Why Is Technology So Complicated?

Why is technology so complicated? I don’t understand it already, and I haven’t even gotten started! My kids know more than I do, and I stay away from it so I don’t look ridiculous. It changes so fast, how can anyone keep up?

I recently visited the Kennedy Space Center. Talk about a fish out of water. I don\’t understand the aerodynamics of flight. How is it possible for man to go to that dark, vast, cold place and see remarkable things and return safely to Earth? Talk about team work. How are so many minds able to work together for a common goal without the whole project going haywire?

I’m intimidated by all the knowledge in a place like this. As I walk among the buildings seeing what my fellow countrymen have created, the dreams and aspirations they have realized, astound me. Everyone here didn’t get to walk in space, visit the space station, or have the fame of being the first to walk on the Moon. But everyone did work together realizing that the mission to space was bigger than just one man, or one team, or one department of NASA. I can relate these feelings of intimidation back to my own classroom, to my own students here at Bryant & Stratton College Online.

I see many comments from students saying they are afraid of technology. I hear you and I feel your pain. It wasn’t that long ago for me, and I can still imagine what it is like to open up Excel and stare at a blank spreadsheet wondering what you are supposed to do with each of those little squares (cells). Students know they can perform magic and do powerful things, but it takes knowledge to get there. And it is intimidating when you know the power, but not the process. I know the power of space flight, but not the process. Not yet, anyway. I have never forgotten my days as a new user of technology and software. Yes, today I am technically savvy, but I wasn\’t always. Like you, I had to start somewhere. I remember those early days of being a computer technician working for Kodak in its heyday. I made a lot of silly mistakes. When I would embarrass myself by a mistake, I always swallowed my pride and kept moving forward. I learned from it. I made lots of mistakes, but tried hard never to make the same one twice.

Nothing is too big to understand if you just ground yourself and take it one piece at a time. I can still remember my mother telling me that you can even eat an elephant, if you do it one bite at a time. The imagery was awful, but the message was true. You can conquer anything if you break it down into manageable parts. The best instructors and teachers are those who never forget where they came from, and the journey they took to arrive at the present day. If you can muster up enough inner-strength to make the determination that you will not let defeat rule the day, you can master anything, even Excel spreadsheets or Access databases.

They are actually pretty cool, once you become comfortable with them. Technology isn’t going away. If anything, it will embed itself deeper into our lives, our automobiles, our entertainment, and our very clothing. We can be left behind, we can be intimidated, we can stand here and wring our hands, or we can choose to take the smallest steps in understanding those little pieces we use daily, our smart phones, our computers, and other peripheral devices. As we explore our world and really take a solid look at all the technology everywhere, we realize a choice must be made. Embrace the pieces we choose to use, understand, explore, and experiment – even if we make mistakes.

As my students comments ring in my ears it dawns on me that I am so fortunate to see the transformation from the first weeks of class to the end of class. Most students learn as much about themselves as they do about technology. They realize that technology isn’t to be feared and it was their own misgivings that were standing in their way.

Most want the class to continue for several more months so they can learn everything once they have mastered a few new skills. I get great joy out of watching this transformation. I am a witness to the journey; the journey of education, the journey of self-realization, and the journey of a thirst for knowledge. The best part about teaching technology isn’t the technology itself, (although I love that aspect of teaching), it’s watching the student triumph over something that used to hold power over them and intimidate them, and now is nothing more than circuit boards and software in their eyes.

That is the ultimate rush. I believe I need to come back to Kennedy Space Center next year. I need to learn more. I need to understand the process of space flight. I’ll never be a pilot, and it isn’t the marvel of engineering, or the mathematical calculations that I need to understand.

It’s the drive, the desire, the passion to make a difference, to achieve, to receive knowledge and mostly to learn about myself as I travel on my journey.

About the Author: Ellen J. Divens, MSEd, is a full time instructor at Bryant & Stratton College where she specializes in Technology & Communications. In addition, to holding a Masters in Adult Education, she also holds a Second Masters in Communications & Information Management. She has been teaching online for five years and began her educational journey as a Bryant & Stratton College alumna, earning her Associates in IT in 2001. She is heavily involved with industry associations with a focus on Information Technology, Information Management, and Communications.

Farmer Training: A Passion for Growing Food

Caitlin and Jason Rodriguez Elberson completed UVM’s Farmer Training program in October 2013. The married couple, who met in a Spanish literature class at Villanova University in 2007, share a love for farming and sustainable living. We interviewed Caitlin and Jason to learn more about their experience in the UVM Farmer Training program and their plans for the future as owners of Sobremesa and as apprentices at Stony Pond Farm.

Q: You joined the Farmer Training program in 2013. Can you tell us about what you were doing before you joined the program?

A: Before we moved to Vermont, we were living in southeastern Pennsylvania. Caitlin has a Bachelor of Arts in humanities, a concentration in environmental studies, and a Spanish minor. She was working as the Director of Development at Kimberton Waldorf School and had previously worked in admissions and marketing. Jason received a Bachelor of Science degree in mechanical engineering, with minors in math and Spanish. He had just completed a season interning at the biodynamic Kimberton CSA. Prior to his experience at the CSA, Jason worked as a mechanical engineer for a small structural analysis consulting firm.

