Nontraditional Students

Happy Holidays from the Nontrad Student Blogger Blog.

noreply@blogger.com (Betsyanne (E Sheppard)) — Thu, 25 Dec 2025 16:57:00 +0000

HAPPY HOLIDAYS FOR 2025, A VERY MERRY CHRISTMAS, AND A HAPPY NEW YEAR TO YOU!

It's been awhile, like a whole year! I told myself I would switch sites and have this hosted another way. But have been VERY busy this year... which is good (I guess!). Crossing my fingers.

I have considered going back to school (again) and it it tempting. Other projects MUST be done first - - organizing, doing art, attending groups and clubs. But helping Nontraditional students is so important.

Are you a Nontraditional Student? Comment below the posting. And remember to visit the Nontraditional website (again "under construction" for awhile) and here is hoping the links there are still useful.

I hope if you are in school, you have found (or made!) a Study Group or group for Nontrads where you are. It can make a huge difference.

So, have a GREAT journey next semester, and hope you DO decide to go ahead if you are not already going back to school.

Good luck!

ES, Founder of the Nontraditional Student website.

Above photo is by DashaMalice on Morguefile, a great and free site for fun pictures to use. They also have some pay photos on the site.

Nontraditional Students update for the December holidays - 2024. UPDATES!

noreply@blogger.com (Betsyanne (E Sheppard)) — Fri, 06 Dec 2024 18:42:00 +0000

Hi, fellow Nontrads.

How are things going? Please update me in the comments below this posting. I hope you are having a great time and get a nice break for awhile for the Holidays.

I hope to redo this blog, AND the website and FB pages next year. I may migrate them. But still deciding. Hopefully will be able to replace links and also keep my older postings.

It will be a task and a good learning experience.

I considered going back to school AGAIN but didn't.

I wonder if pictures will upload here. I tried on my other blog, The Moon and the Willow tree, but no cigar.

So, trying right now. Here goes. Am already on Blogger, but got an Error Message. So that is that.

I found out there are 2, yes 2, different Facebook pages for Nontrads. They are here: https://www.facebook.com/nontradstudents, and here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/7339169668. The titles are spelled differently. Hopefully, I can try to cut these down to one.

There are still some useful pages here: http://www.nontradstudents.com/. I hope to make this mobile-phone friendly next year or so.

I am glad you stopped by!

Betsyanne

#nontraditionalstudents #nontrads #college #GED #motivation #BackToSchool

Hi, Nontrads! It is time to update my website... but wanted to post here, too.

noreply@blogger.com (Betsyanne (E Sheppard)) — Fri, 05 Apr 2024 16:56:00 +0000

Hi, Nontrads! Looks like a computer course is in order. Not only do I want to update my website, Nontrads.com/Nontradstudents.com, but I want to redo it AND maybe transfer these blogs over to WordPress. Which are big projects. May do this year. Hope so! For now, I will research best practices, learn more, and try to at least post some. Join us on FB too! Just posted some neat links there. https://www.facebook.com/groups/7339169668 So, how is your Nontrad journey going? Post a comment or post on the FB page. Betsyanne Admin/Author/Blogger/Ebay Seller! (Willowtreemoon) ++++++++++++++++ Looking for how to add photos here. It used to be easy! -B

Hello, Nontrads! Posting a new blog today. Spring & Summer. What's up? Anyone in Summer School?

noreply@blogger.com (Betsyanne (E Sheppard)) — Sat, 28 May 2022 19:03:00 +0000

A short-ish Telling on Myself story!

I remember being in college in the summer. It was at the end of my last year. (When I went to college first). This was NOT planned out. And I will tell on myself to let you know WHY I was in school then, instead of working.

Well...

I did not "interface" with my Advisor. I thought I had everything under control.

But of course, I didn't. I was faced with taking 2 classes I "clepped" out of in the beginning of my school year. This was awful. I could not graduate with my class! It was a total surprise. I suppose (looking back) that I could have fought this, but I didn't know how, and it was not presented to me as a choice.

BUT I did learn from this. I learned to TOUCH BASE with ADVISORS at least once a year. Once a semester would have been even better.

So, you can learn from this, and do better.

I hope you are making some wise choices (unlike this one I made while in college). Comment below if something like this has ever happened to you.

More on the PLUS side, summer is almost here! Yay!

And things are not all bad. They do seem pretty bad this week on the news, but hopefully that can improve.

AND there is always the possibility of going back to school again. I am considering it, still.

For now, I'm posting on my blogs, and selling online. So there is that.

Hoping your Nontrad Journey is going well.

PS I will be re-doing my Nontrad site this year (hopefully). All it needs is to be useful on PHONES, and not just computers. It's a learning curve. So, if you are using your phone, it will not show up right - YET. I will be working on it soon. It should still be OK on your computer.

COMMENT BELOW on what you would like to see here later.

OH, and GO, NONTRADS!!

