October 7, 2010
Plus40 and OnCampus

It’s October already, and the semester is going by very quickly. We are already at midterm. I found in my first semester that things really pick up after midterm, and classes get more in depth, resulting in more work. 

Thus far, I’ve been doing well in English and sociology, getting As and Bs on assignments and tests. English 101 (English Composition) is all about writing properly. We started the semester by going over rules of grammar, and during the past two weeks, we have been writing in-class essays. As a writer, this is my cup of tea. Although I’ve been writing my whole life, I have never formally studied writing, so I am learning a great deal. The tips and pointers I’m getting are breathing new life into my attempts at the written word. 

Sociology 205 is more in depth than 101 was. We have been having very interesting classroom discussions about many issues in society, including sexuality and mental health. It’s especially interesting to see the reactions of people from so many varied backgrounds and age groups.

If any of you are following my math saga, it is not moving along at a very good pace. I’m having problems with some of the algebra topics we’ve been studying. While I have availed myself of a tutor through Student Support Services at the Success Center, I continue to have problems. I have even discussed dropping the class with my teacher. She has advised me against doing so, especially since there are parts of the curriculum in which I believe I can do well. I have a few days to make my decision, but I’m moving in the direction of staying the course. It means I will just have to work harder and avail myself of the services that have been offered by my instructor.  All of the instructors I’ve had so far have had an open door policy when it comes to needing extra help. There is a great deal of assistance at NETC via Student Support Services and the instructors.

I believe I will need all the help I can get very soon because I have found a job! Hooray! Actually, I will be an AmeriCorps volunteer with the PeeDee Coalition and be paid a living expense. It is a one-year position and does not pay a great deal of money; however, the educational possibilities are priceless. Considering the fact that I am furthering my formal education to enable my entrance into the social services field, the position with the Coalition could be called heaven-sent! I feel that going back to school this year was the best thing I could have done for myself in a very long time. I have also seen how the wisdom I have gained over the years has enabled me to help younger students I’ve met through this experience.

I would not be in the position I am in if it were not for the financial aid I am receiving. I never would have believed it was so easy to apply for, and receive, a Pell Grant from the Federal government, as well as a smaller amount from the state of South Carolina. Student Support Services at NETC provides financial aid counseling for students, as well as academic advisement, tutoring, developmental skills, referrals to other agencies, career awareness and planning, cultural enrichment, college awareness and personal counseling. The department is “a TRIO program, funded by the United States Department of Education, that offers direction, support and encouragement, enabling students to evaluate their academic goals and successfully complete their course of study.” The on-campus Student Success Center, equipped with the latest instructional technology, provides a space where students can study, use computers for written assignments, access the Internet, avail themselves of tutoring services, take tests and more. 

Gee, I can’t believe I’ve written 637 words already! Time/words fly! As always, I invite you to contact me with any comments or questions at karolynt@shtc.net. Thank you for reading my column.

Karolyn Tredeau, 63 of Ruby, entered college after taking a 40-year hiatus from formal education.  She is a student at Northeastern Technical College and will write about her experiences in this column, “Plus40 & OnCampus” once a month.  Karolyn can be reached at  karolynt@shtc.net.


Read Karolyn's September column