I was sitting at the coffee shop this morning, listening to the news on TV and heard that college educations are not worth getting. It aggravated me so much as I disagree. Yes, maybe our economy is rough, there are lots of people who get degrees and can't get jobs. But, if you don't have a degree, do you have the knowledge or credentials to get a job if one were to come up? No. Getting an adult education degree is so valuable, I don't care what the economy is like. It grows your mind, your soul, your personality and knowledge is power. It always has been and always will be.
Accelerated degrees are so available at Granite State College. With weekend intensive classes as well as online classes for adults, college is possible for anyone. I hope the young adults don't stop dreaming and stop learning. I hope that people who are ready for a change in life job choice, grasp the concept of going back to school. Going back to school for me was the best decision I ever made and I will always be in the learning mode.
I just moved into a new neighborhood recently where it seems everyone on my block goes to some local community college. Funny enough, that school is where both my fiancé and I had originally started out. We started to talk about how it's not a good school for someone who has to work and pay bills, because there were times when he had to choose whether to go to class or work and pay bills so he would not be evicted. "Try working, being a mom, paying bills, and going to school!" I had to laugh a little in relief that I don't have to deal with that! I don't have to decide if school is more important than working and paying bills, because with Granite State College I can take all of my courses online so that I can conveniently have a life and get a degree at the same time!
My son got a virus last weekend, and directly after that I got a severe sinus infection followed up with Bronchitis, (when I go for something, I go all or nothing! LOL!). I was horrifyingly ill, not able to speak for days on end. It was nothing I had to worry about, though, because with online classes for adults, there is no need to attend a class outside of my home. I can sit in my pajamas, hair a mess, a red nose from all my sneezing, and still attend class! When I had my appointment on Friday, and then had to wait what seamed like FOREVER for my prescription, I did not have to worry about not being able to attend class, and how it would affect my grade. When you attend online classes for college through Granite State College, if you can't find the time to do class work on Friday, you can do it on Thursday or even Saturday! It's really a life saver! And I don't even have to worry about attending class with a runny nose!
My fellow students ranged from seasoned professionals, some of whom had already earned a master's degree, to 22-year-old recent graduates yet to enter the workforce. The learning outcome in the weekend course environment is enhanced greatly by the personal, professional and academic experiences of those in attendance. This is something that is not attainable at a traditional weekday college course.
Of course the competence, enthusiasm, knowledge and experience of the faculty of any education and career advancement class is of equal importance. Most of the professors of adult college classes have spent many years working outside of the college environment in their fields of expertise. During my most recent weekend college class we had professors who are published authors, current and former business owners and valuable community leaders in attendance.
Our weekend experience ended with our professor belting out Sinatra's "I did it my way!"
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.
As a father, husband, uncle, caregiver, pastor, blogger, AND a full-time student of Granite State College, one of the questions that I sometimes encounter is "where do you find the time?"Honestly, that's really a loaded question. If time were something to be found, I would never find it at all. When I stop to think of the sheer amount of relationships, roles, and responsibilities that I have to juggle on any given day, I find myself bordering on hyperventilating, especially when I factor in all that I have yet to do in a given week, or at least by the term's end of any of my adult online classes.
The true answer to "where do you find the time?" is simply "I don't."
I have to MAKE the time. But how is this done?
I recently watched a video by motivational time management speaker, Stephen Covey, on this very subject. Given a challenge to fill a bucket with a certain amount of pebbles and rocks, people will often put the pebbles in first, before attempting the big rocks, which, to their frustration, will not fit neatly in the bucket, no matter what they do. This problem is solved by putting the big rocks in FIRST, and then pouring the pebbles in around the rocks, which then all fits neatly together.
In life, we are given a certain amount of responsibilities, and it is up to us to determine the priorities we give to each. Like in the big rock illustration, what may appear to be overwhelming when approached from one perspective, becomes manageable when approached from a different mindset.
Of course, I can't answer for you just what constitute your own pebbles and rocks, but I can tell you, from personal experience, that you CAN do it! You will never find the time to pursue your education, but you can make the time. It's a small distinction, but it's an important one. Granite State College is a lifelong learning college, one that recognizes the unique challenges faced by nontraditional adults, and accommodates for them through night college classes, weekend college classes, and, the option that best suits my busy life, online classes for adults.
Don't wait to FIND the time, MAKE the time! It's your turn!
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 :)
For me, Spring is the best time of year. The temperature becomes a perfect mix of cool and warm, people are outside more, and nature starts to wake up. Every Spring day brings
along something new; new buds on trees, birds I haven't heard for awhile and didn't realize that I missed, and flowers beginning to bloom. I love the feeling that it gives me of new and hopeful beginnings.One more semester to go before I graduate from Granite State College and start my "new and hopeful" life outside of GSC. The feeling is both satisfying and also a bit scary. It's not always easy trying something new that will be outside of my comfort zone however positive it may be. There was a time when I am sure I felt the same way about entering college. All of the "what ifs" creep up... what if I don't do well, what if I can't find the time, what if, what if, what if. All it took though was one class at a time and now, with the help of GSC's affordable continuing education options and class formats (classroom, online, and weekend intensive), the one class at a time has become a bachelor's degree in Behavioral Science. How exciting!