And don't forget to HAVE some FUN this summer, too. Make the time. XOXO

Spring 2022 - Happy 1st Day of Spring. Saying hello. How are things going? Let me know.

noreply@blogger.com (Betsyanne (E Sheppard)) — Sun, 20 Mar 2022 20:30:00 +0000

Hello, Nontraditional Students!

It is good to be writing for this blog again.

I hope things are going well for you. Comment on this posting to let me know about your Nontrad journey. Are you still in school? What things have you learned along the way?

I personally went back to school and took Teaching classes. Then I taught for awhile. Man, there is a LOT to teaching.

I am not teaching now, but hope to do a little of it later. Probably art teaching, but who knows.

++++++++++++++++++++++++

Personally, I was hoping that all ages would maybe get great deals on going back to school again by now, and some help with school debt. Then I could go back to school also (again.) I hope this still happens... but who knows when or if it will. Still, it was a great idea.

I'd like to see all 2-year colleges be free, at least.

Taking notes for class... or studying for a test.

Sometimes Community College can offer some fun classes, and for a LOT less money. They are worth looking at if you are a non-traditional student. I definitely am looking at these right now.

++++++++++++++++++++++++

On my (huge) list: I hope to redo the Nontraditional Student website this year. It really needs it. I want it to be more user-friendly, able to be accessed by phone, and I want to add even more great links there.

Send me your articles and links that you would like to see there. I will be offering ads on it too.

Send also your Nontraditional Student groups if you have discovered them where you are. I will add them to your State or Country pages. I will also be looking for some great nontraditional student artwork and stories about offerings in different areas.

What is working for you? What is working for others? These questions are good ones. Helping other nontraditional students is important to me.

Daffodils in bloom... so pretty!

So... have a GREAT Spring, and I look forward to learning more about offerings at different schools, new scholarships, and more this year. I will post here when I redo the site or FB page.

Remember to comment below on what YOU would like to see on the site, and the Facebook page, and let us know about your Nontraditional Student journeys.

Thank you!

Betsyanne

The Nontraditional Student Website

Nontrads on Facebook

Nontrads on Twitter

Love vintage books and collectibles?

My (WillowTreeMoon) Betsyanne Ebay Store is here:

Betsy's Used Books and Collectibles

Saying hi and checking in - for my Nontraditional Student readers. Are you going back to school? From Betsyanne.

noreply@blogger.com (Betsyanne (E Sheppard)) — Sat, 17 Apr 2021 22:46:00 +0000

Saying hi.

How are you doing? Are you staying safe?

And are you thinking of going back to school? I did it. And I am glad I did.

Photo by Gavin7629 at Morguefile.com

I think about going back again. Not sure what classes I would take. But there are more online choices. I would not mind going back in person, also.

And I'm still glad I did the Nontraditional Student website here: http://www.nontradstudents.com/. I am re-doing the site soon, hopefully. Scroll down on the Home Page and there are some handy links there. There are also two Scholarships page to explore. Here is Page One: http://www.nontradstudents.com/scholarships.html.

If you have joined a Nontraditional group at school, leave a comment at the bottom of this blog post, and I will try to add the group to the website.

The Nontraditional Students site has a Facebook page also. It is here: https://www.facebook.com/nontradstudents/.

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This photo looks surprisingly like some of the buildings at Western Kentucky University, where I went as an undergrad, and went back to school later also.

Photo by Daffers234 on Morguefile.

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Back to the subject of going back to school, I hope one or both of us DOES decide to go back, at least part-time. I found it enjoyable. Fingers are crossed.

- - Betsyanne

Once a Nontrad

And a maybe-future Nontrad.

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Another interesting posting: Must-Have Supplies for the Adult College Student.

Bye for today! I hope to update this more often this year. I blame Covid. (haha)

Nontrads in the snow - - Links for my Texas Nontrad friends - and more.

noreply@blogger.com (Betsyanne (E Sheppard)) — Fri, 19 Feb 2021 19:24:00 +0000

Hello from KY.

I hope you are all staying safe and warm, my Nontrad friends, especially those in Texas and other hard-hit areas like Louisiana and Oklahoma. I hope that you have enough food. And can wait for your Covid shot safely.

Many people are thinking about the energy disaster in Texas today. It's all over the news. I see pictures of broken pipes, people in lines, fire damage, and don't know how long it's going to last. This disaster is going to hurt a lot of people. I pray for their safety during this time.

On Facebook, there are some links available now. And there are warming houses set up, along with other ways to get help. There are more links, too, just scroll to the end of this posting to see them.

1) One is 211 - - call that number for help.

2) Food and Water Sites in the Houston Area: https://www.click2houston.com/news/local/2021/02/19/list-water-distribution-sites-in-the-houston-area-for-friday/. Scroll down to see other cities.

3) From the Children Like Loni FB page:

https://www.facebook.com/childrenlikeloni/photos/a.981941301840685/4074711655896952/

"If you receive SNAP benefits and your food was destroyed due to power outages you can request replacement benefits for this month ONLY.

