Not sure what to do
Moms View Message Board: General Discussion: Archive July 2008:
Not sure what to do
I was going to start college next month. I qualified for a scholarship through a local program for childcare providers/professionals and could take up to two classes, but not online classes. I was all signed up for one in person class (didn't want to tackle two--I don't have time for that in person). I ended up dropping it because I know I'll have to miss at least 2 classes because of going to MI to get my mom and we're trying to get the basement finished (I need to have some spare time to help). In order to qualify for this local program I had to apply and be turned down by basically everyone else. We assumed I would be because they're all income based and dh's income is really pretty good. Well, we assumed wrong because I got an offer from T.E.A.C.H. in the mail yesterday! They've offered me a 12 credit scholarship (in one year--I'd have to reapply every year for more). They pay 80% of tuition and up to $350 for books plus some other really cool reimbursements. They WILL pay for online classes. So here's my dilemma. Yes, I am a very busy person, but I do find plenty of time to get online. Should I go ahead and do 2 classes this semester? I do have free time during the day (provided everyone naps! lol) and some in the mornings (about 1/2 hour at least every morning), plus a bit at night and here and there. I'd be going for an early childhood education degree (and eventually a special ed degree). I will have access to a computer while in MI (probably be there a week, two at most). There'll just be the two days on the road coming back here that I won't. I've never taken a college class before, and I know in person would be ideal to start with, but that's just not feasible right now. Do you think I could do this??? I'm really excited because I honestly didn't expect this! Oh, I just don't know... WWYD?
if you have never taken a college course before I would probably start out with one, but if you found 2 that sound easy (something that you are good at and there isn't a lot of papers that have to be written) then I might take 2. I was hoping to start back to school this fall but it looks like it will be spring. I just didn't get my act together and get registered and the classes I was looking at are all full.
I think that as long as you could get online in MI you should be just fine with that and just make sure there is nothing due the days and give yourself at least an extra that you are driving.
Good luck and Congrats for getting a scholarship!
I agree with Tarable. If you've never taken a college course before, I'd start with one and see how things go, especially considering how busy you are with other responsibilities. Also, keep in mind that getting online and visiting web sites and surfing, etc. isn't quite the same as taking a course. There will be a lot of reading, studying, researching and writing (papers) involved.
Congratulations on the scholarship - that's so cool!!
There will be a LOT of reading, and is it strictly an online course, with no study group meetings at all? The few online degrees I researched here before I started my "in person" graduate classes required study group meetings at least monce a month.
College courses are different in that the material is there and you have to take it in, evaluate it, and be able to regurgitate it in several ways (essays, papers, traditional exams, and for Educ, put it into practice at some point and then write about it). They don't always tell you what you need to know, so you try to know everything! 
I would start out with one class personally, but if you feel like taking it on, go for it. Honestly, some classes are just plain easier than others and some are just terribly demanding. You never really know until you get into it! If your first one was one of those, along with the changes and newness of a college class and your life responsibilities, it would be helpful to not have TWO to think about it.
Good luck in making your decision. Way to go on the scholarship!!
I took 2 classes about 2 years ago. One was online. I found that I was able to make time to do the classes without it being a big deal. The next sememster I only took one class, really it was about the same.
The online class was time consuming, but not hard. I did have to spend about an hour a day online, I didn't have to do it everyday, but if I skipped days it took 2 hours.
Honestly the whole going back to school thing is a schedule change, you have to learn to find some extra time and use your existing time a bit more wisely. If I were going to go, I would go with the two, just because you are already in school mode and it will take you much much less time if you can double your class load.
I loved my classes by the way, it was so nice to get to use my brain a little.
I am taking classes. If I were you I would take two and get them over with. It is ridiculous how long it takes to get finished when you take one class per semester. I dropped my one class in the spring for several reasons (got sick, kids got sick ended up way behind and I was really sad about my marriage and my head just wasn't in it.  ) I took it over again this summer. Even cramming it into 8 weeks, 3 days per week, 3.5 hrs per day, I was still able to get it done. I also work about 25 hrs per week outside the home. I had to work on it 7 days per week and barely pulled off a B. argh!!! But my point is...you CAN do it!!!
