Nontrads, Ted Williams, and being homeless - here's to second chances!

Listening to Ted Williams and his mother this morning really got me thinking.

Ted Williams is now a famous man and soon will hopefully have a home.

Isn't it an inspiring story to hear about Ted Williams, his magical "Golden Pipes" voice, and the job offers that are turning his life around? I heard him interviewed this morning and was thrilled to hear his mother telling about her journey, and listen to him telling about his new second chance, and how he was going to turn his life around.



Ted Williams hopefully will be the official voice for Kraft Macaroni and Cheese, and perhaps announce for the Cleveland Cavaliers too. I think that is so great. It is just amazing that just a little while ago, Ted Williams was homeless and on a street corner holding a sign, like many others out there. It looked like there was little hope things would change for him.

I was homeless once - or close to it. I lived in a car in California for awhile. So this story really spoke to me. It's true what they say - - you never know... being homeless CAN happen to you, especially if your life changes and your money runs out. You simply may not have another option. I was one of the lucky ones to actually have a car and a few dollars for gas. (We are talking few...) I didn't have to panhandle on the street like Ted Williams did, but still, it was a scary time. I didn't know where (or when) we would eat next, or where we would be able to park the car to sleep from day to day. Ted Williams was from a good family, and so was I. But having that going for you doesn't always prevent something bad from happening, I found out.

Luckily for me, this part of my life did not last long.  True, it was a scary time. But it taught me to be careful, and to count my blessings, for I still had a lot of blessings to count, no matter how hard things got.

To get back to the subject, I think nontraditional students as a whole can identify some with Ted Williams, the most famous homeless man in the country today. They have something in common with him. They are both starting over again. They are both operating from a place of faith. For example,  Ted Williams is acknowledging "the God of his understanding" through AA. And Nontraditional students also have to take a leap of faith to go from the known - a comfortable place -  but maybe not so great - to the unknown.

It can be scary to change things, even if a person knows it's the right thing to do. The unknown can be scary. A new job or place in life can also be scary, and that is what is facing nontraditional students after school is finished.

Ted Williams says what people can do in a scary situation is to "build up your  faith and support system...". What great advice for nontraditional students. His mother's advice to her son is, "Start a new life." And that is what Ted Williams and many nontraditional students are doing right now.

What else makes Ted William's story like some nontrad stories? Well, many nontraditional students don't know which jobs they will be offered later on. Will the economy get better? Will there be a job waiting for them? Nontrads really can be living in a scary place, thinking about all the loans they have to pay back later on too.

Again, change itself is scary, even if it is good change. I know that there is no guarantee that life will always go your way.

But here's to second chances!

This is the video I saw this morning: (I think you will like it!) Ted Williams "Golden Pipes" reconnects with his Mom. (video)

Nontraditionally Yours,  
Betsyanne

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

Nontraditional Students: Ten New Year's Resolutions

The New Year 2011 - and Nontraditional Students' Resolutions

I wonder what nontraditional students currently in school are having for their New Year's resolutions.

I can guess some of them:

#1. I will sign up for my classes much sooner, so I get the ones I want.

#2. I will cut back on my procrastination, and will divide my studies throughout the time of the course to make it easier to finish projects.

#3. I will make a determined effort to introduce myself in class and to be friendly to other students.

#4. I will still ask questions in class but just not so many, so as to let other class members have some questions time.

#5. I will make sure I am taking classes that will lead to something that I will enjoy, not just something that is expedient or takes less time.

#6. I will listen to my inner "still, small voice" and realize that sometimes my intuition is right on.

#7. Although it could be scary, I will consider going on and getting that other degree or course.

#8. I will make a study area just for myself at my home, or find a good study spot to use someplace else. I will carve out time just for myself for both studying and relaxation.

#9. I will apply for scholarships and grants in my spare time.

#10. I will count my blessings as much as possible.

 I know there are more great resolutions that would be of help to nontraditional students. Can you think of some more? What are YOUR New Year's resolutions?

Nontraditionally yours,
Betsyanne

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

This blog is for nontraditional students, who are going back to school after a break. Continuing education comes in many forms, from GED studies to post-graduate college studies. This blog's goals are to help all nontraditional students with hints, links, helpful sites, and support.


The photo at the top of this blog is from swimparallel on Flickr.

Winter Term - love it or hate it?

One of the newer trends in higher education is having a Winter Term. This term nestles in-between Fall and Spring terms.

Let me first explain my use of the word "newest."

For people like me, who first attended school more than 20 years ago, this is a new phenomenon. But Winter Terms have been around for years. The term is nestled between Fall and Spring semesters.

For example, Western Kentucky University has their Winter Term is from January 3rd through January 25th. Registration began for this term in October.

I can see how people would want to attend both Winter and Summer terms. It is a chance to catch up on classes, and maybe take a special class that is not offered at other times. Perhaps an important prerequisite is needed, and taking a class during this shorter term is necessary.

Nontraditional students are faced with prerequisite challenges all the time, just like other students. One class MUST be taken before the next one, in order. So they must be careful to plan for that.

Are you in a Winter Term class right now? Do you like it? Would you be interested in going during that time? Do you think the best colleges or schools should offer a Winter Term?

Or are you waiting until a "regular" semester to take a class you need? I am curious as to what other students, interested persons, or former students think about Winter Term.

There are reasons I think people would like Winter Term (such as availablity of courses). The reasons I probably would not like it are:

1. You don't have as much time to learn the material
2. It's cold outside!
3. You don't get a Winter Break then, which can be fun.

There may be other reasons why a Winter Term is good or bad. Write down what you think, as a comment below.