Q: Have you both always shared a passion for farming?

A: Our love for farming arose from a shared passion of cooking with quality, ethical ingredients. Caitlin’s love for farming arose from a childhood in New York City eating delicious home-cooked, nourishing meals chockfull of healthy vegetables. Her parents always made sure that enjoying family time around the dinner table was a priority. Jason grew up in Colorado and had always been interested in gardening and also loved to prepare special dinners. He remembers all the herbs and beautiful flowers that his parents tended when he was a child. Jason had a small vegetable garden below his apartment when we first met.

Q: What as the turning point when you decided to pursue farming full time?

A: When we began dating, Caitlin was taking a number of Environmental Studies classes, which helped us further develop our values around food and increase our awareness of organic and sustainably grown food. Right after graduation, Caitlin spent an invigorating summer working with Triskeles, a non-profit which actively engages teens in sustainable farming, cooking, and entrepreneurship. As our values evolved, we became more conscious of knowing our farmers. We soon realized that we felt strongly enough about sustainable agriculture to want to learn more about becoming farmers.

After leaving his engineering job in early 2012, Jason had a wonderful internship at the Kimberton CSA. His time there was very fulfilling. We made a decision that we were ready to make a lifestyle change and pursue agriculture full time.

Q: What made you decide to choose UVM’s Farmer Training Program?

A: We knew we were interested in pursuing formal agricultural education because the program covers a wealth of subjects, the faculty and guest professors are experts in their fields, and we knew that meeting such a large network of food activists was invaluable. We were thrilled that the program had a number of classes on developing sustainable business and marketing strategies. As students in the program, we were quickly welcomed into the larger Vermont farming community.

Each Thursday is a “rotation day,” spent on farms in the area – Bread and Butter Farm, Intervale Community Farm and Half Pint Farm – so there is exposure to many different farming styles. In a farming education program, students are encouraged to ask many questions and guide their own learning in a safe environment. UVM’s program is in a great location and we instantly felt at home in Burlington. There is an evolved consciousness surrounding food and its source in Vermont and we are grateful to be a part of it.

Q: What do you hope to accomplish as farmers?

A: Our main goal is to run a sustainable farm business that supports us, nourishes our community, and nurtures the land. We also hope to continue to learn as much as we can about farming from more experienced farmers in this area, thereby preserving Vermont traditions.

Q: Can you tell us about your new apprenticeship at Stony Pond Farm?

A: We had heard great things about Stony Pond Farm in Fairfield, owned and operated by Tyler and Melanie Webb. Stony Pond offers a farmer incubation program, and we met with Tyler and Melanie to learn more about the apprenticeship opportunity. Tyler and Melanie also encourage interns to begin their own small enterprises. Stony Pond sells 100 percent grass-fed organic beef and sells milk to Organic Valley, which is a farmer-owned cooperative. As interns, we will be living on the farm and milking cows, planning and participating in seasonal intensively managed grazing, feeding and processing of livestock, installing and maintaining fence and water systems, attending farmers’ markets, and more.

Q: What about your plans for Sobremesa?

A: We will also be managing just under one acre of vegetables, which will allow us to launch Sobremesa. We will also be selling our own fermented foods, vegetables, and herbs at farmers’ markets. “Sobremesa” is a Spanish word that can’t be directly translated in English. It refers to the time spent lingering around the table after lunch or dinner, and having food-induced conversations with the people who shared the meal together. Sobremesa is a time to digest and savor food, family, and friendship. This name is at the heart of why we want to grow food.

Q: What do you enjoy most about farming?

A: Caitlin: I love that farming makes me feel alive. The cycle of sowing seeds, transplanting, nourishing, harvesting, and eating – and then composting – is magical. It makes me feel truly in touch with the seasons, and I love living that way. Farming has allowed me to connect with every part of myself: my head, my hands, and my heart. Farming is intellectual, physical, and emotional, and I am grateful to experience these aspects of being human on a daily basis.

Jason: I love working with the plants and being part of their creation, evolution, and life. I feel connected to the natural energy cycle of the universe, and that growing food is the best way for me to experience the cosmic connection. We like to be as close to our food source as possible. Since growing and preparing food is our passion, it is amazing to imagine sustaining our livelihood by doing what we love

Build Your Career. Start Today.

Don’t wait until graduation to start preparing yourself for a career change or advancement. Start taking small steps while you are still in school. This will better prepare you and can help build your career more effectively after graduation. Here are a few actions to consider that can help make you more desirable in a tough job market:

Research what you can do with your degree. As a Bryant & Stratton College student, you have access to a number of research and information databases that are not free to the public. While you are a student, take advantage of this access. Use the Virtual Library outside of your classwork. Research articles on job advancement, different positions requiring your degree, and labor statistics and data in your area.

Build a resume. If you haven’t already, start building your resume. Adding to an existing one after graduation is quicker than designing one from scratch. Take advantage of the Career Services Department and your Career Management Seminar to perfect resume building. The Optimal Resume program available to Bryant & Stratton College students is the perfect place to create and store a developing resume.

Add more to your resume. Consider seeking out supplemental experience to enhance your resume. Volunteer at a local organization, research professional groups or societies online, or look into certifications that will improve your marketability. Talk to successful people or employers in your field and ask them what they look for in potential employees.

