NH Colleges Universities

A career fair just for students

Wednesday, March 27, 2013 by Jacqui Lantagne

Our students juggle.

70% are working full-time and 18% have part-time employment. For most students, having a steady and reliable job is the cornerstone of making everything work - but in today's economy, it's never easy.

This is why we are thrilled to invite our students to the New Hampshire College & University Council's (NHCUC) Job Fair!

This fair is *exclusively* presented to students in New Hampshire who attend an institution that is a member of NHCUC, like Granite State College!

If you're on the job hunt or looking for a new opportunity, this is an AWESOME place to start - there will be over 50 employers present and ready to hire!

Here are the details:

My GSC Story

Tuesday, January 22, 2013 by Granite State College 40th Anniversary

I was faltering while attending college at another school when I stumbled upon GSC via a web search. I decided to give it a shot and couldn't be happier with my choice! I have found a degree I LOVE! Knowing GSC is a part of the University System of NH makes me confident that this a credible school.The faculty here is amazing and so helpful! I had my entire class schedule planned out for my bachelor's degree program the first term I arrived. The online option has given me the flexability to work full time and continue to take care of my family while pursuing my education - I even made Deans list!! Thank you GSC!!!

- Anne

My GSC Story

Friday, January 18, 2013 by Granite State College 40th Anniversary

I fell in love with Granite State College almost immediatley. I was initially drawn to GSC for two reasons: the main reason being it was one of a few schools in NH that offered a Criminal Justice degree. Secondly, it is a part of the NH university system, so I knew a majority of my credits from UNH Manchester would transfer over. I entered into GSC a 'different' type of student than I did when I entered into UNH Manchester almost 5 years ago to obtain my associates degree. This time around, I was a full-time working mom with bills to pay and more determined then ever to complete my bachelor's degree. I needed a school that would not only work around my schedule and daughter, but consisted of other faculty and students that knew where I was coming from. From the day I started, I knew GSC was the right choice for me. I fell in love with my online classes, the teachers, faculty, and fellow students. Not only have I been truly impressed with my courses, but I have also had such a pleasant experience dealing with the staff, whether it be financial aid or my counselor. GSC has given me a confidence that I have never felt before and an unparalleled passion for learning. I have been very successful at GSC and I am proud to say that I am a GSC student.

- Stephanie

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

Project Management for the Holidays

Tuesday, December 20, 2011 by Mary Young

It's Christmastime, the decorations are out, the carolers are warming up, the shopping season is in full swing, and it's time to reflect on the challenges and accomplishments of the past year.  If I were making a list, the first item in both the Challenges column and the Accomplishments column would be the pursuit of a Masters Degree in Project Management.

The challenge lies in the fact that I haven't been a college student in, oh, let's just say, a very long time. Not only am I enrolled in the very first graduate degree program offered at Granite State College, I am in the very first cohort scheduled to graduate in 2013. I am so proud and excited to be part of such an illustrious group of bright, dedicated and funny people...I really like this thing called adult higher education!

In the accomplishment column I proudly include the completion of the first of ten terms in the project management masters program. This term was made up of two six-week classes - PM 804 Project Management Seminar and PM 804 Leading Teams; both were excellent courses.  My preferred delivery method for instruction is face to face, on the ground at our Manchester NH campus. Of course, for those of you who would rather operate completely in the digital world, you always have the option of taking any of our adult college courses online.

It is interesting now that I am immersed in the world of project management...all that we do in life is a project in one way or another. I see it all around me. The applications, tools and techniques of project management can be applied to everything from planning a holiday party to putting a man on the moon.

Now there's a thought...how might I apply what I've learned so far in my project management classes to make my holiday season just a little less stressful and a bit more organized?

Project Scope: Just what do I want to accomplish this holiday season? I certainly don't want to bite off more than I can chew so I had better define exactly what I will and can commit to this year.

Project Team: My family...who is responsible for what and can we accomplish everything we have identified in our project scope?

Project Planning:  Creating a task list (work breakdown structure in project management speak) that includes all of the typical activities (cards, gifts, parties, decorations, food, etc.) around the holiday would be helpful.