I am going full time this semester. So far I am enrolled in 3 online classes and one on campus (microbiology). I may add a nutrition class and will have to take it on campus as the www classes are full now. Bummer! So that will be 17 hrs or 5 classes. But I have to start applying for the nursing programs that start in January, June, July and August. So it's important to get as many classes out of the way this Fall as I can. I'll probably be whiney this Fall and venting on here about it. LOL
I really think you will enjoy it!!! Congrats on the scholarship! Good luck! BTW the online classes here are the first ones to fill up!!! They are more convenient.
Thanx for all the input. I have to use all 12 hours, so I think I'm going to go ahead and take two online classes. If things settle down by December I'll try and take an in person class then. The basic ECE courses should be pretty easy. My trainer from the AF Academy actually told me to go in and try to get work experience for some of them. I'll call my academic adviser next week and see what she suggests I take. Of course ECE 101 will be the first class. I've already taken ECE 111 (infant/toddler theory) through our local child care resource office. I need 6 credit hours before they'll give me the college credit for it, though. So hopefully by this time next summer I'll have 15 credits towards my degree! I still think my kids will probably graduate before me, though. 
Good for you Cat! I laugh with my kids and tell them it would be so fun to take a college class together!!! haha They look at me like, err, NOT gonna happen Mom.
I went into the website this morning and figured out that someone dropped the hybrid micro class, so I took there spot. woohoo So that way I just have to be on campus for that class 2 days a week for lab's. The rest is online. Scratched the Nutrition class though. Don't want a Monday night night class. That was all that was left.
Have fun!!! I like school. It's hard, but I feel good when I complete a class. Will feel even better when I am earning a good paycheck with my degree.
I have to tell you, if I can't pass all the science classes/Math classes and get into a nursing program and/or dental hyg prog., I plan to switch to education myself. As long as I don't have to teach high school or college Algebra, the kids should be pretty safe. hahahahahaha I would enjoy teaching Science though, I think. I have a very dear friend that is a special ed. teacher. She LOVES it!!! If you have any questions I am sure she would be happy to talk with you. She is great to talk to!
After talking to dh (aka, Mr Party Pooper! lol) he thinks I should only take one class to start with. He doesn't think I'll have time to fit two in. The thing is, I'll have to do two at least one semester because of the scholarship. I have to agree to the whole 12 hours and get all of them by next year. Unless I do summer classes next year (and I'll be quite busy then getting ready to test for my black belt). We'll see. I still have time to think about it.
Cat, I think that is awesome I have to remain full time, 12 hours a semester to get all my grants, scholarships etc. For you are the classes through an online only school or online through a brick and mortar institution? Where I am I have had online classes through the local community college and so far only 1 has allowed me to actually do completely everything online. The others I still had to go out to the school's testing center for quizzes and tests and for an oral report. It's not the same as having to be there for class but for one I was out there twice a week which is not the same as online only as I understand lol! I think what made the online classes harder for me is you have to actually say I will not fold laundry right now I have to do school! If I had somewhere to be that seemed more important. It's something you may want to look into.
This semester I have 2 math classes online (ugh for me but they need to be done) art appreciation ( I dropped it before but I again I need it) and a tv history class. The instructor records things from the history channel and then I take tests on it. What classes are you looking into?
Rayelle, if I have to go to the school there's a campus about 2 miles from me. I'm going to do as much online as possible, though because the schedule is more flexible. I can do work at 5 in the morning if I want.
I am going to take two classes this semester. I'm taking Intro to Early Childhood Education and Child Growth and Development. I had to call the office my scholarship is through and be approved, then they contact the school to let them know what I'm approved for and then I registered. I already have the book for the first class and ordered the one for the second (used, thankyouverymuch! It was $114 new!). It looks like we'll almost be finished with the basement by the time classes start anyway, so that'll free up time.
So I'm going to college! About time. I only graduated from high school 19 years ago! lol
Good for you!!!! I thought about going back to school last year. I have a degree, but wanted to get my teaching certificate, or get a masters so I could work at the school library. But, now dh is traveling so much, and things are so hectic, I kind of gave up the idea. Maybe I will change my mind.
LOL....It has been 23 years since I graduated from high school!
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