New Hampshire Education

OMG!!  I can hardly believe that the north east is getting hit with all that snow.  It was sixty-nine degrees here on Sunday.  Of course this is South Carolina but I am only 14 hours away from my old home in Manchester, New Hampshire and Granite State College.  I have a son that lives in Chicago and the weather lady just said that they are going to get more snow in the next couple days than they have had in forty years. Wow, I hope he stays warm and safe going to and from work each day.  Each day is a new day in all of our lives. Some may be out of work, some so frustrated looking for a new job or some just praying that they don't get cut from their current job. Many stresses we face during this economy.  It is a rough time we are facing but, we can face it head on if we continually think of our possibilities. It may be the time for you to start thinking about an adult education degree. Getting that education you have longed for after many years of raising children or doing other things.  So, why not step it up and do it? It is just like going for a run; put on your tennis shoes, tie them up and open the door, then go.  School is just the same. Call Granite State College, talk about your plans, desires aspirations and plan, organize and do it. It is that first step that can change your life. Sure, you will have stresses with school but you will also be doing something for YOU.   So, maybe this snowy day is your day to do it. YOU CAN YOU KNOW!!  I did, and so happy I did.

I went to college long ago... in the dark ages... before online education became an accepted way to get an education. I often wonder if I would have liked going to college in my own living room. I think about people interested in going to college in Berlin NH, or Littleton NH, or Lebanon NH, or taking  Manchester NH Classes or Portsmouth NH Classes or Rochester NH Classes and I think.. wow.. if people from all over New Hampshire decided to go to college at Granite State College they could all be going to the same class at the same time right in their own homes. Maybe that is one benefit of online education. You would come in contact with people from other areas of the state that you might never have known. It wouldn't be the same in some ways, because you would not be going out to coffee before class with online friends, but, think of the possibilities online courses present. Maybe the idea of online education is really catching on, especially at places like Granite State because people are so busy, but they still want the benefits of making connections while getting career college training and affordable continuing education without the constraints of a particular time to be sitting in a classroom. I think I would have liked online classes when I went to school. How about you?

What a snow storm we've had here in southern New Hampshire today.  Lots of snow... unfortunately, lots of shoveling too!  But I wouldn't trade living here for anything!

What's nice about my online Behavioral Science classes in this weather is that I don't have to miss any class time because of all of this snow.  I went out, shoveled a bit, came back in, had a coffee, and did some homework.  I have a whole week to complete that week's assignments and the flexibility of an online class is that I can work on my studies throughout the week.  No traveling needed and my study hours are based more on the times I have available during the week.

And online classes for adults work out great for stay-at-home moms and those who work outside of the home.  You just can't beat the flexibility of online learning.

So if you think you may not have time, contact one of the GSC advisors and see what might be possible!  The only regret would be to have never have tried at all.  What have you got to lose? 

Hope to "see" you at one of the online adult education classes!

Stay warm everyone!

mary

I think I jinxed it. We got so much snow last night and through the day, it was crazy.  Wintry mix, not quite, more like a blizzard is what I called it.  I woke up to the white stuff on roof tops, driveways and shutting down the city pretty much. It was not just South Carolina, North Carolina and the mountains got it too.  I ended up with about 6 1/2 inches where the mountains got anywhere from 8-12, it was crazy. Work was called off so I worked from home.  The snow just reminded me of my many times in the parking lot at work in New Hampshire, getting the car cleaned off. Going to school at the Manchester campus to take my adult education classes, was the only thing I had on my mind as I cleaned off the windows of my car. But that is not the case here, the city shuts down.  I took a couple walks with my neighbor as she walked the dog, it felt good to get outside for a bit. I hate being cooped up inside, I am such an outdoorsy person. I had the gear though, Ski pants, ski jacket, mittens, scarfs and hat, oh and lets not forget the boots. They are only ankle boots but I am sure glad I had them. I played a bit too, can't lie. The snow brings out the kid in all of us!! Check out the ducks, standing on the ice. That is not supose to happen in the South!!