Project Risk: Have you ever had your heart set on a particular gift for someone only to find the gift is not available, or that the cost exceeds your budget? Contingency plans are always a good idea.

Project Close: The holidays are over; now is the time to assess what worked and what didn't...lessons learned are a very valuable tool at the close of any project, but only if you use them.

So as you think about everything you have to do for the holidays, remember these four easy steps to help you along: plan, execute, manage and close.  Wishing you a very merry and stress free holiday season!

GSC Factoid: Granite State College offers the most affordable continuing education in the state and is the University System's leading online provider.

Greetings from Littleton

Monday, September 26, 2011 by Nicole Horne

Hello! Let me start with a bit about me. My name is Nicole Horne and I currently advise students out of our new Littleton NH college campus. My job here is to guide students in identifying and achieving their academic and career goals. My background in higher education includes academic counseling, mentoring, and teaching.

I grew up in North Haverhill, NH, and completed my undergraduate degree in English from the University of New Hampshire and my Master's of Education degree from Plymouth State University. As a native of northern NH, I enjoy working with the students in the northern pockets of our state. For many of our students (65% to be exact!), they are the first ever in their family to attend college. I take tremendous pride in watching those students reach their goal of a college degree, knowing they have made a positive impact not only in their own lives, but also in the lives of their children.

When I'm not at Granite State College, I can be found cheering on my two children in one of their many activities, chasing down one of our six animals or working on the small "hobby" farm I share with my husband.

One Thing Leads to Another

Tuesday, April 12, 2011 by Leslie Bowering

Since December 2010 when I graduated from Granite State College, I have been considering the possibilities of what I might do next. As a result of achieving my Bachelor's Degree in Language Arts, I have gotten involved in a writing project that is very important to me.

As a way to learn more about the book-writing process, I attended a Writer's Workshop at the University of Southern New Hampshire that was facilitated by Mary Carroll Moore, a published author.

Since the termination of my adults college classes at the Rochester NH and Portsmouth NH college campuses, I have missed the collaboration with my peers very much. I am transitioning to the next level of my educational journey. During my weekend workshop I once again felt the connection of being with like-minded individuals who were sharing my path. I think this is an important issue to address sooner than later, once the initial cessation of college classes sets in.

Life After High School

Friday, April 1, 2011 by Bette Papa

I recently attended the 2011 College Access Showcase sponsored by Campus Compact for NH and NHCUC. One of the workshops I attended was with John T. Kirkpatrick, Associate Dean, College of Liberal Arts, UNH. A dynamic and engaging speaker, John spoke about his experience as Dean and the challenges that new college students encounter. While his focus was on the traditional aged student in the New Hampshire university system, he made some great points that are appropriate for all of us.

The purpose of higher education is more than just filling students with information. It should not only develop the intellect but also the heart, character, integrity and judgment and how to use all of this wisely. We want students to become productive and useful citizens contributing to society in a meaningful way. Intellect needs to be balanced with innovation and creativity.

Look at any job search website and you will find lists of qualities that employees are looking for. Apart from skills in the profession, employers want people who have reasoning skills and the ability to problem solve. Communication skills, both written and oral, are crucial. Understanding of human behavior is important to be able to work well with others. Having an historical consciousness to have that understanding of how we got where we are today.

As I listened to John talk I realized this makes a good argument to the complaint "Do I have to take these gen eds?" Yes, you do! Those classes help to develop skills apart from those specific to your field of study. They help you to learn about yourself, others and the world around you.

Granite State College offers a great variety of general education electives that I encourage students to take advantage of. Whether students are looking for online classes for adults or evening college classes there are plenty of classes to choose from that will help develop their creativity, intellect, and compassion.

Spring, Where are you?

Thursday, January 27, 2011 by Gail Gifford

I woke up this morning thinking, where are you spring? It has been a long winter so far. The snow has fallen in South Carolina and even though it only lasted a mere week and a half, it was ugly. Then I think of my friends up at the Manchester NH University and realize that I was lucky, we only got about seven inches of the white stuff, where you all got around two feet. Yuk, but yuk in a good way. The north knows how to clear the stuff from the roads and sidewalks, and work goes on as usual just like any other day. Therefore, students could get to school for their evening college classes after work or on the weekend. What I have learned with this past snow storm is that I need to go buy a shovel. No matter where I live, I may need it. It was kind of sad that only one person in our neighborhood had one and we all borrowed it to shovel our way out. I don't think we are too far away from spring, though. I just looked at my iris in the flower beds and they are starting to grow. The pussy-willow bush is getting buds and the birds are starting to come back to my kitchen window for some birdseed in the feeders. But my wooden flowers seem to have survived the snow. They bring a smile to my face as I look out of my back door.

