December 15, 2010
Plus 40 and On Campus
By NETC Student Karolyn Tredeau

By the time you read this column, the fall semester will be over.  It certainly has been an eventful semester, considering the fact that I went back to work and had to deal with more stress in my life.
 
I am fairly certain I am ending up with an A in Sociology and a B in English. The English mark depends on how I am graded on my research paper, which is not yet done. I actually could end up with an A, but I guess I’ll have to wait until January to tell you what really transpires. I am not even going to discuss Math 101 (Beginning Algebra). Suffice it to say, I will be taking it again in the fall. However, I am armed with more resources in mind for my next go ‘round. YouTube is a veritable treasure-trove of tutorials, and I anticipate using many of them next fall. I will also be able use a “real” tutor supplied by the college, time permitting. Unfortunately I had to end my relationship with the tutor I originally had because of my working hours. Hopefully, I will retain some of what I have learned this semester. Considering all the work I put into the class, I certainly should!
 
Spring semester starts in January, and I will be taking Marriage and the Family, and Society and Technology, both at the campus in Cheraw. I am also registered for Religion 101 online. The Society and Technology class meets only one day per week for an extended period of time. Marriage and the Family meets the traditional two days per week. Taking these classes will enable me to continue at my present rate but spend more time at work. My position with AmeriCorps demands that I complete 1700 hours of work by July 30, 2011, so I need to be conscious of my office time. Religion will be my first online class. I have heard from classmates that they have benefited greatly from the online option. I don’t think I will have a problem fitting it into my schedule. After two months of being back to work, I have finally gotten used to my schedule and feel confident about taking the online class.
 
For those of you on the fence about taking classes, I would say, “Just do it!” I have gotten so much out of continuing my education, and not just the academics. Meeting new people and discussing different viewpoints has broadened my awareness and enriched my life. Whether or not I ever do receive a degree, I will never regret my decision to go back to college. It will also be beneficial in finding future employment.
 
I have mentioned in previous columns what a tremendous help the college library is. One of the perks for students is the PASCAL (Partnership Among South Carolina Academic Libraries) system, which links college libraries from all around the state, thereby extending the resources available to students. It has recently come to my attention that PASCAL is being threatened by state budget cuts. As a student, I can tell you that this is an extremely important tool for those furthering their educations. It is especially important for those of us attending small schools that have small libraries. PASCAL needs the support of the public to continue to operate. I am writing to my state senator in support of funding for PASCAL and would urge my readers to do the same. The PASCAL system is not available to the public, but the library is. Anyone with a love of books and knowledge should visit our beautiful library and take advantage of what it has to offer.
 
I would like to thank all my faithful readers for a wonderful year. I have met some of you in my travels, and it is so nice to know that people actually do read and enjoy my column. Have a safe and happy holiday season. I’m looking forward to 2011 being the best year ever!

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 November column.