a snack along the way. I am all about making these experiences FUN so he will want to do it again someday. I pretty much have that attitude with everything. Even when I attended Granite State College in Manchester New Hampshire, I was thinking how can I make this a fun experience. It was easy as I met some really neat people to hang out with, study with and smile our way through one class after another. Yep, learning can be fun and what you learn can enrich your life so much that the outcome is fun. I would love to go back and get my Master of Science Project Management degree someday. School was fun and even though it was lots of hard work and time management skills, it was well worth it.
For my grandson, skating and spelunking through the caves, were something new for him. If school is something you want to do, just do it. It may be new to you but you will never get that degree until you make that first step kind of just like my grandson learning to skate.
My adviser suggested a pitstop, a milestone to aim for-- a smaller goal to focus on that wasn't so intimidating. She convinced me to pursue my Associates degree first. I thought it was a great idea. (Thanks, Allie!) It seemed so much more attainable. I loved having a more tangible goal to strive for and keep me going.
On top of that sweet arrangement, I got to wear a cap and gown twice and attend two commencement ceremonies. It was a great honor to be able to stop halfway through my college path to recognize my achievements and feel proud of the progress I made.
And after that first graduation, acquiring the additional credits I needed to get my Bachelor degree was easy as pie. Mmmmm.....pie.
I want to get straight A's.
I want to be on the honor roll.
I want to take AP (advanced placement) classes.
I want to be valedictorian.
I want to go to a really great college.
I want to get a college diploma.
Then they asked who her role model was. She wrote:
My mom.
I'm the first person in my immediate family who has a college degree. Granite State College's adult and continuing education program made that possible when it seemed impossible.
My daughter wants to be the second.
The great thing about this Granite State College blog is that it reminds me to really stop and consider what the school has meant in my life, how my life might have gone without the opportunities it offered me, and how much richer my life has become because of my experience there. It also reminds me how grateful I am to many of the college folks I've met along the way.
So...
Thank you to Allie Kaplan, my first advisor when the college was known as the College for Lifelong Learning. You were supportive, helpful, and put me at ease, making the process of enrollment as easy as possible. I honestly wouldn't have perservered if it hadn't been for your guidance.
Thank you to the college librarian (I'm sorry I don't remember your name). You were so easily accessible and rescued me multiple times during research paper nightmares.
Thank you to instructors like Barbara Benham, Claude Caswell, Peter Conklin, Steve Gage, Chris Zerillo, Judy Jones, Jeff Haight and countless others for your excellence in teaching GSC's adult college courses. You fed my mind, challenged me to think, and connected unused synapses.
Thank you to all the administrative staff for always answering my questions, showing me how to utilize the computer labs, directing me to classes, tracking down information, loaning me pens, and preventing me from breaking the copy machine.
Thank you to the college staff who organized the two commencement ceremonies I
attended for my Associates degree and later my Bachelors degree. You made those days even more special by creating events that were meaningful and inspiring. You reminded me that I have much to be proud of.
e across the movie "Mona Lisa Smile" with Julia Roberts, Julia Stiles, Maggie Gyllenhaal, Kirsten Dunst-- a great cast! It's one of those movies I'd always wanted to see but just kept getting pushed further and further down my Netflix queue. So, I grabbed a bag of pretzel twists and some mini Hershey bars left over from Halloween (one pretzel + one square of chocolate in your mouth at the same time = the best chocolate-covered pretzels ever) and I burrowed into some covers to watch the movie. It was so incredibly good! I had no idea it would make that much of an impact on me. By the time it was over I was simultaneously crying and laughing from my mixed feelings of righteous anger and inspiring hope. The movie is about women. It's set at Wellesley College in the 1950s and focuses on a strong, "subversive," female art history teacher (played by Julia Roberts) and her female students. The movie portrays the messages that were prevalent at that time about the roles of women, their long-inherited expectations of what they were "born to do" with their lives (basically have babies and serve their husbands), and the misguided and unfortunate beliefs that their value was merely rooted in their looks, their ironing skills, and their ability to have dinner on the table by 5:00. In the end, the art history teacher's commitment to empowering her female students changed the courses of their lives in ways they'd never could've dreamed without her.
It got me all worked up and angry. It made me think of all the messages in today's society that continue to perpetuate women inequality and objectification. It vividly reminded me of a couple of evening college classes I took at Granite State College some years before. And more importantly, it reminded me of a teacher that changed my life-- Professor Judy Jones. She was for me what Julia Roberts' character was for her students.
