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Success Tips for My Younger Self: Kaplan University Post

 
So…Aside from sewing, crafting, and eating nachos I have another addiction—school.  Not much time passes between my enrollment in school of one kind or another.  After graduating from a local university I began using my degree teaching art and history.  (A job that I LOVED.) 
 
During my second year of teaching I discovered a night class that another university offered that I could attend and earn a degree in special education…and before I knew it I had finished the course and was off to teach special education at a different school.
 
While there I found out about a program offered to teachers where I could attend a weekly night class and earn my Reading Endorsement….and within a few days there I was attending my first class.
 
I don’t teach junior high anymore but you can still find me attending classes whenever I get the chance.  However, the subject matter has changed.  Recently Elizabeth and I have been taking some fashion courses at night at a local college. 
 
Fashion courses….at a local community college…no, I’m not kidding and yes, you better believe we have some stories to tell about those classes.  However, I’m not sure we should share the majority of them.  But I will tell you that there has been more occasion that we have laughed all the way home…at 10:00pm when our classes have ended.
 
Aside from all the entertainment we’ve gleaned a lot from our courses—learning different techniques, seeing things from different perspectives, and forcing ourselves to complete projects we wouldn’t have done otherwise.  And I’m sure that our community college fashion days aren’t over…yet.
 
I love school and I love to learn.
I really do.
And I want my children to love learning as much as I do. 
So I will continue to attend classes…and read…and study…and keep up a dialog with them about what we are all learning.  Whether it be pattern drafting, the water cycle, or our ABC’s we’ll be talking about it.  It’s just what we do around here.  And hopefully the excitement I feel about learning will rub off onto my children.
-liZ
  

Change is inevitable. But, making change happen when you want it to can be hard. And when you want to make a real change, you need to learn something new. Because education is the key to change, Kaplan has spent 75 years re-writing the rules of education. Because they believe that education is not one size fits all. A system focused on the needs of individuals can give students the power to change their lives. Kaplan wasn’t satisfied with the status quo, and you shouldn’t be either. To jumpstart your change, we encourage you to watch Kaplan’s video series, Visionary Voices, to hear the latest insights on emerging trends from notable thought leaders; participate in Kaplan’s ADVANCE: Career. Education. You. group on LinkedIn to connect with professionals committed to life-long learning; and connect with students, alumni and educational professionals at StudentAdvisor.com, Kaplan’s one-stop-shop for the latest education news, reviews, and advice.

I’d love to hear from you and learn how education has given you the power to change! Leave a comment below and be entered to win a $100 VISA gift card!

Rules: 

No duplicate comments.

You may receive (2) total entries by selecting from the following entry methods:

  1. Leave a comment in response to the sweepstakes prompt on this post
  2. bTweet (public message) about this promotion; including exactly the following unique term in your tweet message: “#SweepstakesEntry”; and leave the URL to that tweet in a comment on this post
  3. Blog about this promotion, including a disclosure that you are receiving a sweepstakes entry in exchange for writing the blog post, and leave the URL to that post in a comment on this post
  4. For those with no Twitter or blog, read the official rules to learn about an alternate form of entry.

This giveaway is open to US Residents age 18 or older. Winners will be selected via random draw, and will be notified by e-mail. You have 72 hours to get back to me, otherwise a new winner will be selected.

The Official Rules are available here.

This sweepstakes runs from 3/7/2013-3/31/2013

 

Be sure to visit the Kaplan Brand Page on BlogHer.com where you can read other bloggers’ reviews and find more chances to win!

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Comments

  1. Mami2jcn says

    I think education has given me choices. I ended up choosing to be a stay at home mom, but I still have that Master’s Degree if one day I choose to return to the working world.

    mami2jcn at gmail dot com

  3. Mmmmm...cookies! says

    Sixteen years ago I was a home maker/nanny who baked stuff. My sister and I would come up with fabulous recipes and she’d take the leftovers to work with her. Soon people were requesting scratch baked rolls for holidays and home made cookies just like their Grandmas made. We loved doing it and the extra money was great. We dreamed of maybe taking a cake decorating course to round out our baking skills. Then one day her son brought home a paper from school. “Family Educational Outreach is offering a Free! Cake decorating Course! free Cake Decorating Kit Included!” We took it as a sign from God.

    We learned very little in those two free classes. just enough to make us want more and more…So we signed up for Cake Decorating classes at a local craft store.