It is Saturday morning, I am getting ready to go into work, and the weather lady on the TV just said it is going up to 62 degrees today. No, it is not shorts weather yet, but I believe it is just around the corner. Sunshine, flowers, picnics, vacations and, yes, learning are all just around the corner. Learning never stops no matter what the weather is. So, to all of you doing on-line classes with distance learning universities, keep at it. It is so rewarding to have that degree under your belt. Until I get myself back to school to earn my Masters degree, I will enjoy the place I am in my life. This morning, it is a day of work with the realization that spring is not too far away!! Come on Sunshine...shine on South Carolina today!!

How important is memory?

Sunday, January 2, 2011 by Beth Benoit

I watched a "60 Minutes" episode recently, where a half dozen people who have "superior autobiographical memory" were interviewed. (The group included Marilu Henner, whom I remember fondly from a sitcom called "Taxi.") The segment was called "The Gift of Endless Memory," and Leslie Stahl interviewed five people who didn't have just "great" memories. They could remember everything that had ever happened to them, and when. Given any date, each could remember tiny details of the day, and of course, the interviewers made certain to verify these memories.

The researcher involved, Dr. James McGaugh, is a professor of neurobiology at the University of California Irvine, and he's a well-known expert on memory. He would ask these subjects (there are six known in the world), what would ordinarily be difficult or impossible for an ordinary person to recall, but could be verified by records, such as which days of a month twenty years ago, that it rained. When they showed one subject being questioned about the weather twenty years ago, she not only recalled which days it rained, but the weather for the days before!

Psychology courses often delve into how memory works. At Granite State College we have a lot of psychology courses and behavioral science classes, both online and classroom courses (the classroom courses take place in one of our nine NH state college campuses), including some we call "five-week intensives," that are accelerated courses. You'll read a lot, and become immersed in your subject, but at the end of five weeks, you'll be impressed with yourself, to realize that you've completed a whole college course! And the only shortcut is the length of time it took to finish the course. You'll still be learning the same things you'd learn in a full-length course! (But we can't promise that, like the people I've described, you'll remember everything for as long as you live!!!)

At Granite State College, we find ourselves emphasizing "adult learning," but once you finish high school, it's true that all college learning is "adult learning." And our learners range from just out of high school to senior citizens! (The oldest student I've had so far was 71 years "young" and the youngest was 17!)

Oh, and back to that fascinating segment on "60 Minutes": I loved when Marilu Henner said, "You know what I love? I love when people get so flattered, Like they go, 'Wow, I must've really made an impression on you.' And I go, 'No, no, believe me - I remember everything' '" And the fact that these people seem to have just a little bit of OCD (obsessive compulsive disorder): they like to keep things in order and to collect things.

But the thing that's also stuck in my mind over the last week is that of the five subjects on the show, only one - Marilu Henner - had ever been married. (And she'd been married three times.) Is it possible that being able to remember everything (including arguments and hurt feelings) might make a long-term relationship more tenuous? Maybe it's important for our social "grease" to be able to actually forget details. (Ah, that's something that I should bring up in Social Psychology course, one of the online adult education classes that's coming up!)

So, I'm wondering if maybe that not-so-great memory of mine may have contributed to the longevity of my marriage. (We just celebrated our 42nd anniversary.) Well, there certainly aren't any proven "magic pills," but you never know...

Here's a link if you want to watch the "60 Minutes" segment.

Those Long, Cold Days of Winter

Monday, November 29, 2010 by Erin Todd

If you're wondering what to do with yourself during the long, cold days of winter ... I have an idea ... take a course at Granite State College! Registration for Winter Term is in full swing.