I hadn't thought about her for years and we'd lost touch, but she taught two Women's Studies classes, the first I'd ever taken, and she was responsible for opening up a powerful arena of study for me that fundamentally changed me. She helped me recognize the subtle (and not-so-subtle) ways that women are raised to accept a less than equal footing in the world. She helped me become an even more empowered woman through her Women's Studies courses. And by extension, she helped me offer the tools my daughter needs to recognize the same messages, at a much earlier age than I could have.
That's the amazing thing about the quality adult college education that Granite State College offers. Almost every class I took not only got me one step closer to a degree, but also made a significant difference in my personal evolution as a well-rounded, thoughtful, critically-thinking, impassioned, engaged member of society. I'm so grateful that I had the opportunity to take those remarkable classes and be impacted by such a remarkable teacher.
I was able to give peer feedback to a lively, aspiring writer in his 60's who extended his own constructive feedback to me with grace, compassion, and wisdom attained from his life's journey as a middle school teacher, father, husband, and grandfather. I was given the opportunity to support a recent high school graduate majoring in Psychology who was even more scared and unsure about college life than I was. And I found support, myself, from others like me-- tired, single moms working hard all day long before attending part time evening college classes.
I remember sitting in the classrooms and looking around me and being very grateful for this exposure to people from all these different walks of life. And these people were still basically aiming for the same goal I was-- a quality education to fulfill my love for lifelong learning and the golden bonus of a continuing education degree at the end of it all as a New Hampshire graduate. Even though we were vastly different from each other we also had at least that one fundamental dream in common. And I stopped regretting not being able to go to college straight out of high school as I once envisioned, because I wouldn't have been able to experience all of those wonderful voices, young and old, that were only available to me through adult education courses at Granite State College.
I remember one surprise I got when I received an A on a Business Statistic test I took while attending Granite State College when I was attempting to get my adult education degree. It was such a nice surprise though as that class kicked my butt everyday I was in it. It was one of my hardest classes throughout my education but I did it, I made it through and live to tell about it.
So whether it be babies or grades, surprises are a nice part of life. I am seriously thinking about going back to school and getting my Master of Science Project Management degree. At work I see how project management is a huge part of big businesses these days and I enjoyed school so much, this just may be my next goal. My children will be surprised again if Mom goes back to school. Oh well, surprises are good!!
I just woke up and saw that Westland is going to be selling Rain Barrels with some of the proceeds going to the cancer foundation. My mum died of cancer so whenever I can give, help promote research, I am in for it. But, it is not just for the cancer research fund, it is for the rain barrel. I have always wanted one to water my flowers, garden and save the water that comes from the sky and recycle it. I think it is a good thing for our earth as well as a good example of conservation. My grandparents had two of them at their cottage in Canada and I can remember at a young age, putting a dipper in and getting out a bucket full of water. The Cottage didn't have running water, so we used it to wash our hair, water the garden and yes, even flush the toilet. I know I won't use mine for all those reasons but I do think it is a good way to reuse our water that comes from the sky.
I have to research it and see where the best down spout to put it under. But, that is no different than researching a subject for school. Learning again is what I am talking about, learning about something new, exciting, is all part of life. I just found out that Granite State College is offering a Masters of Science Degree in Project Management. I am so excited and want to get signed up as soon as I learn my new job better. I want to be proficient in this new position before I put other information in my brain. Taking these classes is a great education and career advancement opportunity. I am so excited about this new class, I have told other colleagues about the program and who knows, maybe a few of us will go to Granite State College and take these accelerated adult studies classes.
OK, I am off to get my rain barrel. I hope you all have a great weekend!!
Her famous words, "Let your light shine and make the world a better place" What wise words!! Yes, she was a wise woman. She was the woman that stepped in after the Detroit riots to educate people on equality amongst the races. She was also the co-founder of Focus Hope which helped feed, educate young Americans and mainsteamed them into society. She was given many awards throughout her lifetime, including the 1999 “Distinguished Warrior” by the Detroit Urban League and the Ford Employees African-Ancestry Network's 2002 Heritage Award and the National Caring Award from the Caring Institute in Washington D.C, just to name a few. She will be missed as she passed away this morning. She inspired young people to keep learning throughout their lives, embrace life and as she used to say, "let your light shine to make the world a better place." Going to school, learning is just a way of life.
