Ten Inspiring Nontraditional Student blogs

I am inspired by other nontraditional student blogs.

Plus, I am curious to see what it is like for other people on this kind of an educational journey.

It is fun to see how each student reacts to being back in school. I love it when people share their daily lives and how going back to school is making a difference.

Here are some great new blog discoveries. I am including the first sentence or paragraph of each of these.

#1. A Nontraditional Medical Student's Experience - Hospital Experience - from Ross University School of Medicine and Life.
"After several days of restless sleep, dehydration, and both physical and emotional stress, I have stepped out with more knowledge than ever of the crazy world of the ER and the County Hospital." 

#2. One Nontraditional Student's Journey to Kansas (one blog entry... but a good one).

"“I-L-L…I-N-I.”
That was the college chant I’ve been accustomed to for most of my life and collegiate career. But, as I wrap up my first semester, Kansas has me bleeding blue, and believing in the essence of a bird that doesn’t even physically exist.
Having spent some time as a Jayhawk, I realized that college is a far more different place for non-traditional and transfer students than it is for recent high school graduates."

#3. Life in Vet School and Tips on Getting In. (At UC Davis).
"So you want to become a veterinarian. Now what? Some people say that veterinary school is the hardest type of professional school to get accepted to. I disagree. Getting accepted in to veterinary school is not that hard, but it does take strategy! This blog will: 1) Provide information to aspiring veterinary students that will help them become the most competitive candidate they can be. 2) Provide a glimpse into what veterinary school is like at UC Davis. Enjoy! -Sharon"

#4. Reflections of a Nontraditional Student and Marketer - this person talks about his experience being a nontraditional student in retrospect.
"Next month, I’ll be returning to my alma mater, Columbia University, to give a speech to this year’s Phi Beta Kappa inductees. Reflecting on what I ultimately took away from my time at school, I realized that those life lessons underpin my philosophy of marketing today."

#5. Always the Write Time - this blogger was a nontraditional student in the past. She earned a Bachelor of Arts in Literature, Writing and Film. She then became an intern and writer.
"Keep updated on my new journey through my weekly posts, and remember: it’s always the write time to learn something new.  ~ cs"


#6. I'm not brave and this is not a battle - Amy Durfee West has cancer, and is also a nontraditional student. Learn more about her feelings about her illness at her latest posting.
"I get it. People don’t really know what to say about cancer, or what to do if someone they know has it. But on Christmas Day I asked those present never to say I lost my battle with cancer if I end up dying from it. 

#7. These look interesting. They are the Top 50 Blogs by Graduate Students as chosen by the BestOnlineMastersDegrees sites. Luckily, these bloggers are not just from online schools.
"From the introduction: "Graduate school can be an interesting adventure. However, it can also be quite challenging, fraught with difficulty. Every graduate degree has its own issues. It can help if you can connect to others who understand your situation.

#8. The Perpetual Student - this blog is written by a woman over 50 who is going back to school to get a college degree.
"Psychology is complete with an A!  And Freud lost to modern theory." 

#9. The 50 Best Blogs Written by PhD Students - this listing is from the PhD in Psychology.org site.
"You've finished high school. You sailed through college. What's your next step? Oftentimes, successful graduates from university will choose to further their love for academia with the pursuit of a Doctorate in Philosophy, also known as a PhD."

#10.  This is a 2007 article. I tried to find more about getting a GED, but many sites were just question-and-answer sites. Until I found this one. It is called Getting my GED While I'm Sleeping Outside. I wonder how many people do this?
"It is the first day of class, and I arrived at 5:45 p.m., a full forty-five minutes early. I thought I wouldn’t make it to school on the east side of San Jose, coming from downtown on the city bus. It’s actually good I have some extra time before class starts, since the trip over was tiring." 

Do you have a favorite nontraditional student blog?

Until later - Remember: You CAN do it!
 
