While the name on my birth certificate reads "Mary Beth," no one has called me that for some time. Folks call me MB, a more casual and informal name, but more in fitting with my personality. Friends, colleagues and relatives often tease me about what MB really stands for and they've created some great thoughts including "my boss" and "moon beam." I'm aspiring to a new meaning, "magnificent blogger."
In my role here at Granite State College as Director of Marketing and Communications, my energies are focused on creating awareness throughout the state of New Hampshire about our accelerated studies, adult online degrees, evening college classes and lifelong learning opportunities. In this blog you'll find musings about our students, our marketing efforts, our alumni and our committment to providing access to higher education for adults. Thanks for joining me on this journey!
I recently had the opportunity to travel to Atlantic City, NJ to visit with a friend. To prepare for my trip, I did what most people do today--I googled a map from NH to NJ. A nice set of directions popped out and told me exactly how long it would take me, how much gas I would use and even had nice graphics of the road signs I should watch for. Delighted at the prospect of 6+ hours alone in the car listening to whatever music, news or silence I wanted, I set off. You probably know the drill, 93 south to 495 west to mass pike to 84 to blah, blah, blah. The trip was going along very smoothly, music was cranking (okay, Keb Mo, the Backstreet Boys and Garth Brooks if you must know), then I hit New York. The directions seemed simple enough...a few rights, a few lefts and take the "lower level" of the George Washington Bridge.
Holy smoksakoli....suddenly cars were coming at me a what seemed like a million miles per hour, changing lanes, braking and swerving. My pulse rate went up to about 1,000 beats per minute and I started to sweat. I had to turn the music off and really focus to see the signs, avoid an accident and make it over the bridge. Oh, did I mention it started to rain?
Good news is with focused attention I made it over the bridge, through the city and to my final destination. I even came back over the same bridge on the way home. In the daylight it was a much different experience.
Last night I picked up the new Reader's Digest to read and found out that this road I traveled was named one of America's most dangerous roads. I had several reactions. First, why would the mapping software send me on one of the most dangerous roads ever? Second, relief that I made it through unharmed. Third, note to self...call AAA for an old-fashioned trip ticket next time. That way I can get help planning my route. Actually talk with someone about the fact that I was traveling alone and wanted to be safe--even if it took a little longer.
This is what we do here at Granite State College. Students come for an accelerated undergraduate degree and find advisors that will walk them through their "map" to the best route for them. This may mean online classes, face to face classes or hybrids. It definitely means a clear path to the end--with cool roadside graphics along the way! So play it safe, avoid the impersonal online generic map and check out a school that will give you the personalized attention you deserve. Call us today!
It was a cold and blustery snow storm, the kind that makes you want to cuddle up in your fleece pajamas with cocoa and a good book--or with your nine-year-old son to watch Miracle for the hundredth time. Instead I was in the garage, cell-phone propped on my ear trying to follow my husband's instructions to start the snowblower. "Crank the choke, throttle the rabbit, prime the pump then tork the lever." Huh??
Ever feel this way? The person on the other end of the phone knows exactly what they're talking about and launches into a language that you can't even begin to understand. You're frustrated, cold, wet and feeling a little bit dumb that you can't even get past the first command, never mind actually make this machine come to life.
I know that this is how going back to college can feel for adults. I've had students in my classes tell me that this is their first time back in a classroom since high school. It's scary. And overwhelming and there are alot of acronyms. The good news is, they picked Granite State College. Because we're an adult college program, we try to avoid the acronyms and help our students navigate the maze of higher education clearly and with a road map. We have specific resources for adult students including advising, academic support and a virtual library. We also walk our students through the maze of adult financial aid. We'll help you distinquish between a FAFSA and a MPN (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) and (Master Promissory Note).
So if you're feeling overwhelmed with choices, and information, give us a call. We'd love to help you start fulfilling your dream of achieving your degree. (And we'll help you start the snowblower if you need that too!)
Like millions of Americans, my new-years resolutions included getting in shape. I think my expectations are pretty realistic. I know I'm not going to be Jillian Michaels within the next 6 months, but perhaps I can at least get rid of this double chin. To get started I decided to jump on the Wii Fit Advanced train. My son eagerly helped me set up my mii (because you know 9-year olds do this stuff about a thousand times faster than us adults!) I have to admit my mii was pretty stunning. Great haircut, nice glasses and the color eyes I've dreamed of having. I was in heaven. Until the board calculated my weight and bmi...at which point it started groaning what sounded like "ouch" each time I stepped on the board. I guess this is supposed to be a motivator...move from "ouch" to "yippee"? "amen!"? or even "phew!" (I'll let you know when I get there!). Unfortunately for me it had exactly the opposite effect. Who wants to be greated with "ouch" when they're jumping on board to get exactly the opposite reaction. How about a "good for you!" or "at least you're trying!"
This experience made me think about our students. Since we offer primarily adult college courses, we appeal to adults looking for affordable continuing education in an environment that is supportive and friendly. Some of our students are interested in accelerating their studies and completing their degree quickly. I believe that the experience we offer is closer to the "good for you!" than the "ouch." Based on our recent student satisfaction survey, our students agree. They give us high marks for academic support, faculty access and online course availability. If you're considering a college with online classes, I hope you'll choose the one without the "ouch"--Granite State College
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