Two days later:
We still have ice, schools are closed, some streets are slick and I am staying in side today to sew.  I will go to work in the morning and I believe we are done with the snow at this point. I did see New Hampshire was getting some snow though. Well enjoy it as you venture out and be thankful that you all have the equipment to clear the streets and life keeps going as you know it, even in two feet of snow. Enjoy your Manchester NH Education and Career College Training as long as you can.

In a hammock on a beach in Cozumel.  Yes, this is the life. If only I could have made it last. 

Unfortunately, most of us can't stay perpetually on "Caribbean time."  We have obligations, responsibilities and goals, most of which cannot be accomplished in the reclining mode.  There is snow to be shoveled and bills to be paid.  If you are looking to improve your financial situation so that down the road you can fit in a little hammock time, quite possibly finishing your college degree will provide the necessary element that will give your career a boost.

Granite State College is New Hampshire's common sense choice for adult college education. With an affordable tuition and online, evening and weekend classes, Granite State College makes it easier than ever to achieve your academic goals.

It's only natural to daydream about stress free tropical vacations.  Sadly, daydreams won't get you any closer to the beach.

The things you learn in an adult college program…  I remember taking a walk in Oak Park, IL many years ago with a friend from high school.  She pointed out a couple homes and commented on them being Frank Lloyd Wright creations.  I had no interest; they simply appeared to be boring little homes to me.  Some ten plus years later I found myself immersed in adult college courses, one being World Architecture to satisfy my global arts requirement.  This is where I was introduced to the work of Frank Lloyd Wright and found a true love for all architecture.  I also learned that we had a Frank Lloyd Wright home, the Zimmerman house, available for touring right here in New Hampshire!  The Currier Museum of Art in Manchester offers several weekly tours of the home.  Among the different tour options is one called, “The Four Seasons at the Zimmerman House.”  These tours include admittance to the museum with wine and cheese served and live music at the home during the tour.  

I finally booked tickets for the winter season tour and invited a couple friends.  When the night arrived I discovered one of my friends had taken the same course at Granite State College and the other friend had no idea what she was coming to see when she met up with us but almost immediately became emotional when she realized it was a tour of a Frank Lloyd Wright home.  She knew little of him or his work but remembered that her deceased mother had been a huge admirer of Wright’s architecture.  She asked the guide how long the home had been open to the public and was so disappointed when she learned it had opened to the public almost two years before her mother’s death.  Had she known, she would most definitely have taken her mother.  

The home was amazing and we all enjoyed every minute of it.  During the tour we learned that “Falling Waters,” another amazing home of Wright’s is also open to the public in Pennsylvania.  We have all vowed to take a weekend trip together this summer to tour this home as well.  My adult college degree did not just educate me on business but opened my eyes and mind to many new experiences and interests.

Thank you GSC!

Since arriving at Granite State College, I have met with students at our Concord, Claremont, Conway, and Rochester regional campuses and hosted an online chat for our distance learning students. The message has been consistently positive when it comes to the quality of education and services students feel they are receiving from GSC. I have also spent enough time with staff throughout the college to know that there is a very high level of student caring that exists throughout the college. The Granite State College mission of access and opportunity is one staff embrace and students appreciate.

At the same time, colleges and universities must learn to go beyond caring about students and ensure that their practices, systems, and policies are "student-centered." Which means that we anticipate student needs and align our practices, systems and policies in a way that enhances student success and minimizes student frustration.

Over the past several months we have taken steps at Granite State College to better align our practices, systems and policies with student needs and goals. For example, more than half of our students are now enrolled in online courses, so in order to better support our distance learning students we have recently added new online tutoring services. We are also introducing new self-service capabilities that allow students to better plan their programs of study. And we are focusing attention on course scheduling to ensure more rapid tracks to degree obtainment.