Betsyanne
Former Nontraditional Student
WKU

Some more Nontrad links: The Nontrad site and blog
Join Nontrads on Facebook
Nontrads on Yahoo
Nontrads on Twitter

Winter Break - 10 Fun Things to do for Nontraditional Students

Hi again, Nontraditional Students!

I hope your Finals went well. Some of you are smack dab in the middle of them, and will be finished with them soon. Good luck! And I hope you all get GREAT grades.

And now? Some of you are having a breather between now and Spring semester. Are you going to spend it with family and friends? I hope you have a WONDERFUL holiday.

There are also some other things I would wish for nontraditional students to do during this break time. If they can... some will be delving back into work full-time, or may be going to Winter Term classes. For you example nontrads who "work and never shirk"... maybe you can take a couple of days off anyhow. I hope you can, because taking a break is good for you.

Here are some other ideas for this Winter Break time.

1. Double check your classes for next semester. Do you have your books and materials? Have you tested your online connection for your online class?

2. Take some time for relaxation. It's the perfect time to catch that movie, or even go shopping for some class-worthy clothing.

3. Pamper yourself (much like #2.) Sleep in if you are not used to it - and take a bath with some bubble bath or bath salts. Ahhhhhh!!!

4. Read a favorite book - - lounge around in jammies and slippers.

5. Take a vacation - - via plane or however you want. Some lucky nontrads will go to a warmer climate for a week or more.

6. Increase your "staycation" fun with museum visits, after-Christmas Deal Shopping, and eating out at least once. One good reason for shopping, the days after Christmas mean great deals for wrapping paper, bows, ribbon, tape, etc. etc. Often the discounts are 50% or more. Stock up for next year the smart way - - -NOW.

7. Do some organizing and/or clearing out of the proverbial "stuff" many people have around the house. Start with 15 minutes per day and work up to more. If you are a neatnik, and everything is already in its place, pat yourself on the back.

8. Connect with a friend or two. Have tea. Have lunch. Talk on the phone. The heavy lifting part of the holidays is over, and it may be a welcome time for your friend to take a break with you.

9. Count your blessings. For every experience, there is a lesson to learn. For those missing a relative for the holidays, be grateful for the time you did have together.  Write out what you are grateful for in your life, and refer to it whenever you feel low.

10. Take time out to help someone. Whether it is someone in your family, a neighbor, or someone you don't know, helping another person often takes your thoughts away from your problems or stresses.
It's a way of helping yourself feel better too.


I think that this is a very short list. I have not included going to the library, doing crafts with the kids, watching your favorite TV show, cooking for fun, making a movie, taking some photographs, painting, making jewelry, going out dancing or meeting friends, and a whole lot more.

What is YOUR favorite suggestion for nontraditional students after the holidays? Leave your comment below.

Betsyanne
Former WKU Nontraditional Student

Some Nontrad links: The Nontrad site and blog Join Nontrads on Facebook Nontrads on Yahoo Nontrads on Twitter

Four Biggie Steps for Success for Nontraditional Students

Nontraditional students crave success.  

Success in school, grades, relationships, for their families and friends, and success in their careers.

It takes more than wanting success. It takes a decision, a state of mind, organization, and lots and lots of work. At least it did for me.

Steps for Success - more about it

#1. Decide what you want to do. You'd be surprised how many people can't get past this step. And it IS okay to change your mind. Some do it lots of times!

Just look up your school advisement office or online pages about your field. Then make an appointment to talk in person with an advisor. Make yourself a list of what classes to take first, when they are offered, and prerequisites too (what you must take first).

If you can't decide what you want to do most, you can always narrow it down to a few and take an introduction class in each to get a better idea. OR read books about each field.

And another tip: be sure to avail yourself of all the help you can get at school and in nontraditional groups online and offline.

