June 15, 2010
PLUS40 & OnCampus
By NETC Student Karloyn Tredeau

Summer term has been quite a change from spring semester.  As I previously wrote back in May, I am taking only two classes this summer and I am happy that I made that decision.  For summer term, NETC is trying longer classes, which makes for a shorter term.  This means that I start classes at 10 a.m. and finish by 2pm.  Classes are running one hour and 52 minutes. It doesn’t sound bad, but when you factor in having only a few minutes between classes, there is no time to draw much of a breath, never mind a bite to eat.  It isn’t too bad for those like me with only two classes.  However, I have heard of students taking four classes this term who are having a rough time of it.  It is difficult for some of the teachers as well.  But we will all charge ahead. 

There is a little less diversity in the makeup of my classes this term, meaning fewer younger students.  I guess most of them are working at summer jobs or enjoying their last summer as the “uninitiated.” The average age for the summer term at NETC is 30, but the 40Plus, initiated crowd continues to have a significant presence on campus this summer.  

I am enjoying Psychology 201 this term.  I’ve often referred to myself as a student of people, and psychology is really just that. The course is very informative, and the class is fun. I’m looking forward to the rest of the term and to continuing with the subject in the fall.  I am finding that due to my age and interests, I have much to contribute to that particular class.  My computer class is somewhat redundant as I feared.  I am a self-taught computer user and have been computer literate for over 15 years. However, we have just been covering basics for those new to the computer and will be starting to learn more about different software, specifically, Excel and PowerPoint soon.  Those are two applications in which I have had minimal exposure.  They are also two software applications that have prevented me from applying for many employment opportunities over the past few years, so I know they are essential these days.  I’m looking forward to mastering them during this class.  
 
None of my spring classmates are in either of my classes.  However, I have run into several, and we have spent time discussing the previous semester and how it ended up for us.  I actually scored A’s in Sociology and College Skills and a C in Math 150.  Beginning the spring semester with a test score of 33 in Math, I’m really happy to have garnered a C in the end. It took a lot of work and I actually found myself doing math problems in my head days after the final exam was over!

As a person who previously made a point of telling people I never had a desire to go back to school, I certainly have done a complete 180.  I love it and look forward to what lies ahead.  When this column next appears, it will be late in the semester and I look forward to reporting more about my experiences here at NETC to you then.  Thanks for reading!
Response to this column has been wonderful. If you would like to chat or have any questions, please email me at karolynt@shtc.net.

Read Karolyn's May column