Practice Interviewing. Ask a friend to go over a mock interview with you. Have them ask you questions that you are not expecting and did not prepare for beforehand. The more you do it, the more comfortable you will be!

Work hard to achieve good grades. Making Dean’s List or qualifying for the Alpha Beta Gamma Honor Society looks excellent on a resume. In a tough economy, these small steps can add value to your degree. Don’t wait until graduation to start thinking about your career and how to be successful in it!

Instructor Blog: The Importance of Instructions

Imagine if you will for a moment, how easy it is to make a peanut butter & jelly sandwich. Simple, right?

I bet you could even show someone how to do it in under a minute. Now, write it down, step-by-step as though someone had never seen bread, a jar of peanut butter, or jelly before in their life. Trust me; it just got a lot harder. Following directions and especially complicated directions can be a very important tool that serves you well throughout your life.

What does this have to do with going to college? College instruction is full of following directions. One of the most common mistakes that most students make is not fully reading and comprehending instructions. Often students skip over the steps of the instruction with the understanding that they know what tasks need to be done. And before long, they grow frustrated because the tasks they performed did not give them the result they wanted.

Why is this a critical skill? Imagine having this skill in the office environment. Your boss rushes in with a panicked look on their face. They have a meeting in the afternoon, and need you to whip up a presentation as they hand you their sketchy notes before they rush off to another meeting. You have no one to ask. You have to do your best with what you were given. Now, relate this back to coursework. Sometimes students feel that instructions for assignments should be written differently, or “better”. Although Instructors try very hard to make comprehensive instructions for students, sometimes they just don’t cover every possible outcome. Students are learning to use their critical skills, and think through the assignment. Move forward, give your best effort, and then learn from the experience.

Can you ask your Instructor to clarify certain points for you? Absolutely. But trust yourself. Many of us do not like to give students examples because students tend to copy exactly what they see, and the creativity that lives in every student dies. Most often, Instructors appreciate the efforts of students who give an assignment their very best effo

Three Reasons To Be Excited to Go Back to School as an Adult

Back to school used to mean new notebooks, a new set of crayons and maybe a new back pack. But for the 37 million Americans with some credit but no degree, going back to school can mean anxiety, fear and worry. Adults are filling out applications for college at a growing rate for a lot of reasons and many of them are finding there’s no reason to fear hitting the books. Plus, there are a number of payoffs to finally earning that degree.

That’s not to say college is all happy times and stress-free living. Anyone who is going back to school needs to seriously consider the financial and time investment school takes. Thinking about the decision to go back to school and how it will affect your (and your family’s) life is important. Yet, there are a lot of reasons to go back to school as an adult.

Increase in pay and opportunities

Several reports and studies show that people who get a college degree are better at career management because they earn more over their lifetime and are less likely to find themselves unemployed than people with lower levels of educational attainment. A college degree isn’t a guarantee of more money and opportunities but it certainly helps. Plus, as an adult with working experience, employers may consider you more employable than someone who has never been part of the workforce.

More committed

When you’re going to school for yourself, your family or to advance your career you are often more committed to school than a typical student. Use that commitment to excel in your degree program. Going to college as an adult is about investing in yourself and achieving what you know is possible.

First step toward change

Filling out that application for college and going back to school can represent changes both big and small. Your schedule certainly will change as you work in class assignments and studying. Your priorities might even change. But the biggest change is you are taking a step toward improving your life. That may mean fulfilling a long-standing goal to go back to school, earning a degree to get that promotion that’s been out of reach or getting the skills needed to completely change career fields. Whatever your reason may be, this is an exciting time in your life and you should embrace it!

If you are considering going back to school and want to learn more about the online degree programs at Bryant & Stratton College, please call 1.888.447.3528 to speak with an admissions representative.

Resume Tips for the 21st Century

Your resume should serve as an organized and concise synopsis of who you are, the education, skills, and experience you bring to the table, and should also indicate where your career is headed. While this has always been true of resumes, the 21st century resume needs to be created using programs that support both traditional printed products as well as digital formats that translate well over the internet. With that in mind, here are 5 resume tips to help Bryant & Stratton students and graduates embark on a successful, 21st century career path.

Use your resources. The internet is a wonderful place to look for resume tips, and to view examples. However, if this is your first or second attempt at creating a professional resume, take advantage of your resources. Bryant & Stratton College offers free career services to our students and alumni. This includes:
Access to Resume Tools, a web-based application that allows you to create a resume, manage and edit it, present it to future employers, etc.
Optimal Interview, a program that allows you to interface with real-to-life, simulated interviews so you can practice and hone your answer strategies.

Some communities offer free career advisement through temp agencies and employment centers. Take advantage of these services as you tailor your professional resume and portfolio.