Submit a signed form 1855 and upload to your portal at yourtexasbenefits.com

*information was forwarded and I’m passing along to all who it may apply to*"

FromThe White House:

"Texas — Carbon monoxide poisoning is a major risk. If you’re struggling to stay warm, please do not:

- Run generators indoors
- Use gas appliances like stoves for heat
- Sit in your car in the garage to stay warm

Visit tdem.texas.gov/warm to find a warming shelter near you."

Some more disaster resources are here: https://www.tdhca.state.tx.us/disaster-resources/

If you know of more, please list here as a comment. Thank you ahead of time.

Here in KY, we are kind of snowed in in some places. But it's nothing like part of Texas are going through right now. 

We are all thinking of you today, Texas residents! (And... see below, also Oklahoma and Louisiana...)

How you can help:

Via USAToday.com: https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2021/02/19/texas-power-outage-how-help-people-texas-after-winter-storm/4506179001/

Via the Today show: https://www.today.com/news/how-help-those-affected-winter-storm-texas-today-t209401

Via the New York Times: https://www.nytimes.com/2021/02/18/us/how-to-help-storm-relief-texas-oklahoma-louisiana.html

Yellow Rose by Bigal101 on Morguefile.

Checking in with my fellow Nontraditional Students - - and Back to Blogging, too...

noreply@blogger.com (Betsyanne (E Sheppard)) — Sat, 06 Feb 2021 22:49:00 +0000

BACK TO BLOGGING.

I'm going back to blogging. At least part-time! So of course, I chose the Nontraditional Student blog to start back with FIRST.

I got an email from someone at a college, who said they hoped to start a Nontraditional Student group. I think that's great. When I hear back again, I hope I can put the group on their State Page.

I checked out the Nontraditional Student website today, too. Oh my gosh! The ads looked totally huge. I will be fixing that hopefully soon.

Is anyone else working on taxes too? I can't wait to finish that.

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++

So... comment if you are in school right now. I will assume you are doing Distance Learning, to stay safe. But you never know.

I want COVID to go away. But know it will still be awhile. Can't wait for my shots.

I wonder if colleges will be having their own shot clinics.

Comment with what YOU are doing if you have time. I hope to be back, sharing more. Will share some links for now. The Scholarship Pages are still up, but some need to be re-linked and checked.

Here they are:

Scholarships Page One (from the Nontrads site)

and Scholarships Page Two (ditto).

I have my favorites there... one is Fastweb and another is the Fatomei site.

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I am very glad you stopped by today. I hope to do some more blog postings soon. Any suggestions on topics? Make a comment, or send your idea to: Subject Heading: Nontraditional Students blog at lizann447@yahoo dot com. Thank you!

Happy Super Bowl Weekend to those who watch, too. I may check out some of that!

Until next time,

-Betsyanne

Blogger - Writer - Artist - Online Seller

Connect with me on FB here: Nontraditional Students Facebook Page

And at the Nontrad Website here: http://www.nontradstudents.com/

and also at: Betsy's CGC: Used Books and Collectibles

5 Tips for Nontrads during the Covid-19 crisis, FAFSA link, and more.

noreply@blogger.com (Betsyanne (E Sheppard)) — Fri, 19 Jun 2020 15:42:00 +0000

A few (5) Tips for Nontraditional Students during the Covid-19 Crisis.

As we are in the midst of the Pandemic, it is more critical than ever to support all nontraditional students as they go back to school. Many are online (which I have tried personally...).

Please feel free to comment at the end of the blog. Are YOU going back to school? Are you going to try a face-to-face class? I wonder what they will look like. Of course, online classes are still available, thank goodness.

What changes has the Pandemic made in your school life? I hope you can continue. If you choose to take a break, it is VERY understandable.

What can you do to stay motivated, no matter what the Coronavirus situation has changed things for you?

I have some ideas that might help.

1. Research HOW you can keep attending school. It is possible you might be able to continue, online or otherwise. See the FAFSA Student Aid site, contact your school, and think about how to make it happen, even if it is only part-time for now. OR you can take a break, if possible.

2. Find ways to de-stress, and have time ALSO just for you. Some ideas here could include yoga, walking, meditation, and more. You may want to consider Tele-Health for your medical AND mental health needs.

3. Take care of your health in other ways. For instance, wear a mask in public, and consider having your groceries delivered. If you are working and cannot afford not to, make sure you are protected and safe at work. Do you need a job change? Carefully consider that, too.

4. Reach out to your friends and family members online and (safely) in person. Stay connected!

5. Make lists (something I find very helpful!). Prioritize things. Make choices. I know, this is easier said than done. I have found this helpful in the past.

+++++++++++++++++++

People are online, helping each other stay in school, and applying for needed loans and grants. You can connect with them.

Don't forget to apply for your FAFSA, if you are just starting out.

+++++++++++++++++++

And remember, this, too, shall pass. Did you know this was a Persian adage? I didn't until now. I like it.