Granite State College is a good place to start that dream, vision. Give them a call, make an appointment, work in those adult college classes in the evening or weekend. It can be done, it is never too late.
At the Conway NH college campus where I work, everyone is coming together to support our learners. We have so many new options to make college learning easier! We are offering a series of workshops, including writing and math labs, workshops on time management, organization....lots of different kinds of information to help students be more successful. These workshops are offered in a small group format, which allows us to support more students while fostering networking and relationship building.
Another exciting direction we are moving in is offering Career Advancement Services. We have always offered one-on-one career counseling, but we are expanding our programs and will soon have more to offer to students who need extensive career and life planning.
We are very unique amongst colleges with online classes in that we offer so many different kinds of learning supports. We have online 24/7 tutoring, "Smart Thinking" and online students who have access to one of our GSC Campuses, are also able to attend the live workshops.
Another exciting tool we offer is a degree auditing system called CAPP. Its available online, 24/7 and helps learners track their path toward an adult education diploma. CAPP shows students where transfer credits fit in, display grades and gpa information, and allows students to do a "What If" analysis that shows where their credits would fit in if they switch majors.
If you have a suggestion for workshops you would like to see to support your learning, please email me your suggestions at jan.hodges@granite.edu.
My educational journey has encompassed self-learning for most of my life after high-school. My father passed away when I was in seventh-grade and I was a C+ student in a Catholic High School in Lawrence, MA. I began college in Maine intending to study Marine Biology but being a mediocre student I needed student loans to cover all of my expected expenses. I dropped out several weeks after the start for fear of mounting student loan debt. At eighteen I entered the workforce as a high-school graduate, married my wife in 1981 and began a family in 1983. As expected my job choices were very limited but I held a desire to enter the technology field. After much research I chose Sylvania Technical School and entered the Telecommunications Electronics program using student loans once again, but these were limited and controllable. Our first daughter, Bethany, was born with a heart defect and passed away after heart surgery at 7-days old. Our second daughter, Noelle, was born just over a year later in 1984 but was diagnosed with Muscular Dystrophy at 1-year. Her care was a significant part of our existence and it took a huge effort on my part to attend Sylvania Tech three days per week at night after my job to attend classes in addition to sacrificing that time away from my family, but it was for their benefit that I was educating myself to better position me for employment that provided a living wage and benefits that we so dearly needed for Noelle’s care. Just before I graduated in 1988 with a diploma I interviewed for an Information Technology position at Raytheon and because of the reputation of Sylvania Tech and my grades I was hired as a Data Communications Field Tech. Wentworth Institute of Technology purchased Sylvania Technical School before I completed my program so my diploma bore the Wentworth name. Because of this relationship Wentworth Institute of Technology in Boston offered graduates of Sylvania/Wentworth Tech advance standing entry into an A.A.S. in Electronic Technology degree program. Raytheon’s tuition reimbursement benefits were significant enough to allow me to attend one course per semester at their Boston campus and continue my career college training. It took me five years from 1992 till 1997 to complete my associate degree. Five years of time and travel into Boston and precious time away from my family. Nights and weekends I worked at our kitchen table on study and research while my family patiently gave me the time I needed for my studies. My wife supported my endeavor by taking on additional care responsibilities for our daughter. I wanted to complete my associate degree so that I could advance my career, become a better provider, and show my growing daughter that education is important and is a lifelong endeavor. Noelle passed away on the second-to-last day of a wish trip to Disney on May 19, 1996. My life was shaken for months after that event. I did not attend the spring or summer semesters that year but eventually wanted to complete that degree for my daughter. Two more semesters and I was finally able to dedicate my degree to Noelle during graduation on May 18, 1997, one day short of the first anniversary of her death.
Afterward I honestly didn’t have the drive to continue my education at Wentworth. Like many parents who have lost children I grieved by immersing myself in my work. I continued to attend annual technical training to hone my information technology skill-sets which made me a more valuable employee but every year that passed I still thought about completing my degree. After graduating Wentworth I worked with a recruiter from Boston in a job search. He informed me that he would not be able to even get me into some corporate doors for interviews without having at least a bachelor’s degree. Fortunately after interviewing at Lahey Clinic Medical Center they valued my technical skills more than my education and hired me as a Data Communications Engineer. Each year that followed I have given consideration to completing my adult college degree but talked myself out of it. Each year I thought, “if I had only begun last year I would almost be done”. Well after a close scrutiny and self-assessment a couple of years ago about my past, present, and future life and career I decided to take that first step to completing my B.S. I realized that as I grow older I am handicapped from further career growth without completing an adult college degree, B.S. After almost twenty-five years working in technical positions in the field of information technology I find myself desiring to move into a leadership/management position within my current field of healthcare IT.