Paper and Digital. You will want to have your resume available in both paper and digital formats. One copy on MS Word is not sufficient. There are times where MS Word documents do not translate across varying digital platforms. This means your resume may come through with incorrect punctuation or random symbols. You may want to invest in an HTML copy of your resume so you can feel confident it will be viewed as you intended.
Make sure it’s manageable. HR professionals are often inundated with resumes once a job opening is posted. To keep your resume easily scannable, limit the content to one or two pages. Stick to an easily legible business font, such as Arial, Georgia, or Times New Roman. Also, limit your use of bold or italics as these don\’t always scan well. You want your resume to be as easy to read and understand as possible.
Use concise keyword phrases. The Wall Street Journal reports that 50 percent of applicants don\’t have the skills advertised for by recruiters. In order to cut through the fluff, the majority of Fortune 500 companies and other large businesses are using applicant tracking systems to weed out mismatched applicants. These tracking systems are high-tech scanners that only forward resumes with the right skills, work experience-related keyword phrases the recruiters and HR staff are looking for. The more clear and concise you are, using specific job skills, accomplishments, and work experience-oriented phrasing, the better chance your resume has of making the cut.
Use effective hyperlinks. Since so many resumes are digital, you can use hyperlinks to add depth to your content. The resume should be the skeleton of who you are in terms of goals, objectives, experience and accomplishments. Then, you can hyperlink to your website, your LinkedIn profile with stunning recommendations, any published work, etc. within your digital resume. Or, consider using a QR Code next to your name and have it link to an expanded, web-based CV.

Finally, your resume should serve as a marketing document, targeting a specific audience. Be prepared to have multiple versions, each one tailored to a particular sector of the job market. Contact Bryant & Stratton College to learn more resume tips for your 21st century resume.

Guide to Becoming a Successful Administrative Assistant

Did you know that successful Executive Administrative Assistants work in nearly every industry, from agriculture and manufacturing, to education and Fortune 500 companies. Administrative assistants often make the first impression on prospective clients, and they provide critical administrative support so fellow employees and upper-level management can do their jobs effectively.

The administrative assistant goals you have set now can help you enjoy a successful lifetime career. Here are some administrative assistant goals you can work toward to land a job at your dream company.

Goals and Objectives for Administrative Assistants

Get an education. There was a time where a high school diploma or GED was enough to get a job as a secretary and work your way up to an administrative assistant position. This is no longer the case in a competitive job market and a society in which going to college is becoming the norm, rather than the exception. According to O*Net Online, more than 50% of administrative assistants employed in the U.S. have some type of college education, and that figure is as high as 67% for executive-level secretaries and administrative assistants.

Bryant & Stratton College offers an AAS in Office Management that will show employers you have what it takes to set goals and accomplish them. Your diploma will also demonstrate your proficiency with modern office technology. After taking our administrative assistant classes, you will be eligible to take the Microsoft Office Specialist (MOS) Certification exams for Word®, PowerPoint®, Excel®, Outlook®, and Access®.

Look for an entry-level position. If you are currently in high school, or have the flexibility to get a new job, try to obtain an entry-level receptionist or secretary position at a local company. In addition to determining whether or not an administrative assistant position is right for you, you will also be gaining valuable work experience that will prepare you for your future career. In addition, the positive impression you make in an entry-level position will gain favorable referrals and recommendations that will help you get that next great job.

Some employers will help to finance your education if they are happy with your work and want to support your professional development. If you aren’t able to make a job change right now, that’s fine too. Our online degree program is flexible and fits around your current work schedule.

Be flexible. Speaking of being flexible, flexibility is another administrative assistant goal that should not be taken lightly. Modern innovation is such that the technology you learn and use today might be considered outdated within just a few years. Your ability to adapt to new technology and work theories, and your willingness to continue your training and education will be invaluable to your employers.

Also, the demands placed on an administrative assistant can be overwhelming at times. More than almost any other position in the company, your day-to-day work responsibilities can be incredibly varied. From greeting new customers and top-level clientele, to making last minute coffee or lunch runs, there is almost no task too big or too small for an administrative assistant. Your flexibility will allow you to handle each task with grace.

Contact the Admissions Office at Bryant & Stratton College if you are interested in pursuing a career as an administrative assistant. Our friendly admissions counselors will work closely with you to help you attain your administrative assistant goals

Career Outlook: What is a Virtual Assistant?

Graduates of the Office Management degree program at Bryant & Stratton College are prepared for a number of career options, including working as a Virtual Assistant in a number of business settings.

If you’re starting or in the middle of administrative assistant training, you may be thinking about what you’ll do after graduation (if you’re not, then you should!). Becoming a virtual assistant might be a good option for you. Virtual Assistant working at computer

What is a virtual assistant?

A virtual assistant is a contract worker that businesses can hire to perform a variety of administrative duties. Virtual assistants operate as their own business, building a client base and working remotely from a home office or an independent workspace. Working as a virtual assistant allows for greater schedule flexibility, and gives individuals the opportunity to specialize in the areas of administrative work that they enjoy the most.

Interested in this unique career path? Here’s what you need to know about becoming a virtual assistant.

What are the roles and responsibilities of a virtual assistant?

Virtual assistants handle a variety of administrative and business tasks, depending on their client base. These tasks may include:

Writing business newsletters, and other communications tasks
Making phone calls, scheduling appointments and sending emails
Updating social media accounts for a brand or business
Managing website content and web design

Many virtual assistants choose to specialize in a particular area, such as web design or social media management.

What is the benefit of hiring a virtual assistant?