This student-centered focus will be core to Granite State College as we engage in a process of continuous improvement moving forward, and find new ways to serve the evolving needs of adult students throughout the state of New Hampshire and the region. 

Has anyone said to you, "So, are you going to vote next week?" What have you replied?

Maybe you said "Yeah, sure," but meant, "No way."

Maybe you said, "I would but I am busy that day."

Or maybe you said, "It's not worth it."  

Have you thought about how your vote might influence the future of education? There are candidates out there who would willingly cut the funding for college scholarships, for HeadStart programs, and for every other education level in between. There are also candidates out there who want to add to federal funding for schools and colleges. Adult Education Certificates, Adult Education Diplomas and undergraduate education in New Hampshire can easily be impacted by what happens on November 2.

If you get out and vote in favor of education you will be taking part in an opportunity to improve and protect education from preschool to college. See you at the polls.

While browsing the web this morning, I came upon some sad news. A man by the name of Jim Miskelly, born July 4, 1914 died on Oct. 16, 2010. This man was diagnosed with cancer in 1975 and had a dim prognosis of only living five more years. He lived and beat the prediction by 30 years. This man was a former accountant and member of the New Hampshire House of Representatives, married 75 years to his loving wife Carolyn, who had just died one year proceeding him. He had a self-taught art of calligraphy. He would use his talents down in Palm Coast, FL, where he had moved too back in 1975, and also at the local High School. He was asked on many occasions to write for the newspapers, fill in important documents for Palm Coast as well as a New Hampshire high school where his special brand of penmanship was widely known. What a wonderful talent and he shared it freely throughout his life. I am sure Mr. Miskelly learned so much through those 96 years he lived.  His knowledge, whether is was through accelerated studies or for his education or career advancement, became part of his legacy.

Today is my mother's birthday, she would have been 87 today. I never forget when my mother's birthday was, it saddens me in ways but also delights me for the women she was. She was a warm loving person who would do and do for others. Not a selfish bone in her body. She never knew I got my Adult College Degree back in September 2009 but I know she would have been so proud of me. My children and my grandchildren may follow my path as it is all part of ones legacy that we pass on. Continuing education degrees or learning how to have wonderful penmanship like Mr. Miskelly did, is life. One should never stop learning, I know I won't, love it!!

Today I was voted into the Granite State College Alumni Board Association (“ALA”).  President Todd Leach was kind enough to attend today’s board meeting and bring us all up to speed with the direction he is moving the college towards.  He shared his observations, initiatives and strategies to continue the growth of our great institution.  His focus is clearly to transform GSC into a “student centered” adult education school.  

I was most concerned about the possibility of GSC turning into one of the many distance learning universities; offering only online courses leaving those who require the availability of evening college classes, part time classes and weekend college classes without the flexibility and convenience of an affordable bachelor degree throughout New Hampshire.  My concerns were quickly addressed.  Growth and innovation are certainly at the top of President Leach’s strategy, but reducing or eliminating the availability of live course schedules throughout New Hampshire is not included in his plan.

I am excited and extremely hopeful at where Dr. Leach will lead GSC in the coming months and years.  I am grateful to have the opportunity to come along for the ride.  



From left to right:  Barbara Grant, Kathy Moulis, Dawn Corriveau, Ruth Tappin, Deidre Romeo, President Leach, Carrie Landry, Dee McClave, Steve Cotter

www.granite.edu/alumni-and-friends/alaboard.aspx

Our wonderful New Hampshire State College is a well known provider of adult education programs.  Highlighting this fact, is a fascinating pair of students from Farmington, NH attending our Creativity class this week on Star Island.  Mother and Daughter, Theresa and Heather Mills, are pursuing degrees simultaneously at Granite State College.  Theresa is working toward a Bachelors of Arts in Individualized Studies, and Heather an Associates of Arts in General Studies.  Word has it that yet another Mills daughter will be joining the Granite State College family soon!  

