House Hunting

Thursday, April 21, 2011 by Gail Gifford
Another move means another house to find, another place to call home.  This time, I don't want much, something simple and small is what I am looking for.  This move is a bit challenging as Michigan home prices have dropped so much and the questions is, will they drop anymore? I guess it is all relevant as my home in SC still has not sold and I don't need a big house payment.  I go out tomorrow to scope out some areas that I am interested in.  It is similar to when I moved to NH and scoped out Granite State College.  It was everything I needed in a college and when I moved to SC, it was the college that could move with me.  The online classes for adults made it possible for me to continue my education without a bump in the road!! It was great. I am hoping this house hunting trip tomorrow will be as smooth as my education was.

It has been a long day and I need to get some rest for my busy house hunting day I have tomorrow...till the next post!! You all keep learning!!

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.

The Write Ideas Writing Group

Monday, April 4, 2011 by Leslie Bowering

When I graduated from Granite State College in December 2010 I very much wanted to join a writer's group.  I  was vetted and accepted into the Seacoast Women Writer's Group. Still, something was not quite right.  Then I realized what was wrong ...

I wanted a writer's group of my own.

So, while I work on my NH Teaching Certification, I am also accepting new members into my writing group called The Write Ideas writing group which meets every other Tuesday morning in Portsmouth at Barnes & Noble.

I have been inspired by every wonderful writing Instructor I have had the opportunity to work with in Portsmouth, Manchester, and Rochester through Granite State College.

Adult education and training has taken me further than I ever dared to dream I could go.  But I do think it is important to give enormous consideration to the Institution you are joining and whether or not you fit in.

High School VS College

Saturday, April 2, 2011 by Maria Bauer
A few weeks ago, I ran into an old friend from high school. A few days after that encounter, I ran into another friend from high school. It's always amazing how you feel when you run into old friends. There are some people you get very excited to see, and others you get this feeling in the pit of your stomach and in all honesty, you may try to dodge them from seeing you. For most people that I have met (post high school) it's a time in their life they want to forget. And seeing someone from your past can bring up some uneasy feelings that you thought you had buried. 

The reason I bring this up is because seeing two of these people (one from each 'category'), I began to run through in my head what high school was like for me. I tried to remember my teachers, how they taught, the environment, etc. A lot of my high school teachers were very strict about assignments and due dates and making sure they made NO exceptions, because they were trying to prepare us for the "real world" and for college. 
Because of how we were being "prepared", I didn't want to go to college anymore. Of course I had ambitions and I DID want to go to college, but I was expecting that it would not be the experience I had always dreamed it would be. Not after those experiences...
I may not be where I thought I would be when I was 16, but I'm happy to see where I am today. I'm in college, and in a short number of years I will have obtained two adult education diplomas. The exact same outcome as if I had gone off to college right after graduation. 
The differences between high school and Granite State College are numerous! In high school you can become invisible. Very few people know your name, interests, etc. At this Concord, NH college campus, you walk in the front door and you are greeted by your first name! (Side note: I mention Granite State College's Concord, NH college campus because it's my "home base." I go there a great deal, even though I take classes sometimes at the Manchester, NH college campus). 
In high school, no exceptions were made; here at GSC, teachers will work with you and they understand that life happens. Many students who I have taken classes with have demanding jobs and/or children. 
These adult accelerated degree programs are very different from high school. Of course there are always exceptions, but my guess is that these programs work because everyone there has the same goal: to make life better for us. That includes fellow students, and it also includes the faculty. Hazing and bullying don't go on at college (or at least this one). This is the one place you will always look back on as a positive experience. It's a second chance for people (or third, or fourth...). 
In many years down the road you run into someone who you went to college with, there will be no uneasy feelings; you'll finally have an educational experience you are more than happy to revisit. 
The moral of this story: don't let your past experiences hold you back from really living your life. It's always the time to create some new experiences, and you know you'll be better off for it. 

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.

Computer Issues

Monday, March 28, 2011 by Maria Bauer
There's nothing more frustrating and nerve-wracking then your computer Internet connections giving you problems when you are trying to make a deadline for your online adult education classes. It can never be the days when you know you have a few days to submit an assignment: no, no... it's always on Sunday starting at 6pm, and it's the end of the module (which means nothing can be submitted after Sunday midnight), and you can spend HOURS trying to get your computer working and when it does, it is now Monday morning. 

So what can you do about this? Fortunately, everyone in the Granite State College system are very understanding, and will help you in any way they can. Whether that means going to the college and using their computers, or working with your teacher(s) explaining the situation. My experience has shown me time and time again that the teachers don't want to see you fail: they genuinely want you to do your best and pass the class. And for those who participate and put in the effort, they will help you in any way they can. 

