congratulations from us to you -

you've got a great adventure ahead

As an Adult Learner, we know you are handling multiple priorities. You are taking risks and making sacrifices to be here. We congratulate you for making it this far! Some of you are brand new to college and some are returning after a long break. Many of you work full time, have families, and are going to school. Some of you have other priorities such as an aging parent, military commitments, 2nd (and 3rd!) jobs and medical concerns, to name a few. In addition, there are many other demands on your time: the car needs the oil change, kids need their vaccinations, mail needs to be opened etc. You each have a story. Your needs and concerns are unique as are and you are adding one more commitment to your life. And yet, we know, that even with school a priority, it often falls behind work and family. Consequently, we put together this page for YOU. We are here to encourage and support you!

Remember it is about Balance and Perspective:

- It’s never too late and NO you are not too old!
- You WILL finish with slow and (relatively) steady progress
- Set short term goals and give yourself permission to reevaluate at designated points
- Subdue the all or nothing attitude
- Celebrate completion points with those immediate family/friends that are also making sacrifices to support you
- Identify your most peaceful and most productive time and capitalize on it
- Know and accept your limitations and work with them
- Don’t let how long it takes to complete the degree be your focus
- Identify your top four priorities in life and try to align your time respectively
- Distinguish between what you CAN let go and what you do not want to let go of…..then “let go” and minimize the “have-to’s” [i.e., you may want to clean the house each week but do you really need to??]