(L-R: Theresa & Heathers Mills)




A view of Gosport Harbor from the porch of the Oceanic on Star Island:

A prospective student finished her accuplacer assessment and was anxious to know the results. The scores were not easily interpretable. At a quick glance, however, I noticed that the placement recommendation was for Contemporary College Math -- which is one of the required courses for a degree at Granite State College. I pointed this out to her and we both practically cheered because she was so pleased to discover that she knows more than she thought she knew! 

This particular student, let's call her Miranda, works in a local elementary school. While she enjoys her role as a para-educator, she really wants to pursue Teacher Training Education. As a former high school dropout, Miranda didn't think she was equipped to go to college, but once she attained her G.E.D., she realized that she was thirsty for more. She decided to apply to GSC, the New Hampshire State College that offers Affordable College Study, and she's eager to start her Childhood Education Courses this fall.

Miranda wants to work with children that have special needs. At GSC, she will pursue a B.S. in Individualized Studies: English Language Arts --  which will enable her to meet the federal Highly Qualified Teacher requirement, and the Post-Baccalaureate Teacher Certification in General Special Education. The reason Miranda chose GSC, she told me, was because she could continue to work in her chosen field while taking Evening College Classes. I'm willing to bet that she will also find, as I have found, that taking classes with other adults of all ages provides a rich educational experience. GSC is the college in the University of New Hampshire System that specializes in Adult Higher Education. 

The excitement Miranda expressed -- when she saw evidence that her abilities are indeed college-level -- is one of the reasons I love working at Granite State College. It's such a great feeling to watch someone's face light up at the realization of their possibilities! Our students are so invested in their education, because many of them already have real-world experience, and they are incredibly motivated to do well in their studies. They want the most out of their education. And we at GSC are here to cheer them on!

I was thinking about work today as our the Diversity Committee wanted us to come up with a poem on diversity. I will work on it tomorrow but it got me thinking about diversity in many aspects.  I first thought about all the different states I have lived in - boy I had to be diverse for that. Moving from Michigan to TN, Tennessee to FL, Florida back to TN, Tennessee to NH and New Hampshire to SC...was like going in a full circle many many times.  Each place of residence had its uniqueness and qualities to be admired. I never in a hundred years would have thought I would like country music, but I did after living just a few minutes away from Music City Nashville. Never would I have thought I would love the New England states, but I did and wish I was there again even in the snow. And in the midst of it all, I went to school. From one school to the next. Guess I was diverse too when I found Granite State College and then again when I had to take my classes through an online adult program that the college offered.

Diversity is part of all our lives in so many ways. Diversity took place for me at many times in my life. When I got divorced and was raising four children on my own, another time when I was relocated and sought out an Adult College Curriculum. Another, when I was moved again and needed online college classes. Cultural changes that occurred were an adventure to explore in each individual state, never mind location and what the weather had to offered was so different in each state. Changes happen in peoples lives and sometimes we are forced to change. 

Changes in location, changes in lifestyle or changes financially. That change could very well be getting an adult education degree either online or in the classroom setting. Nevertheless, it makes us diverse. Change is inevitable it is what we do with the changes and how we approach these changes that count. I always chose to accept them and go with the flow. Having that frame of mind has made me a very mellow person and open minded to changes in life and at work; I think people call it, "thinking outside the box." Companies look for people who can think outside the box; I gained some of that from Granite State College in many classes, I think it is called critical thinking.  I like critical thinking now and use it every day of my life.

I can't say enough about the classes for Early Childhood Education that we offer at Granite State College.  Not only is this Bachelors Degree available in the form of evening college classes or online classes focused on adults, we have such wonderful Faculty as well.  I'm thinking for example of Catherine Yeaton, who is currently teaching EDU 553, Creative Arts in Early Childhood Education, which we are offering this Summer at our Rochester NH College.  Catherine runs the well-know Building Blocks School - located in southern New Hampshire.   

