Leadership Education

My GSC Story

Thursday, January 17, 2013 by Granite State College 40th Anniversary

I was first introduced to GSC, (then College for Life Long Learning) as a foster parent in 1996. I was able to gain valuable skills in working with children and families in crisis while acquiring college credits. When I decided to pursue a degree, GSC was a perfect fit. They offered online and face-to-face learning options that fit my schedule and had approachable and supportive instructors. In 2000, I became and instructor for the Education and Training Partnership through GSC and began training some of the courses that had helped my development as a foster and adoptive parent.

Now, almost 18 years after discovering GSC, I am looking to further my education by getting a Masters of Science in Leadership. Returning to the college that has been such a big part of my positive learning and teaching experiences just seems natural. I am impressed with the changes I have seen over the last eighteen years and am proud to be a returning alumni.

- Misty

My GSC Story

Wednesday, January 16, 2013 by Granite State College 40th Anniversary

I have always been, and always will be a learner. I found myself faced with having to be creative with my education when my parents had the difficult conversation with me that my acceptance to Northeastern University was not something they could afford, even with the $3,000 a semester scholarship. A well respected and accomplished student all throughout my childhood education and suddenly I was faced with having to create my own method of continuing my growth as an adult. Little did I realize at the time - this was a good position for someone like me to be in.

I was fortunate to get a contracted job with full benefits at the University of New Hampshire right out of high school Fall of 2001. It is the University System of New Hampshire I have to thank for my education – both professionally and academically. While working full-time at UNH, I attended classes part-time, receiving a free class each semester as long as I kept my GPA up. Some semesters I took on multiple classes; a couple I even attended full-time while continuing to work full-time as well. It took five years, but I was able to receive my Associate of Applied Science in Community Leadership at the Thompson School without any debt whatsoever. This degree focused a lot on non-profit management and leadership development. It literally opened my eyes to options for a career I had never considered before. I began to research local non profits and seek out leadership positions. This search successfully led me to working for Strafford County Nursing Home as an Activity Aide, which then turned into the positions I have held since, working with elderly and in non-profit agencies.

For my bachelor's degree I was referred to Granite State College as my professor and advisor thought the self-design program was right for me. She was certainly correct in thinking so! The self-design program at GSC, along with their supportive staff assisted me to create a meaningful and fulfilling curriculum that I use today in my statewide job. Granite State College is a school that works alongside with you, and that is why I love it so much.

I am now working on my master's degree in Leadership at GSC so I can truly complete the journey I have started for myself through the University System of NH. I currently oversee a federal, statewide program for NH call the Senior Companion Program. We have 80 volunteers who visit with over 400 frail and homebound elders and adults with disabilities in their homes. We partner with 27 fellow senior care and non profit agencies in our program. To have a master's degree of this aptitude I will be able to continue to expand my leadership role within the program and beyond. I have aspirations to be the Director of Elder Services for my agency one day. My current director is looking at retirement in the near future and I would love to take on the challenge. If not with the current agency I am in, I am now also considering working for a federal or state program with a high level of responsibility. I have always said since realizing I loved working with seniors, I would like to one day be an administrator who oversees a community living facility for seniors or even work with the Attorney General’s Office.

- Nicole

The Art and Economics of the Graduate Admission Essay

Tuesday, January 8, 2013 by Susan Gagnon

Occasionally, I meet up with a potential graduate student who has a touch of anxiety about writing their statement of intent, one of the application components for Granite State College's Master's Degree Programs. I gently explain that it is 500-1000 word statement which includes professional goals and aspirations, motivation for applying for the degree, and relevant formal or informal experiences. I suggest that they start by predicting their career future. Where do they see themselves in a few years? What narrative can they bring to the program? Review the course descriptions carefully, envision the skills taught in GSC graduate classes, and apply them personally and professionally. Review the Granite State College practitioner based graduate faculty. Where do they work? What can you gain from their real world experience? After these brief suggestions to the applicant, I sense relief on their part.

