I just read a post by Deb Peterson. In the post, she stated a statistic - 40% of people who start at a four-year university never finish. I was part of that statistic two and a half years ago. Now, after all the work I have put into my degree, I cannot imagine not finishing. I cannot imagine not walking (across the stage to receive my degree) either.
What are some reasons people give for not finishing school? In my case, I flunked out of college, had to move back home and get my 2-year degree in three years. By then, I was discouraged and burned out on school. A year later, I got married and started my family.
I have heard a myriad of reasons for not finishing school: children too young, aging and/or sick parents, finances, divorce, economy, etc. Life happens. But don't let life keep you from fulfilling your dreams. Yes, school is a tad more difficult when you've been away from it for a while. So start small - take one class at the community college.
If you're unable to enroll in school at this time, get into the habit of learning anyway. Get on the local school's website and find out what's happening on campus - music recitals, cultural events, guest lecturers, etc. Sign up for a class through your local YMCA (anything from crafting to exercise to writing). Start a journal or a blog and document your journey back to school.
A wise man once said, "A journey begins with a single step." Like Deb Peterson said - don't just sit there and gripe about not having a degree. Go out and get it! You can do it! Finish what you started. Stay tuned . . .
Wednesday, November 11, 2009
Chewing on My Pencil
I read a recent post by University Mama. She says that October/November is the most stressful time of the semester. I have to agree. Once we get past mid-terms, it seems as if the professors realize they have less than six weeks to cover the rest of their material and they start pouring on the exams and papers.
That leads to only one thing - stress = chewed pencils, frazzled hair, and dark circles under my eyes. Poor UM sounded like she needed a vacation.
I think that mid to late semester during the fall is more stressful than mid to late semester during the spring because of the holidays. The only holiday one has to worry about in the spring is Easter. We also get a week-long break during the spring semester known as "Spring Break".
We know that this happens - mid-terms and the holidays - and it increases our stress factor. How do we deal with the added stress of the holidays in the midst of mid-terms and the end of the semester? Try these:
1. Laugh. It is often said that in the midst of stress, if you cannot laugh, you will cry. Laughter is much better for you. Find that place of laughter and laugh until your sides ache.
2. Take a day off. It doesn't matter if it is a weekend day or some day during the week. Use that day as a mini-retreat and do something fun. Do some Christmas shopping or buy a new Thanksgiving tablecloth. Do something that will decrease your holiday stress load.
3. Be proactive. Instead of waiting until the last minute to do holiday things (shopping, menu planning, etc.), take small chunks of time and work toward whittling down that holiday "To-Do" list. Plan ahead.
4. Recruit your family. Do you make a holiday centerpiece? Let your spouse or one of the children do it this year. Leave the holiday decorating to your children (if they are old enough). The decorating may not turn out the way you would do it, but does it really matter? You are giving your family a chance to develop their talents!
5. Communicate your expectations. Tell your family this is crunch time for you and you need some extra time to yourself to concentrate on school. They will have to do without you for a while. But make sure you tell them how much you love and appreciate their help.
Most of all, take a deep breath and say, "This, too, shall pass." Don't sweat the details. If it doesn't get done, maybe it wasn't that important to begin with. Give yourself grace. And get a new pencil. Stay tuned . . .
That leads to only one thing - stress = chewed pencils, frazzled hair, and dark circles under my eyes. Poor UM sounded like she needed a vacation.
I think that mid to late semester during the fall is more stressful than mid to late semester during the spring because of the holidays. The only holiday one has to worry about in the spring is Easter. We also get a week-long break during the spring semester known as "Spring Break".
We know that this happens - mid-terms and the holidays - and it increases our stress factor. How do we deal with the added stress of the holidays in the midst of mid-terms and the end of the semester? Try these:
1. Laugh. It is often said that in the midst of stress, if you cannot laugh, you will cry. Laughter is much better for you. Find that place of laughter and laugh until your sides ache.
2. Take a day off. It doesn't matter if it is a weekend day or some day during the week. Use that day as a mini-retreat and do something fun. Do some Christmas shopping or buy a new Thanksgiving tablecloth. Do something that will decrease your holiday stress load.
3. Be proactive. Instead of waiting until the last minute to do holiday things (shopping, menu planning, etc.), take small chunks of time and work toward whittling down that holiday "To-Do" list. Plan ahead.
4. Recruit your family. Do you make a holiday centerpiece? Let your spouse or one of the children do it this year. Leave the holiday decorating to your children (if they are old enough). The decorating may not turn out the way you would do it, but does it really matter? You are giving your family a chance to develop their talents!
5. Communicate your expectations. Tell your family this is crunch time for you and you need some extra time to yourself to concentrate on school. They will have to do without you for a while. But make sure you tell them how much you love and appreciate their help.
Most of all, take a deep breath and say, "This, too, shall pass." Don't sweat the details. If it doesn't get done, maybe it wasn't that important to begin with. Give yourself grace. And get a new pencil. Stay tuned . . .
Tuesday, November 10, 2009
Writing
I am going to start writing for an online current event site. What's my topic? Continuing Education. I am going to take some of my posts here and edit them for "general consumption". That should be interesting.