But here is the key detail that might surprise working childcare professionals looking for career advancement programs: Granite State College has a program that will jump start your Early Childhood Degree.  If you are employed at least 20 hours a week in a NH licensed or license-exempt child care center or family child care program, GSC will pay for half the costs of your first class, or even the full cost, depending on the class.  Click this link for details. 

Let me be specific about Fall Term, because registration is open right now.  Here are two classes that you can sign up for using the ECE Tuition Assistance Program:  

PSY 508, Child Development, 4 credits 
(GSC Rochester, Tuesday nights, starting Sept. 14th)

EDU 601, Observation & Assessment in Early Childhood Education, 4 credits
(GSC Rochester, Monday nights, starting Sept. 13th)

You do NOT need to be enrolled in a degree program to take these courses - but if you ARE interested in career advancement education, give us a call (603.332.8335) or register online.

In the summer I volunteer at the Therapeutic Riding Program at the University of New Hampshire system. It is a horseback riding program that serves children and adults with physical, developmental, and emotional challenges. It is a volunteer dependent program as it takes 3-4 handlers per student: one to lead the horse, 2 on each side of the horse, initially holding on to the student as she/he rides, and sometimes one additional spotter. (The program also depends on donations in case you are feeling generous.) As the summer progresses so do the students' abilities and some are allowed to become more and more independent riders.  I get a lump in my throat and feel so proud when we are able to let go of them or the lead line comes off and they are in control.  Believe me, nothing makes you feel more empowered than knowing that you have control of a 1000 lb animal with just a set of reins and a bit!  It is truly a fantastic experience for me to be a part of.

What does this have to do with my role as advisor at Granite State College at the Conway NH college campus, you ask? In June I attended the graduation ceremonies for the college and recently received the conferral list from the registrar.  The ceremony is a wonderful day of recognizing completion and independence. As I read the list of names again and again I felt so proud of each student who completed their degree program.  I feel like I am letting go of the lead line and watching them go out on their own to pursue other opportunities since they now have completed a continuing education degree program. I know each student is proud of them self as well and feels more in control of their lives, which can be much like a 1000 lb animal at times.

Congratulations to all graduates and I wish you all the best as you continue your life's adventure.

It was dance night last night for the Singles here in Greenville, SC. Yes, every week there is a dance to go to; it is actually quite a lot of fun.  Some of the regulars are always there and some new people show, at least that's how it has been each time I go. I love to dance and it gets me out, not that I am really looking, but it is always good to get yourself out there.  There were dances in NH too. I believe they were held in the Crown Plaza in Nashua.  Boy, those were great dances and I could not believe how many people would show up.  There had to be over 300 one time. 

Ok, where was I going with this?  Oh, yeah, there was a really handsome man asked me to dance and we talked a bit while we danced. He asked me where I worked and I did the same.  He asked where I went to school and I asked him.  Gosh, it ran through my head, what if I hadn't gotten my degree? How I might have felt that maybe I was judged because I didn't have one.  That did come to mind but I told him I finished my degree online with Granite State College. I told him the school was part of the University System of New Hampshire. He never took any classes online and I had told him that taking online college classes is great and so convenient with working a full time job. You don't have to be a full time student, you can be a part time student with part time classes.  

I am so excited as I have a date today, I am cooking/grilling dinner for him and I. I am just thrilled. Hope we have some great conversation again.  That is one thing I have noticed since I have gone back to school and have an Adult Education Degree,  I love a good conversation!!

 

As an adult college degree recipient, I can tell you firsthand how it is possible to go back to school without the financial resources to do so.  I did it, and so can you.  My first mistake was to think I was not eligible for financial aid because I had a good job, was able to support myself and my one daughter who was still considered a dependent on my income tax return.  Do not make this same mistake.  The very first step you need to take in financing your adult education degree is to submit a FAFSA application online.  It is not at all intimidating as I believed it to be.  Not only did I qualify for more than $1,000 in federal and state grants during my freshman year but by completing the FAFSA I qualified for deferred interest loans and numerous adult scholarships as well.  Grants are a gift, they do not need to be repaid.  The Subsidized Stafford loans are educational loans which do not start accumulating interest until 6 months after you graduate or stop taking classes.  Currently the deferred rate of these loans is only 4.5%.  I challenge you to find a loan without collateral at a comparable rate!