#2. Be positive. Is your glass half full or half empty? It also helps to say positive things to yourself. Some things you can say to yourself are "I will succeed" and "I CAN do this." Try saying one good thing to yourself for every negative thought you have. Hang out with postitive people that believe in you.

#3. Be organized. Take your assignment notebook with you. Review it daily. Always write down your assignments. Put down names and phone numbers of fellow class members for each class there too, so you can call them if you need to. Put your assignment papers in your assignment folder. If needed, have a separate notebook for each class.

#4. Hard work - it's something nontraditional students are usually familiar with in their "other" life.

In fact, many nontrads may be working full or part-time while they are back in school. Carve out at least 1/2 hour per class or more per day if you want to keep up. Take notes, review them, meet with other students in study groups, work on assignments so you won't have to rush the day before on them, and generally work, work, work if grades are important to you.

Of course, you may be the genius that never has to work hardly at all. But chances are you are like me, somebody who has to work hard to get a good grade in school.

Good luck to everyone in school and thinking about it! I hope these hints help you.

Nontraditionally yours,
-Betsyanne
Former nontraditional student


Here are Some of my Nontrad links:
The Nontrad site and blog
Join Nontrads on Facebook
Nontrads on Yahoo
Nontrads on Twitter

Joining groups in school - is it for you?

Some benefits of groups in school

Whether you are in Tech school, college, or getting your GED, chances are that there may be some groups there that you are able to join. Some are related to your major or course emphasis, some may even be Sororities or Fraternities, and some may be Nontraditional Student groups.

I have heard some nontraditional students tell me that they have so many responsibilities that they cannot make one meeting a week or even a month. But other nontrads tell me that belonging to a group while they go to school actually helped them stay motivated and even helped their grades.

What is my story about joining groups? I re-started and joined a nontraditional student group while I was back in school. I found it to be very helpful to me. I also joined an English club. I liked it! It was fun to make new acquaintances and friends there. It made me feel more part of the school - that I belonged.

I thought about joining other groups, too, but didn't. If I ever do go back to school for writing, art, or another subject, I will seriously consider joining another group and re-starting the Nontrad group if it isn't there.

I hear that some Sorority and Fraternity groups are starting to admit older members. Does anyone know if this is true? I definitely should look into that. It would make a great story.

So how do YOU feel about joining groups while you are back in school, nontrads?

Have you joined a group at school? If so, what kind?

Please comment at the end of this article and let me know your opinions and experiences.

Nontraditionally yours,
-Betsyanne
Former Nontrad and "homeschooling" online student

Some Nontrad links: The Nontrad site and blog Join Nontrads on Facebook Nontrads on Yahoo Nontrads on Twitter

Ten advantages of face-to-face classes

Why do I like face to face classes best?

I guess it's because I learn better hearing the instructor talking and also learning with groups. It just helps somehow. I also like being able to study with study groups.

But there are some other reasons I prefer face-to-face classes over online classes.

#1.  In a face to face class, the material is covered more slowly. You have the chance to take notes and ask more questions. To me, getting a good grade is easier in a face-to-face class.

#2. If you are on campus anyhow, you can check out the library, get books, or study in a quiet area. You can also use the school computers.

#3. If you want, you can also use the school's gym facilities, if it has them. At WKU, they had a great area for running, swimming, and classes. I didn't take advantage of it like I should have, but it is a great plus for students.

#4. They have choices of food places there, and you can eat close to your class OR eat your lunch there. Sometimes it is fun to eat out, or eat elsewhere.

#5. You can make friends there. There is something about being actually in physical proximity that helps you get to know somebody.

#6. You an start or attend a nontraditional student group on campus. Maybe you have a class anyway that day. Or not. But if you are at school or can get there, many schools let groups have a room there at the school to meet.

#7. You can get to know your instructors personally, by going to their on-campus office and/or scheduling an appointment. Seeing your instructor in person can make you feel more connected.

#8. If you have classes far apart, you can choose to do a lot of walking, which is good exercise.