I began the next iteration of my education journey in the spring of 2009 with Granite State College. I discovered that the program for Applied Studies: Allied Health Services was tailor made to my career. I have almost twenty-five years of technical experience but I needed to round out my business skills that are so valued in industry. This B.S. will give me the necessary business skills with a slant toward the healthcare field that I currently work in, providing a targeted learning environment for me. I began this degree program intending to provide myself and my wife “career insurance” to update and round out my skills, make me a more valuable employee and insure my future ability to provide a home and life for the both of us. That goal has morphed over the course of the past two years, sparking my interest in pursuing an advanced degree after I complete my B.S. this spring at GSC. Plymouth State offers a M.B.A. in Healthcare Administration, an ideal advanced degree for my career plans to remain in healthcare.
After spending over a decade caring for our daughter, Noelle, at home and in Boston Children’s Hospital I would never have imagined that I would be working in the healthcare field yet here I am. My education has been a struggle of work/life/family/financial balance yet we have accomplished much with the time we have had together. I dedicated my A.A.S. to my daughter, Noelle. I plan to dedicate my pending B.S. to my loving wife, Kathy, for her patient support during these past two years and God willing I will dedicate my future M.B.A. to everyone who has supported me and my family. We have a great deal of loving family and friends in our lives, some have been treated at Lahey Clinic, my employer, and at least one had his life saved at Lahey with a liver/kidney transplant. I am proud to dedicate my career to such an institution and hope that my continued education will allow me opportunities to serve in greater capacities. I plan to achieve my B.S. before I am fifty-years old. I still have between fifteen and twenty career years in front of me; I plan to contribute further to the success of Lahey Clinic’s service to our community, friends, and family. I may have started as a mediocre high-school student but I believe with time and continued commitment to the goals I set and achieve for my benefit and also for my wife I am gaining back the opportunities I missed in my youth. Two more semesters and I will have achieved this next goal while I plan yet further!
Please visit John's website to learn more about his personal accomplishments.
That exact thing, happened this time with my move from SC to MI. An iron is lost and a couple boxes I had packed earlier are also missing in action. The movers were so great and nice, I have no clue where these items were put or delivered too. Well, the movers are coming out tomorrow to take a look in my attic to see if they can find the items. I hope they do, I hope they find everything I have lost. Hopefully it will not be too hot up in that attic in the morning.
Moving brings back my memory of my move to NH. Learning the area, finding some friends, learning a new job etc., all very exciting. I also had to find an adult college program to transfer too from Aquinas College in Nashville, TN. I found a college that took all my credits and continued my education at Granite State College. They had an adult education degree program, they had Accelerated weekend intensive classes that helped me move along to that piece of paper while raising a family and holding down a full time job. I mostly liked their evening college classes - they included other adult learners just like myself.
So, whether it is finding belongings after a move or finding a college to finish your adult college degree, stay positive and you can do it. We can do anything we want to do bad enough, I am a believer, I am proof it can happen.
Teaching psychology classes at Granite State College makes my ears always perk up when I even hear the word "psychology." (There's a similar effect that describes how we are likely to hear our own name, even when in a noisy crowd and no one else heard it. It's called "the cocktail party effect." Social psychology has a million of those cool ideas!)
So back to Tugend's book. She points out that the important difference for those with perfectionist tendencies between a psychologically healthy perfectionism and an unhealthy one is whether those tendencies "rule - or ruin - their lives." An example she gives is a person she describes who likes all the glasses in his cupboard lined up in a certain way. If anyone puts them in a different order, he doesn't freak out. And he doesn't expect to be perfect in everything he does.
I see tendencies like this in my adult students sometimes. Students in my adult online classes have to write papers, and when I carefully correct any errors, I sometimes get an anguished response that they "can't believe they made that mistake." I try to remind them that that's what being a student is. It involves learning, not being perfect to begin with!
So don't think of mistakes as "nasty secrets." Think of all the learning you can be doing if you don't demand perfection from the beginning. At Granite State College, we'll give you the best we have to offer and you may just end up feeling close to perfect!
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