Skills, a word that can be related to many subjects: work-related skills, mechanical skills acquired through life, or skills learned the more you do a certain activity.
I went skiing in Sun Valley, Utah recently - what a wonderful ski resort. There is so much history there. Pictures lined the halls of the resort with such wonderful memories of people who had so much fun on the mountains - actors, former presidents, musicians etc. I went with a ski club and my partner to share a week together. After the first couple times down the slopes, I decided I needed to perfect this skill somehow - so I took a lesson with another woman I skied with. We both thought it couldn't hurt, would help build our confidence, and in turn make the rest of the week more enjoyable.
The temperature was -9 degrees! We put toe warmers in our ski boots and hand warmers in our gloves, but we had the WILL to learn this skill. The instructor was patient and taught us so much: how to steer with our toes and stand up straight without leaning back. We LEARNED. The fear was gone for the rest of the week and we skied with great confidence. That same confidence came to me when I went to school and obtained my degree at Granite State College. I have confidence at my job now as I learn new skills. Skills are acquired and I never want to stop learning.
The skiing instructor gave me skills, that I seeked out. Granite State College gave me skills, that I seeked out. I am now knitting, off to the yarn shop today - I need to learn some new skills.
1) Always be open minded
2) Research or seek help
3) Embrace your results

Granite State College has made it extremely easy for me to finish my degree by offering online classes that fit my busy schedule.. Thank you, and happy 40 years!
- Christine
I really love the variety of the online and face-to-face class offerings at Granite State College. Many schools focus on a good selection of one or the other but GSC has both. The flexibility really helps me keep the full- time pace while balancing my job and family.
- Elizabeth
I love the online classes at GSC! I don't have to schedule my life around my classes. I can do the work when it is convenient for me. I love that I can go to college and still work full time.
- Deryn
I returned to school thirty years after I finished my freshman year at another college. It was the year I turned 50. Needless to say, I was nervous and not entirely sure that I still 'had what it took' to succeed in school. I found that GSC classes are filled with people of all ages and from all walks of life. Not only did this help me feel like I belonged, but it has added interest to each course I have taken. I will graduate this year...with honors. Thanks, GSC!
- Regina
I love GSC! In 2010, I completed the two-year Speech/Language Pathology Asst. Program at GSC and it was a wonderful experience. Recently and unexpectedly, I needed to return to college for my job and finish six classes as quickly as possible. I have never been so stressed out and miserable in my life.....My job brought in another college to help. Although they tried to help, it really wasn't a great fit.I met with at least three different people and not one of those meetings lasted more than ten minutes. I never felt that they cared about my situation. I decided to come back to GSC and met with an advisor, explaining my unique situation. She spent almost an hour listening to my story and coming up with a plan to ease my worries. When she went to make a copy of something for me, I sat there and cried from the relief of having somebody finally listen and truly want to help me. I am currently working to finish this degree and am confident with the plan in place. I will forever be grateful to Mary Jane Lavoie and GSC. Thank you!!!
- Lisa
I love the fact that I was able to get an education while working full-time using a combination of the online and face-to-face classes. I also love that Granite State College now offers the Project Managament Master's Degree Program. I am currently enrolled, and more than half-way to receiving my graduate degree in an area that relates to my current job.
- Dianne
As an "ollder" student, returning to school at 50 was a scary thing. GSC made it easy, and my fellow students and teachers have made me very comfortable.I'm enjoying my experience so much, I've decided to increase my courseload and complete a double major!! If you're considering returning to school after an extended break, GSC is the place to be!
- Kymberleigh
I love the staff at GSC. The academic coaches and the admissions coaches are so helpful on-and-off campus. The teachers make themselves as available for questions between classes as possible, and it is noticeable on their syllabus for each course.
- Elizabeth
I started taking classes online at GSC last winter and I love how helpful the professors are. They are willing to help and work with you whatever the circumstances. I was really worried about college, but with all of the support of the professors and academic advisors, it has been much easier than I could have imagined!
- Sarah
I am an adult embarking on a journey to complete a degree in order to do what I love most. I have worked with children my entire life, from the time I myself was barely in my teens. Until now, I have been self-employed in business and have made most of the journey as a self-paying student on my own. Granite State College has given me the opportunity to build upon the many years of background experience and knowledge to meet the expectations in the field of Early Childhood. Thank you GSC.
- Lisa
There are many things to love about Granite State College. When I walked into my first class about three years ago, I was very nervous and quiet. GSC provided a relaxed atmosphere to learn and meet new and interesting people. I broke out of my shell and even began serving my town in ways I never thought were possible.