#9. You get away from home, which helps break up the day. I know if I had signed up for all online classes, just being at home all the time would not have been as interesting.

#10. You can become familiar with the campus, and attend student events, plays, and lectures there. This can add a new facet to your learning.

I don't have anything against online classes. I even have taken some. I just personally prefer face to face ones. I enjoyed the ones I took, and made some friends too.

Just saying. You may not have a choice. Your class may be offered ONLY online, or you may be attending an online school.

BUT if you have the chance, I'd say to take ALL face-to-face classes or take a combination.

What kind of classes do YOU prefer? Take the poll and find out.

I look forward to finding out what others say. Later!

 -Nontraditional students are going for their dreams.

-Betsyanne 

And here is the signup for the NT News:



Related postings you may like:
Online vs. Face-to-Face classes: which are better?
Nontrad Students in College - 11 More Tips for Success
The Nightline Investigation - are For-Profit Schools Telling Students the Truth?
 

My Nontrad links:
The Nontrad site and blog
Join Nontrads on Facebook
Nontrads on Yahoo
Nontrads on Twitter

Relaxing on the weekend? You can take a little time... 7 tips

How to take a break during a busy weekend

for nontraditional students

I know, many nontraditional students are totally busy this weekend. And pretty much every weekend. Maybe classes are not in session this weekend, but there are many things to do, like catch up on housework, do projects, assignments, cook something, and use that Round Tuit.

But it is very healthy to also take some time for yourself. It can be very hard to do this. If you do not do that at all, you can try incorporating "You Time" into your weekend slowly.

Everyone has their own personal tips that work for them. I have seven here that have worked for me. Here they are:

#1. Start exercising once a day or every other day for at least 15 minutes. Try out those exercise routines you used to do. Take it easy on yourself, because you might not be in shape yet. If you are older or think you may have a medical condition, consult your doctor first for their pointers and advice.

After you have done this for a week or two, you may be able to move up to more time. It is a very personal thing, and either you and/or your doctor can also tell you how to ramp up exercising. Easy does it.




#2. Meditate - have you tried meditation or meditation using yoga?

This can be very relaxing. Take a class to find out more if you are not already familiar with medication or yoga.

#3. Write in a journal or diary. You can do this every night before you go to bed. You can write as much or as little as you want. You may find this practice relaxing AND revealing, as you sort through your day and activities. It will also provide you with quiet time as you do it!

 #4. Window-shop. Have you ever looked around a store and just loved the newness of it? You don't have to spend money to relax this way. Of course, generally women love this more, but some men also find this activity very relaxing.

#5. Pamper yourself. When is the last time you enjoyed a wonderful bath or pamper treatment?

Use those face masks, bath oils, good-for-you lotions and take the time to feel really good. While you are at it, put your feet up!



#6. Read a good book. Are you the short story type? Scheduling some reading time that is NOT part of your assignments can be very relaxing. I try to read every day before bed. It is fun, relaxing, and educational too.

 #7. Encounter nature. Take a walk or just go outside and sit to watch animals or hear the birds (if posssible) in your neighborhood. If you do not have much nature in your neighborhood, go to the nearest park for a little while. Being around nature is very healthy and revitalizing.

I hope you have a great weekend. 



Let's add to this list! Tell me your ideas for relaxing on the weekend too. Thanks!

-Betsyanne


#2. Some Nontrad links: The Nontrad site and blog
Join Nontrads on Facebook
Nontrads on Yahoo
Follow Nontrads on Twitter

What to wear... for men and women going back to school...

Fashion, clothing, and the Nontraditional student.