    From there things just took off. Less than a year later we opened a tiny little bakery with just the two of us. Fifteen years later we have 15 employees and are considered one of the best bakeries in town.

    And it all started with a free ongoing education class sponsored by our local grade school.

  9. Bless by Tone says

    NOT a us residence – but I have to leave a comment – I love, love, love school too. Every spring when application time comes around I’m searching the universities’ web sites in search for what I can study next. I’m currently doing my Masters in Education leadership – while working full time!

  10. cathgrace says

    I have to say one of the hardest and most rewarding things I have ever done was to finish my degree 13 years after I started it, but every day I reminded myself that my kids were watching, and how could I say education was important if I didn’t walk that walk? I used to post my grades on the fridge right next to theirs, and took them to classes with me during their spring breaks (classes in which it was okay, like the 300 student art history lectures.) I was so pleased when I graduated last May, swearing I was DONE, but I am already looking forward to a Master’s degree! (I can’t tell if it’s school Stockholm syndrome, or just that I feel SO good when I am able to learn new things, and successfully overcome something that started off hard for me (and I hope my kids are watching and learning!)

  11. Eleanor says

    My bachelor’s degree is in developmental psychology, with minors in theater and German. I teach preschool, so I certainly use the psych. I really only took the theater classes for fun, but I find I use those skills in my classroom, home, and Girl Scout troop. I also took a lot of costume design classes, and those have helped me immensely when I started a small sewing business a few years ago. The German helps me order in our favorite restaurant. So, sewing, teaching, eating – my degree has lead me to my favorite things!

  14. kellyr78 says

    Education has given me the power to change because after attaining my MBA, many doors were opened in the workplace. This allowed me to move up within my career and I was able to put my ideas to use and have my opinions heard.

    Kellywcu8888ATgmailDOTcom

  16. Mary Jo says

    My teaching background has helped me be a better mother. I also feel confident enough to homeschool, if we decide to go that route. Choices are good. 🙂

  17. Emily says

    My education has helped me multi task and given me patience to answer the many “why”s of preschoolers. 🙂 I don’t really work in my field but do get to use my music minor daily.

  18. Lia Z says

    I love learning! Like my education as kindergarden teacher helps me to be a better (and calmer) mom, most things I have learned I can use in my day to day life. There are a lot of classes I want to take down the road 🙂

  19. The onion Farmers Wife says

    I have not yet finished my degree……but I will. I have had 3 children one who needs extra help on certain concepts. Life is homework and experience constantly at our home. I would love to win this, it would be spent on educational tools for my 6 year old.

  22. Pinspot says

    I got my BS in Sociology, a “Would you like fries with that?” degree. And while it’s true that a degree in the social sciences can be difficult to parlay into a lucrative career, the classes I took taught me how to THINK in a way that completely changed who I am. I especially loved my Social Inequalities class, which nurtured and brought out the best in me- compassion and an unbiased love for all people.

  25. Jen in Colorado says

    I am also a school addict. I got a bachelor’s in special ed in the mid-90s then a masters in school administration. December of 2011, I finished a second masters (in ELL and special ed) and am almost done with my first class on my way to becoming a behavior analyst. I keep telling myself this is my last degree but even I don’t believe myself.

  26. Lisa Brown says

    Higher education, and my business degree, opened many doors for me and opportunities, which allowed me much personal growth and change.
    jslbrown_03 at yahoo dot com

  29. JC says

    Higher education has given me more choices of life and work, I am able to do what I love while earning the living.
    tcarolinep at gmail dot com

  31. rachel says

    Education gives you way better odds — you generally can find a better job with a bachelor’s than a high school diploma

  32. Kristin says

    To be perfectly honest, I have a love/hate relationship with my personal education. I did go to college and I finished my degree at the urging of my mother, but as a result, it’s left me saddled with insane amounts of debt and I’m stuck because every move I make I have to consider my debt. That being said, education can be a wonderful thing and open doors for many, many people. Potentially for me as well, since I’m now considering going back to school to get a more advanced degree so I can pursue a doctorate. I’m weighing the pros and cons and of course the new debt I’d be taking, but it seems like that’s the course I’m going to choose. Saving money is my biggest goal right now so I can hopefully make some moves in a few years!