Many business owners choose to contract with a virtual assistant because they do not need the support of a full-time employee, but rather, someone to manage a few certain tasks. Hiring a virtual assistant is more affordable because the business is not responsible for providing office space, equipment or benefits. These eliminated costs also benefit the virtual assistant, as they generally make more money per hour than a traditional administrative assistant would.

What is the virtual Assistant salary?

Because virtual assistants are self-employed, salaries vary. According to payscale.com, virtual assistants can make between $21,372 – $64,066 depending on where they are located and their level of experience.

How does working as a virtual assistant differ from traditional employment?

As a virtual assistant, you have more control over your schedule and workload. You decide how big of a client base you would like to maintain, which hours you will work, and what types of services you would like to provide. Location and commute are not an issue, making it an ideal profession for highly mobile individuals (for example, military spouses). But the freedom of self-employment also brings the burden of self-motivation. This role requires someone who is a self-starter, so work gets done and clients remain happy.

What training and skills are required?

There is no formal training required to become a virtual assistant. However, virtual assistants do need the skills and a certain level of knowledge to be successful.

Administrative & Communication Skills: In order to provide a quality service, and build a client base, a virtual assistant must have strong communication skills, and be able to perform administrative tasks.
Office Technology Skills: Technology knowledge is also a must, as you will use a variety of online tools in order to communicate with and perform work tasks for your clients.
Business and Accounting Skills: It is also important to have a certain level of business savvy, as you are essentially running your own business. Understanding how to network, handle clients, and manage your finances are all necessary skills in order to be successfully self-employed.

Having formal administrative assistant training through a certification or degree program can help you hone these skills, and give potential clients proof of your experience and professional know-how.

If you are considering pursuing self-employment as a virtual assistant, online schooling can be a good choice especially if you are on the move or have time commitments restricting your access to on-campus courses. For more information on administrative assistant courses at Bryant and Stratton, click here. Ask about our online course options.

Government Jobs for Criminal Justice Studies Majors

There are many types of jobs you can earn with a Criminal Justice Studies degree, most of them depend on your interests and specialties. Regardless of the career path you choose you will likely start your career in the public sector. Many entry-level jobs for criminal justice majors are in local, state or federal governments so understanding the differences between these levels of governments could be helpful in thinking about where you want to work after graduation.

One of the key differentiators between the different levels of government is geographic jurisdiction – or the physical range of the government’s authority. Local governments have the smallest jurisdiction, typically limited to a single city or county. If you are employed by a local government your roles and responsibilities would only pertain to a small area of activity. Some criminal justice professions you find at the city or county level are:

Police officers
Legal assistants who work for a county courthouse
Security Guards in the Mayor’s Office or courthouse.

State governments typically oversee local governments and activities that impact the state as a whole. Examples of employment at the state level include:

Corrections officer at a state facility
Legal assistant in the State Courthouse.
State Trooper

Federal employees deal with problems, issues and laws affecting the entire nation, like border security or the transportation security administration. Jobs at the federal level include:

Border Patrol
Park Ranger (with relevant experience)
Paralegal Specialist with Homeland Security

Another big difference in working for these different levels of government is how close you will be to the people you potentially serve. Employees of local governments often get to see the impact of their work in their own communities. But, they also may hear criticisms from neighbors or family member about actions taken by their employer. State and federal workers often have greater distance between the people they serve and where they live, in part because the populations affected are much bigger than at the local level.

As you move through your criminal justice studies degree at Bryant & Stratton College think about not only what type of job you want after graduation but also the setting. You’ll be spending a great deal of your week at your job so you want to make sure it is somewhere you will feel challenged, be able to put your skills to work and that will be conducive to your productivity.

Bryant & Stratton College offers an associate degree in Criminal Justice Studies along with diploma programs that focus on the criminal justice field. If you are interested in learning about any of the programs at Bryant & Stratton College, please call 1.888.447.3528 to speak with an admissions representative.

Five Tips for Setting and Achieving Career Goals

The definition of success is different for everyone. This is why setting goals for your education and future career is so important. Without a plan of where you want to go and how you’re going to get there, it’s difficult to accomplish anything. A healthy dose of willpower doesn’t hurt either.

The task of setting goals and holding oneself accountable should be nothing new to college students who attend, as it requires them to be self-starters, find their own source of motivation, and work at their own pace to get coursework done.

If you are in the process of setting career goals for yourself, here are five tips you can use to make sure you can follow through and accomplish them.

1. Be specific.

When identifying your goals, it’s important to be specific about what you want to achieve. Vague statements like, “I want to be more successful,” make it impossible for you to determine whether or not you have met your goal. More specific goals, like “I want to find a new job,” are easier to visualize and obtain. When possible, set measurable goals – set a time frame and/or specify amounts for your intention.

2. Be positive.

When framing your goal, it’s better to think positive. For example, when setting a standard for your academic performance, instead of saying, “I don’t want to fail any classes” or “I won’t get in to that program with my grades” say “I aim to get at least a 3.0 GPA” or “I can take a make-up course and meet the requirements”. Putting yourself in a positive mindset will help you stay motivated and enthusiastic about your ambitions.