Betsyanne

A couple of other helpful articles:
10 Tips for Success as a Nontraditional Student
Making Time for your Favorite Things

Search in the Search Box to find more.

Just for Non-Trads - - and those who help them: A New Year's Wish

noreply@blogger.com (Betsyanne (E Sheppard)) — Tue, 31 Dec 2019 18:25:00 +0000

Fireworks!

To the Nontraditional Students out there, who are working towards their dreams:

Don't give up...

Do have hope...

Share your experiences...

and Think of the Big Picture.

And have a GREAT 2020!!

Betsyanne

Former and Current Nontraditional Student

Check out our FB page: https://www.facebook.com/nontradstudents/

and our Website here: http://www.nontradstudents.com/.

Good luck in the coming year with everything. XOXO

Going back to college or taking classes? There is a LOT out there...

noreply@blogger.com (Betsyanne (E Sheppard)) — Mon, 21 Oct 2019 22:12:00 +0000

I am considering going back to school - - - again. I already went back once. Will I do it? I am not yet sure.

But I totally forgot that our local University has FREE tuition if you are 65 or older.! This is a BIG plus. I have written about it, but the time is coming nearer for me.

This age is NOT so far away any more, like it used to seem.

I plan to look up my options later on to find out what is available. There is so much I am interested in, so the choice will (again) be hard.

Last time I took English, Drama in the Schools, etc. to get an initial Teaching Degree. As you probably know, this follows up with a Masters later, required by most schools.

I did not follow up - - yet.

But that is one option.

There are other things and classes that sound VERY interesting. Some are good for a business or employment options.

Among them are:

Art - painting, sculpture, pottery, weaving, printmaking... etc...

History

Art Therapy

Art Education

Creative Writing

Business

Folklore

Geneaology

Writing
Counseling

Poetry - - and there are lots more things that sound fabulous - classes, other minors or majors, etc. in my area, and maybe in yours.

Western Kentucky University is the place I will look first. Their Adult Learners page is here: https://www.wku.edu/adultservices/.

More VERY interesting schools follow. These are local, but you also might have similar places in your area.

The local Community Education Enrichment Classes (for Lifelong Learners)

https://www.commed.us/taking-classes/

BG Technical College (Adult Learners Page)

https://www.campusexplorer.com/colleges/F61D7991/Kentucky/Bowling-Green/Bowling-Green-Technical-College-Bowling-Green/

South Central Kentucky Community and Technical College

https://southcentral.kctcs.edu/workforce-solutions/adult-education/index.aspx

I keep seeing other interesting classes to take - online. Some are reasonable in cost. Some are more expensive. I do prefer face-to-face teachers, so we'll see.

I will write HERE when I do decide for sure later on what I plan to do and take.

PS If you are also interested in going back to school, for the first time or again, be sure to find out about how to get help as a Nontraditional Student, too - at this posting from this blog:

https://non-traditional-students.blogspot.com/2018/10/where-to-get-support-and-help-if-you.html#.Xa4qbpNKhTY

Put your query in the Search Box too, and see what you find out here. Scholarship pages are available, plus more.

Where to get support and help if you are a Nontraditional Student. Also: Who is a Nontrad?

noreply@blogger.com (Betsyanne (E Sheppard)) — Wed, 17 Oct 2018 19:17:00 +0000

Who is a Nontrad? And here are some links you can try out to get help in your Nontrad Journey.

It used to be all commuter students were most probably Nontrads, or nontraditional students. Some schools specify that a Nontrad is somebody over 24, and possibly having a family too.

Now Nontraditional Students have increased in numbers, and include all kinds of people. They are going back to school after a break, or completing high school.

Here is hoping that your family is supporting you, if you are a nontraditional student. OR that your school has a group or club for you.

Here are some other places you might like to join for support:

#1. The Nontraditional Student website (check out your state for more info. - and send it to me as a comment if I can add YOUR group): http://www.nontradstudents.com/
(This site is slated for another update next year for sure...),

#2. The Nontraditional Student Facebook page - add a comment or link if you wish, anytime: https://www.facebook.com/nontradstudents/,

#3. Nontrads on Twitter - just re-started: https://twitter.com/nontrads,

#4. ANTSHE - a Nontraditional Student group YOUR school or college may already be a part of. https://www.myantshe.org/,

#5. A great Study Skills site: the Joe Landsberger page, Study Guides and Strategies: http://www.studygs.net/.

Also, use the "Search" box at the left on this blog to find more postings that may also help you.

I think you are very brave to go back to school, especially after a LONG break. I may do this (again) later.

More about that in future postings.

I hope things are going well for you. Comment if you have time, and have a future posting request or comment too.

Betsyanne
Former and hopefully future Nontraditional Student.\
BG, KY

10 Tips for Success as a Nontraditional Student - version 10 ;-)

noreply@blogger.com (Betsyanne (E Sheppard)) — Sat, 22 Sep 2018 18:17:00 +0000

Nontraditional Students - 10 Tips for Success, Version 10.

