It's December and nearly the end of the year. The good news is that fall semester is almost over and you'll soon be enjoying holiday break with your family . The bad news is that with the end of the semester comes final exams and with holidays comes tons of planning and preparation. You may be freaking out right about now. Honestly, I don't blame you. But take a deep breath and keep these things in mind as you tackle this crazy time of year. 

Be Realistic

As in every other aspect of college life, it's important to have realistic expectations about finals and your holiday celebrations. Preparing for finals and tackling all the details that go into making the holidays merry can really take a toll on you if you try to take on too much. Keep in mind that it's more important to get through this time without having a nervous breakdown than it is to get all A's and have a picture perfect holiday. You don't have to do it all like a Supermom. Just follow my final exam tips and keep in mind that you've studied hard all semester. You've done well so far. Finals are just one more test to take. If, by chance, you have a class or two that you haven't done so well in thus far, keep in mind that you can only do your best. Some courses are more difficult for us than others. There's always the option of taking a class again for a better grade, and it's really not the end of the world to do so. As for the holidays, this is a time to spend with family, to give and to love. Don't let it stress you out to the point that it's no longer fun. 

photo credit: The Colby Files via photopin cc

Call in the Troops

Don't go it alone during this hectic time. Call in reinforcements to help ease your burden. Ask older kids to quiz you or enlist your husband to take on some of your regular chores. Maybe a friend or neighbor can watch the kids for you while you study. You'll repay them later; you can even set up a deal now so you don't feel like you're taking advantage. Don't forget to reach out to your loved ones when you're feeling the pressure. Having a sympathetic ear can go a long way to easing your stress. A support system is important. Utilizing your network of support can help to improve your physical health and mental well being.

Think Positively 

What you think definitely affects the way you feel. Don't get down on yourself just because you can't do it all or do it the way you think you're supposed to. Take time to remind yourself that you're just one person, and you're doing the best you can. Reframing your thinking can really change your outlook , and looking at ways you can change your situation or make it better is incredibly empowering. If you're feeling like you just can't make it through until the end of finals week, remind yourself that it's only a few more days and that no matter what happens, it will be over and you can enjoy your time off. You'll come back next semester feeling refreshed and renewed. Test anxiety is normal, but don't make yourself sick with worry. Make a list of things you can do to get through finals or handle the holiday preparations can lead you to feeling more in charge of your life, not so much as someone just being swept along with the tide. 

As parents, we often set high standards for ourselves. That's an admirable thing; however, there's a fine balance between being successful and driving ourselves crazy. I've found that a happy medium is usually best in all areas of life. What do you think? Are there tips you can share from a particularly stressful time in your life? I'd love to hear them.

Colby Community College Online is offering two free scholarships for their virtual assistant certification program. The application process is open only until December 24th, and in order to apply, you must submit a blog post. The scholasrship also requires that the recipient be a stay-at-home mom blogger. Applicants must write a blog post about why they want to win the scholarship and complete an online application. You'll find more details at the Colby Community College Facebook page. 

 
photo credit: gcoldironjr2003 via photopin cc

Through this 32 credit hour certification program, you'll take courses in Accounting, QuickBooks, Computer Graphics, Management of Small Business, Creating a Virtual Office and more. Head to Colby Community College's Facebook page to learn more and apply. And good luck!

Job interviews can be extremely intimidating. As the interviewee, your goal is to present yourself as the most qualified person for the position. One of the things hiring personnel are looking for is that you possess interpersonal skills or the ability to interact positively with others. How you portray your people skills will matter in the interview and may just clinch the job offer for you. Here are some tips to consider when talking about your interpersonal skills.

Be Positive

It is inevitable that the interviewer will ask you to give examples of a time when you performed well or dealt with a tough situation. The purpose of this kind of question is to see how you handle problems. Often, these dilemmas hinge upon how you deal with others. The most important rule is to talk about the experience in a positive light. Never put down co-workers, bosses or clients. Paint a picture of the situation in a favorable way for all involved. This shows you can resolve issues diplomatically.