In some respect, high school was harder than college. 

I recently had some *very* annoying Internet issues, and I was very touched at how the faculty helped me. Which got me thinking about other technical issues I have had in the past. Any time I had a question about a form that adult Financial Aid sent me, or any letter about my schooling, I can call them up, or stop over at my home base (the Concord NH college campus), and they will take the time to answer any questions that I have. They are there to help make this process easier for us; including helping us with forms and/or submitting grant requests, etc. It's a true example of adult education services. 
Everyone needs help at one time or another, and I will never forget all of the hands that have been and are reaching out to help. As corny as it sounds: Granite State College is a family. No one is excluded. Everyone knows your name, and it has that true feeling of "home" away from home. 

Staying Nimble

Tuesday, March 22, 2011 by Todd Leach
Applications at Granite State College are up nearly 40% over last year. This is wonderful news for the college, since it indicates that we are addressing higher education needs that are in demand. It also represents the college's ability to adapt and change in ways that impact prospective students. Granite State has taken a number of steps this year to make the college more attractive to working professionals and adult students of all ages, who are juggling job and family commitments. 

Over this past year Granite State has streamlined its application process, significantly upgraded our Rochester NH college campus center and opened a new center at the Littleton NH college campus. Students are also gravitating to our online classes for adults and therefore we have significantly expanded are online offerings and currently offer every one of our degree programs fully online. 

The world is moving very quickly and the needs of our students are changing just as quickly. While Granite State College continues to emphasize the quality of the student experience we are also paying increasing attention to the convenience factor that is integral to access.

World Issues

Tuesday, March 22, 2011 by Beth McKenna
Tonight, in my child development class at Granite State College's Portsmouth NH college campus, we were talking about cognitive development of high school students. We discussed how during the high school years, children are transitioning to adulthood, not only in their size, but also in their thinking. Students in high school begin to analyze things from a variety of perspectives. They start to think of themselves as part of a larger world and they start to make moral judgments based on an understanding of right and wrong. You might not think that education classes at Granite State College would touch on world issues, but as we discussed thinking and reasoning, we also talked about issues facing not only today's teens, but also issues facing our country and our world. Should we be concerned about the fate of people half way around the world in Japan? Should we care about how the United States is responding to the crisis in Libya? There are many classes at Granite State College that will allow you to think more deeply about world issues. Think about registering for online classes or face to face classes. These might be behavioral science classes or critical thinking or an online class for criminal justice. Try registering for an adult education class. Many of the classes will encourage you to think and offer you a chance to discuss your ideas with other people who are also interested in world issues.

What month is this again!

Monday, March 21, 2011 by Marta Smith

Wasn't it just last week when it was 50 degrees and sunny? I looked out the window this morning and what do I see - more snow! I was planning on a craft program this week at the library, we were painting plant pots and then planting seeds in them. But, somehow, the project doesn't seem so timely after more snow. On the other hand it may be the only green growing things we get to see for awhile.

I guess if we were having a spell of good weather it would be harder to concentrate on school and right now I am finishing one class and getting ready to start another one.

Another exciting thing happening this spring is the first semester of OLLI (Osher Lifelong Learning Insitute) at Granite State College at the Claremont NH college campus. I will actually be helping with the computer class which still has several openings. The classes are available to students over 50 and the cost is very reasonable - appropriate offering from an adult education school!

If you know someone who might like to sign up let them know about it.

3 weeks left!

Tuesday, March 15, 2011 by Maria Bauer
The end of the term is approaching fast. I have taken my first 5 week intensive online class. This (of course) is held the last 5 weeks of the term: which is the same time I have major research papers due in my other classes. It's a different type of experience. What's great is that adult education classes have the correct forum to try new things. Everything you do, every class you take will help you in your future endeavors. And everyone is traveling down the same road you are.

I am currently in this place where even though there are only 3 more weeks of classes, I know that time is going to fly by, however it feels like the days are never ending. This is the time when papers are due, quizzes are there to finish, etc. Outside of school, things have seemed to pile up and everything has now been officially moved to "#1 priority" which need to be done yesterday.

Life does this to you. These moments help define who you are as a person. I cannot even begin to tell you how many strong people I have met that will repeatedly stand up to the challenge. It's at these home stretches where you either "break" or walk against the wind "fight or flight."