The greatest presumed anxiety on graduate essay writing is marketed to the upper tier and ivy b-school applicants. You can hire an editor, work with a coach, or just purchase one. I found a multitude of options on the internet. What is most alarming is that, if you think you are darn good enough for an elite school, one would hope that penning the perfect picture of your business acumen would be YOU. A well thought out and perfectly written statement about YOU can only come from YOU.

The GSC Office of Graduate Studies understands that you are who you are. You want to succeed and we're here to see that you do. Our degrees are concise, focused, and applicable to numerous businesses and industries.

Project management is the application of knowledge, skills and techniques to execute projects effectively and efficiently. It’s a strategic competency for organizations, enabling them to tie project results to business goals - and thus, better compete in their markets--according to the Project Management Institute (PMI).

The Master of Science in Leadership program focuses on an action-learning approach, intended to leverage the interdisciplinary backgrounds of participants and help build leadership competencies. We believe that the principles of leadership, when mastered, are applicable in any environment – whether commerce, education, health care, government, or social services.

To find out more about GSC's programs, give us a call at 603.513.1135 or visit www.granite.edu. And, relax about writing our essay, we know you can do it.

Reflecting on "Nashua's 50 and the next 20"

Friday, December 14, 2012 by Jacqui Lantagne

This week the Nashua Telegraph published this special feature:

Image source: nashuatelegraph.com

What we think is especially compelling is the section that profiles the business leaders of the next 20 years. We were proud to read about Nashua Community College's President, Lucille Jordan, and honored that GSC was mentioned as part of her story:

"Forty percent of [NCC] students transfer to four-year institutions to earn their bachelor's degree.

Making that easier is this year is the fact that Granite State College, part of the University System of New Hampshire, is now 'co-located' at NCC."

We are new to Nashua and this feature served as a great inspiration for what we can accomplish with their community. For example...

We have the opportunity to provide a convenient pathway for NCC students to expand their education goals and pursue a bachelor's degree with GSC

We can help business leaders retain their best employees with our master's degree programs like the M.S. in Leadership and M.S. in Project Management

We can engage with the healthcare community through our RN to BSN degree program

K-12 educators can pursue teacher certifications in the critical shortage areas in education and help to make a difference in the Nashua School District

These are just a few of our current goals in Nashua and we can't wait to lay our roots deep and explore the possibilities.

Congratulations to ALL who were honored in the "Nashua 50 and Next 20." Thank you for all that you do!

Our students know best

Wednesday, November 28, 2012 by Susan Gagnon

As a graduate admission counselor, I can tell you many wonderful things about our programs. For example, you have the flexibility of the program - your choice between taking an online class and learning in a traditional classroom setting. I can speak to you about the affordability factor - where else can you earn a master’s degree for under 15k? We can talk about assessment and outcomes, and the high level of customer service the faculty and staff at Granite State College gives to all students. We can review the pedagogy of our two highly tuned programs. And how they are designed to incorporate your own set of competencies and propel them into a new improved skill set. But after much thought, I believe one of the best methods of trying to convince you to apply is to hear what our students have been saying.

“I have received my Associate, Bachelor's, and am two weeks away from receiving my Master’s degree from Granite State College. Granite State College is a professional school with professional faculty that helped me to achieve goals that I would have never thought of achieving ten years ago. The flexibility of their online courses and on-site courses in multiple locations gave me the flexibility to “fit” school in no matter where I was at in my life. In addition to the education I have received at GSC, I have also had the opportunity to make great friends and create a network of people of both faculty and students.” -- Bonnie Soule

Thank you, Bonnie! I appreciate your comments. I am delighted that Granite State College could help you achieve your educational goals.

“The graduate program at Granite State College is flexible for my demanding career and has allowed me to expand my leadership knowledge and provided me the management tools I need to succeed in today’s fast paced public safety environment.” -- Paul Dean

Thank you, Paul, for sharing your experience and growth that you gleaned from our master’s program. Paul works in law enforcement, and from his post it sounds like he got the tools he needed to excel at his job. Way to go, Paul!