Go Ahead and Brag

Many of us find it difficult to toot our own horns. The job interview is not the place to be modest. Be sure to share with the hiring committee any accomplishments involving working with others. Let them know if you were a committee head. Share the successes of this committee; it shows leadership skills. Be sure your portfolio has any recommendations from co-workers or former supervisors. Show the interviewer these examples of how others see you. While you don't want to go overboard and be seen as self-centered, don't be afraid to give solid examples of your personal accomplishments in working with others.

Be Honest About Your Weaknesses

You know one of the questions asked in any interview is bound to be in regard to your weaknesses. Be prepared to answer honestly. It's okay to talk about your problem area. Just be sure to counter that weakness with something positive. Let potential employers know that you've learned from this characteristic or that you're willing to work on improving it. If you can work it in smoothly, humor can go a long way toward overcoming a weakness.

Demonstrate You're a Team Player

It's likely you will be asked about your skills as a team player, but if you aren't, don't hesitate to let the hiring professional know that you work well with others. Make it a point to talk about an instance in which you led a group, worked collaboratively with a colleague or handled a difficult customer service issue. Let it be known that you aren't afraid to share credit and that you welcome the input of others. It's important to be your own advocate in a job interview.

Show Off Your Skills

Finally, one of the best ways to demonstrate your interpersonal skills is to just show them off. Maintain eye contact and smile. Offer a firm handshake. Don't stutter and speak directly. Maintaining a confident and friendly image throughout the interview will go a long way in demonstrating that you enjoy people and that you possess strong interpersonal skills.

An MBA, or Master's of Business Administration, is a le valuable graduate degree that can be combined with any number of Bachelor's level diplomas to create a dynamic career. So no matter what your undergraduate degree is in, adding an MBA can open a wide number of career options. If you're considering a Denver university full time MBA, Daniels College of Business at the University of Denver is worth looking into. 

The MBA program at Daniels is a two-year cohort program. This means you will enter a class with a group of students and remain with that same group, or cohort, until graduation. This learning model is widely seen by many in the field of higher education and student affairs as one that produces very positive results. Working with the same group of students forges bonds that assist in networking opportunities for the future. This set up also allows for the group to get to know the instructors and mentors of a program. 

What also stands out to me about the MBA program at the Daniels College of Business at the University of Denver is its emphasis on skills beyond the academic. I continuously stress the importance of a college degree in teaching leadership, interpersonal and critical thinking skills. The Daniels School puts a great deal of focus on all of these areas by integrating business ethics and values-based leadership into the core curriculum of the MBA program. 

Another unique aspect of the program is its real-world learning component. In the full time MBA, students have the opportunity to take part in consulting projects, case competitons and roundtables with business professionals. This kind of hands-on learning has proven to help students form a concrete understanding of theory in their profession, and it is looked upon favorably by future employers. Also of benefit to those enrolled in the program is the ability to tailor their degree to each student's particular interests. Students can choose from a number of concentrations and customizations to build a unique degree that will move them in the direction of meeting their specific goals. Faculty and alumni can assist students in creating a concentration that works for them.

The field of business is constantly changing. The full time MBA program at University of Denver will provide you basic, time-tested business skills combined with up-to-date trends to give you a competitive edge in today's business world. From what I've seen, the Daniels School of Business offers a solid MBA program with unique and innovative components that will appeal to students and employers alike. It's apparent that research from student development and learning theories has been considered in building a well-rounded program for the students. 

*This is a sponsored post for the University of Denver; however, all points and views are my own. 

Check out this article from the Huffington Post about Priscilla Santiago of Bridgeport, Connecticut. She went to college at the age of 63 after being laid off from her job as a forklift operator. This woman's story and attitude are so inspiring. She shows how you can reinvent yourself at any age. She now works in social services and wants to help others to find opportunities to change their lives.