Continuing my education was the best thing I ever did. Give Granite State College a call and see what "new and hopeful beginnings" are waiting for you!
Working with prospective adult students at Granite State College, three concerns about returning to college frequently surface and these personal barriers all involve ‘fit’.
Admittedly or not, adults who are in the discernment process about college are worried if they are fit (capable) of taking on the academic challenge that comes with higher ed. “It’s been years since I’ve picked up a text book; am I really up to it?” is a concern that I often hear.
Prospective adult learners looking at colleges that tout adult college programs spend a fair amount of time considering the environment, learning formats and programs when narrowing down their choices of schools. Most adults are uncomfortable thinking about sitting in a classroom with traditional-aged students or trying to figure out how they will be able to make it to classes only offered during the day. They want to pick a college that is a good fit for their life situation and needs.
Like entertainers on stage juggling multiple balls most adult learners have many life priorities. Work, family, home maintenance and leisure activities carve chunks of time out of people’s lives. Going to college is admittedly a big commitment and prospective students have legitimate concerns about their ability to fit it all in.
The good news in Granite State College in built around addressing these three concerns. Small classes populated mostly by adults with significant life experience, evening weekend and online course formats offering the ability to progress at our students’ own pace have made GSC the natural choice for those adults who quite naturally ask themselves the ‘fit’ questions.
If you're considering taking the leap feel free to give me a call. (603-513-1379)
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!!
Talk to your Advisor; you are not re-inventing the wheel here. You are an adult going back to school, pursuing adult higher education. It's been done before so there are things you need to know. That's why Granite State College makes your first appointment with an Advisor.
Listen to what your Advisor tells you. Then do what they tell you.
Balance the ugly with the pretty -- this is something you don't realize at first blush. Part of my thinking went like this, "I'm 40+ years old and I haven't got time for basket weaving, so I am piling up my courses, because I'm older and wiser." The reality is that I needed time for the learning to sink in. Maybe you have to power through to get your degree, but at least remember that learning is not just a task to cross off a list. It is an experience in and of itself.
Breathe--'nough said.
Bite the bullet -- how ever you need to do it, role your sleeves up and get the job done. Have I told you to call your advisor yet? I will not lie to you, because that will waste my time and yours. Sometimes they are going to tell you to "put your big girl pants on and get it done", though not as succinctly as that. You're in college now you'll recognize it when you hear it.
Get ready early -- Get your books. Make sure your computer is in good shape. Sharpen the pencils and buy new pens. Try not to leave registering for classes until the last day of the Add/Drop deadline. Know your professor's contact information. Plan your snacks, (seriously, if your blood sugar is low after a long day at work and the professor turns the lights out to start a video at 8PM, you will miss the video because you are fighting to stay awake.)
Make connections - get together with other students before class or over the weekend. This helps me keep my "Negative Nancy-speak" at bay. When I can share with other students in adult education courses, the learning is more enduring. Check out the GSC Online Library Make sure you connect with your professor too, let them know where you might need help. Check in with your center's Academic Resource Center to help you brush up your skills.
Know what the end result should look like. I like pictures, so I picture myself crossing off assignments on my syllabus as they are completed, or handing in my final assignments. But the most important picture I keep is the one with me in my cap and gown on graduation day.
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!!
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
Each first day of a new term is always a day I look forward to: It's a first day of school for adults. Granted, I have a lot of first days, but that spills over into the other parts of my life. It reminds me that I won't always have the same job forever, and that there really are a lot of "tomorrows." However, this specific day was even more symbolic. It was not only the first day of school, but it was the first day of class in the New Year.
Last week I was taking a look at where I was at this point last year. I wasn't even enrolled in school last year. I was living in Texas recovering from an severe illness. Now, because of my hard work, I am now working part time and taking 3-4 classes a semester and now a sophomore ... In less than a year. It's always amazing to see how far one person can go in the "short" amount of time of one year.
I challenge you, whoever may be reading this blog right now, to look into taking a class (or 2) and see where it takes you. Either online classes, weekend intensive classes, adult education certificate classes, etc.. Take a look at where you are right now, and then think about where you can you be in a year from now. If there is one thing that I can be brutally honest about, it's that I never thought I would have come this far this fast. You won't know where you will be a year from now unless you bite the bullet and sign up for classes and do it. Don't give yourself any excuses either - there is financial aid available. No more excuses! It might be the scariest thing you do, but you will NOT regret it!
See you next time! :)
In a hammock on a beach in Cozumel. Yes, this is the life. If only I could have made it last.
Unfortunately, most of us can't stay perpetually on "Caribbean time." We have obligations, responsibilities and goals, most of which cannot be accomplished in the reclining mode. There is snow to be shoveled and bills to be paid. If you are looking to improve your financial situation so that down the road you can fit in a little hammock time, quite possibly finishing your college degree will provide the necessary element that will give your career a boost.