I am a person who reflects...a lot! I was thinking about my first weekend intensive class I had at the Concord NH college campus here at Granite State College; not so much about the class itself but the atmosphere of it all. It was a very comfortable place for me. Not only was the class itself filled with information, but what was happening around us. Our class was constantly laughing - so much we had to shut the doors. The best part about it: we weren't the only ones! There were Foster Parent Classes right down the hall. Whatever you were there for, everyone seemed to have a glowing aura.

Career College Training is a resource that has become more easily accessible. From 4 year colleges, to strictly online classes, to adult accelerated degree programs (or even adult education certificates) which can be completed during day and/or night classes: there is something for you out there! 

How does this relate with this being the end of the term for me? It's because I have been put in a position where I need to pick myself up off the ground, dust myself off, and get ready to fight for the next 3 weeks. These 3 weeks will be a test and I can guarantee you I will learn more about who I am as a person. Every experience, new or repeated, will help push us to where we would like to see ourselves. Hard work pays off: although I wouldn't mind having a personal genie at times :) 

The Future of Financial Aid

Tuesday, March 8, 2011 by Cortney Henry

As many of you may know, Adult Financial Aid has been a hot topic in recent federal and state budget debates. These debates have left many of us wondering, “What is financial aid going to look like in the future?” I can’t speak for other schools, and I certainly do not profess to know exactly what is going to happen, but here are my thoughts and opinions on how Granite State College students may be affected.

 

With regard to State Financial aid, I believe we will see a cut to many of the grant and scholarship programs for New Hampshire. Governor Lynch proposed the elimination of the Post-Secondary Education Commission as a stand-alone agency. They are currently the ones administering the NH Incentive Grant. With the proposed elimination, it is unclear who, if anyone will be administering this program. There have been mentions of each state school receiving an allotment of funding to be used at the school level, but we have not received any official word as of yet.

 

We have been notified; however, that we will no longer have funding for the Unique Allocation Scholarship or the Unique Endowment fund. These funds will be re-directed to support public institutions of higher learning in New Hampshire.

 

In addition, Congress is still debating the proposed cuts to its budget as well. There have been talks of decreasing the annual Pell Grant allotment from $5550 (maximum annual award) to $4705 (maximum annual award). Senate is planning to vote on these proposed cuts this week, and if they are not passed, they will return to the drawing board until they can come to an agreement.

 

That being said, Granite State College is still able to fund the majority of our students using the Federal Aid Programs available to us. Because we are mainly an Adult and Continuing Education college and do not have the high costs of residential campuses, we will not be as heavily affected by these proposed cuts as some of the more traditional colleges in the area. We are confident that no matter what happens, we will have proper funding to assist our students.

 

There are, however, things students can do on their own to help supplement their educational expenses. Because we may have to use more Stafford loan money to cover the portion of charges typically covered by the State Grant Programs, Students should take a good, hard look at what they are borrowing. Students should keep a close eye on their outstanding loan debt by checking the National Student Loan Data System on a regular basis. This will allow them to track how much they have already borrowed and reconsider their borrowing habits. Another good tool to use is the financial aid loan payment calculator. This will give them an idea of what their monthly payment will look like once they have finished their program. These tools allow students to make informed choices as to how they want to spend their money and more importantly, what they can really afford.

 

Another option students should be aggressively pursuing is scholarships. It takes a little more leg work since most have an application and essay requirement, but with the cuts to many grant programs, this is another very feasible way to get free money for education.

Students can create a profile on a scholarship search engine which will then send them different scholarships that may be applicable to them. Another excellent scholarship resource for New Hampshire residents is the New Hampshire Charitable Fund. Specifically, the adult student aid program is designed for adults returning to school to upgrade skills for employment or career advancement. In addition, the statewide student aid program is designed for the traditional student in a four year baccalaureate program.  

 

Keep in mind that not all scholarship opportunities are legit. Take a look at these Scholarship Tips to avoid being caught in the middle of a scam.

 

So as we move forward into the 2011-2012 financial aid award year, things are still very uncertain. Rest assured though, Granite State College will have aid to cover our students regardless of what happens with both the State and Federal governments.


Crazy Month

Tuesday, March 8, 2011 by Gail Gifford
OMG, what a crazy month so far. With my daughter's wedding coming up and job interviews, what will this year bring?  Amber's Shower

Yes, it has been crazy in my world. My daughter's wedding is coming up in just a few days and every thing that needs to get done is flying through my head. From hair appointments, getting chocolates, flowers, pressing the dress, finding shoes and the list goes on and on. The showers are done and we all had a blast. The Bacholrette party was something I will never forget. Every bride needs one of these and the group that was enjoying it with her was the best, fun, exciting, res-cay etc..it was fun. We stayed in a cabin up in the Georgia mountains and it rained the whole time. It had a metal roof so the noise of the rain was quite soothing after a few drinks the night before.  My daughter had fun and I had a new experience under my belt. I had only wished my friend from Granite State College in NH, could have been there with us to celebrate. But, miles away and her fear of flying kept her in New Hampshire.