Take a look at some of the courses running at GSC's Claremont NH College:

Modern America & the Movies
Readings in World Literature
American Sign Language I
Managing Conflict
Introduction to Anthropology

And here's a thumbnail sketch of GSC's Lebanon NH College course offerings:

Career Development and Life Planning
Survey of World Architecture
Autobiography as Literature
Comparative Religions
Observational Astronomy

If you'd prefer to take online classes for college, check out these highlights from GSC's online courses this Winter:

International Economics
Shakespeare
Principles of Marketing
Regions of the World: History & Current Issues, East Asia
Introduction to Philosophy
Investment Principles
The Media & It's Messages
Managing Diversity
Issues in Women's Health
Financial Management

At only $1,040 per four-credit course, Granite State College offers the lowest tuition in the University of New Hampshire System, and financial aid is available to eligible degree students - even if taking just one class a term!

Baby Buggy's...do you remember?

Thursday, October 21, 2010 by Gail Gifford

I recently got my old Baby Buggy out from the attic and started cleaning it up so I can take it to Norfolk, VA to walk my new grandson, Owen. Those years were just precious for me and some very fond memories all came back to me as I walked the streets of Norfolk in the early morning so Owen's mom and dad could get some sleep. I put miles on those wheels about 30 years ago walking my four children; I never thought in a million years I would be using for my grandchildren. My son was tickled I got it cleaned up and looking good again. So were my daughters, although neither of them have children yet, they were very concerned who was going to GET the Buggy?? I told them the Buggy will stay with Grammy.

I was walking to McDonald's one day with my laptop as they have free WiFi so I could get connected while Owen was sleeping and a Scotch lady was weeding her flowerbed and stopped to look at the baby and the buggy. She right away went inside her front door and brought out her Beautiful English Pram that was her's when her children where young. She was the age my mom would have been, around 83 or 84. What a beautiful buggy she had and leather on the inside with beautiful fringe on the hood. She told me stories about that buggy and how many children had been buggy walked in it. Her daughter used it for her 3 children and now there are great grandchildren coming along to take a ride in it. I feel that my buggy stories and her buggy stories are all part of a cycle that we both plan on passing on to our children.

Buggy walking as a tradition and cycle/norm of life is pretty much what I wanted my children to understand when I went back to Granite State College. I want them to understand and carry on the tradition of getting an adult college degree at some point in their lives. I took most of my classes as online learning classes while I did have a few classes at Manchester NH University. I hope my young adults follow suit and get their degree someday and also that they walk their babies in the Buggy!! Life is so good, Grandchildren are truly God's reward to parents.

Left is the buggy the Scotch lady brought to show me...it was just beautiful. She bought it in England where she used to live. Mine is above, yes that is me with my coffee. My mother bought mine in Windsor, Ontario, Canada. Both had some similarities and both had wonderful shocks, those babies didn't feel a bump along the stroll.

Signs, Signs, Everywhere Are Signs

Tuesday, September 14, 2010 by Heather Carter

After the idea started percolating in my head that Granite State College (formally College for Lifelong Learning, or CLL) just might be the perfect route to my long-desired college degree, I still hesitated. After all, it was really scary. The notion of going to college at all made me nervous. The notion of going to college as an adult, years after most people with whom I'd attended high school had already graduated from higher education institutions, was really daunting. Going to college while working full-time and raising a child as a single mother, seemed utterly terrifying.

I calculated how long it would take me to graduate with a Bachelor degree if I only took one 4-credit class a term. 38-years-old?!? That idea floored me. Then I thought, well, I'm going to be 38-years-old eventually anyway. I might as well be 38-years-old with a degree! However, I still couldn't bring myself to make the call to the school to start the process.

Then mysterious things started happening to me! Suddenly, it seemed that I was constantly reminded about the college, after never having heard of it before. I'd be listening to the radio while I worked and I'd hear an ad talking about the college and how it offered classes at the Concord, NH college campus (perfect for me, since I worked in Concord at the time). I'd be in line at the bank and would overhear people discussing the school and how they offer online college English classes (I'd longed to study English and literature). Suddenly, a friend that I'd known for years happened to mention that she was attending CLL's graduation ceremony where her sister was celebrating her newly-acquired adult education certificate.

