Universities New Hampshire

Bending the Cost Curve

Wednesday, October 19, 2011 by Todd Leach

The "Public Good" of higher education can only truly be achieved when it is accessible to the masses. As tuition increases across the country continue to outpace inflation and public funding (including financial aid) decreases, higher education begins to become unobtainable for more and more Americans. In fact, the U.S. has slipped dramatically relative to higher education trends around the globe and it is only logical that this will ultimately translate into a loss in comparative advantage and competitiveness. However, non-traditional pathways do exist that strive to keep tuition affordable and access to a quality education achievable for students who are able to find them. As a public institution with the University System of New Hampshire, it is important that Granite State College provide affordable access to the residents of New Hampshire and the region.

Granite State College was recently identified as a "Best Buy" through GetEducated.com for having the lowest bachelor tuition rate in New Hampshire and one of the twenty lowest accredited bachelor tuition rates in the nation. Granite State accomplishes this efficiency by focusing on teaching and learning rather than research or a residential experience. Our classes are taught largely by practicing professionals who can put theory to practice, and more than half our students attend classes online for adults. By offering every program online, including our graduate program, we minimize infrastructure costs and reach more students.

Granite State also maximizes affordability by being transfer friendly and by having a sophisticated system of prior learning assessment. In addition, accessing what financial aid is available is paramount to the ability of many students to attend. Granite State College is unique in our scheduling and calendar in that it is possible for a student to take one course at a time (using our 6-week hybrid model) and be eligible for full-time financial aid! Students may also be eligible for full-time financial aid in any one of our Fast Track programs.

So while the cost of higher education continues to outpace the ability of many students to pay, it is important that colleges such as Granite State College, remain committed to access to quality higher education through diligent cost containment; delivery and schedule innovation; online technology; and by focusing on our core mission of teaching and learning.

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.

Realtors and temp living arrangments??!!

Saturday, March 19, 2011 by Gail Gifford

Here it is, Saturday morning and I have been up since 6am, waiting for the Realtor to come and tell me what my house/home is worth. If any of you have moved, you know the hassle it can be. The trashing of stuff you have toted from one residence to another that you never even unpacked after four or five years. That is what I am finding to be true in my case. There are boxes that left Michigan twenty-three years ago. I trashed a few when I left Tennessee seven years ago and I have taken some of them to New Hampshire, South Carolina and now wondering if I need to take them back Michigan once again. Why? Why do we save these trinkets and trash? I even move the rocks that lined the street my grandparents cottage was on. I think it is just the sentimental part of us, or at least me. I take them as they were happy memories, the past and somewhere deep inside, I care about them and what they represent. Therefore, I have trashed some and others will get loaded on the truck and taken to Michigan and who knows where else they may travel too.

I went through my school papers and books from Granite State College while in the attic the other day. I got rid of some of the papers I had written but, some I saved. I saved them because I remember the hard work I put into my adult college classes. The research the study groups I was part of and the endless hours I spent figuring out my math problems for business statistics. So, I kept them so some day I will show them to my grand-kids what their Grammy did in life and how they can do it too. Distance learning universities are out there, Granite State College was my salvation since I moved so much. I just kept on going doing on-line classes either from home, the book store or sitting at Panara Bread having a bagel on Sunday Afternoon.

I am rambling and I really need to run the vacuum. I will let you know how it all pans out..Guess I will have to buy a shovel this next winter. YUK!!

Health Care Management

Tuesday, March 1, 2011 by John Cook

A recent note from the US Department of Labor finds that employment for medical and health care managers is expected to rise faster than average. Looking around the landscape of New Hampshire and other states, the outlook for jobs is very promising in this area. But what about preparation for those individuals seeking to work in the field of health care management? Good news now that Granite State College, the institution within the University System of New Hampshire that focuses on adult students, has launched our B.S. degree in Health Care Management.

I'm particularly excited for students enrolling in the Health Care Management degree because of the fantastic faculty that will be teaching in the program. For example, Catherine DiPentima who holds both an M.B.A. and a Nursing degree, offers practical and applied knowledge that is so well suited for adult students.

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!!

On being student-centered

Friday, December 3, 2010 by Todd Leach

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.

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!

Pursuing a Behavioral Science degree

Thursday, November 11, 2010 by Mary Clouter

Hi.

I thought I would write a bit about the degree that I'm pursuing. I'll be receiving my bachelor's in Behavioral Science in June of next year (2011). What got me interested in Behavioral Science was the community service work I had started while at Nashua Community College. Some of the community service was helping at the local soup kitchen or helping homeless vets with creating resumes and checking online jobs boards. I am a volunteer advocate for victims of violence and have also helped with Habitat for Humanity. I get such good feelings from volunteering in these groups, it's amazing.

I wasn't sure if I wanted to focus on psychology, sociology, and social work, but the Behavioral Science degree offered at Granite State College was perfect to sample a bit of each of those areas. What was interesting too was after taking a quick look at other local colleges, Granite State College appeared to be the only one that offered a Behavioral Science degree. So far I've taken Counseling, Human Development, and Victim Rights and Advocacy. Exactly the topics I'm interested in. Next semester I'll be taking Intro. to Behavioral Science Methods, Social Psychology, and The Human Brain. Cool courses! I can't wait. Which reminds me, don't forget to sign up for courses starting Nov. 22!

It's hard to believe that I'll have my bachelor's in Behavioral Science in less than a year. Granite State College is helping me obtain my dream of having a bachelor's degree and maybe even move on to another University System of New Hampshire University's to pursue my Master's. It is soooo exciting!