The wedding will be here before I know it so I have to get my act together this week. I have sewing to do this week, doctors appointments and lets not forget the next interview for the job in Michigan. Yes, I may be moving again just like I did four years ago when I moved from New Hampshire to South Carolina. It will all work out, time management is a skill I learned while I was attending my adult education courses a few years ago. I can do this and I will. 

Snow, Snow, Everwhere Snow

Friday, February 25, 2011 by Marta Smith
I was so happy the other day when my Burpees seed catalog came in the mail. Aha! Spring is almost here - it must be since I got the catalog. Imagine my disappointment when I went outside this morning to go to work. As I stood there in about 6 inches of snow, I saw my dreams of an early spring drifting away like a snowflake on the wind.

I slogged through the snow and cleaned about a foot of snow off the roof and windshield and back of the car, started it up and waited for the ice to melt. My hair was dripping frozen ice down my back and my feet were already wet and I hadn't even left the driveway.When I got to work I had to trudge through another  6 inches of snow because of course we hadn't been plowed out yet.

Finally, I was at my desk, a little warmer and dryer and I was doing my favorite thing - checking in new books. One of the first books I opened up was a new gardening book. It had bright colorful pictures, lots of flowers and vegetables in containers and raised beds and neatly tilled garden beds. I daydreamed about the vegetables and flowers I might grow this year, if spring ever comes!

I remembered last year when I planted a garden for the first time in about 20 years, I was inspired to take the Sustainable Gardening class offered as part of the adult continuing education programs at Granite State College. It was taught by Henry Homeyer from Cornish and I learned so much. I noticed that he will be teaching it again this spring, at the Lebanon NH college campus, this time - I think.

If you like to garden, or want to know more about sustainable gardening or just want to get closer to spring check out his class. It was great, we visited several vegetable and fruit farms in the early spring, planned our garden plots and started seeds inside - it gave us something green to watch as the last of the snow disappeared. And, if the snow is depressing you as much as it is me, I recommend stopping into your local library and checking out a few gardening books and start planning your own garden, or dreaming about it anyway, maybe you could sign up for the Sustainable Gardening class if it's been a while and you need a few pointers.
 
Keep the faith - spring is just around the corner - I think.

A Busy Week

Tuesday, February 22, 2011 by Gail Gifford

I have got a week ahead of me that would make anyone's head spin. I am so thankful for my good friend in New Hampshire that I met in my Economics Class at Granite State College. We took many classes together even weekend college classes (called "weekend intensives") over at the Portsmouth NH college campus. We had fun together, learning and experiencing college life. She has been there for me when I needed to vent this week. I have my daughters shower on Sunday and I am so excited about it but as everyone knows, it is a lot of work and planning. Of course my 40-hour work week is still part of my life while I am trying to cram in all the other "stuff" I need to do.  My daughter's happiness is so important to me and I really want it to be a happy time in her life and our life. I am going to do the best to make her shower a happy one and memorable one. Memories are good, good for the soul.  I have many fond memories, not only of my daughter growing up through the years but also of my time at college. Good times!!


The gift of a scholarship through the generosity of others

Tuesday, February 15, 2011 by Deidre Romeo
It is that time of year again, the time for the ALA Board members, friends, family and staff of Granite State College to participate in several fundraising events to raise money to enable the offering of $1,000 scholarships to up to ten students working towards their adult college degree at our unique NH State College.

     To be considered for an Alumni Merit Scholarship, GSC students:

•    Must be an undergraduate enrolled in a degree program, or a student enrolled in the Post-Baccalaureate Teacher
     Certification Program.
•    Must have completed a minimum of twenty-four credits at Granite State College.
•    Must have completed a minimum of four terms at Granite State College.
•    Must have a 3.5 grade-point average or better.

I was one of the lucky ten who received this scholarship in 2009.  It enabled me to be able to take an extra course that year and graduate the following June with my classmates.  Last year I participated in the fund raising phone-a-thon as a way to “pay-it-forward” to the next generation of scholarship recipients.  This past weekend I once again spent my Sunday afternoon at the Granite State College Concord NH college campus to reach out and call past donors and alumni to ask for their contribution to this great cause.  This year was no different than last; the generosity of the alumni, staff and faculty of Granite State College is heartwarming to say the least.  Many of those currently experiencing difficult times still offered to donate $10.00 and those in better circumstances asked to increase their donation amount from last year.