It was so strange! This kind of thing seemed to happen over and over again. And, as if the universe's message couldn't pummel me any harder, everywhere I went I'd see the initials C.L.L.-- especially on license plates!

I remember the actual moment when I surrendered to the signs that bombarded me. I was sitting in my car noticing yet another car's license tags that contained the letters CLL. I threw my hands up in the air, laughed gleefully, and said out loud, "Okay, okay. I get it! I'll go!"

The next day I called the main number and, within minutes, had an appointment scheduled with an adviser. And my college career had begun!

It's Her Turn...

Tuesday, August 24, 2010 by Ellen Gagnon

Every Thursday night she came to her evening college classes. We would talk a little bit, usually after class or during the breaks. She drives from Farmington to the Portsmouth NH university campus, which is about 30 miles one way. Now it's the end of the term. Tonight she told me how she does it. She started by saying she had baked stuffed haddock for dinner. I looked at her and said,

"You made baked stuffed haddock before you came to class tonight?!"

" No, I went out with my friend."

"Nice."

"Yeah, this is my time. I arranged with the place where I volunteer to leave early on Thursday afternoon. While my brother comes by to watch the kids, I can do some studying. Then my friend and I go out to dinner."

I could not help myself. I smiled as she told her story. She then gave a little, unapologetic shrug, smiled back and continued, "This is my time."

There it was the Granite State College marketing tagline: It's your turn! The motto that says after you work to impress the world come to GSC to do something just for yourself. Adult learners are goal oriented and come to higher education for a variety of reasons. Yet here is a woman, a mother of three, who has chosen to honor herself with an education. She carved out time, (which as we all know is a precious commodity,) to create a space for herself. She has included her family and friends in that plan too. This says to me that her designs are more than mere career advancement. It's just like the sign says. I couldn't make this stuff up-- it really happens.

Creative Writing: A Writing Portfolio

Monday, August 23, 2010 by Leslie Bowering

Of all the reading I have done this semester in my Creative Writing course at Granite State College at the Rochester NH college campus, the book I most enjoyed was called A Little Book on the Human Shadow by Robert Bly.

My reading and writing life has grown extensively since taking two different courses with Professor Rick Agran, an esteemed published Poet as well as a faculty member at the University of New Hampshire.

The literature he chooses to use in his classes reflects his flexibility in nurturing the creative spirit in all of his students whether they are novices or seasoned writers.

A cumulative writing portfolio is the collective sum total of the entire course. Students write and revise poetry, prose, and a multi-genre Essay, pieces that provide huge challenges while also inspiring writing confidence every step of the way.

Summer courses at Granite State College require commitment to excellence because the time passes quickly. Though I can only speak for myself, I have learned so much about writing, about myself as a writer, as well as the huge inspiration other writers impart if I am a willing reader.

Robert Bly's book has given me a brand new perspective. I have always considered my writing to be "too dark" and too personal. There were times when I thought my writing was depressing to readers. A Little Book on the Human Shadow has given me a new and different perspective on my own writing. Bly suggests that "dark" writing is necessary so that a writer can write his way through such darkness and move toward the light in the process.

This idea resonates with me. I am very interested to learn more about Robert Bly's ideas on writing. I am certain they will make a difference in the quality of my Final Portfolio.

Makes me feel proud!

Thursday, August 19, 2010 by Bette Papa

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.

What is in the Pot of Gold at the End of Your Rainbow?

Tuesday, August 17, 2010 by Leslie Bowering

Today I am that much closer to reaching the pot of gold at the end of my rainbow! For me the Pot of Gold is my Bachelor's Degree in Language Arts
that I have been working very hard to achieve for a couple of years now.

The goals we set for ourselves must be reckoned with even when we are at the end of the rope of long hours studying. The center of my collegiate universe is the Granite State College Rochester NH college campus.

This morning as I ripped down the Spaulding Turnpike in my husband's hot black Mustang Cobra, it occurred to me that this drive, the three toll booths, and the wonderful destination itself would be ending in just another couple of months.

Today I met with my Advisor, Linda Buttrick, to discuss a proposal for my Capstone course -- my final course -- now that I have successfully taken all of my other required classes for my degree. I will be assigned a Mentor who will assist me in developing a topic of study that integrates what I know with what I have learned and how it can be applied to my career path. I am excited to begin the last leg of my journey!