3. Be realistic.

Don’t set yourself up for failure. Identify and choose goals that are challenging, but within your reach. Prioritize a few main goals rather than spreading yourself too thin. Willbpower is like a muscle, and if you try to achieve too many things at once, you just might get “fatigued” and sabotage your chances of achieving any of them. Break each goal into steps, or mini-goals, to make the tasks seem less daunting so they are easier to complete.

4. Make connections between actions and goals.

Once you have decided what you would like to accomplish, it’s important to identify how you will get there. Tying actions to each goal not only helps you build a road map to success, but also verifies that the goal is obtainable.

5. Assess and revise accordingly.

It’s important to have a certain degree of flexibility with the goals that you set. Your aspirations, as well as your circumstances, are likely to change at any point after long-term goals are set. Assess and revise your goals as these changes arise in order to make sure you are working toward something you actually want.

If your path to career success includes pursuing a college degree, Bryant & Stratton College might be for you. Our programs aim to help students achieve their academic goals and prepare for career success after graduation.

Interested in learning more about the online degree programs offered by Bryant & Stratton College? Call 1.888.447.3528 to speak with an admissions representative.

UVM Oaxaca Travel Program Sparks Alumna’s Interest in Immigration Law

Traveling to Oaxaca forced Amber Attalla to question her confidence in governmental policies and the media. It also changed her life.

Attalla, who graduated from UVM in 2011 with a degree in psychology and participated in the Oaxaca Semester Abroad Program, is now a student at the University of Maine School of Law. In November, she volunteered at an immigration detention camp in Artesia, New Mexico, where women and children — who fled domestic and gang violence in El Salvador, Honduras, and Guatemala — were incarcerated after crossing the Southwest border

The conditions were shocking to witness and devastating for the women and children to experience, Attalla says. Children as young as infants were among the detainees. Nearly every child Attalla met with was sick with flu-like symptoms, noting that mothers reported that their children had lost weight and were having nightmares, according to Attalla’s recent interview with the Bangor Daily News.

Attalla spent a week at the Artesia center and was one of two legal representatives from the law school to travel to the southwest in the wake of a humanitarian crisis along the US-Mexico border. Attalla minored in Spanish at UVM and is fluent in the language, allowing her to act as legal counsel to the detainees under the supervision of practicing attorneys.

What troubled her the most was how attorneys for the US Department of Homeland Security had portrayed the detainees — women and children — as terrorists.

We talked to the 25-year-old law student about how the UVM Oaxaca Semester Abroad Program helped shape her views on immigration law and why immigration policy is one of the most severe human and civil rights issues of our time.

Interview on Oaxaca Travel and Policy

You first traveled to Oaxaca, Mexico as an undergraduate at UVM. How did your time in Oaxaca open your eyes to the complexities and unfairness of immigration law and international policy? Did you decide to pursue a law degree after traveling to Oaxaca?

My time in Mexico, if nothing else, made me realize how little about the world I actually know. It has forced me to question every headline I read and every broad categorization I hear about an issue. It made me want to learn more about our country’s immigration laws, because I saw from my time in Mexico that what we see and hear about the issue is extremely distorted.

Oaxaca, Mexico

My time and experiences in Oaxaca were also life changing and guided my future decisions, including going to law school and developing an interest in immigration law. Living in Mexico was an eye-opening experience and allowed me to see first-hand the effects of international and US policy on communities in Mexico, which are intrinsically tied to the driving forces behind our nation’s migration patterns.

About 700 women and children were picked up in south Texas by US Customs and Border Patrol officers last year. They were then turned over to US Immigration and Customs Enforcement and ended up at the Artesia detention center, according to news reports. Originally held in facilities in Texas, the detainees — women, as well as children under the age of 17, who had no criminal records — were moved to the Artesia center last summer. Can you describe the work you were doing to help the detainees?

We [Attalla and another Maine law student] prepared the women for bond hearings and represented them before immigration judges who sat in Denver, along with the government lawyers, and appeared in Artesia by video conference. We each saw between five and 10 clients every day.

Once a cash bail was set and paid, a woman and her children could be released. Bail ranged between $4,000 and $12,000. Most went to live with a relative until a hearing could be held to determine if she qualified for asylum. If so, she can stay in the US, obtain a work permit and a job, and eventually apply for citizenship. If not, she and her children face deportation and a return to the exact conditions they fled in the first place.

According to a Bangor Daily News article, the conditions at Artesia sounded extremely difficult. Why don’t more people in the United States know about the conditions these women and children people are living in? Why are there the assumptions that these women are “terrorists,” rather than victims of domestic or gang violence?

I think that observation is the precise point that makes the situation so appalling. The lack of transparency and the mischaracterization by the media dilutes awareness of what is, in my opinion, one of the most severe human and civil rights issues of our time.

Amber Attalla spent a week volunteering at detention camp in New Mexico.

I could never have imagined that a system of family imprisonment could become commonplace in this country. Unfortunately, the reason I couldn’t have imagined it is because the information is simply not widely available, and the information that is available is distorted by media bias.

The categorization of these women and children as “national security threats” is based on the need for the government and others in opposition to justify otherwise frivolous, harmful, and costly detention (paid to private corrections companies).

There is outrage among human rights organizations, the ACLU, and legal professionals, but I think the current state of the heated immigration debate in our country has created a bias of hatred and resentment that shields many individuals in our country from seeing this as a humanitarian crisis.