Thank you to all of those I spoke with this past weekend.  Your generosity, commitment and well wishes to the current students of GSC working towards their own adult college degree are well received and appreciated.


OLLI at Granite State College

Monday, February 7, 2011 by Marta Smith
Beginning this spring, there will be something new at Granite State College at the Claremont NH college campus: OLLI!

OLLI (Osher Lifelong Learning Institute) at Granite State College is a volunteer-run organization that offers free or low cost educational opportunities to residents 50 and older. Healthy communities require healthy stimulated brains and OLLI has many brain-stimulating offerings statewide - and now in Claremont!

You must sign up for a membership - $40.00 a year and you have access to free or low cost programs in the area of literature, history, world cultures, arts, social issues, environment, theater, religion, science, music and other topics.

This spring in Claremont there will be several different offerings - Watercolor Painting, Beginning Computers, Personal Biography writing to name a few.

On Wednesday, February 23, there will be a Kick-Off Event at Granite State College at the Claremont NH college campus, from 11 am to 1 pm. Stop in and sign up to become a member or to take a class. Keep your brain young and fit and the classes are fun!

For more information about OLLI at Granite State College, click here.

Is Online College better

Tuesday, January 18, 2011 by Beth McKenna
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?

CASA of NH

Thursday, January 13, 2011 by Mary Clouter
I don't know if I mentioned it in a previous post, but I am a volunteer as Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) in NH (www.casanh.org).  CASA is a great nationwide organization that represents children in the court system who may not have had the best of circumstances in their young lives.  CASA has also helped me to see that working with/for others is something I wanted to pursue.  What better place or program, but Granite State College's bachelor's degree in Behavioral Science.

As part of being a CASA volunteer though, I'm able to take advantage of the foster parent classes that are offered at GSC.  I'm actually taking my first class now through the foster parent classes.  The class is Delivering Effective Training and is 12 hours over two days.  The class started Monday and will be finishing up tomorrow, Thursday.  There is really quite a bit offered in foster parent classes such as Caring for Children with Emotional Disabilities, Unlocking Children's Learning Styles, and Autism Spectrum Disorders (which is one I think I might like to try soon).  The courses are offered at the different GSC locations or can be workbook or online.

If you are or considering becoming a foster parent, a current CASA volunteer or DCYF worker, check it out.  It might be worth looking into.  The courses are non-credit, but might be well worth it for whatever direction you choose in life.  It's a good price... FREE!  :)

The start of a new semester!

Thursday, January 13, 2011 by Mary Clouter
Our Winter session has started.  I was really excited about the start of this new semester.  Part of the reason is that I only have five more courses (including this semester) before I graduate in June with my Bachelor's degree in Behavioral Science and I'm looking forward to my courses.

I'll have two online classes for college this semester and one in the classroom at the Manchester NH college campus.  I can't say that I'm very good at biology, but I am so looking forward to my class, "The Human Brain."  It will be interesting to learn more about different disorders and what parts of the brain are affected.  Cool stuff!

I'll also have my Introduction to Research Methods in the Behavioral Sciences and Social Psychology - Hi Beth!  (Beth was the instructor for my Human Development class too.)

The Intro class is so interesting even though we're only about half way through the first week.  Lots of great online discussions as responses to a posted question from our instructor.

I can't wait to see how these classes unfold.  I wish in some ways that I had started at Granite State College earlier because they have so many interesting classes being offered through the year.  But I'm not complaining!  It's because of Granite State College's flexible class schedules and different formats (classroom, online, and weekend intensive) that's allowing me to graduate in June!  

I'll let you know how things progress!

mary

A New Semester

Tuesday, January 11, 2011 by Beth McKenna
Every time I begin a new semester, I wonder about the kinds of students that will come through the door at Granite State College. I wonder about ages, past educational experiences, work history, reasons for coming to class and I wonder if I will be able to meet all the various needs for attending Adult Education classes at Granite State College.

This semester was no different except that I was teaching at the Portsmouth NH college campus, where I have always taught at Rochester NH college campus. I entered the Portsmouth NH campus for the first time and was greeted by a work study student. She welcomed me, assuming that I was a student. She asked if I was ready to begin classes. I smiled and thought how much fun it would be to be taking one of the many continuing education classes at Granite State College. For a moment I envied the adults that come to do an Adult Education Certificate or an Adult Accelerated Degree Program. I love teaching the courses, but what fun to take one.

I felt so welcomed at Portsmouth and so excited about the new semester. So thank you for welcoming me to my "new" campus.  Come and visit yourself and see all the course options Granite State has to offer.