Project Working Mom:
Putting Education to Work

A Formal Complaint

66bearess — Wed, 12 Nov 2008 20:46:00 GMT

I honestly believe that the facilitator of my last class (which thankfully ENDED this past Monday) purposely and vindictively found just enough partial points to levy an A- on me for a final grade. Had she even had the grace to compromise about the issue on which Faculty Assist confirmed that I was "technically correct" yet gave her the approval to leave the grade as is, I would have received an A in the class if not for the ridiculous 0.10-point deduction for not having a "the end" or a "thank you" slide at the end of a presentation document. She levied a full-point deduction on my individual paper and on my LT's essay claiming mechanical errors but her marks are inconsistent with papers submitted in earlier weeks where she only took 0.15- to 0.25-point deductions for the same "errors." My final grade was conveniently a 94.85%--it would have been a 95.575% if she had compromised and given half the deduction back, or a 95.7% at best had she allowed the "technically correct" font. Both of these scores are clearly an A versus an A-. Moreover, her marks grew increasingly harsh and questionable (more like NIT-PICKY) as I challenged her. She ignored my emails only until I suggested in a public forum that she was unresponsive, and then claimed that she had sent me a response but failed to provide the header information proving it. She did the same with the alleged Faculty Assist response to her inquiry regarding my last message, conveniently failing to provide the header information or any way to contact the 'official' who formally told her that her student was "technically correct" yet proceeded to leave the grade as is, effectively eliminating the possibility of an A on the project even though the team deserved one. While this may seem trivial to some, and I do not discount getting an A-...most certainly a very good grade...the principle of the matter is that I SHOULD have received an A in the class. Receiving an A- affects my cumulative GPA as well which I am busting my behind trying to keep as close to perfect as possible.

My inquiries to this facilitator were never out of line. Her responses to me most certainly got that way stating that my challenges were "draining" and "taking away" from the time she set aside to facilitate. Whatever. It is her role as facilitator to educate me and if I do not understand the logic behind her actions, I have every right to ask.

I wrote my academic counselor and asked how I go about lodging a formal complaint.

The Final Grade -- Not the End of the Story

66bearess — Wed, 12 Nov 2008 07:45:00 GMT

My efforts to recover the quarter-point deduction failed. Although the faculty-assist process confirmed that I am "technically correct," and although it comes as a bit of a surprise that being "technically correct" does not mean that our instructor is obliged to allow the font, it does come as no surprise that the grade will stand as is. A fair, and more appropriate resolution would have been to give at least half of the deduction back, but consistency prevailed. In 26 months of online classes, I nearly always used Arial font for my assignments and never received points deductions for it.

The corrected version of the essay returned by the so-called auditors pointed out new errors, this time on the references page. I used the citation generator in the CWE to produce these webpage citations since the precise method is not described in the APA manual. The APA manual does state on page 232 that if a precise example is not shown, then to use the one that most closely describes the source and do the best one can...it says the more information the better. Again, I cited these same sources in previous papers without any instructor marking them incorrect per APA guidelines, so had no reason to change the way I was doing it...or so I thought.

I had to send an apology to my team for the points deductions. I hope that they did not adversely affect any of my teammates’ overall grades for the course as they did mine, for without that quarter-point deduction I would likely not have received a minus sign next to my final grade nor would my GPA have been adversely affected.

Project Working Mom Scholarship Winner - Megan Luca

Victoria — Tue, 11 Nov 2008 22:04:00 GMT

Megan Luca

Associate Degree in Medical Assistant
Penn Foster College

I am currently enrolled at Penn Foster College and as financial records show it is very difficult to be a working mother and a provider for my children. I understand that my current enrollment will not be covered I would still like to further my education with this school.

I find it difficult on a daily basis to provide what is needed form me. I would love to obtain a career from home so that I can be with my child until he begins to attend school, but it would also be wonderful if in the long run I had a well paying, beneficial, and retirement plan that is well established and fun. All my life I have always been average, normal, but I want to be a role model to my children that even normal people can achieve great things and with hard work, dedication, and a little help they can become what ever they want. Like and other parent they want their children to have a better life than they did and I believe that with this kind of opportunity I can help my children have the life I never had and show them through example of hard work and perseverance, success will come if only they try.

My life has been a constant struggle with family and self-esteem issues. I was always being degraded and put down by family members. Always being told I was never good enough or being compared to other children. i always went above and beyod to make people proud of me or notice what kind of person I was capable of being, but it seemed that the more i did that the worst things got. I was a pretty good student in school all A's and some times B's, but that was expected of me, but my younger siblings seem to get C's and D's without a care.