Take your career and life to the next level. Achieve educational goals you never thought were possible. Call me at 603.513.1135 or visit www.granite.edu to explore our graduate programs. You will be glad you did.

A Simple Guide to Career Search

Tuesday, April 17, 2012 by Bette Papa

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.

Granite State College's New Leadership Master's Program

Monday, April 16, 2012 by Scott Stanley

It is an exciting time at Granite State College! The Office of Graduate Studies will launch in July the new Master of Science in Leadership. The Leadership Master’s Program is designed to develop student’s strategic leadership skills while guided by their ethical principles. The MIT Leadership Institute defines 4 capabilities Leadership Framework. The components are sense-making, relating, visioning, and inventing.[1] In this new graduate program the curriculum embodies these components. Students will focus on making sense of their capacity to function as a leader in today’s environment, relate organizational relationships to facilitate organizational effectiveness, conducting visionary exercises to facilitate organizational growth and opportunity, and invent new ways to respond to changes in the environment of the organization and actualizing the organizational vision. This framework makes for a sound leadership education. The ten course program provides students with practical and theoretical foundations to develop a personalized leadership construct. The Master of Science in Leadership is one of Granite State College’s Online Graduate Degrees. Get more information on the new graduate program being offered at Granite State College at http://www.granite.edu/academics/degrees/masters/leadership.php.

[1] As published on the MIT Leadership Center research brief “Leadership in an Age of Uncertainty”.

Action Learning

Monday, February 20, 2012 by Todd Leach

Adult students bring a wealth of both personal and professional experience to the classroom. This experience can be leveraged by faculty to enhance the overall learning experience of students by drawing connections and providing students with more opportunities to apply their knowledge to situations they have experienced for themselves. At Granite State College we promote an androgogy that embraces student experience, not only the prior experience students bring upon entry, but also the ability to take the skills and knowledge they obtain in the classroom and apply it to their current professional or community environments. This "Action Learning" approach is incorporated throughout many GSC programs, and is most particularly evident in our graduate and post-baccalaureate programs (including our new MS in Leadership) where students work on applied projects or in practicum environments.

Having taught for many years, I know from first-hand experience that students tend to gain the most understanding when theory is contextualized and when students have the opportunity to apply concepts and achieve measurable results. The Granite State College MS in Project Management incorporates Action Learning throughout the program in a way that connects core professional competencies to actual projects. Students in our MS degree programs find that the skills and knowledge they are gaining can be applied to actual needs that exist in either their work or community settings, and feedback from students so far has indicated that applying what they are learning to the actual project challenges they face is a win-win for their own learning—and for the organizations they are supporting.

As Granite State College continues to develop new programs, Action Learning will remain an important component of the educational experience. By providing greater context through opportunities to apply knowledge as it is learned, Granite State College students should prove to be better prepared for professional success.

The story of John; a true lifelong learner

Tuesday, July 12, 2011 by Deidre Romeo

The inspiring story below is that of John, another ALA Scholarship Recpient for 2011. John is just one more example of the unique and diverse student population you will find within the classrooms or on the blackboards of Granite State College.

   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.

Substantive Change

Monday, March 14, 2011 by Todd Leach

"Change" is a word that is often overused, but in the world of higher education "substantive change" has very specific meaning. An institution that goes through substantive change is one that embarks on new directions that require review by its regional accreditor. Granite State College has undertaken such a change by moving from an institution offering only undergraduate credit to one that will now offers its first masters degree.

The Master of Science in Project Management is intended to provide students with a highly transferable set of skills and competencies that are in high demand across a number of industries. GSC's first masters degree is designed to provide students with both pragmatic content and high level learning opportunities that can prepare students to advance in management and leadership level positions. A cursory search of job postings lists many positions in which project management skills are specifically identified. In addition, managers in general can gain a competitive advantage in the job market by gaining project management competencies.