#1. Make sure the school you choose is a good one - most important: the credits TRANSFER OVER to other colleges.

#2. Check your Student Loans - and try to get a government-sponsored one vs. a Private Loan, which charges MUCH higher interest.

#3. If you can, try a Junior College or Tech School for your first 2 years. See #1 - your credits MUST be able to transfer over if you choose a good 2nd school for your second 4 years, if desired.

#4. Make sure your school is accredited and has a high rating.

#5. Does your school or college help you find a job after you graduate? Find out. Visit your School Advisor more than once. Bring a list of questions for them.

#6. Know the facts - - will your Major or Minor translate into a good job? Look into this. Yes, a college degree WILL still open doors. But look into taking something for the qualifications too, if you can. Consider a double Major, or a Major and Minor. Or a Certificate Program.

#7. See if your school groups accept older students. Some do. Some have Nontraditional Student support too, and groups.

#8. Be prepared to work HARD. Have a system. Make study groups. Get in touch with your teachers and professors. ATTEND CLASS! (Yes, these are more than one Tip...)

#9. Be cautious if you decide to attend Summer School. The classes are squished into less time, and may be very much harder for some students.

#10. Take an Career Test. Learn where the Study Help exists for students - join a Club. Take some classes (if you can) for fun or learning what is out there.

Some more tips: Make some friends! (See #8 and #10 Club tip). Talk to people! Go to a game or two! Stop to smell the roses. Enjoy your time at school. Don't worry about being older, just enjoy your experience. Take both online and in-person, face-to-face classes.

Try to limit your student debt (I know, that is hard right now). If you have to, take one or two classes at a time.

Add your own tips as comments. And have fun as you go back to school.

Betsyanne
Former Nontraditional Student in English and Allied Arts
Former English Major and Art Minor.

Find more tips in this blog by using the Search Box. Later!

Nontrads and the High Cost of College - some thoughts. Sept. 2018

noreply@blogger.com (Betsyanne (E Sheppard)) — Wed, 19 Sep 2018 21:29:00 +0000

Hope for Nontrads and Others - who really can't afford college.

I know it's a problem. College is becoming out of reach for Nontraditional AND traditional students. Somehow, this problem is not getting solved. Colleges used to be priced so that students could pay debt off as they went, and had jobs in the summer to help too. Now schools must keep increasing tuition and more, to keep solvent.

Now, some students are deep in debt, and the debt keeps growing, because it can't ever be dismissed or taken care of in a bankruptcy...

I have just talked about the high cost of college today in the Find Scholarships and Grants blog.

It MUST be a problem right now for any Nontraditional Students going back to school too. Not everyone has a family that can fork out a LOT of money for them.

I hope this can be changed. I love the idea of a 2-year free College/Trade School option for everyone. Think of how this would help in so many ways.

Companies would find more skilled people to work, and people could explore new opportunities and find out about fields they would love. Other countries do this, what about the US?

I have not blogged here in a long time. I have mostly been on Facebook at the Nontrads page there. (See below for some more links too).

But I think this is a good option too, to blog here. I will try to post here more in the future. It does not take long, and I think it helps get ideas out and links out there too, to help. It is my wish that the Scholarship links and ideas in my blogs will help some people afford school right now. I am hopeful things will turn around in the future. I hope the future comes soon!

Betsyanne

Here is the page on FB I've been on mostly - it's the Nontraditional Students page (no hypen) on FB.
https://www.facebook.com/nontradstudents/

Thank you for visiting! Leave a comment if you wish.

And now for the Nontrads. Happy New Year! Hoping for the best for all Nontrads, starting with a BANG in 2018.

noreply@blogger.com (Betsyanne (E Sheppard)) — Wed, 03 Jan 2018 18:43:00 +0000

Happy New Year (again) .... we are starting with a BANG... and what I plan for this blog in 2018 and more.

More about 2018: And what I am doing this year:

1. Re-starting the Nontrad News (this month)
2. Regularly posting in 2018 on ALL the blogs I have,
3. Re-doing Sites - the Nontraditional Student site, for one...
4. Taking Girl Scout online classes (part of Volunteer Training)
5. Writing some Lesson Plans and etc.
6. Making some Art
7. Keeping up with Politics!

I won't go too much into my politics, but suffice it to say I am following politics very closely. If you have not seen the Rachel Maddow show, it's very good. She also loves to stay up with the very latest political news.

As for being a Nontraditional Student, many of my readers know that I did go back to school as an older student. It was in English and Allied Arts Education. I got my Initial Certification, then taught for one Semester. I made it through the Semester, and then stopped teaching. At least, for pay. I am not sure whether I will do more (in public schools anyway). But I may change my mind later.

Was it worth it? A huge YES to that. I learned so much, and now want to help other students get motivated and do it, too.

I know that this year has its own issues... including what is happening nationwide, with many schools having to cut back on expenses. They are not getting a lot of support from States or Nationally. Here in Kentucky we do have a subsidized (but limited) program to help get students for certain jobs. I will be able to find out more about this program this year too.

