Shelley

~Daydreaming~

As a student with children I have some extra challenges when it comes to school work. So the other day I found myself daydreaming of solutions to my unique task of finding time to do homework, help my 1st grader and preschooler. With more and more adults returning to college this is a challenge that many of us are facing.

I came up with what I think is a utopia for all students with school age children. What if there was a lab with all the "regular" lab materials but also an area that your child could receive some one-on-one assistance with their school work? This would be provided by the university and education majors could receive credit for "working" in the lab with children. This would be wonderful...I could get some work done and my kids can be engaged by something other than a glowing box!

In the Student and Child Enrichment Lab students can do homework, research and have a quiet area to study and children can receive assistance with homework and do activities to strengthen fine motor skills. This would also reinforce the importance of higher learning for your children by getting to experience college with mom or dad.

It was a nice daydream!! Have a GREAT day ~ Shelley

The day that my brain stopped working!!

Throughout my time as a student I have never been afflicted with test anxiety.  I even thought to myself "get over yourself and just relax" about classmates that were facing the dread of a test taking.  But on that fateful fall morning as I stared into the eyes of that math test I knew something wasn't right.  I was not feeling myself, I was anxious.  I recognized my uncomfortable feeling and went into action...take a few deep breathes...go to a part of the test that I am sure of the answer...get the thoughts flowing.  This worked for a little while and then other students started turning in their tests and I wasn't even half way.  I thought to myself...okay just breath...its okay you have plenty of time...relax...relax...relax...IT'S NOT WORKING!!  As I stared at the the next problem the directions seemed to be written in Greek and I was really struggling to concentrate.  This was stuff that I didn't review because I knew it so well.  I felt confident with this information yesterday and today I can not even understand the directions.  I eventually finished the test but I am very concerned about what happened to my easy going attitude.  My plan for the next test is to be a little more prepared and see if that helps.  I did pass the test but not with a grade that I feel like sharing.  I will let you know how the next math test goes.  I have learned a valuable lesson through this ordeal...don't judge what you may not understand.  I never knew that taking a test could be so difficult.

Thanks for listening and have a GREAT day ~ Shelley

A Formal Introduction!!

Hello all...it has occurred to me that we have not formally been introduced.  I am Shelley, I am sure that you have realized that much by now.  But who is Shelley??  I am a student, wife, mother, sister, aunt, friend, therapist, chauffeur, secretary, chef, soccer coach, and a diaper changing phenom.

I have been a student for at least 10 years and I am finally seeing progress...I have recently returned to school full-time (last fall).   I am in the Special Education program.  This program requires a double major so I will have a Learning Disabilities and a Mathematics certification when this journey is over.

I have been a domestic engineer for the past 4 years.  It is the most challenging job I have ever had.  Although the work is challenging, nothing compares to the rewards!!  I have three amazing boys (Blain 6, Noah 4, Luke 1) who can push me to my limits and melt my heart all at the same time.  I will be celebrating my 10 year anniversary in two weeks to one of the greatest guys I have ever met.   

I am very excited for this opportunity to share my experiences on campus and in life.    I truly am a very lucky girl!!

Have a GREAT day!! 

Thanks ~ Shelley