As the oldest in the family I was expected to set the bar for my brother and sister and set a good example, but I always seem to come up short. I was told that I had the heart to be a good athlete, but not the skill, therefore, I never thought I would have the opportunity to pursue a dream of becoming a college volleyball player. Then when my parents got separated I had to grow up much faster than a normal teen.

I had to work and help my mother take care of my siblings, along with house hold chores and keeping my mother together through this difficult time. I would take my brother and sister outside or in my room to watch TV when they fought or when mom would be crying after they got off the phone. I believe that if my mother would have known and had the support of a scholarship like this her life would have been totally different and so would mine. So I would live to use this opportunity to better myself for myself and to show my mother that she is a wonderful mother and that I wouldn't be the person I am today if it wasn't for her.

I know that by finishing my schooling and being able to support my own family will bring joy to her heart. I know that online schooling is right for me, because I have good work ethic, I know how to take direction well, I know that a lot of self discipline and constant motivation is need to stay on schedule.

Due to life experiences I believe that I have the skill, knowledge, and resources to complete these courses and success in any career. I also think that on-line schooling is much harder and helps build good leadership skills and independence, both of which are great characteristics to have in the work place. On-line schooling will only help enhance what strong qualities I have and I look forward to becoming a more strong independent woman, who is charismatic, open minded, and well educated. This type of opportunity is hard to come by and I promise that this scholarship will be put to good use and will be use to it's fullest potential and I would like to thank you for considering me as candidate.

Thank you for your time.

Megan Luca

Project Working Mom Scholarship Winner - Donna Gannon

Victoria — Tue, 11 Nov 2008 21:59:00 GMT

Donna Gannon

Associate Degree in Graphic Design
Penn Foster College

My name is Donna Gannon and I am a mother of two amazing children, Lelaina who is 13 and Joshua who is 16. I have brought my children up to appreciate education and the contribution it can bring to the world. I myself regrettably did not attend college out of high school. Although I did marry my high school sweetheart and started a wonderful family. I have brought up our children with great morals and values. We have made sure to direct them towards scholarships throughout their education where as we have never had an abundance of funds available to us. I am proud to say they both hold around a 3.80 GPA and both have hearts of gold.

I myself am the youngest of five children. I watched my mother work hard towards a career in the nursing field, starting at the age of 40. Her tireless efforts and dedication stayed with me as I too am approaching 40. After attaining her degree, I had the fortune of watching her enjoy her career through out my life as she gifted the world with her skills. I have recently experienced some very hard times which have inspired me to walk in her path. Its funny how hardships in your life ignite a power driven from within that when looking back you cant imagine ever living without. This is what Graphic Design became for me.

I have always encompassed a love for the arts. Whether I paint, sketch or tell a night time story to the kids. I have always felt the urge to design and create. Twenty years ago I married a man whos family owned a photo lab. We serviced our small town for over 25 years with quality service and always a smile. The later part of those years I and my husband ran the lab. Unfortunately that industry has become null and void and we have been struggling to start over from scratch. With our expertise in imaging we have created a large format business. Although the sluggish economy has created a tremendous struggle for our new venture we have put all of our resources at stake and are striving toward the future as best we can. During this transition we have noticed a tremendous need for Graphic Design.

This past year has been a series of challenging obstacles. We lost our home, were forced to file chapter 7 bankruptcy and are struggling to keep bills paid and food on the table. Through these obstacles we are attempting to create any spark that can get us back on our feet again. Our children are getting closer to the college life and we desperately want to provide any funding that will help them to get started on the right foot.

Currently I am enrolled in my first semester at Penn Foster for Graphic Design. Online learning is such a wonderful tool for me and I am very grateful for the ability to learn and receive a degree from home in my spare time. The reason I am applying for this scholarship relies upon my financial strain as well as my lack of time during the business day. Most importantly my desire for a career in a field that I absolutely feel confident and comfortable in. The first semester was a struggle to fund and I have been anxiously awaiting a resolution for the remaining 3 semesters. I am so pleased to have the opportunity to apply for this scholarship. I am fully committed to completing this degree with aspirations of showing my children a positive role model with the will of a warrior. I know that I will make a difference in the world with this degree as well as a positive influence for the school I am attending. I look forward to being a graduate of Penn Foster and will extend my gratitude to this establishment with pride.