Many of you are in your first week of a new semester. This can be a confusing time. There's always a learning curve when getting used to new things. Even if this isn't your first semester, you may find yourself questioning whether your schedule is working for you or if you could have made better choices. You may think you're in over your hear with a certain class or be intimidated by a strict professor. Dropping a class isn't always the best solution, but sometimes it may work in your favor. Here are some things to think about before dropping a class.

Do You Need It for Your Major?

Before dropping a class, it's important to take a look at your curriculum. Many courses are electives and are not necessary to meet graduation requirements. However, some are essential and must be taken. If the class you're worried about is needed for your major and you have no intention of changing your program of study, it;s probably a good idea to stick with the class. Who knows? You may end up getting a grasp of the material or deciding that the professor isn't really that bad. Worst case scenario, you'll get exposed to the course material and will be better prepared to take the class again.

Will It Affect Your Financial Aid?

Yes, changing your schedule might have an effect on your financial aid eligibility. Often, students who receive financial aid packages are required to maintan a certain number of credits, whether they're full time or part time. Always check with an academic adviser or financial aid representative before dropping a class. You don't want to find out later that you're ineligible for aid without first paying out of pocket to make up for the class that you dropped.

Can It Be Switched for Something Else?

Most schools have what's known as a drop/add period when you can make changes to your schedule without penalty. It's usually during the first week or two of the semester. After that, though you may be able to drop a class, you are unable to switch classes. Check with your professor or adviser to determine how long you have to do a drop/add, then take a look at the class you want to change. If it's an elective, you can probably just choose another course that fits in that particular block. These are the easiest kinds of changes to make and shouldn't have much affect on your curriculum and graduation path.

Will It Take Away from Your Other Classes?

Another consideration is whether the class you're struggling with will likely cause your performance in other courses to suffer. If it's a class you don't need or one that you feel you can take at another time, perhaps in the summer when you can dedicate more time to it, then dropping it might be a good plan. Just be sure to find out whether your graduation path or financial aid will be affected.

What's Going on in Your Life?

Are you struggling with personal or family issues right now? If you are, realize that some things may require your attention. You're only one person; you can't do always do it all successfully. You may need to drop to part time status or even decide to take a semster off. If this is something you're thinking about, be sure to talk to your academic adviser first. Again, you don't want to make a decision that will cause you to lose your financial aid. Most schools have policies in place to help with students who need to take a personal leave, but it's absolutely imperative that you go about it the right way. Make sure you complete all the required paperwork. When you're ready to return to school, you won't have any snags such as money owed or failing grades for classes that weren't attended. For the most part, I never worried about my adult student advisees taking time off. I knew they were dedicated to their studies and would be back.

You'll notice that the one thing that I mentioned throughout these tips is that it's important to talk to someone before deciding to change your schedule in any way. Advisers are paid to be familiar with school policy, and every school has their own rules about course requirements, financial aid and taking time off. Always get help before making your decision.

Whether it's your very first semester or you're a returning student, you may be starting to stress out a little bit right now about the start of the upcoming semester. It's totally natural, as the date approaches, to feel a bit of apprehension. You may wonder if you've got all your materials together, if you're ready for the new courseload or you may even be wondering if you've made a mistake by enrolling in too many classes or by enrolling at all. Now is a good time to take a deep breath as well as take an assessment of some things you'll need to do in order to feel more prepared for a brand new semester.

Image by boxercab

Think of the Possibilities

That's right. I did say, "brand new semester." The term doesn't have to be scary. Sure, you won't be familiar with your new professors and their expectations, but this semester is full of possibilities and opportunities. If this isn't your first semester, just take a minute to pat yourself on the back for your previous academic accomplishment. Remind yourself of the experiences that were a success. The future is wide open, and you're likely to encounter people and classes that will expose you to a whole new set of amazing and valuable experiences. The same thing can happen for you even if you've never set foot on a college campus. Simply reframe things into a situation that applies to you. Take stock of your life and remember any past obstacles you've overcome. Compared to some of those, it's likely college isn't really that intimidating.