Nontraditional Students will also also want to see what happens about:
1. Their student loans (I was lucky, only had 2 years vs. another 4 to pay... plus had low-interest Government Loans plus a Grant to help out...)
2. Credits - will they transfer? (And the current For Profit Schools situation...)
3. Deciding what to take in school (for those on the fence...)
4. Working to try to get a scholarship
5. Many questions about what the classes you take will help you with in the future.
6. The Job Market and Ageism...
7. Online opportunities
8. More.

I hope to delve into the above issues and more this year. Comment below if you want me to post about other things to do with Nontraditional Students too.

To finish up, I hope everyone had a GREAT Holiday and New Year's too. And hope THIS year is great for you.

EAHS
Betsyanne

Who are Nontraditional Students? They are students going back to school after a break, and may be in age anywhere from 24 to 100+. They are re-attending high school, or they are attending college or trade school, community college. They are taking online classes, in-person classes, maybe commuting to school, and going part-time or full-time. Some have families, some do not. So there are a lot of them!

Motivational page, The Website, Scholarships, plus send me your group!

noreply@blogger.com (Betsyanne (E Sheppard)) — Tue, 02 Jan 2018 19:13:00 +0000

Yes, it's a new year, Nontrads!

Are you motivated to go back to school? I have a good page on the site for you (below). Plus more tips.

You may be reading this at the Non-traditional Student website.

This site for Nontraditional Students, will be updated for 2018 this year. In the meantime, there are some good links and pages here.

Here are some of my favorites:

Nontraditional Student Scholarships to check out, Page One and Page Two, plus a page to help you Get Motivated. I hope to also add pages this year here.

If you have a Nontraditional group at your school, drop me a line at lizann 447 at yahoo dot com (no spaces, etc.), and I will add your link and message to your State Page here.

In the meantime, for the Nontraditional Students in school right now, I hope things are going well.

Feel free to post at the Blog Page under Comments.

Betsyanne
Former Nontraditional Student (in Education)
Kentucky

PS Also, Search for other topics of interest at the website by going to the Home Page (http://www.nontradstudents.com/ and scrolling down. I hope to put a NEW Search box on the site this year too. Be looking for it!

Reading Comprehension - a great link to help students out.

noreply@blogger.com (Betsyanne (E Sheppard)) — Wed, 23 Aug 2017 23:39:00 +0000

I had MANY problems with my Math score - no matter the test. (Think: ACT, SAT, etc.) - - so the English score I got did not win any prizes. Why? It always had to be counted with my Math score. Not really understanding Math as a whole started when I was young.

When I took Teaching training, I learned that "scaffolding" young learners could help with any subject. Because sometimes all it took was a little help at the beginning to catch up.

What does a person do when they are older, and MUST take the kind of classes that don't come easy?

They can use some Tips and Tricks.

While answering a question on Facebook today, I realized that although the advice I gave was OK (and even from this blog! - - talking about Study Groups, taking notes, maybe reading the material out loud and recording it maybe... ) I really had not touched the real issue behind the question.

Someone was having trouble studying/comprehending reading material, which could have been about any subject.

Another person made a GREAT comment, which included this link:
How to Improve Reading Comprehension (from the PrepScholar blog).

Their Tips and Tricks about this are 3:

(1) Understand and Reevaluate How You're Currently Reading,

(2) Improve your Vocabulary, and

(3) Read for Pleasure.

There are even MORE tips under these.

Tip number three sounds like it would be a huge hassle, being as many people who HAVE to read textbooks have a hard time scheduling reading time already. But it's do-able, with concentration and a good attitude.

I am thinking that people who don't have as much problem understanding what they read have run into words they don't know while reading for pleasure (a lot) in the past and have figured most of these out. Which helps - a lot.

I'd also give a Tip (4) - - which would be Don't Give Up! Words are not all learned in a day. Progress can be slow sometimes too.

Maybe using the Study Groups tip, plus the Taking Good Notes Tip, plus Splitting up the Reading some will also help.

I hope so!

Great article though. And now, students will be able to access it via the Search Function here at the blog.

Betsyanne

Aug. 2017: Politics, Social Media, and more... sharing.

noreply@blogger.com (Betsyanne (E Sheppard)) — Wed, 09 Aug 2017 18:46:00 +0000

Busy does not even cover my life right now. Yet, I still dream about going back to school - again.

Just today I remembered how FUN my English classes were. Art was maybe not as fun, but I got a lot out of these classes too. Art was HARD and required a lot of work. English, not so much.

ANYWAY, as the title says, this posting is about Politics, Social Media, and more. I am not sure how much FUN these subjects are, but right now they are taking up a lot of time with research and just wanting to KNOW what is going on in the life of the country, and the world.

POLITICS
Who is not absolutely gobsmacked at the news every day? I know I am. It's easy to get so involved with the News Happenings, when our President is doing so many shocking and unexplainable things (to me, anyway). I have actually had one relative tell me to "drop dead", which was unexpected and I assume has something to do with politics. I think we CAN eventually all get along again, and hope it happens soon. In my opinion, the country is more important than our differences.