Try something new

Tuesday, August 17, 2010 by Nicole MacMillan

Introduction to Astronomy is just one of the interesting courses we are offering this fall at our Rochester NH college campus. Astronomy is taught by Professor John Gianforte, who is very involved over at the UNH Observatory which is part of the University of New Hampshire System. I enjoyed taking my 5-year-old son there for the Public Sessions held on Saturday night, so he could view the constellations in the night sky. If you take the course, you will visit the Observatory in Durham as well.

John is also a gifted photographer. He is also exhibiting his astrophotography at a showing at the Galleries at One Washington Center in Dover, begging the question -- Where do science and art meet?

Dancing the night away...

Sunday, August 15, 2010 by Gail Gifford

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!!

Communication

Sunday, August 15, 2010 by Deidre Romeo

We have all been communicating since we were toddlers, what more can we possibly learn about communication after forty plus years of practical experience? A lot! One of the core courses required for an adult college degree is a Communication class. I decided to take the Small Group Communication course which was being offered as one of the weekend college classes at Granite State College during the summer semester of my freshman year. My plan was to get all of my core classes out of the way as soon as possible so that I could concentrate on the business and elective classes I was actually passionate about. I had no idea communication would become one of my passions. I had been running PTO meetings during the previous academic year for my daughter’s charter high school. I thought I was doing fine as the facilitator of these meetings but after taking the small group communications class at GSC I realized I had been less than effective in this role.

When our PTO meetings resumed in the fall I utilized the use of “ice breakers” to help create a sense of comfort, ease and familiarity between the group members. I was also able to identify and draw out participation from the members that were less than enthusiastic in playing an active role in the group. Through my learning and understanding of the group dynamics of our PTO I was able to become a more effective leader in this group and therefore elicit more active participation and positive results from our meetings.

After I found the real life advantages achieved through the knowledge attained from my first communication course I immediately decided to take another as an elective in my adult college program. The next available Concord NH Classes offered included Presentational Communication. I had hoped to gain the knowledge and expertise to adequately present power point reports in my other adult college classes. Much to my surprise the course was really more about public speaking without the aid of visual presentations but instead being able to simply speak to an audience without the distraction of any other medium. This course made me the most uncomfortable of any course I took over my undergraduate career but I gained the most useful knowledge, experience and confidence than I did any other class. Since completing this course I have spoken at press conferences, to the House of Representatives, to the University New Hampshire System Board of Trustees and to the audience of the GSC 2010 commencement ceremony.

The next and most relevant communication course I enrolled in at GSC was Interpersonal Communications. In this class I learned about many aspects of communication which I was not currently utilizing in my daily interactions with others. I learned how to identify and communicate with different personality types. I learned how my own personal communication style was perceived by others. Most importantly, I learned how to LISTEN, not just hear what others were communicating to me. During the difficult years of trying to communicate with my teenage daughters I had read numerous books and attended countless workshops to assist me in this impossible task.

It was not until this Granite State College communication course that I actually understood what the authors and social workers were trying to explain to me during those years. This was a huge breakthrough in my life, both personally and professionally. I now understand how to “hear” what others are trying to tell me and how to assure that others “hear” what I am saying. My relationships, learning and daily life have all been enhanced by this new-found understanding of effective communication and its positive effect on my life.

The most profound lesson I learned from my Communications Professor, Dr. Stenho, is that I am lifelong learner. I knew I would learn about new business strategies and concepts, I had hoped to learn to become a better writer and understand the science behind today’s environmental crisis by attending adult college courses but I never thought I would learn anything new or useful about communication. The knowledge and experience I have attained from the numerous communication classes I took at GSC has prompted me to attain my MBA in Organizational Communication. The lack of an effective communication channel by many of my past employers has always been a concern of mine and I now believe I can make a difference in this respect at any organization I may become involved with.

Are you a lifelong learner? Do you enjoy attaining knowledge which enriches both your professional and personal life? If so, stop hesitating and contact an academic advisor at Granite State College today. This is the first step in the rest of your life. After all, it is your turn!