Idiot needs help!

Discussion in 'General Distance Learning Discussions' started by Iain, Nov 24, 2001.

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  1. Iain

    Iain New Member

    I served 4 years in the military and presently work in construction. I am tired of breaking my back and have a feeling that I may be layed off here soon due to the economy. I am 27years old and although time is catching up with me I need to act now or I will end up being a crippled old man with no money. I will be the first one to admit I am not exactly the sharpest pencil in the box if you know what I mean..lol! Basically I want to know the easiest/fastest way to go about getting a legitamate degree for someone who is mentally challenged if you know what I mean? Is there a diploma mill that I can get my basic courses done through that is accredited? I was thinking if I could get my basic classes done and then transfer them over to the Community College then take an easy class or two at the Technical College and then progress onto a 4year University that has a program that interests me. What is the easiest way for me to get to the place I need to be utilising the least amount of brain cells/time? I am not afraid to put forth effort I am just not the brightest bulb on the tree, and I am 27 living at home with my family because my roomate stiffed me and I cant afford the cost of living where I live(Washington State). Thanks to all who reply!
     
  2. Iain

    Iain New Member

     
  3. Mike Albrecht

    Mike Albrecht New Member

    The Washington State system has several Distance Learning programs in business & construction/engineering management check http://www.eus.wsu.edu/edp (got this from Bear's Guide).




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    M. C. (Mike) Albrecht, PE
     
  4. barryfoster

    barryfoster New Member

    Iain, don't sell yourself or your future short. If you have enough "pencil lead" to post this coherent message, you have enough ability to earn a college degree. A quality educational program will help keep the pencil sharp.

    Completely avoid the mills. Don't even consider them. Such ... uh ... "degrees" will not serve your future. Instead you'll have something that will embarrass you the rest of your life.

    Think quality and prepare yourself to pay the price - in effort, time and money. Avoid the *very* common desire for finding some trick faster/cheaper/easier path. It doesn't exist. You don't have to take the hardest path, but don't think you can somehow shorten your educational journey by make-believing that under-accredited programs will help you. You will only fool a few folks - and perhaps even keep fooling yourself.

    (Side note: For those who need evidence of this common trend, watch the threads on this board.)

    Degree mill ... uh ... "credit" will not transfer to community colleges. You'll be wasting your time, money and effort.

    Don't believe degree mill advertising. Learn about the importance of accreditation. Decide what educational emphasis fits you best, and find a solid regionally accredited school that will fit the bill (if you are in the US). Settle for nothing less. Then steadily work at earning the degree. One step at a time.

    While the mills might get your money, *you* are the person most affected by this decision. Best wishes on your choice!

    Barry Foster
     
  5. Gus Sainz

    Gus Sainz New Member

    I served 4 years at McDonalds and I am presently a couch potato. I am tired of being fat and have a feeling that I may never find a mate due to my looks. I am 27years old and although time is catching up with me I need to act now or I will end up being a fat ugly old man with no money. I will be the first one to admit I am a lazy, gluttonous, pig you know what I mean..lol! Basically I want to know the easiest/fastest way to go about getting a buff body for someone who is athletically challenged if you know what I mean? Is there a pill or something that I can take that requires a prescription but that I can buy over the counter? I was thinking if I could get my weight down while I slept, and then eat all day then exercise by changing channels on the TV remote control and then progress to competing in the Mr. Olympia contest. What is the easiest way for me to get to the place I need to be utilising the least amount of exercise/time? Etc., etc., etc….


    Without meaning any disrespect (to you or anyone with an eating disorder), I paraphrased your post in jest (it does sound ridiculous, doesn’t it?) to illustrate a point. Many believe the brain is akin to a muscle, and that the more you exercise it, the more it grows, and the bigger, better and faster it gets. So, just like you can’t expect to loose weight or grow muscles overnight, don’t expect to get an education (and a legitimate degree) without time and effort. Stop looking for the quick and easy way. Remember the saying “no pain, no gain?” It’s true. Just get started, and in time, legitimate shortcuts and alternatives will present themselves. So, in a more serious vein, I offer the following advice (but only because you asked).

    First, change your attitude and improve your self-esteem. You will find that these are the biggest roadblocks to your success and achieving your goals. If you think you can, you’re right; if you think you can’t, you’re also right. Realize that everyone has the ability to function at genius levels at something. Find what you are passionate about and you will excel. Moreover, at 27, you are, believe it or not, still quite young. There are many on this forum who began to pursue an education and legitimate academic credentials at a lot later age. It is wise, however, to begin sooner, rather than, later.

    Second, I suggest that you presently avoid distance learning (at least until you gain more self-confidence and believe in your intellect and learning abilities a bit more) and enroll in your local community college. This is for several reasons.

    The single most important reason is that you will have the opportunity to earn a quality education at a reasonable cost. Your local community college should be regionally accredited (make sure that any school you attend is), and as such, you will be able to transfer your credit to a four-year college (courses from unaccredited schools will not). Washington State University, does indeed, has a creditable distance-learning program offering several different majors and has articulation agreements with many community colleges in your state.

    Moreover, it appears you could benefit from a structured and disciplined environment, as well as face-to-face time with an instructor and fellow students. The interaction with other students is critical, as I think you’ll find that when compared to your fellow students, that you are not as mentally challenged as you think. (You might even find this to be true with some professors. [​IMG]) This should definitely help bolster your confidence and improve your self-esteem. If needed, help and tutoring are readily available. And, if you attend evening classes, I am sure you will meet others who are in your age bracket and in a similar life situation.

    Do not make the mistake of belittling the importance of what you called basic courses. You’ll find that these courses will be indispensable throughout your studies, career and life. Many of them are prerequisite to other, more advance courses. If you do not understand the material in the basic courses, you will have an extremely hard time with the more advanced ones.

    Lastly, take one step at a time. At first, enroll in one or two courses at most, just to get in the swing of things. Be prepared to make sacrifices of time, money, and effort, and be aware that it will take practice to master the juggling act (family, friends, work, school, finances, etc.). Ask for help when needed, and don’t take any wooden nickels.

    Good Luck!


    Gus Sainz

    P.S. After you have earned your degree, and you have become rich and successful, don’t forget your parents; you can never pay them back enough for what they’re doing for you.
     

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