I have a poll here called "Winter Term: Love it or hate it?" I will vote first.  You don't have to love or hate it. There are other choices. I am so curious to see what people will say. :-)

Nontraditionally yours,
Elizabeth Sheppard
"Betsyanne"
Helping Nontraditional Students Get Connected

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

Six Keys to Success for Working Students by Jon Mladic

Here is a guest posting from Jon Mladic. I really like it!

Six Keys to Success for Working Students

The recent economic downturn has encouraged more full-time employees to seek additional education.

How can someone be successful in school while working? Though it’s not impossible, it certainly requires an amount of wisdom to balance the act of employee and student.  Here are six keys to success drawn from informative college resources.

1.     Plan Ahead of Time

After a tough class, most students look back, and realize they could have anticipated the challenges they faced—whether a test, lecture, or assignment. A busy work schedule should influence a working student’s number of classes, the times of their classes, and (if the school offers both online and residential courses) the modality of their courses. West Virginia University’s Students’ Center of Health points out that seeking more education begins with “an honest assessment of yourself.” It’s important that students understand their strengths and weaknesses and take them into account when planning for classes.

2.     Prioritize

According to Wittenberg University’s "How to Prioritize and Get Things Done" resource, a common problem for working students is deciding what to prioritize. “Determining what needs to get done, and in what order” is much different than “completing the important stuff.” Due dates emphasized in a syllabus help students determine what to work on first. One week, this might mean dedicating more time to work. The next week, it might mean dedicating more time to classes. It comes down to urgency… Is a deadline for work or a class assignment coming up? As the deadline approaches, it becomes an increasingly higher priority.

3.     Break Tasks Down

The University of Georgia Health Center’s Guide to Managing Stress emphasizes the negative effects felt by students who “wait until the last minute to complete a project, they often feel overwhelmed, and the task seems insurmountable.” This is especially true for working students, who may find it near impossible to find time to catch up in a class. To avoid falling behind, one strategy is to break down the major project, essay, or study time needed for a final exam into small, manageable pieces, and work on it into 30-60-minute increments each week.

4.     Communicate

Over time, issues, and conflicts are bound to happen.  Establishing clear expectations with professors and supervisors is critical. It’s expensive for companies to recruit, hire, and train new employees, so most are flexible in helping their current employees further their education. Working students need to share their availability and academic commitments, but those who keep employers informed of their progress and share success with them often receive more support, especially if the company is footing part of the tuition bill. As the University of Illinois – Chicago’s Student Life Department points out, it’s as important for students to communicate personal needs to their support networks.

5.     Make Adjustments

Working students usually have a stable schedule. They can learn what works for them and try new approaches when their plans don’t work out. In other words, they become better, more efficient students each quarter. Volunteer State Community College notes that students should “learning from mistakes” and “examining old habits” as two ways to improve as a student. As classes become more difficult, working students aren’t finding more time to spend on coursework – they’re becoming more effective learners.

6.     Utilize Resources

Obtaining a degree is one of the most important and life-impacting choices you could ever make for your future. Utilize your school’s learning center resources to find effective ways to balance your life as a workforce member and a student. Learning centers often offer tutoring, schedule management, and more. Most of these resources are not only free -- but can impact your success as a student.

About the Author: This article was written by Jon Mladic, Learning Center Coordinator at the Rasmussen College Rockford, IL  college campus.  Jon holds a Master’s degree in English Literature from Illinois Wesleyan University. He has worked in the field of education for more than five years.

About Rasmussen College: Founded in 1900, Rasmussen College is a premier provider of educational experiences, offering Bachelor’s and Associate’s degrees in fields with the greatest occupation opportunities to more than 15,000 students both online and through its network of 21 campuses.

Sources:

West Virginia University, By Thinking, and About Your. "The Secret to Balancing Work and School | West Virginia University." Wellwvu | Home | West Virginia University. WELL WVU, 22 Sept. 2010. Web. 21 Nov. 2010. .

Wittenberg University. "HOW TO PRIORITIZE AND GET THINGS DONE." Web. 05 Nov. 2010. 

Priorities, By Setting. "University Health Center | Stress Management | Time Management."University Health Center at the University of Georgia. Web. 01 Nov. 2010. 

"Balancing Work and School | University of Illinois at Chicago." University of Illinois at Chicago. Web. 01 Nov. 2010.

"Work, School, & Life Balance." Volunteer State Community College>. Web. 7 Nov. 2010.

 
Thanks, Mr. Mladic, for this very useful and well-researched article.


Nontraditionally Yours,

Some Nontrad links: The Nontrad site and blog 
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Websites and tips to help you study for that exam or test

Hello, nontraditional students!

Now is the time many people are doing reports, final folders, and studying for that important exam or test.

I have several good sites that will help you study. The very best one is the Joe Landsberger site.

Another good study skills site is the Study Strategies page from the University of Minnesota at Duluth.

Misty, one of my readers, suggested the Education Atlas. It has a lot of different sections on it too.

You can also find more study skills links at the Nontrad Study skills page.

I used to think that I would NEVER get my holiday shopping and presents done, with all the things I had to accomplish. Then I would worry about it some, before totally forgetting about it until the last minute.

Another nontraditional student is also thinking about how SHE will get things done. You can see her link in the comments section after this post, or go here to read her posting.

Back to my story. I was worried that I would not finish everything, BUT my other things did get done.

And there is nothing like how I felt after everything was done, all my work in, and my computer Teaching assignments posted. AHHHHHHHH!!!!

Now THERE was a great present for myself, along with a huge sigh of relief.

Nontraditionally Yours,
-Betsyanne