  35. susan1215 says

    Having an education has given me more choices. Currently I’m a SAHM but down the road I might choose to work part time or full time and having me an education gives me more opportunities to to do something I enjoy.

    s2s2 at comcast dot net

  37. Kelly Massman says

    Education gives me the power to realize that I have talent and that I can stick to something so I’m not afraid to try new things. 🙂 Thanks for a chance to win and have a great day!
    kmassmanATgmailDOTcom

  38. Julie says

    Going back to the University at age 45, was in and of itself very DAUNTING!! When I decided to return to finish my education (5 children later- one married, one attending the same university as I would be returning too, one in junior high and one daughter in grade school) – seriously, what was I thinking?!Q%@ With as much determination as I could gather, it was off to the university to see how I could enroll. First, I went to records. I waited in line forEVER – watching and sizing up would could be my competion for the A’s. When it was finally my turn, I filled out a paper requesting my records. I knew I was in trouble when the student (ya, I had an 18 year old student helping me) told me that he didn’t think that they kept records that were over 10 years old. Promptly he runs and gets his supervisor – who runs and get their supervisor – and by now I knew this was not going to be a simple adventure. Finally after a few tears (both me and the supervisor shead a few – especially from the supervisor because it became apparent that I was not going to leave!) They told me that they would put in a request, but had no idea if they would find them or not. Next,I was directed to get a student parking permit – since I was considered a “commuting” student. (you bet, I was a commuting student – I live 20+ miles from the campus) I cn still see the look on the “student” who helped me with my parking pass. She was truly ‘evil’ as she handed me her “Last Pass” in this “highly coveted parking lot”. Yup, you guessed it – walking from home would truly have been closer – this ‘special lot’ came complete with asphault,location, and 100 stairs. I found it to be even better to get up on campus when it had/was/or would be covered in snow.

    Yes, I know I’ve been LENGTHLY! So what did I learn, 4 things:
    1. As a returning ‘older’ student I excelled in my education. I bought the textbooks, read them, highlighted them, wrote notes in the margins, etc…. So you’re probably seeing that I was a determined student, who was paying a lot of money and investing a lot
    time to return to school.
    2. Yup, you guessed it – I had a class with my 21 year old son (who went on to get his JD and is now a local prosecutor. I kicked his butt!!! (Well, I probably would call it kicking — I got the “A” and he got the “A-“) Still gives me bragging rights.
    3. I have been employeed every since my graduation (I even wore the cap and gown) in a job that I enjoy, helping people – AND it is not in the field I graduated in!
    4. STAY in SCHOOL – trust me, at 49 years old – school is HARD! Just get the “bloody” certificate. I have been working for the past 14 years in a field not related to my diploma – but without that piece of paper, I would still be looking for employment.

    To all of you reading this meandering note – go out and do something fun! juliec.summers@gmail.com

  39. Falafel and the Bee says

    When I went to college, I knew I wasn’t going for a degree of any kind, I was going to learn everything that I ever wanted to. I majored in Fine Arts, so even if I did get a degree, I knew what I could do with it would be limited. Instead, I took every class that interested me. Jewlery making, pottery, 2-D design, drawing, theatre, and even archaeology!
    To this day, I cherish the time I spent doing things I was always curious about, and some that I even grew to love.
    ~Michelle

  40. The Rosenau's says

    After high school i never had any plans for college, my Dad really pushed me to get an education so that i could have a bright future and many opportunites, so having the college education i have has really given me purpose in my life – and given me the opportunity to not only help myself progress but also to help others when im at work.

  42. Gina Wildorchid says

    Having an education took me from being a secretary to an accountant! It really gives you a chance to boost your career and definitely gave me more options.

    Thanks for the chance to win!

    wildorchid985 @ gmail dot com

  45. Amy says

    Education has given me the power to change my family’s life. I can show my kids by example on how important it is to stay in school. They are proud of their Mama’s graduation pictures and be able to answer the questions they have on the homeworks. 🙂

    amy [at] utry [dot] it

  50. sy says

    I studied computer in college and is now a programmer, not an aspiring story as mmmmm…cookies’s or yours, I’m very happy with my education and the field I picked, I have flexible hours that makes my life easier.

  52. sarah says

    Education has given me a strong foundation and I feel like I can make solid decisions. I can also make persuasive arguments when needed to push a bit of change along.
    stigay at comcast.net

  55. Tamar says

    my education has gotten me inspired to go into a field i love and have been extremely successful at!!!
    tamarsweeps-at-gmail-dot-com

  56. Stephanie says

    Education (and putting myself through undergrad at UC Berkeley and graduate school) is the whole reason I have a career, am confident and diverse, and can lead my family and career in forward motions — to change whenever life demands it!
    tvollowitz at aol dot com

  57. zac says

    As an eternal student, I thought I should post. I love learning and discovering new interests and new ideas.