Make Schedule Changes

Did you make your schedule last semester? Hopefully, you did because classes often fill up fast. If you're a freshman or sophomore, it's likely you may be last in line to register, and you may not have gotten all of the classes you wanted. Or maybe you're a procrastinator who didn't register at all. Whatever the case, there's still time to sign up for classes or to make last-minute changes. Most schools have academic advisers on-hand between semesters. Just give your advising department a call to set up an appointment. Taking the time to have an adviser glance over your schedule may really make a difference in whether you're happy with your classes and whether you'll be getting the coursework you really need for your major. Remember, college advisers are professionals who help students with their schedules all the time. It can't hurt to have a second opinion on whether things need tweaked a bit. Also, some classes may have opened up due to holds being lifted or student drop outs, it makes sense to look into making schedule changes now, rather than that first hectic week of the semester.

Get Your Books

With so many ways to obtain your books these days, it just makes sense to get this step out of the way early. You could rent textbooks by searching online for sites that provide this service. Just look for references and check to be sure the site has a secure way of accept payment. You may be able to order your textbooks for your campus book store, and you can probably find used books online. Used texts usually sell pretty quickly at the campus bookstore, so you may want to give them a call to see if they have the ones you need. Regardless of the way you choose to go about getting your books, it's a good idea to get them early so there's no chance of not having them once assignments start rolling in.

Consider Contacting Your Profs

If you've made your schedule, take a look and see who your professors are. If you've got the time, it may be a good idea to drop an email or pick up the phone to ask any questions you may have about the class or to introduce yourself. No, it's not brown nosing to make this kind of contact. As an adult student, you know that your education is in your hands. Feel free to take the steps you feel comfortable with in getting the most for your money. Many professors will be impressed that you took the time to reach out.

Take Time to Relax

Hey, don't forget that classes don't start for a few more weeks. You've got some down time. Be sure to enjoy it. Spend time with your family, especially if your kids are on break as well. Get out and do the things you enjoy together, and be sure you get adequate alone time, as well. This kind of time will be hard to find once the semester starts. So be good to yourself. Get things in order for the beginning of the semster, so that you can have the peace of mind to enjoy the rest of your free time.

Wow, the end of the semester is actually here. Where'd the time go? I'm sure you're saying the same thing. With so much on your plate, you may be wondering how in the world you're going to find time to prepare for final exams, nevermind how you'll actually manage to survive them. Trust me, mama, you can do this. Take a deep breath and consider these tips to help you get a handle on your test anxiety during this crazy time.

Schedule Study Time

I've talked before about this aspect of time management, but it's especially important at finals to make sure you've set aside plenty of time for study. Write it down in your agenda or planner, and be sure to stick to it - just like any other appointment. You'll find that you're far less stressed if you know you've got the time set aside.

Break It Down

Decide which subjects are most difficult and tackle those first in your study session, when your energy level is highest. Also, keep in mind that it's impossible to study absolutely everything. Decide which topics are most likely to be on the exams and focus on those. Often, professors will provide you with study guides. Take a moment to review the study guides, highlighting which topics are toughest for you. Breaking things down always makes them seem less overwhelming.

Talk It Out

Believe it or not, saying information out loud helps it to stick better. You're also more likely to get a better understanding by speaking the information. You can do this in a group study session or when you're somewhere by yourself. Don't feel self-conscious. Know that this method will help you to remember things. Consider making flash cards or reading outloud. Also, putting things into your own words is immensely beneficial when it comes to comprehension.

Do What You Gotta Do

As they say, "Desperate times call for desperate measures!" This is true when it ocmes to finals and other hectic times during the semester. Fall semester is particularly difficult during finals week because it's so close to the holiday season. So go ahead and do what you gotta do. If that means putting your kids in front of the TV, so be it. If you have to feed the family sandwiches or takeout for dinner, so what? Now is definitely not the time to play super mom. You aren't any less of a mother by focusing on yourself and your education during this important time.