Now, how to find adult education scholarships… Use the internet and search every possible avenue.  Here in the State of New Hampshire I found many scholarships I qualified for and applied for every single one of them.  Yes, it does take some time and effort but it is certainly worth it.  GSC offers the “Osher Re-Entry Scholarship,”  as well as the ALA Merit Scholarship.  Next I found the Adult Student Aid Program Scholarship available through the New Hampshire Charitable Foundation.  Through my continued Internet searches I found available scholarships through the numerous NH chapters of the Business and Professional Women’s Foundation, the “Take it to the Bank” scholarship offered by NHHEAF and many small local scholarship programs specifically offered to residents of individual counties and communities.  Aside from these scholarships available to NH residents there are countless national scholarships also available to the adult college degree student.  Many banks, retail stores and businesses offer student scholarship contests.  Take the  time and put in the effort to apply for and attain the required finances you need to obtain your degree.   I did it, so can you.  Every scholarship I was awarded was again offered to me for a second and third time in my subsequent years of study.

In my next post I will give you other tips and tricks on obtaining your adult college degree with limited finances.  Most scholarships have deadlines so do not procrastinate and get started right away on your scholarship search.  Once you have completed this you will be ready for the next phase of financing your education....

I started at Granite State College in April of 2007 and this summer is the first time I have taken a semester off from school.  I start back to school in the fall to attain my MBA.  I love taking adult college courses and never wanted to take a semester off before but I have to say I have enjoyed this break from school.  This week alone I spent one evening taking a leisurely kayak trip up the Merrymeeting River with friends from work followed by a quick night time dip in Alton Bay.  Tuesday evening I spent the night with friends and fellow bloggers at the Fisher Cats game in Manchester.  Living working and going to school in New England is a special way of life.  New Hampshire has so many wonderful outdoor activities to offer, yet I am only an hour and half away from downtown Boston, a city which holds many fun, cultural and unique prospects.


What was the best part of this week?  Spending Saturday with my daughter.  Brittany had bought tickets to Cirque du Soleil for my Mother’s Day Gift.  She told me to block off August 7th to spend the entire day with her.  What a gorgeous day it was, warm and sunny with no humidity.  We dressed in comfortable shoes and cool sundresses.  We started the day having a great lunch at La Caretta’s then drove into Fan Pier in Boston.  This is a fairly new development on the Boston Harbor so I had never before been.  What a gorgeous area.  The walkways were made of different colored pavers with beautiful plants, grass and trees lining the area.  There were outdoor speakers hidden in the foliage playing lovely music for all to enjoy.  The seat benches were made of wood with back rests which were four feet tall.  Scattered among the area were simple aluminum tables and chairs for people to enjoy a picnic lunch or just a gathering of friends to socialize.  Lighting in this area is built into the ground.  The harbor was busy with sailboats and luxury yachts coming in and going out.


The show began at 4:00pm under the bright blue and yellow Big Top erected on the Wharf at Fan Pier.  We sat in the 9th row from the stage.  The show was ASTONISHING!  If you ever have the opportunity to see Cirque du Soleil in person, jump for it.  The creativity of the costume makers, set designers and performers is like nothing you will ever see.  The entire venue was 1st class.  The music was modern and upbeat with a Caribbean flare.  The acts were all unique and amazing.  

Granite State College is a unique academic institution that understands the need for their students to take time away from their studies to care for family members, accomplish professional projects, and live life to its fullest.  Breaking away from one’s adult college education for a semester here and there to live life is part of the norm at GSC.  Rest assured, your advisors, professors and adult college program will still be there when you return.  After all, life is all about balance.