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.

Taking My Homework on the Road

Tuesday, September 28, 2010 by Leslie Bowering

If you are thinking of going back to school anytime soon but you are talking yourself out of it because it restricts you from doing other things, then I have a story for you!

My husband –who by the way—loves to celebrate all of our special anniversaries, booked us into an adorable little cottage at Eagle Lake in Northern Maine. Of course, he had to reserve our “usual” cottage in advance. At the time he did so, I was uncertain of how much homework would be assigned in my Linguistics class which I am taking at the University of New Hampshire. I am taking this Linguistics course as a Language Arts requirement for my self-designed program at Granite State College because I had a difficult time understanding the Online version of Linguistics that Granite State College offers.

So, here I am today, sitting in this adorable little cottage in Northern Maine surrounded by my books, laptop, battery-operated mouse, and a printer provided for me by my husband so that I could “get away” with him for our second wedding anniversary.

Nowadays technology makes all things possible when it comes to taking your homework on the road.

Even if you think that the technology is too daunting a task to tackle, Granite State College offers computer courses in varied locations across the state of New Hampshire for the convenience of students who are interested. It is a most excellent way to take a hands-on approach to getting technologically up to speed. For example, since I do not have wi-fi in the cabin, I will save this word document in my sweet little pink flash drive. When I return home to Exeter, New Hampshire on Monday, I will copy this document from my flash drive into my blog. It’s a piece of cake!

The Granite State College Alumni Board Association

Wednesday, September 22, 2010 by Deidre Romeo

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

If You Ever Take Linguistics

Monday, September 20, 2010 by Leslie Bowering

     Taking a Linguistics Course, whether it is done online through Granite State College or in a face to face class at the University of New Hampshire campus in Durham, New Hampshire can be a daunting task.

     Therefore, as a college student at eighteen years old or fifty years old, one tip I offer is to stay connected to or perhaps revisit the rules you previously learned in developing the necessary skill of rote memorization.

     I am taking Linguistics 405.2 as the final course of my Language Arts Degree which might have been a more significant task at the beginning of my program because of how the course breaks the English language down to morphic units of words and phrases. Now that I have completed every single other language writing requirement, it seems I should have taken Linguistics in a different order at the beginning of my course work.

     The online Linguistics course offered through Granite State College is taken by those enthusiastic techno-geniuses from all over the world. One of the students that signed up for this course was enrolled from England. So, from where ever you may be, there is a good opportunity to study this course online with interesting folks from away.

     Although I was fascinated by the distance between my local address and the students from away, I am not a techno-genius. Because Linguistics is a course requirement for the success of my degree, I dropped the online course before I was in too far over my head... after awhile... you can tell when a course is going to surpass the label of challenging and meet up with the label of impossibility which the online Linguistics course did for me.

     My face to face Linguistics course at UNH is equally as challenging as far as I am concerned. The biggest difference about taking the face to face class is definitely in the ongoing classroom discussion that occurs bi-weekly for an hour.

     Still, Linguistics covers a wide range of information that I have never been exposed to before. Certainly, I should have made a point to find out more about the course before signing up. The good news is that I love the English Language. I love to read and write. And so, it is my most earnest hope that if I continue to do the reading, sit for many hours reconstructing the word and phrase diagrams involved in the course, and revisit the rote memorization model (even though I don't really believe in this method of learning), eventually the concepts and purpose of Linguistics will all come together and I will successfully complete the course. You can too!

National Recognition

Friday, September 10, 2010 by John Cook

It takes a lot to garner the attention of US News & World Report, which makes the mention of our New Hampshire State College all the more noticeable. It appears that work on the part of the New Hampshire University System to offer adult college courses and degrees has garnered the attention of this magazine. Select this link - you'll find that Granite State College has the tenth highest percentage of students over the age of 25. Whether it is our adult online degrees, our weekend college classes, or unique programming like our courses out on the Isles of Shoals, it is clear that individuals already working or raising families are seeking out our affordable Bachelor Degrees.

Introduction to Linguistics @ the University of New Hampshire

Thursday, September 9, 2010 by Leslie Bowering

Did You Know?

It's official! I am enrolled in my last two courses of my self-designed Granite State College Language Arts Degree. Because I chose to take my Linguistics course in a face to face traditional classroom, I received special permission to enroll in the introductory course being taught at the University of New Hampshire, the umbrella under which Granite State College resides.

What is Linguistics?
Well, if you don't know--then be sure and join me on my journey of discovery, as I write about my UNH experience of learning linguistics.

How is this course different from any other?
Although I am the only other older adult in the classroom besides the Professor, I am not nearly as uncomfortable as I thought I would be. For the most part, the younger students walk past me or sit next to me without acknowledging me. That's different. We sit in the classroom with the lights off. That's different. We sit in cramped little desks from my high school days. If I hadn't lost 50 lbs. recently, I would be extremely uncomfortable. That's different.

Otherwise I'm good. I sit quietly until I can join the conversation. Linguistics is more of a scientific exploration of language which will be of the utmost challenge for me. My goal is to get the most out of this course as I possibly can.

What is the difference?
As an Adult Learner it would have been wonderful to do my last course at Granite State College, in the same adult environment I have enjoyed tremendously.

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.

Give Me a 'G' - Give Me an 'S' - Give Me a 'C' ... What's that spell?

Saturday, August 21, 2010 by Erin Todd

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!

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.