The flexibilty is very helpful for my lifestyle. I am epileptic and I can't drive. I have taken classes on campus but I have to rely on others to drive me. I find online classes very helpful - I can work around my busy schedule of home educating my children, conducting Bible lessons, caring for my family, and other life duties.
For many years I tried submitting an application to GSC but was afraid I could not succeed in working towards a college degree. My neurologist told me that he felt I had cognitive difficulties and that college wasn't right for me. Yes, I have epilepsy. Yes, I take an anti-seizure medication. Yes, there are side effects. That doesn't mean I can't learn. Thanks to GSC I am now half-way through my degree program with a goal of enrolling in a post-baccalaureate program. I am grateful for the opportunity of earning a college education. GSC is the best choice for me offering flexiblity and interesting classes that I can use in many aspects of my life. Thank you GSC!
- Angela
I can't believe Christmas is over, and we're already starting a new semester here at Granite State College. There are so many new challenges I'm facing this semester as I'm taking my first online class and learning how to better manage my time for school work. I really enjoy being able to take this class at my own pace and on my own schedule. I'm enjoying learning the new technology of the online world, as well as exploring the new ways I can learn. With just about 9 classes to go, I can see the light at the end of the tunnel. I know this is going to be a great year for me :)
I love Granite State College because it allows me the freedom to be me, while still allowing me to follow my dreams! Granite State College has allowed me to remain an active member in my family and household, as well as a member of the working community. Without the flexibility of their degree program, I would not be able to follow my dream, and for that I love Granite State College!
- Jennifer
I LOVE Granite State College!! I have been a student off and on since 1997. For the past 16 years, GSC has been there when I was ready to take a class. The accessibility and variety of classes offered have never let me down. I have never needed to look elsewhere for courses. Granite State College fits all my needs whenever I need a course!! Thank you GSC!!!
- Stacy
One of my biggest regrets in life was not having completed my college degree. One day, I saw a picture in the paper of a 90-year old woman with her cap and gown on. I thought to myself how happy she looked and how proud her family was. That was the day I decided to finish my degree in psychology. I am 57 years old and almost done. Granite State College has offered amazing classes with very good instructors. I work full time and live a bit away from the campuses so the online courses were the way to go for me.
PS. The very best part...my daughters are SO proud of me.
- Laura
I've taken all of my courses online through GSC. I love that whenever I have a question, whether it be about financial aid, courses, or even if I need advice, someone is always there to listen and respond promptly. The financial aid office is extremely helpful and very friendly. I feel like the faculty and staff at GSC actually care about me, my progress as a student, and my future success.
- Candice
I started off looking into colleges in 2011. I was 33 at the time and a little nervous. I really wanted to further my education and start working my "dream" job as an educator. Granite State College was SO welcoming and help me with every step of the way. I had no idea as to what I needed to do to get started. Previous colleges I went to try and get info from, before learning about GSC, didn't return phone calls and weren't really personable. From the beginning, GSC employees have been there and wanting to help in any way possible. If it wasn't for GSC, I most likely would have given up on looking for a school because I had no idea how to begin the process. Even after enrolling, I had GSC employees helping me with my struggles of learning. Online classes at Granite State College has also allowed me to be home for my children, work a par- time job, and continue my education. My future is looking brighter, thanks to GSC, and I am so grateful for all of the support I have received and continue to receive from GSC. Thank you!!
- Kathy
Granite State College made it easy for me to go back to school after being away for so long. I love the convenience of the program and I like being able to choose from whatever class method suits my schedule best. At GSC, I feel like an actual person, not just another number. I feel like I'm a part of a team here at GSC, and that the instructors truly care about my success.
- Emily
I had attended three different colleges during my teen-and-twenty years based on my interests at the time; and after starting a family and being an at-home mom for close to 10 years, decided it was very important for me to finish something I had started many years ago. I applied to GSC, began with one class that would have been a requirement for any degree, and it took close to a year for me to put together all the documentation. My GSC adviser helped define my previous credits, determine best and most economic line to a bachelor's degree, and apply for those transcripts from a decade before. My adviser was patient and we worked through what credits were transferable, and which would not be.
It has taken me almost 8 years since I began with GSC, while raising three children and working full-time, to complete my bachelor's degree.... but at the end of this winter semester, I will have completed a B.S. in Management with a Finance minor. I am proud of myself and my family for their patience, and I have appreciated the hybrid, week-long intensives, on-sight and mostly the flexibility and challenge of the on-line courses over these years. Thank you GSC for giving me the chance to finish what I started and to set an excellent example for my children.
- Kristina