Sep 24, 2001 11:37 AM
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Ok now you may be wondering what in the world a thirty-something mom is doing writing about a college since she has two teens. Well I want to go back to school. Sound silly? Well not really. Like so many moms I put my dreams of an education on hold because my greatest dream had come true. Motherhood. Now I am like a fish totally out of water.
I first saw a flyer the college sends out. My mom had it and she was interested in the art classes. Me, I was interested in learning about my computer and how to acquire better office skills. So off to the college I went. I was greeted graciously and with professionalism. No one there was condescending in anyway.
Now I wanted to start slow and work my way in so I would not get overwhelmed. The last time I was enrolled in college, way back in 1990, I was given 13 credit hours, had a full time job and two babies. It was just too much for me. I had to leave and work to take care of my kids. Sandy (the Business Counselor) understood. As a working mom we had an awful lot in common. She suggested I take some night classes since they met weekly. Ok, I could do that. My parents said they would keep the kids for me while I went so that hurdle was taken care of. I had no idea how much I would learn!
The first ''Adult Education'' course I took was on Windows Networking. WOW! I was so amazed at how I could actually network people in an office or even in a different state. I had to learn more! Next I took a class on Powerpoint. I have had it for a long time but had no clue how to work it. Talk about a door opening. The course was very well taught. We had to get the book but it was not too expensive. Our instructor also gave us some copied sheets from another book. Well, at the time I was working at the local water office. Imagine their surprise when I put our monthly figures on a slide show on the computer! I even got a certificate saying I completed the class and got credit for it.
Ok now I was really hungry. I needed to learn how to use Access. Now the last spreadsheet I EVER used was Lotus-123 so that should give you an idea of how much I had missed. Access was fun! I learned to write a program in the class and that translated to me writing one to keep track of our late customers and shut off notices with the touch of a button. Unreal! Then they offered a second class for Advanced Access. Yup I was there.
Now I realized after walking into the ''Adult Education' classes I was not the only one! People from banks, grocery stores and even Wal-Mart were there! At first I felt out of place with all the people coming to class in suits or dress slacks (I am jeans and T-shirt kinda girl..it is easy and cleans up well with kids!) but that quickly disappeared when we ''met'' each other the first night. Our teacher was wonderful.
Than they offered a financial course on mutual funds and 401k's and money market funds. This course was taught by the local financial advisor. Our cost for the course was only $20! Plus we got a book! After that class they offered one on Microsoft Word. Somebody was reading my mind!
Over all I would recommend this college to any adult or young person. In my short time dealing with them I found them very professional and helpful. Someone is always around to help you if you get lost.
SAU Magnolia strives to keep the latest equipment on campus. The computers we had very virtually new, we were all networked together. We shared a printer to 5 computers and I learned how to do that! The cost is reasonable and on my budget that counts.
Course prices and book prices are reasonable. There is a used bookshop on campus also and trading of books is big. There is campus security and a parking pass is needed. It only cost $3 bucks so it is no biggie. The library is a good size and also has a resource center on the ground floor. Here I have found books that teachers in our county use so I can get materials to help my children study. They also offer a tutoring program for kids having trouble in school. Also you can check out videos (that teachers use!) and take them home to let your kids watch. This has come in handy when the kids had the flu. That way they may miss some class time but at least they can follow at home and not feel so lost when they go back to class.