Okay. So maybe you won't be able to afford to buy a lot of new clothes this OR next semester. But that's OK! Just knowing what looks good together can help you either blend in or stand out, whatever your plan is as an older student.
No money? Just wear what you have. You may want to look around at other older students and see what they are wearing. It wouldn't hurt.
I found a couple of neat sites online to help aspiring student fashionistas and cool guys and ladies on campus.
Here they are:
#1. College Fashion - what to wear in Winter - cute outfits for cold weather. Some of there outfits work great for Fall too. It all depends on where you live, of course. I like this article, because the illustrations show you each component of an outfit, not just a new blouse or something. You can see some neat boots, coats, scarves, and bags too.
#2. The Burberry Brit for men - here are some pictures of fashionable coats for men. We are talking England here. But you know a lot of times Brits are pretty well dresses and know their fashion. Notice that the guys are mostly wearing jeans here. I am guessing these are clothes you can wear to class.
I picked these sites on purpose because they are illustrated. Want to see more sites with fashionable clothing on them?
You can check these links out too:
(from the site)
Some nontraditional students DO care about fashion!
Back to school as an older student - what should you wear? (2009)
And here are some more:
The Marquette Journal gives hints on what to wear for interviews
Fall Fashion Trends explained: Boho DeLuxe, Country Folk, Iron Maiden, and Modern Simplicity. By the ChicFashionista.com. (I am thinking: women here.)
Fashion Beans - Men's style ideas. There are some good up-to-date coats featured here on this page, plus links to clothing of all kinds (designer brands.) You can get a pretty good idea of what is selling for men here.
What to wear in college (from the Students over 30 site). They have some clothing to buy here too.
Whether you opt for a backpack or rolling backpack, or a messenger bag is totally up to you. I guess that would depend on how many books you need to tote!
From Ehow's college tips for older students: this article suggests that you wear what you normally do, and don't try to dress like a teenager. I like this advice too. I mean, look fashionable if you want, but don't try to copy everything the younger students wear. It probably wouldn't feel right to you anyhow.
Send me your ideas and stories too, to lizann447 at yahoo dot com. Thanks!
-Betsyanne
Some Nontrad links: The Nontrad site and blog Join Nontrads on Facebook Nontrads on Yahoo Nontrads on Twitter 
The cool student picture at the top of this lens is from the Microsoft artwork site here: http://office.microsoft.com/en-us/images/

Free Online Courses for Nontraditional Students

 By Karen Schweitzer

In 2007, the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) began publishing educational materials from the school's courses online. This led to a great movement in open education. There are now dozens of colleges and universities that provide free course materials to learners around the world. Here are 15 free online courses to try today:

Physics I - MIT offers thousands of free online courses. This introductory physics course is the school's most popular offering. Course materials include video lectures, lecture notes, assignments and exams with solutions, and links to dozens of related resources. 

Virtual Chemistry Lab - Carnegie Mellon University offers an amazing virtual chemistry lab for self-learners. The lab includes tutorials and 35 lab assignments.

A Citizen's Guide to American Politics - This free online course from Brigham Young University provides eleven lessons on American politics. Lessons cover everything from civic life and the Constitution to the legislative process and the federal budget.

Academic Strategies for the Business Professional - Kaplan University provides this free course for business professionals who are interested in furthering their education. The course focus is on university education but would also work well for self-learners who are creating their own education plan. Course topics include time management, stress management, learning styles, goal setting, and career planning. 

Small Business Tax - Kutztown University's Small Business Development Center offers this free self-guided course to individuals who want to gain a better understanding of small business tax. The course includes ten lessons in all; each lesson is in English, but also includes Spanish subtitles. 

Fundamentals of Personal Financial Planning - Everyone should take this free online course from the University of California-Irvine. The course covers a wide range of financial planning topics, including saving and investing.

The American Novel Since 1945 - This free online course from Yale University explores novels published between 1945 and present-day. The course includes video-taped class sessions, audio files, and chat transcripts.

Start Writing Fiction - The UK's Open University offers this free fiction writing course for beginner-level students. The course takes 12 hours to complete and includes several writing exercises. 