Just yesterday, a commenter on MSNBC (another "real" TV news site) said that he feels what the country is going through right now (North Korea vs. Trump) is a lot like the Cuban Missile Crisis. People old enough to remember this or who have studied this will know that it was a seriously dangerous time. As I feel it is today.

SOCIAL MEDIA
I found out today via NPR (which is a REAL news site) that "bots" (fake persona on Facebook) are still alive and well, and posting all over the place. They take over somebody's account or duplicate it, then post as though they are a real person, repeating Fake News and getting everybody riled up about it. And yes, Russia is still doing it in a BIG way. So I will be trying to find out how to fight this. I think we should all be fighting it, including all the States and the US Government.

Luckily, school sites are largely on other platforms, such as Blackboard and probably others. So they don't have to worry about this as much. They zero in on their work. But I'll bet Campus Groups are talking about these things.

So, now I'm back to dreaming about school. I do that a lot.

About this blog and group: I started this group (and the Nontraditional Student website) (which I hope to update soon) because I was VERY excited about going back to school. Now, I consider myself learning every day online and from "real" news about current events and more. I have many FB pages (real ones) and I feel they are helping other people, which makes them worthwhile to me.

I asked today about a Creative Writing or Author or Poetry group in my town. I hope to join one soon. A CLASS in these things would also be fun. And isn't FUN something that makes it worthwhile to do? I think I am missing this element sometimes. FUN is important, and often overlooked.

So I hope you are having some FUN in at least one class or group.

A HUGE shout out to all Nontraditional Students and Wannabees.

Betsyanne

April 2017 - a post for Nontraditional Students, their friends and supporters.

noreply@blogger.com (Betsyanne (E Sheppard)) — Tue, 04 Apr 2017 20:52:00 +0000

Here is hoping your year is going well.

For those NOT on Facebook, here are a few links I have shared there you might like (or just want to read):

Student Loan Forgiveness Program Approval Letters May Be Invalid, Education Dept. Says (NY Times)

Summer Internships at Harvard from the Office of Diversity and Inclusion

60 Unusual College Scholarships You Should Apply For in 2017

MIT Announces $250,000 Reward for Disobedience (NY Post)

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Good luck with:

Graduation
Exams
Projects
Decisions
Support
Next Semester's Registration
Scholarships
Finding the school for you
and More.

Use our Search Box to find out about many other topics.

All for now

Betsyanne
Former Nontraditional Student in Education
Email me at lizann 447 at yahoo dot com.

Hello, nontraditional students - - here is a book to try, The Artist's Way. I like it a lot.

noreply@blogger.com (Betsyanne (E Sheppard)) — Sun, 08 Jan 2017 20:06:00 +0000

Hello, Nontraditional Students!

I hope things are going well for you.

It's a new year, and YOU can decide what you want to do in it, and for that matter, for the rest of your life.

My advice (also to myself!) is to get and really read and go through some Positivity books - - you can read them every day. They do help me, when I make time for them..

I have listed the first of a few postings. Below is the first book I like, that has been helpful to me. You can order a NEW copy if you wish, but also make sure to check out the used book links, and choose a vendor with lots of good feedback. You can save a lot of money that way.

The first book I would like to share with you is:

2. The Artist's Way: A Spiritual Path to Higher Creativity by Julia Cameron:

This way of life (being creative) can be done using this book to help. It has Action Steps, activities, and journaling that you can do to Take Action to be more creative in all areas of your life.

It is NOT just for artists, but it is helpful to them especially.

It's really a great book. And I hope you like it too.

Comment below if you have already discovered this book, and how you use it. I'd love to hear.

Until next time,

I am - - - Nontraditionally Yours,
-Betsyanne

- - Former Nontraditional Student - who took Education classes, English and Allied Arts.

You can also join me here:

The Nontraditional Student Website (find your State page there)

Nontrads on Twitter,

and
The Nontraditional Student Facebook page

See you there.

The 5 most popular postings from 2016 - and have a GREAT New Year!

noreply@blogger.com (Betsyanne (E Sheppard)) — Wed, 04 Jan 2017 21:21:00 +0000

Here they are: the 5 most popular and read postings from this blog, the Nontraditional Student blog.

#1. (MOST popular): Ivy League Schools are Beckoning to Nontraditional Students
http://non-traditional-students.blogspot.com/2011/05/ivy-league-schools-are-beckoning-to.html

#2. 10 Advantages of Face-to-Face classes (my favorites) http://non-traditional-students.blogspot.com/2010/10/ten-advantages-of-face-to-face-classes.html

#3. Must-have supplies for the Adult College Student
http://non-traditional-students.blogspot.com/2010/08/must-have-supplies-for-adult-college.html

#4. Non-traditional Students Tips and Links
http://non-traditional-students.blogspot.com/2010/08/must-have-supplies-for-adult-college.html

and...

