Thank You For Holding, I Will Connect You Now...

They say that of all the students who enter college, about 35% of those will drop out the first year. The reasons range from financial pressure (#1 answer...survey says!) to lack of direction. Given these varying anxieties, what makes the difference to students, like me (minority, low income, or PWD-parents without degrees), who are most likely to be in that 35%? What keeps us in school once we've slain the giant of fear to be there in the first place?

I remember going to my freshman orientation. Sure I stood out. The other kids had their moms or dads with them. And me? Well, I had my kid with ME! A professor made a presentation about the different options that were offered to students to help keep them in school. He said students who connect with an advisor, a mentor, or a professor on campus are more likely to make a graduation plan and see it through. Little did I know that HE would be the first connection that I would make on campus. He became my advisor and mentor, he kept me on the right path, and he saw me through to my Associate's. He became a trusted friend and one of my favorite people in the whole world. So today, 'reach out and touch someone', before you get disconnected.

This one's for you, Mr. Morell!

We Have Nothing to Fear, But....

The other day, I was in my performance class, when someone saw.....wait for it....A MOUSE! My reaction was exactly this,"SHUTUPSHUTUPSHUTUPSHUTUPSHUTUPSHUTUPSHUTUP," all said while my hands moved back and forth hysterically in front of my face while simultaneously walking backwards and scanning the room for any telltale signs of the alleged creature. Why did I respond in this manner, you ask? The answer is simple. I freaking HATE mice; or birds; or frogs, or ANYTHING that moves toward me in an erratic fashion. They scare me. The Egg McMuffin of Vileness ran this way and that and finally found refuge somewhere behind a cupboard. I went on with my class, but the rest of the time, I kept a watchful eye should my nemesis return, while cold shivers ran up and down my spine. But I never yelled for help.

Everyone in my class were totally amused at my reaction. I know it's silly. I know I should face my fears. Which brings me, in a very round-about way, to today's topic; FEAR. Because of a horrifying experience my senior year of high school, I put all thoughts of college completely out of my head. It wasn't for me. Was I scared to try? Or was I scared to fail? I didn't know. All I knew was that I didn't ever want to relive that experience, ever. So I pursued other things. Now fast forward twenty something years. I had once again gone through a number of traumatic experiences and realized I had to face my fear. I had to for myself, for my daughter, and for anyone else who might be watching. So I found someone who knew the ropes and could walk me through the applications and forms and processes. I guess you could say I yelled for help. Without this help, I know I could not have taken the first of the many steps required to get my mouse-hating butt into college. So if you are out there, and you are thinking about going back to school, for whatever reason, do it. Face your fear, yell for help, and do it. And bring mouse traps.

Shoulda, Woulda, Coulda

Well, I've done it. I've added one more thing to my never-ending to do list; a blog. Why, you ask? Why would someone with a husband, two kids, a dog, 16 credit hours and commitments up the wazoo want to add one more thing? Well, I know there is someone out there who is also forty something, or thirty something, or-heck-fifty something, and they may be thinking about heading back to school. So, I'm here, now, on blogspot to tell you that IT CAN BE DONE! The only thing is, I should have started this LOOOONG ago. Thus the post title, 'Shoulda, Woulda, Coulda.' Hopefully, it's not too late. For me to remember, I mean.