More Students Going to School?

Yesterday, I met one of my college colleagues at a Subway, and she had told me that her office at the community college was fielding 300 calls per day, and she mentioned that she wasn't sure how the other offices were doing. People were standing in lines waiting to register for classes. My colleague continued to say that people couldn't choose which class or section to sign up for, instead many were put on the waiting list. She said that new classes may be formed to accommodate all those students. I had asked her why did she think that that everyone was going back to school. She had mentioned she wasn't sure, so I started thinking about it and asking others their ideas.

Here are some:

• The economy is getting better, and so companies are offering education as incentives.
• The federal government is offering more financial aid.
  
• Loans may be available for people.
• The recession was a wake up call for many to improve their lifestyle through education.

I would be interested in knowing what you think.

My Fall Semester Begins

It is time for me again--to teach my kids. That is what I call my college students. I am probably only a few years older than some of them, some are even a few years older than me. But I affectionately call my students "my kids." I don't know why, maybe because I enjoy what I do?

I always try to start on a positive note because students are people. People have lives filled with problems, solutions, emotions, you name it. I don't believe my class should be a burden to their lives, but a benefit. That is why I base my class about them. So that they can think about themselves and everyone else. Reflection on one's life is extremely important to grow as a person.

Not all students welcome my theories or opinions because they feel it is not the traditional teaching in a university setting. However, by the end of the semester, those once reluctant students say my course has been one of the best courses they have taken.

Sometimes, people are afraid of something new, until they give it a try! I will keep you posted after Wednesday's night's class.

You can make a difference

The other day in class (I am teaching an education course at a local university this summer), a student tells me that she has started volunteering at the local homeless shelter because of my class.

Let me explain a bit, one of the assignments I sign is called "New Event". Students have to try something out of their comfort zone, something totally new--outside of their daily life. After completing that event, they have to write a reflection of that experience and their thoughts.

Many students have told me that this assignment has made them think or become more aware of themselves and their actions. Back to the above student, she told me that has been volunteering since she completed this assignment. I asked her how did she start volunteering. She told me, that she went to the homeless shelter, and spent time with some of the children. They touched her heart. She spoke with the assistant director, and scheduled regular volunteer dates. She has never done this sort of thing before. She said she feels really good about what she is doing, and this has broken stereotypes for her.

I told her that I was very proud of her, and good for her to help make a positive change.

Another student commented that she had been thinking about what we had talked about in a previous class.

I thought hmmm...

Then, I smiled as I began my session for the day.

Is Race Really An Issue?

That is what I asked my students. I asked them, "Is Race Really An Issue?" Most of them said not as much as years ago. Things are looking better, they insist. Sure there might be occasional incidents, but overall racial issues have improved. I have noticed more students tend not to dwell on controversial issues or topics. It makes them uncomfortable.

We need discussions because this will help reduce problems. We need ideas because this will be applied towards solutions.

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