University of New Hampshire System

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

My GSC Story

Wednesday, January 16, 2013 by Granite State College 40th Anniversary

Like the majority of GSC (or in my case, CLL) learners, I came to the college via a circuitous route. It was on this journey of self discovery that I realized I needed to be involved in higher education for non-traditional learners. It was with my GSC degree in hand that I headed off to obtain my MBA so I could work with adult learners returning to school. Upon completing my master's, I was hired as an adjunct business faculty member within the community college system, which has lead me to my current profession as a Military Academic Advisor at Southern New Hampshire University. And to think, it all started in 1996 with my first GSC (CLL) class in the North Country.

- John

Reflecting on "Nashua's 50 and the next 20"

Friday, December 14, 2012 by Jacqui Lantagne

This week the Nashua Telegraph published this special feature:

Image source: nashuatelegraph.com

What we think is especially compelling is the section that profiles the business leaders of the next 20 years. We were proud to read about Nashua Community College's President, Lucille Jordan, and honored that GSC was mentioned as part of her story:

"Forty percent of [NCC] students transfer to four-year institutions to earn their bachelor's degree.

Making that easier is this year is the fact that Granite State College, part of the University System of New Hampshire, is now 'co-located' at NCC."

We are new to Nashua and this feature served as a great inspiration for what we can accomplish with their community. For example...

We have the opportunity to provide a convenient pathway for NCC students to expand their education goals and pursue a bachelor's degree with GSC

We can help business leaders retain their best employees with our master's degree programs like the M.S. in Leadership and M.S. in Project Management

We can engage with the healthcare community through our RN to BSN degree program

K-12 educators can pursue teacher certifications in the critical shortage areas in education and help to make a difference in the Nashua School District

These are just a few of our current goals in Nashua and we can't wait to lay our roots deep and explore the possibilities.

Congratulations to ALL who were honored in the "Nashua 50 and Next 20." Thank you for all that you do!

Teaching What You Practice

Friday, October 19, 2012 by Susan Gagnon

I love my job. I recently had the opportunity to attend two events and was able to be up close and personal with two of the University System of New Hampshire's (USNH) presidents—and this does not include the one I work for.

Each venue was different in topic and setting. After listening to each of the president’s messages, one passage was the same. “We are only given 6% of our budget from the State. Essentially, we run like a private school.” Could that have been planned? No, I seriously doubt College Presidents call each other the night before about wearing the same tie color or chat about the same message to give (that’s what Politicians do!). The message was said both times without judgment. It’s just a fact.

What impresses me most about working for this 31,000 student and 6,000 employee university system is that collegiality and respect runs rampant. For me, working for Granite State College’s relatively new graduate programs, I get a positive affirmation from a colleague almost each time I meet someone new. We are free to collaborate, explore, expand and discover the talents that each institution has that could benefit a sister school, and our voices are heard when we speak of ideas and change. Here, the equation is 1 + 1 = 3. Yes, you get more when you work together with excellence in leadership with what you have.

The more I thought about this academic environment I call my professional home, I began to realize that we also teach our students how we behave, or even better, what we believe. The collegiality in the USNH parallels the Granite State College Master of Science in Leadership. In part, the pedagogy behind our program in leadership comes from scholar Joe Raelin's Four C’s of Leadership: Collective, Concurrent, Collaborative and Compassionate. We are collective, which means that we can all serve as leaders, and can be heard. Concurrent is the thought that we can all have a say; a contribution is an important part of the process. Collaboratively, we all work together and engage in dialogue. And lastly, we have compassion, which preserves the dignity of everyone on the team, especially when an action is taken.

At GSC and our sister institutions, we practice this on a daily basis. Collectively, we work together coming up with solutions and ideas that serve the greater good of our students and our community—including our sister institutions. Concurrently, we are free to have leadership at all levels in our institutions—we are all important members. Collaboratively, we work together until a mutual idea is brought forth and found to be the best solution. And, we are compassionate through our humble nature. We don’t gloat. We worked together.

At Granite State College, our graduate programs' philosophy is to teach what you practice.

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.

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.

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.

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!

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.

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.

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!

Testing the waters

Thursday, July 29, 2010 by Erin Todd

So, here I am writing my first blog post. It's a little intimidating because I've never blogged before. But there's a first time for everything and I'm excited about this new endeavor. Of course the challenge will be finding the time, between working and classes and family responsibilities.

It helps that I am surrounded by other adult college students, many of whom can relate to my balancing act, because they are also working full-time while taking part time classes. In fact, many of my classmates are only able to afford their adult college classes because at GSC taking just one class a term means that they are eligible to apply for financial aid. Another huge incentive is that the difference between in-state and out-of-state tuition at GSC is only $15 per credit! Offering the lowest tuition of all four institutions in the University of New Hampshire System, GSC is a NH state college where my classmates and I can earn an affordable bachelor degree, associate degree or even teacher certification.