Flash - This free online course from Utah State University teaches students the ins and outs of Macromedia Flash. The course includes notes, assignments, resources, and other learning materials. 

HTML Basics - The University of Washington offers this free HTML courses to self-learners around the world. Course topics include HTML structure, tags, characters, lists, and hyperlinks.

Operating Systems and Systems Programming - This free computer science course from the University of California--Berkeley introduces learners to operating systems and programming. The course includes multiple lectures that can be enjoyed in audio or video form.

Chinese I - This Utah State University course is the first of two free online Chinese courses. The course focus is on pronunciation and simple character writing. 

Introduction to Spanish Culture - This free online course from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology examines Spanish history, architecture, art, literature, and film through readings and assignments.
 

Introduction to Art History - The University of Utah introduces students to the history of art through this free online course. Students learn how to analyze art and gain insight into artistic expression and cultural context.

Health and Fitness - Western Governors University published this free course for self-learners who want to explore various aspects of health and fitness. The course includes instruction in nutrition, emotional and physical health, fitness, substance abuse, and eating disorders. 

This is a guest post from education writer Karen Schweitzer. Karen is the About.com Guide to Business School. She also writes for www.OnlineCourses.org. 

Thanks, Karen!

___________________________________________________________________________

Are you a nontraditional student?

Find out more at the Nontrad website, blog, and Yahoo group.

A Valentine for Nontrads

Rose photo by Saffrodite@morguefile.com

A Valentine for Nontrads…

For all the people back in school,
‘Cause they are smart and really cool –
They brave it out and try their best,
To study hard – they’re on a quest.

It can be done, the tests all aced,
The quizzes taken, fears all faced.
Just keep in mind the final goal,
Then let the good times really roll!

A happy Valentines Day too,
For every student old and new.
Just know that you are really brave,
A part of a great brand-new wave!

Be courageous - and improve your self-esteem at the same time.

Overcoming Fear

Many nontraditional students operate from a base of fear.

They may say to themselves:

I'm not smart enough.
It's been way too long since I've been in school.
I may as well not even try.

They also say:

I will never fit in, or
I will be a failure.

Tough questions come up, too, like:

What if this doesn't work out?
What if I fail a course? and
What if I find out what I take isn't for me?

Some nontrads just give up before even trying. But they don't have to.

Sometimes just taking one class to get "your feet wet" can help. You can also talk to other nontraditional student who have "been there, done that." Fail a class or get a grade you don't like? You can always take it over, or take another class later. You can even take a subject, complete it, and then take another one. The learning itself - learning something new - is worth your effort, whether it starts in a school, in a book or online.

Doing something new might not be as hard as you think. Sometimes it just takes courage to get out of the rut you are in and try new things. Try telling yourself positive things, like I CAN do difficult things, and I know I am a smart person. Make that appointment with the college Financial Aid office. Who knows? There may be a grant for you that you don't even know exists. You can't find out if you never try.

Just telling yourself positive things about yourself and your abilities can improve your self-esteem. Don't listen to people who bring you down and are not positive. If you want to take a course, improve yourself, or go back to school, be brave and try it. You might find you like it! And then you can say, I did it!

Here are some websites I like that look helpful to improve self-esteem and courage:

Having Faith in Yourself

The essentials of Self-esteem (how to tell where you stand…)
http://lifeesteem.org/wellness/wellnessESE.html
Take a self-esteem questionnaire
http://www.positive-way.com/self-est1.htm
25 ways to develop better self-esteem
http://www.positive-way.com/toolsto.htm
Tips for personal growth and developing healthy self-esteem
http://www.coping.org/growth/esteem.htm
The Steve Pavlina Audio Archives
(podcasts – these cover many personal development subjects)
http://www.stevepavlina.com/audio/
Buddhist Ch’an Practice newsletter
http://www.chan1.org/ddp/channews/06-1981.html

A helpful group online for Nontrads:
The Nontraditional Student Yahoo Group