I had to submit a sample of my writing. I chose the "What's Another Semester? or Choosing a Minor" post. I thought that subject was of some relevance. The site liked my submittal. Cool!
I'll let y'all know how it goes. You may want to look for me on Examiner.com in a few weeks. Stay tuned . . .
I had to submit a sample of my writing. I chose the "What's Another Semester? or Choosing a Minor" post. I thought that subject was of some relevance. The site liked my submittal. Cool!
I'll let y'all know how it goes. You may want to look for me on Examiner.com in a few weeks. Stay tuned . . .
Learning Styles - Crutch or Tool?
Deb Peterson recently posted a piece about learning styles. Some people think understanding learning styles is a hindrance because it is akin to coddling. Hmmm.
When I was homeschooling, I took the time to understand my children's learning styles. I did not see the learning styles as a hindrance, but as a tool. Knowing the learning styles helped me to understand my children better. I did not cater to one learning style over another. If one child needed more help in understanding a concept than another, I was able to schedule some special time with that child.
Too often someone may use their learning style as an excuse or as a reason they cannot communicate with others effectively. As mature adults, we need to be able to work with different learning styles. Understanding my own learning style helps me to manage my time better and study better.
I am a combination of the tactile and visual learning styles. I learn best when I can touch it and see it. Just hearing about it is not enough. My middle son is like that as well. My oldest son is an auditory learner. You can tell him something and he'll take it and run with it. My daughter is a visual learner. My husband is visual as well. He can read about something and know it.
Shakespeare's Hamlet said, "We know what we are . . .". If I know I am a tactile/visual learner, I can make use of that to not only help myself, but to help others as well. Do not use self-knowledge as a crutch or as an excuse. Use it as a tool. Stay tuned . . .
When I was homeschooling, I took the time to understand my children's learning styles. I did not see the learning styles as a hindrance, but as a tool. Knowing the learning styles helped me to understand my children better. I did not cater to one learning style over another. If one child needed more help in understanding a concept than another, I was able to schedule some special time with that child.
Too often someone may use their learning style as an excuse or as a reason they cannot communicate with others effectively. As mature adults, we need to be able to work with different learning styles. Understanding my own learning style helps me to manage my time better and study better.
I am a combination of the tactile and visual learning styles. I learn best when I can touch it and see it. Just hearing about it is not enough. My middle son is like that as well. My oldest son is an auditory learner. You can tell him something and he'll take it and run with it. My daughter is a visual learner. My husband is visual as well. He can read about something and know it.
Shakespeare's Hamlet said, "We know what we are . . .". If I know I am a tactile/visual learner, I can make use of that to not only help myself, but to help others as well. Do not use self-knowledge as a crutch or as an excuse. Use it as a tool. Stay tuned . . .
The Light at the End of the Tunnel
I am almost there! I can see the light at the end of the tunnel. The last day of classes for this semester is December 1. Exams start December 3. I was excited when this semester began, but I am also excited that it will be ending soon. I fully expect to have some profound observations after finals.
As usual, I cannot believe the semester is almost over. Where has the time gone? I hope to make the Dean's List this semester. I usually set goals before the start of each semester. I am not sure if I have met some of those goals yet. It will depend on how well I do on my finals.
Setting goals is always a good thing - it gives us direction. In the midst of a crazy semester when we wonder, "What the heck?", our goals will help to keep us focused. These are just a few of the goals I set:
1. Survive being on campus full time.
2. Focus and apply myself toward getting good grades (translation: get all A's!).
3. Get to know more people on campus.
4. Get to know more people in the History department.
5. Don't stress out over research papers.
There have been some interesting things happen in my classes this semester as a result of my goals. I am part of a study group in Geology. My study buddies are less than half my age. It's fun. I have written two book reviews and had two exams that have been research papers. I have gotten to know the secretary in the History department.
I will be glad to get this semester over with so I can concentrate on my home and my family. I also need to get geared up for next semester. There is light at the end of the tunnel and I have every confidence it is not a train. Stay tuned . . .
As usual, I cannot believe the semester is almost over. Where has the time gone? I hope to make the Dean's List this semester. I usually set goals before the start of each semester. I am not sure if I have met some of those goals yet. It will depend on how well I do on my finals.
Setting goals is always a good thing - it gives us direction. In the midst of a crazy semester when we wonder, "What the heck?", our goals will help to keep us focused. These are just a few of the goals I set:
1. Survive being on campus full time.
2. Focus and apply myself toward getting good grades (translation: get all A's!).
3. Get to know more people on campus.
4. Get to know more people in the History department.
5. Don't stress out over research papers.
There have been some interesting things happen in my classes this semester as a result of my goals. I am part of a study group in Geology. My study buddies are less than half my age. It's fun. I have written two book reviews and had two exams that have been research papers. I have gotten to know the secretary in the History department.
I will be glad to get this semester over with so I can concentrate on my home and my family. I also need to get geared up for next semester. There is light at the end of the tunnel and I have every confidence it is not a train. Stay tuned . . .
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