Make It Clear

Now is also not the time to worry about hurting feelings. Make it clear to your family, your boss and your friends that your extra time will be spent studying. Let them know that your education is important to you and that you'll need to dedicate extra effort to getting through finals week. They'll understand. You give 100% to others. Let them reciprocate. It's okay.

Finally, just remember that finals only last a week. Soon, it will all be over, and you'll be able to enjoy some much-deserved time with your family over the holiday break. Be sure to take some time for yourself, too! Once you've taken that last test, let it all go. Don't stress about how you did. Know that what's done is done. Even poor test performance isn't the end of the world.

Happy holidays to you and yours! What are your plans for the break?

Here are some more resources from sites across the web to help you with finals:

My online friend, Betsy Anne has some great tips at The Non-Traditional Student Blog.

William J. Rappaport of SUNY at Buffalo offers a guide on how to study. He also has some funny comics!

I wrote this post last year at my blog, Never Too Late For College.

When I was an academic adviser, it never seemed to fail that at this time of the semester I would begin to see students coming to my office by the dozens searching for advice on choosing a major. I don't know what it is about this time but it really seems that students begin to focus on what course of study they should pursue right about now. It may have something to do with midterm exams taking place or it could be for a myriad of other reasons. Whatever the cause, now seems to be a time of great anxiety surrounding choosing a major. Let's discuss some ways to tackle the task and lessen the stress.

Take an Inventory

One of the first things I always recommend to students is taking a career inventory. A career inventory is kind of like a test that assesses your strengths, weaknesses and preferences and gives you a list of career types that may appeal to you. Career inventories don't tell you what you should do for a living; they merely produce ideas that may suit you based on your assessment results. Some examples of career inventories are the Myers-Briggs Type Inventory and the Strong Interest Inventory. See your career counselor or academic adviser for assitance in taking and interpreting such assessments.

Talk to Professionals

Once you've got an idea of the kinds of jobs that may fit your personality and strengths, consider conducting an informational interview or job shadowing a professional in those fields. An informational interview is merely a set of questions about a job. Job shadowing is spending a day or more with someone on the job to get a better idea of what such a position entails. You could schedule a meeting in person or even by phone or email. Start by thinking of people you know personally in a particular career and ask them if you could talk to them about their job. If you don't know anyone, perhaps your adviser can help to set you up with a college alumni in your field of interest. You could even check the yellow pages and approach companies with your request. For example, if you’re interested in a degree in counseling, you could talk to the counselor at your college of choice and get advice. What's important is that you put yourself out there and get personal, relevant information. The more you know, the better decision you will make.

Take an Intro Course

Another great way to learn whether you'd be happy in a certain kind of job is to take an introductory course on the subject. For example, if you're considering a career in business, sign up for an Intro to Business Course. Chances are such a class will count towards your liberal studies credits or can be used as an elective. By taking a class, you'll get firsthand information on a subject and have access to the professor who can answer various career-related questions for you.

What I absolutely do not recommend is deciding on a major right away without researching your career choice or getting some sort of insight into the job. There's so much to consider about your career choice, including the work atmosphere, the amount of interaction on the job, the kind of knowledge expected, etc. Don't fall into the trap of thinking that you must choose a major right away or else you risk wasting time and money on college. As I mentioned earlier, many classes count toward your liberal studies credits or as electives, so feel free to take the coursework needed to fill those credits while researching your ideal major.And, most importantly, don't think that just because you're older that you should have it all figured out. Very few of us do!

A very good career exploration model that I've personally worked with is CARISM. I've met the founders and feel it is an exceptional tool for finding out what you're good at and taking every aspect of a job into consideration. I wrote this article about CARISM that summarizes the program and its parts. Check it out, and feel free to ask me any questions you may have!