  61. Whitney says

    Getting my bachelors degree has given me the opportunity to get a job that pays pretty well, but also gives me a lot of options and growth opportunities for my career down the road.

    whitney.bellows11 at gmail dot com

  65. ky2here says

    I was raised in a very sheltered family and my education opened the door to a whole new world. Getting away to College literally saved my life.

    ky2here at msn dot com

  67. SolDucky says

    Education has given me the power to change by exposing me to many people from very different backgrounds and lifestyles, with differing viewpoints, and helped me learn how to not just coexist with them but be in community with them as well.

  69. ellie says

    I was pregnant with my third son while finishing my first semester of college courses. I thought it was important to finish no matter how hard it was at the time. It helped me get a good job afterward getting my degree and give my kids a better life.

  76. April says

    While I cannot say that my degree helped to earn me my current position, it helped me to be the person I am and I guarantee that without that extra education, I wouldn’t have been the type of person that they would have wanted to hire. I’d still like to take some courses though, sadly, there aren’t any available around here in the subject I’d like.

  77. Chelle says

    After my daughter was born I decided I needed a career & not just a job. (I was a single parent) I went to a technical school & had the time of my life, learning! I didn’t like High School so I didn’t think I would have such a good time. My grades were OFF THE CHARTS & my teacher was always pointing out my work to others as, “this is how you do” this or that. After graduating we were guaranteed employment, got hired right away & even though the contractor/Supervisor left the company that hired us, 3 of us followed him. He left other companies 3 times before starting his own company & the 3 that followed him each time were handsomely rewarded w/ raised pay & GREAT starting positions!! I stayed w/ him for 8 years being able to provide for my daughter & myself far nicer than just a ‘job’. I ONLY left because I met/married the man of my dreams & the military moved us across country. I highly recommend higher education after HS or entering any branch of the military if college isn’t your thing. EVEN if you are raising or have raised your children. There are so many schools offering online classes now. If you want it bad enough, you WILL find the time! kweenbee_612@yahoo.com

  84. Lynn says

    My college education is giving me the opportunity to do what I love and not just what I am expected to do.

    rawrms at gmail dot com

  86. mickeyfan says

    I work in an industry (insurance) that is constantly changing and unless you keep yourself educated about those changes, you will be left behind.

  90. Anash says

    Education has given me the power to adapt to the changing landscape of the workforce which is less manufacturing and more computer know how.
    Thanks for a super giveaway!
    My email: anashct1 [at] yahoo [dot] com

  92. angie lilly says

    If it wasn’t for my college education and all the experiences both educational and social that said education gave me, I would not be the person I am today AT ALL! I learned that there were other religions besides Christianity and how to figure out my own beliefs as well! I learned to respect all religions and non-religions too!
    Angie
    14earth at gmail dot com

  95. Sean and Melinda says

    I was the first in my family to get a college education, and I am so glad I did. I was formerly a spec. ed. teacher and now a school psychologist. Without higher education, I would not have the opportunity to work at a job I love. I get to inspire kids everyday. Life is good.

    seanm 1999 at hotmail dot com

  96. Sean and Melinda says

    I was the first in my family to get a college education, and I am so glad I did. I was formerly a spec. ed. teacher and now a school psychologist. Without higher education, I would not have the opportunity to work at a job I love. I get to inspire kids everyday. Life is good.

    seanm 1999 at hotmail dot com

  100. slehan says

    At age 64 I continue to take classes and learn new things. Lately it’s been about essential oils and gardening.
    Thanks for the contest.

    slehan at juno dot com

  113. Nancy Hall says

    Education has opened many doors for me. It also gave me the confidence to strike out on my own and know that I will always be able to support myself.

  123. Katharina says

    Education has given me the power to change because I have the
    self confidence that is needed for that change.
    Katharina angelsandmusic[at]gmail[dot]com

  127. MANDY83 says

    I’m going to school now to be a rad tech. It’s a two year program and its hard, I’m not going to lie. Thankfully I graduate in May but I’ve gotten to know myself better during this program than I ever have before and I think its made me stronger and a little more confident.

    pokergrl8 at gmail.com

  133. Sandy says

    Education has given me the power to change my life from being unhappy when just starting to learn the tools to being happy and successful after using those tools.