Any plans to return to the Artesia center to volunteer?

The Artesia detention center closed, and all of the families that remained were transferred to a new facility in Dilley, Texas, which has a much greater housing capacity. I am hoping to fundraise in the next couple of months so that I am able to go to Texas in the spring to volunteer at the Dilley Center.

Did your experience in New Mexico make you re-evaluate how immigration lawyers can make a difference?

I was definitely compelled by the experience, and it alleviated any doubts I previously had about pursuing a future career in law. I was able to see how access to legal counsel and effective advocacy can change someone’s life.

I was especially moved by the experienced attorneys I was working with, many of whom had left their practices back home and were using vacation time and their own funds to travel to Artesia and work 15+ hours a day as volunteers. It was inspiring to see both the dedication and outrage among the legal community about what is happening.

How has your volunteer work at the immigration center changed you?

My experience in New Mexico provided me with even greater motivation to be the best advocate that I can be. I wouldn’t say that I will necessarily approach my work differently. Rather, I feel that the experience gave me more exposure and insight into the factors that influence the need to flee one’s country and seek protection under our country’s asylum laws. I think that the exposure will certainly be helpful in terms of being a better attorney for my clients

Health Care Finance Raises Many Questions in Reform Debate

By Steven Kappel

Health care in the United States has been one of the most complex and contentious public policy issues for the last 100 years (Teddy Roosevelt’s 1912 presidential campaign included a call for a national health care system). While the organization and delivery of care have often been a part of reform discussions, financing has most often been the central reform issue, with proposals ranging from a single payer to more competition.

Most obviously, financing is a question because of the economic impact of health care. About one-sixth of the entire United States economy is accounted for by health care, from hospitals to pharmaceutical manufacturers. Even more striking than the size of the health care economy is the rate at which it is growing. In 1960, health care accounted for just over 5 percent of the U.S. economy. By 1990, that figure was 12.5 percent. In 2011, health care was 17.9 percent of the U.S. economy, putting pressure on wages and prices throughout the entire economy.

However, the overall cost of care and its rate of growth are only part of the problem. How those costs are distributed across the population is an equally important and difficult question. Should wealthier individuals pay more than those with fewer resources? Should behavioral choices such as smoking affect contribution?

These questions are mirrored when we think about payment for health services. How should payments be calculated, both within a specific profession (primary care physicians and surgeons) and across professions (nurse practitioners and physicians)? Should the amount paid for a service reflect its value (to the patient? to society?), or the cost to produce it?

Ultimately, the question that lives at the heart of the reform debate – like many other public policy questions – is who gets what when? Put in slightly different terms, who says no? Health care financing is always a balancing act between what we want or need and what we can afford (and who that “we” is). How should that balance be maintained and whose responsibility is it? Government? Private insurers? Do we prefer a market solution – by which we manage this balancing act in many areas of our lives? Or is health care something different, like education – something to which we as citizens have some level of entitlement? Is this entitlement limited or unlimited?

While financial questions are often defined arithmetically, financing questions in health care also have a powerful ethical dimension. Do we have obligations to others? If so, how do we choose to structure those obligations? As Richard Lamm, former Governor of Colorado has said, “Making a budget is the deepest expression of one’s values and priorities.”

Is Criminal Justice Studies Right For You?

The field of criminal justice can be attractive to anyone interested in how justice is dispensed in the US and around the world. Earning a degree in Criminal Justice Studies from Bryant & Stratton College is the perfect way to pursue a career in the field of criminal justice.

The right program is a mix of finding the right fit for your personality, academic habits and needs, qualified instructors, and the flexibility and structure needed for your unique situation. To help you think through some important characteristics for a degree program, we’ve identified four questions for you to answer.

What degree level is best?
There are a lot of career paths that start with earning a criminal justice studies degree. But, there are differences depending on what degree-level you choose. An associate degree in criminal justice studies will give you a broad understanding of the U.S. criminal justice system by studying its aspects including law enforcement, courts, corrections and private security. A diploma in Criminal Justice and Security Services provides the key foundation for students to pursue jobs in security while also having the opportunity to continue their education with an associate degree if they so choose.

What is your best learning environment?
Some people like to learn on their own and to set their own schedule to work around an existing job, raising a family or other responsibilities. Others like to very structured environments and sitting in a classroom with a teacher and other students. If the first scenario appeals to you then earning a criminal justice studies degree online might make sense. Online degrees offer flexibility to choose set your own schedule, as there is not set class to attend each week. To figure out whether an online classroom or a traditional environment is best for you, spend some time thinking about your life, your weekly schedule and your learning habits.

Is there balance in what skills are being taught?
A good criminal justice studies degree will offer a balance between theoretical training, practical knowledge and soft skills development. The first two types of knowledge in that list may be assumed but don’t underestimate the value of the last category. Employers across all field are increasingly looking for new hires with strong soft skills. In field related to criminal justice the ability to work with people of diverse backgrounds, curiosity, analytical skills and good problem solving are all important. Be sure to think about what kind of soft skills are being cultivated in the programs you are considering.