I suppose I sound like I'm going for a hard-sell. But that's only because I have such a positive impression of Granite State College. One of the best aspects of my job at GSC is being a point-of-contact for prospective and new students because I want so much to help people see their potential become reality. If a student calls our Claremont NH College, needing to know how to post a comment to the discussion board in Blackboard for their online class, I can walk them through it over the phone, because I've been in their shoes.

When a potential student calls or walks into our center for the first time, they are often worried about how they'll handle taking adult college courses on top of their work and family responsibilities, and I can relate. But it really is doable! For me, taking online classes is one way I have been able to manage to keep all the balls in the air, so to speak. Sure, my first online class was a little scary in the beginning, but my classmates were incredibly helpful - explaining where to find resources and how to submit assignments. It was a great feeling to learn some new technology along with the actual course material. That's just one of the perks of taking online classes for college!

Because I really enjoy the occasional human interaction, I also take face-to-face evening college classes, as well as weekend intensive classes. I find that I can fit these into my hectic schedule quite nicely. Currently, I'm taking Managing Diversity as a weekend intensive, and The Emerging U.S. Health Care System online. It's a splendid combination of formats and learning!

Well, I better get back to the books, because I want to make sure I get my assignment in before the deadline tomorrow.

Summer, a day on the lakes with a friend

Sunday, July 18, 2010 by Gail Gifford

It was a lovely Sunday morning when my friend and I started out to Lake Cunningham which is about am hour away from my house. We had to stop for our coffee, morning DD with a donut or two, before we got there as we knew we would need some energy to paddle around the whole lake. It must be six to seven miles around the lake but what fun it was. We talked about everything as we paddled. We talked about memories and good times that we had in the past, things we would like to do in the future, dreams, etc. then Granite State College came to mind. It was a memory for me as it has been nine months since I graduated with my Adult College Degree. Boy has it been that long? Time sure flies. When I was going to school it was hard to see the "light at the end of the tunnel" I was so busy. Busy with school work, busy with household work, busy with my full time job work and busy with my four young adults. I just didn't seem to get a break. Now my break is here and can hardly believe it is done. Well, done for the time being anyways. I would love to get my Masters Degree someday. Maybe the University System of New Hampshire can help with that in my future.

OK, more about my day. We started out at Lake Cunningham...then went to a lake neither of us had been to before, Lake Rabon, which is only 18 miles from my house. I was so excited to find a new lake and so close!! "Life is good" as they say. We had map-quested it before we left so we had to watch for street signs as we drove, and low and behold there was the street we were looking for. No more than a stones throw was the lake. OMG what a big lake and bit bigger than Lake Cunningham. There were fisherman fishing and kayakers kayaking..it was great. The water lilies where in full bloom, even brought a couple home to enjoy.

All and all we had a wonderful day, we may feel the aches and pains in a couple days but that will pass. Just like all those classes passed by with the Adult Accelerated Degree Program for school. Isn't it funny how one experience resembles another at times.

My daughter is coming home tomorrow and I think her and I will go to my new found paddling spot one day this week. Hope you all had a wonderful weekend and remember, "this too will pass."

Benefits of Work Study

Tuesday, July 13, 2010 by Ellen Gagnon

     As I mentioned in my previous posts I do work-study at Granite State College. I am usually in the Portsmouth, NH college or at the Rochester Regional Center. Now, I already have a full-time job, so doing work-study is sort of my second job -- but not really -- it helps support my college habit. It is a means by which I can go to school and still make some money. Regardless of the type duties a work-study candidate may encounter the big pay-off is not the money. I hope that doesn’t hurt when we say it out loud.

     Other institutions within the University of New Hampshire System provide work-study opportunities to their students. A student may find themselves in the dining hall, washing dishes for the 2000 students who come in. One of my personal favorites is cleaning the horse barn; a twice daily ritual reserved for the lucky few work-study candidates who desire a truly hands on approach to learning.

     When I go online and look-up work-study, I often see lists of benefits that college-aged students reap when they participate in the program; earn money while going to college, develop time management skills, build work ethic, etc. But the funny thing is, those are not the benefits I need to reap as an adult learner. The benefits I need to have must be geared towards my goals, incorporate my experiences and enhance my learning. So as a budding student of teacher training education, I NEED to have a place where I can foster examples of new learning for young people; I NEED to practice the skills of implementing the theory I have encountered during my course work. So I was really curious about how Granite State College work-study could benefit me.