Granite State College worked closely with industry experts to develop its first masters program in order to ensure our graduates will be well prepared to compete and advance in their chosen careers. At this point, the Granite State College masters degree is the only MS in Project Management offered by a New Hampshire institution.

We are confident that our new masters degree will meet the advanced education needs of working adults and professionals across the state and beyond. The new program will be offered entirely online as well as at select Granite State College locations.

The evolution of GSC; looking back and ahead

Thursday, April 15, 2010 by Tom Oetinger

This month we learned the identity of the incoming president of Granite State College. Dr. Todd Leach will assume leadership of the college upon the retirement of President Karol LaCroix on June 30^th. Dr. Leach was selected after an extensive search and joins us after a successfully guiding the College of Professional Studies at Northeastern University since 2007. Dr. Leach brings with him a wealth of experience in providing access to higher education for adult learners and non-traditional students. If Dr. Leach’s history at Northeastern is any indication, students can look forward to new courses and degree programs; all based on the current and future needs of NH’s adult students. The next few years should prove to be exciting for the Granite State College community.

That being said we must take a moment and look to the past and express our appreciation to President LaCroix for six years of leadership. With her hand to steady the helm, Granite State College experienced consistent growth and developed a reputation as New Hampshire’s “go to” college for online learning and easy access for the State’s working adult student population. Through Karol’s leadership, GSC now provides a balanced matrix of courses and a student-centric organizational ethic that both encourages and supports our non-traditional learners. For those of you who have been, or are currently in this situation, you know how difficult it can be to manage multiple life priorities while attending classes. President LaCroix’s stamp is firmly imprinted into the history of this institution and through her hard work we are better prepared to tackle new academic challenges and move the college forward.

Thank you Karol!

The best way to learn about becoming a leader is to.......

Thursday, March 4, 2010 by John Ford

actually lead.

It seems that the best leaders are often the ones who are thrown into leadership positions with little or no preparation for that particular situation. The truth be told, the most effective leaders are the ones who embrace opportunties as opposed to those who try to control the situations.

Leadership is about collaboration and communication. It is where we apply everything we ever learned (and learn about what we didn't) in our past - whether through education or experience, we all have an inventory of knowledge, skills, experiences, lessons learned, etc. that we can apply to just about any situation we may be facing. The interesting thing about all of this is that good leaders know how to get people to collaborate and bring ALL of their tools and knowledge with them to create solutions.

Education, through whatever means you choose, online classes, adult education programs, weekend intensives, seminars, etc. provide opportunities for you to practice your leadership skills in the classroom with peers who can provide feedback, instructors and teachers who can provide coaching and present new perspectives.

People learn to lead from watching others, past managers and bosses, parents, coaches, teachers, etc. However, they can only learn if given the opportunity to stretch their skills and competence. They must have the chance to practice in a safe environment. They must be a willing collaborator in their own development as a leader.

Now, this is not to say that everyone should be or even wants to be a leader. Many people avoid the opportunity to lead for many reasons, some valid, some not. It is always a personal decision for every individual AT THE TIME when the leadership opportunity occurs. It is about being comfortable in one's own place and with one's peers or classmates.

I use group projects in every course I teach. I watch people step up to lead the groups and create a plan to achieve a result. I watch people gravitate toward individuals who they believe will take charge of the group and let everyone know what needs to be done. I see groups that struggle because no one WANTS to take responsibility for the team performance. Students approach me as the instructor to let me know there is no leader in their group and it is falling apart. I challenge them to do what needs to be done. It is their opportunity to try on the leadership role in a very safe environment. Some say they don't want to risk their grade but if you are in a group without a leader for a course project is your grade not already at risk?

Leaders take advantage of opportunites to practice their skills. Sometimes leaders learn by letting others take leadership roles and watch how others deal with situations.

At some point everyone is a leader....maybe it is just in your pursuit of you education to better position yourself at work or for your future....you are taking a leadership role in your own education......take advantage or the collaboration opportunities in your classes and practice, practice, practice leadership every chance you get.......

You never know when the opportunity to lead will come up and change your life.......

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.