How much field experience do the instructors have?
There are a lot of changes taking place in the domestic justice, legal and security systems. Instructors who have spent time teaching as well as working in the field can offer unique insights the most current information and best practices in criminal justice. Seasoned professionals can also be helpful in building a job search network when you get closer to graduation.

If you’d like to learn more about earning a degree in Criminal Justice Studies at Bryant & Stratton College, call 866-948-0571 today!

5 Ideas for Making Your Return to College a Success

There are 37 million Americans who started college but dropped out before they earned a degree. Since a college degree is still important to increasing earning potential and job security some of these people may be considering filling out an application for college and going back to school.

For those adults going back to school, it’s a big step forward. But, it’s not without challenges. The National Center for Education Statistics reports that only 28 percent of adult students (those who are 25 years or older) complete college. So what’s holding these people back from reaching their goal?

There are a lot of factors and everyone is different. A Pew Research Center study found among those surveyed who did not have a four-year college degree and who were not currently enrolled in college, two-thirds attributed the lack of a degree to needing to support their family instead. Other research from organizations like Apollo Research Institute uncovered reasons such as anxiety about not spending time with friends/loved ones, worrying about intellectual ability to complete coursework, and experiencing stress because class interferes with normal routine, as challenges people face in earning a degree.

The top reason college students drop out however continues to be financial. Paying for college is a big undertaking and can seem almost impossible, especially if someone has other financial obligations. Yet, investing in a college degree can still be a great driving force when it comes to getting and retaining employment. According to the Hamilton Project, over a lifetime of work, a college graduate with a bachelor’s degree would earn over $500,000 more than an individual with just a high school diploma.

So, if you’re one of the 37 million people with some college credit but no degree don’t lose heart when faced with the challenge of returning to school. Knowing why you are going to apply for college and keeping your long-term goals in mind will aid your efforts. Here are some other tips that will help too:

Think about why you dropped out initially. Identifying the reason or reasons that prevented you from earning a degree the first time will help you think about what you need to do differently this time around.
Research all your financial options to find financial aid for college including scholarships for returning students or moms going back to school, grant programs and student loans. With student loans be sure you know exactly what you are signing up for and don’t use the money for non-school related purposes.
Ask a lot of questions before you apply for college. Make sure you understand what kind of instructors are at the school, whether they have the right degree program for you and whether there is specific support for adult students.
Start using a calendar. Going back to school while balancing a job or family obligations can be tough. You are going to need all your time management skills to stay on top of things. Use a paper or online calendar to keep track of school assignments, tests and other important items as well as schedule regular study slots so you can stay committed to your degree.
Get your support team onboard. Everyone needs a little bit of help. This could mean asking your spouse or your kids to chip in at home, finding a study buddy in class or talking to your instructors and academic advisor about getting academic support. Wherever you need help, make sure you get it before it’s too late to matter.

Going back to school is a commitment that’s worth making. At Bryant & Stratton College, we offer online classes that are outcomes-based in a flexible and personalized environment which can be a great fit for adult students. If you are interested in learning more about the online degree programs offered by Bryant & Stratton College, please call 1.888.447.3528 to speak with an admissions representative.

Paralegal Career Guide

If you are considering pursuing a career as a paralegal or legal assistant, you’re not alone – according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment for this position is expected to grow by 8 percent between 2014 and 2024, resulting in 21,200 new jobs during that time span. While the demand for paralegal professionals continues to grow, the job market remains extremely competitive. Accordingly, it’s important to understand the roles, work environment and level of expectations for paralegals and legal assistants.

Here is a quick run-down of the facts you need to know about what it takes to work as a paralegal.

What does a paralegal do?

Your role and responsibilities as a paralegal will likely vary depending on your place of employment. However, paralegals and legal assistants are generally responsible for supporting lawyers by maintaining file systems, doing legal research, and drafting cover letters and other legal documents. Developing your administrative, organizational and communication skills is a must. You also will likely serve as the first point of contact for new clients to your organization, so being personable is an additional helpful skill to have.

Where do paralegals work?

By and large, paralegals work for law firms and legal organizations. However, there are also a variety of paralegal positions available in legal departments for corporations. Banks, insurance companies and real estate agencies are just a few examples of companies that often hire paralegals and other legal professionals in-house. According to the BLS, most paralegal positions are full-time.

What level of training and education is required?

Currently, there are no concrete training or education requirements for paralegals – this will vary from organization to organization. Most paralegal professionals have an associate’s degree or a certificate in paralegal studies, which can be earned via traditional schooling or an online degree program.

You may also choose to become certified through a national paralegal organization, such as the National Association for Legal Assistants (NALA). Paralegal professionals can earn their certification by successfully completing the exam offered by the association. Some associations, like NALA, offer an advanced exam in addition to the basic certification – earning an advanced certification allows you to specialize in a particular area of law.

What is the job outlook for paralegal and legal assistant positions?

While employment for paralegals and legal assistants is expected to continue to grow in the coming years, it is still a very competitive field. Professionals who are experienced and formally trained will have the best chance of finding a job.

Thinking of pursuing a degree in paralegal studies? Bryant & Stratton College offers an associate’s program for paralegal studies, in addition to a variety of online degree programs. Want more information? To speak with an admissions representative, call 1.800.895.1738.

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What is a virtual assistant?

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Interview on Oaxaca Travel and Policy

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