Granite State College is New Hampshire's common sense choice for adult college education. With an affordable tuition and online, evening and weekend classes, Granite State College makes it easier than ever to achieve your academic goals.
It's only natural to daydream about stress free tropical vacations. Sadly, daydreams won't get you any closer to the beach.
I had the time of my life. My friends in high school were mostly those I shared classes with. I worked hard in high school and was in the honors programs. I think I am the only honors student that did not immediately go on to and finish college directly after graduating high school. I felt good about myself this weekend attending the reunion but I was surprised by how others observed me. People saw me as a woman that has finished raising her family, that still has a sharp enough mind and strong enough ambition to go back to school and earn my adult college degree 20 years after they struggled to do the same.
In their mid-forties most of my former female classmates were stay at home moms dealing with the stresses of having become an educated chauffeur, babysitter, tutor, maid and personal assistant to their families. I am now a confident, established, accomplished middle-aged woman with an adult college degree and two adult daughters.
Thank you Granite State College for giving me the confidence to attend my 25 year high school reunion, and the degree to back it up!
P.S. Registration for our Winter term begins today!!
Initially, I was able to pay for college out of my own pocket, but as time went on and the job market became tougher and tougher, I applied for financial aid to help me with the costs of going to school. I have student loans now, but I won't need to start paying them until after I graduate. Other students are able to qualify and receive Pell Grants and other types of grants. These grants are for education and never need to be paid back.
What I am trying to say is that being unemployed is a tough spot to be in, but it doesn't mean that I can't continue my education. With Granite State College's flexible schedules of evening, weekend, and online classes, I can look for a job during the day and accept a job when one comes up, without affecting my continuing education or possible employment. Granite State College also has a Financial Aid office that has helped me with applying for financial aid and any questions that I've had along the way.
Going back to school was the best thing I ever did and being unemployed didn't need to interfere with my ambitions. Perhaps there's an opportunity for you as well. Speaking with someone in financial aid about more information to continue your studies at Granite State College may end up being one of the best decisions you've ever made. You won't know unless you try! I'm so glad I did.
A huge amount of my time and energy has gone towards getting my daughter settled into her freshman year at college. Unlike me, Jess has opted for the traditional academic route, with all the triumphs and tribulations that those very intense four years entail. She is attending a small, residential college here in New England. She studied like crazy all last year because she was intent on getting into an elite school - and she did it! I'm ecstatic for her! And so very proud of her!
Even so, the meandering educational path I took - that many Granite State College students take - is equally valid. We just have a different set of accomplishments and adversities. We may not have to deal with communal living or eat cafeteria food ... our challenges are often more to do with finding child care in order to attend college evening courses ... or waiting until after the kids go to bed in order to focus on our online classes for adults.
Neither pathway to a college degree is without challenges. Both routes offer opportunities for success. And while having a destination in mind, such as the attainment of a college degree, the really meaningful stuff is the learning that takes place along the way. As impatient as we might be to reach that goal, we have to travel some distance to get there, and we might just find that the journey is as precious - perhaps even more than - than reaching the destination.
Whichever path you're on, don't forget to stop and look around along the way to enjoy the view!
Here I am with my daughters Anna (L) and Jess (R) on Family Weekend at her college - enjoying the view from the bridge across the babbling brook that runs through campus.
I have done some hiking up Pinnacle Peak and what beautiful views. I went online and found a pool/gym I could go to while I was here to stay in shape and get some exercise. I love to swim and even though it has dropped down to the 40's in the evening, it gets up to the 70's during the day anyways, the pool is heated so it feels great!! Finding the pool was just as easy as finding online adult learning classes, weekend college classes or accelerated undergraduate classes. You just put into your search engine on either Google, Bing or yahoo and the list comes up. Click on them and see which one has the best information you are looking for. It is the same with the adventure of finding a college that suits your personal needs. Granite State College worked for me even when I had to move out of state. Online learning classes where there and so were the advisers to help me fulfill this dream of mine. Here are a few pictures of my trip.
This was taken down in Fountain Hills which is just south of Scottsdale. The views of the mountains, cactus, adobe type homes were just beautiful, some sites I will never forget. There is a huge fountain there, I think the highest fountain in the world, guess I need to Google that. If any of my blog followers get the chance, go to AZ, simply beautiful. 
I love this season. The views of the changing colors of our trees are truly something to be seen and appreciated; no matter how many autumns one has spent in New England. Granite State College has centers throughout the state. All one has to do is travel from one Granite State College location to the other to enjoy all that New Hampshire has to offer; from the seacoast to the white mountains.
To me the fall season means it is time to go apple picking and pumpkin shopping. It means it is time to yell and cheer at soccer games and then return home and start hitting the books again. I took the summer off from my adult college program but could not wait to get back into the classroom this fall. For the fall season I opted to take weekend college classes, every other Saturday so that I could still enjoy the weaning daylight after work! For the winter season I decided to take advantage of the offered online classes for college so I can stay home in the cold weather and accomplish my schoolwork at my convenience in the warmth of my own home!
What does the autumn season mean to you?
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