Speaker's Corner

One week of working for Granite State College is under my belt, and boy am I exhausted.  I can truly commiserate with all of the students who are starting classes soon, even though most days I get to go home just as they are gearing up for class.  I have learned so much about the college, what it means to be an adult learner, the degree programs, adult education programs, tuition reimbursement, blah, blah, blah--the list goes on and on. 

Of course, when I say "learned" I mean I wrote a few notes, listened intensely, and then promptly forgot 90% of it as I moved on to the next thing.  In terms of remembering, I rely on the little bell that rings somewhere in the cobwebby back of my brain to reminds me that I've heard that somewhere before.  Then I have to push my brain to remember the details, usually as someone is talking to me as if I know what they're talking about, and I am trying to look as if I DO know what they're talking about until my brain saves me by finagling dragging up the information.  It is a tangled web, but it does work--sometimes. 

I have learned as a I grow older that it is OK to not know some things, to need a reminder, to require a hint or even just stop the conversation and back it up so I can get on board.
I always want to be the person with all the right answers, but this week I have found myself struggling to keep up with my teachers.  Luckily, I have good teachers and they have infinite amounts of patience (which I have yet to completely try) and are always available to answer my questions.  I am feeling like I am part of the Granite State group, a surprisingly good feeling.  I even called a prospective student and spoke to her about our degree programs and how she would fit in to the Granite State family, even though what I know about the college would fill a tea cup.  I was surprised at how well I did!  I was so worried about picking up the phone to call her, because I was sure she would ask me something to which I did know the answer.  After a few "ums" and "hmms" on my part, I talked to her and was answering her questions left and right.  I don't know if she will join us, but I know my teachers are doing a good job, and so am I.  I don't have all the right answers yet, but I'm not afraid to jump on the train and see where it takes me.