#5. Motivational Links from the Student Doctor Network
http://non-traditional-students.blogspot.com/2010/08/must-have-supplies-for-adult-college.html

Have a GREAT New Year. The best of luck to everyone this year too. Are you going to school after a break? Are you thinking about it? You can find more links at your State and Country pages here:
The Nontraditional Student website: Support for all Nontraditional Students.

Another (2017) Nontraditional Student Newsletter is coming out soon, hopefully this Spring.

Be looking for it!

Betsyanne

Your Nontrad Monthly Motivation for December, 2016

noreply@blogger.com (Betsyanne (E Sheppard)) — Wed, 14 Dec 2016 20:36:00 +0000

Hi to all nontraditional students! (and those who help them.)

This month: People are winding up or getting ready for next semester's work.

Do you have a report to finish? Are you already done with everything? Some have signed up for a course or two for Winter Term.

I hope some of you have time for a real break. It's important to have at least a small break once in awhile to stay motivated. Don't carry on your work for EVERY day of your break...

My advice: TAKE A BREAK - - even if just for 1/2 a day.

Betsyanne

And while you are in your comfy chair, or on your hiking trip, (or whatever you are doing) - - take a break from that, (if you can), and come visit the Nontraditional Student FB page:
https://www.facebook.com/nontradstudents/,

The Nontraditional Student website here:
http://www.nontradstudents.com,

and follow our Twitter page here:
https://twitter.com/nontrads.

The Nontraditional sites: Support for all Nontraditional Students.

Relax beach writing photo by MGDBoston on Morguefile.

Call for Proposals for the ANTSHE Conference. Is your school a member of ANTSHE?

noreply@blogger.com (Betsyanne (E Sheppard)) — Wed, 26 Oct 2016 20:09:00 +0000

Here is the latest from ANTSHE,
posted just now at the Nontraditional Student FB page.

"The Association for Non-Traditional Students in Higher Education (ANTSHE) invites academic professionals, administrators and nontraditional students/ leaders to submit proposals for presentations at the 2017 conference. The call for proposals will remain open until February 5, 2017. All proposals will be reviewed and individuals chosen to present will be contacted within 30 days of submission."

Association for Non-Traditional Students in Higher Education - 2017 CALL FOR PROPOSALS

myantshe.org

Is your school a member of ANTSHE? Many schools are. And some send their Members to the Conference too. Schools from all over the country are members.

All for now,

Betsyanne

10 Tips for Nontraditional Students - different ones. Try searching for more too.

noreply@blogger.com (Betsyanne (E Sheppard)) — Tue, 27 Sep 2016 20:38:00 +0000

There are many tips in this blog. Try using the Search box for more.

#1. Try your best.

#2. Don't get distracted (by TV, parties, even making friends, which is also important...)

#3. Make studying and going to every class your #1 priority.

#4. Take some time to socialize and join groups at school.

#5. Don't feel like you have to ask lots of questions in class. Sit on your hands if you have to, but let others have a chance.

#6. Get relationships going with other people in class, and with your teachers.

#7. Reach out for help if you need it.

#8. If you feel ignored, or if you feel you don't fit in, try #4.

#9. Get a good Calendar. Use it.

#10. Take notes or record your class lectures.

Sound good?

Do you have a tip you want to add? Comment below. :-)

Betsyanne

Does YOUR school have special programs for Non-traditional Students?

noreply@blogger.com (Betsyanne (E Sheppard)) — Wed, 31 Aug 2016 20:51:00 +0000

Greetings to all nontraditional students, those who help them, AND people thinking of going back to school after a break.

Services for Nontraditional Students
I am just curious. Does YOUR school, or the school you are thinking of attending, have special programs for nontraditional students? I hope so.

Your school may offer: special tutoring classes, or places to study, clubs or organizations, even parties or special events for older students. Other schools have special babysitting services, places to put books in-between classes, special Advisors, and a lot more.

Check out what schools have before going to them, if you can.

Facebook pages
I have noticed online Facebook pages for commuters and Nontraditional Students are really doing a great job and getting the word out on services for Nontraditional Students. You can see these Facebook pages at the FB page for Nontraditional Students here: https://www.facebook.com/nontradstudents/. You can also post at the site.

Article Links for today
Here are a few articles you might want to check out today or when you get time. They are from the blog.

(1) Finding support as a Nontraditional Student

(2) Non-Traditional Housing - who wants to stay on campus?

(3) A Non-Trad Story: Michelle at Cornell

Good luck with your studies! And with your dreams.

E. Sheppard
Former Nontraditional Student in Education
Possible Nontraditional Student in Art next!

Some Nontrad links: The Nontrad site and blog
Join Nontrads on Facebook
Nontrads on Yahoo Nontrads on Twitter

More About me: I sell books and collectibles on Ebay, Amazon, and Etsy. Here are some of my current Ebay listings:

eBay Listings Widget from Auction Nudge