     In 2007, when I began looking into utilizing work-study funds as a means of decreasing my reliance on student loans I found that most if not all the jobs listed were in Concord and the surrounding areas. Being from the Seacoast this was a disappointing development. But as I read more I found out I could actually do meaningful work, that would also enhance my studies; utilizing work-study funds I could work in my community where I felt there was a need. This was new information for me. Did you know that work-study funds could be used in the community and not only at the college? A win-win solution.

     With the help of Cortney Henry at the Financial Aid office, and the support of my employer, we created an after-school mentoring program (a desperately needed component when working with at-risk youths).  Together the students and I created a concrete form for a garden bench and then went on to pour it. After the bench was finished, we then went on and created a garden area for our bench to be displayed in. It was meaningful work which fit in nicely with my degree program and it is a project which continues to grow today. It has created a lasting tribute to the students who participated in the program and they now have a tangible connection in their community.   When we make purposeful connections, between people and places in our community, we then share common values which enrich us all.

     Now that’s a benefit you can’t put in a pamphlet -- and after all isn’t that what learning should be about?

Success As Measured in Bacons

Thursday, June 24, 2010 by Douglas Cooper

There must have been a time when livestock was expensive enough that it was currency unto itself, hence phrases like "bring home the bacon." I am pretty sure the term bucks came to mean dollars in the frontier days of the U.S for the same reason. There was probably an era, when prosperity and success in life in the developed world could be correlated to the amount of bacon a particular person ate, or at least had access to.

This however, is not the bacon I have in mind; instead, I am thinking of Kevin Bacon. In particular, I think that Kevin Bacon should get his own unit of measure, not shockingly called Bacons.

Let me back up: ever since 7th grade, I thought it would be the coolest thing to have my own unit of measure (after I took chemistry in 10th grade, I added that having my own chemical element would be awesome, too). The greatest names in science, as a tribute to their contributions to knowledge, were made synonymous with units of measure in their fields of endeavor. Some of the are familiar and heard every day, like Fahrenheit, or Newtons, if you've ever taken physics. There are dozens more, and they can get totally obscure, like angstroms, gauss, roentgens, farradays, etc. Since I changed my major in college from chemistry to psychology in my sophomore year, the odds of getting my own element or unit don't look good. Almost everyone else alive today won't get one either, but each of us can make a difference in the world with our Bacons.

The idea is to play off the "six degrees of Kevin Bacon" game, so that your one-Bacons are the people immediately around you: family, friends, colleagues. The two-Bacons and beyond are somewhat harder to measure, but it could certainly be done. Focusing on the one-Bacons, I believe that the well-being of your one-Bacons is a direct measure of yourself. The best part about this is that everyone you've ever seen, spoken, or been around is one of your one-Bacons, and anyone that they've ever seen, spoken to, or been around is one of your two-Bacons. Similarly, you could very well be a two-Bacon to two complete strangers, who turn out to be within four or five Bacons of each other....whoa, hang on... I'm dizzy.

This all hit me at the Granite State College Commencement ceremony a couple weekends ago. Even though I have been to a dozen graduation ceremonies before, both as a spectator and a graduate, I just realized a couple weeks ago that an elusive concept like success can be easily measured as your one-Bacons. Each speaker at Commencement, including GSC President Dr. Karol LaCroix, Governor John Lynch, and the faculty and student speakers, more or less made this point from different perspectives. When the students thanked their husbands and wives and children and families, they spoke volumes about being the one-Bacons of their family members. The award recipients basically said the same thing - that their personal achievements were possible only because they are the one-Bacons of their families and colleagues.

I also had a great day that Sunday on account of my one-Bacons. For the first graduation since I started here, I had a number of students graduate that "came in" with me, which is to say I was their advisor from their first day, to that Sunday where they graduated. My one-Bacons are everywhere, too. Some of them had been to multiple schools in the University of New Hampshire System, but finished at GSC. Others have a career for years, even decades, before deciding to finish with online classes for criminal justice.

All of this was huge for me, although to be fair, it's sort of rigged: each of my advisees who graduated are some of my one-Bacons, and it felt really good to have helped in the success and graduation of that many folks. The families and friends assembled that afternoon must have also been proud, so that my two-Bacons also had a great day.

Please know, this is not all about me, or about any one of us, individually. Instead, I think the true measure of the success of any one of us can be measured by our Bacons. Ask yourself, just as I do everyday (wait, that's not true; it's not every day, how about a few times a week):

How did I make my organization better today?
How did I make my spouse's/child's/friend's/neighbor's life better today?

Your one-Bacons (and two-Bacons and three-Bacons, and so on) can be your most trusted friends or total strangers on the bus, and any one of them or all of them can be vastly upgraded by the simplest or silliest things. And even though it's true that we have an opportunity to better ourselves by actively bettering the lot of our one-Bacons, it always helps to have a ceremony or event that broadcasts the betterment of your one-Bacons, like when a number of my students walked across that stage when their names were called at Commencement.