Project Working Mom Scholarship Winner - Kimberly Black

Victoria — Tue, 11 Nov 2008 21:55:00 GMT

Kimberly Black

Associate Degree in Health Information Technology
Penn Foster College

I have always wanted to go back to school, but wasn't sure what I wanted to be when I "grew up." It was this past spring when my oldest daughter's best friend graduated from college that I realized that I wanted it to be me. I wanted to be one of the mom's up there accomplishing a dream of becoming a college graduate.

I had some goals earlier on in my life. My husband and I were going to be Bed & Breakfast owners about 7 years ago, on the verge of purchasing a B&B in South Dakota. Unfortunatly, my husband was disgnosed with cancer and passed away 5½ years ago.

I felt like all my hopes and dreams died with him. Then seeing all those older women get their degrees, I felt it was time to move on in my life. I also want to show my children that no matter what life gives you, you can succeed. Hopefully, this will change my oldest daughter's mind about going back to school.

I am currently working in a position as a Level 1 practice manager, which I am very fortunate to have without a medical background. I have been in my current employment since December 2007, but started out working temporary on Fridays. I was told that I would never get anywhere in the medical industry without some sort of medical background.

I have held many other positions in my work history, but I have always wanted to help people and I feel that I have found myself at home here helping patients and the doctor. I feel that this is what I was meant to do, this is my calling, my dream. I want to show my girls that dreams can come true.

Project Working Mom Scholarship Winner - Dawna Moody

Victoria — Tue, 11 Nov 2008 21:50:00 GMT

Dawna Moody

Associate Degree in Business Management with an option in Human Resources
Penn Foster College

Obtaining a college degree is important to me for three reasons:

1) My children need to learn by example;
2) I deserve it!;
3) The community deserves to have one more college educated black women who will help to meet their needs and provide available resources.

Six years ago I was diagnosed with end stage renal disease (kidney failure) and systemic lupus. I have survived through perseverance and hard work. I went back to school for a short period of time but my dialysis schedule prevented me from committing to full-time learning. I became frustrated and quit.

Soon after, I obtained an administrative assistant position at my church and have been working there since 2005. I love the work I do. Not only do I help meet congregational needs but also the needs of the surrounding community. People from all walks of life ring the door bell day-to-day. I am able to listen to their needs and meet them by providing community resources and sometimes just offering them an encouraging word.

I want to continue my education because I believe my true calling is to counsel those in the community who are looking for help through knowledgeable insight and encouragement. Financially, I need help. When I quit school a few years back, my student aid was frozen due to a lack of completed credit hours. I am ready to go back and feel now is the time.

I work part-time at the church and need help financially but also believe that the online experience would be right for me due to my hectic daily schedule. If given the help needed to continue my education, the end product would be a tremendous asset to the community. Thank you for granting me this opportunity to recieve a scholarship through this wonderful program.

Project Working Mom Scholarship Winner - Crystal Giordano

Victoria — Tue, 11 Nov 2008 21:44:00 GMT

Crystal Giordano

Associate Degree in Graphic Design
Penn Foster College

I have struggled in my life, but it could always be worse. This mantra has motivated me throughout my life. I am a product of womens shelters and welfare where ignorance, drugs and abuse were thought of as normalcies of life. I was constantly told I would never finish school and would be a drain on society. I believe that a stereotype doesnt make you who you are, but rather your actions do.

I graduated in the top percent of my high school class, was member of the National Honor Society, was recipient of the Louis Armstrong award, volunteered with clubs and organizations within the school and community, and have worked since I turned 16.

I now work a respectable desk job, but see no chance for advancement without further education. I married an amazing Ed-tech teacher at a public reformation school for children suffering behavioral and social disabilities and is a coach for multiple high school level sports. We just had our first child and though blessed, we can barely afford daily necessities. Were scratching our heads at how we will be able to care for our baby when we gross just enough to be disqualified for any aid, but not enough to live on.

I can't afford further schooling, but can not get ahead without it. I am grateful for all that I have, but like all mothers, I want better for my family. I know if I were to be awarded with a scholarship and earn a degree, I would be able to better our lives by allowing me the freedom to work from home part or full-time, spend time with my family and provide stable income to support us. In a world where everything seems negative, perseverance and generosity is an example I would like to set for the next generation.

Project Working Mom Scholarship Winner - Paula Knoph

Victoria — Tue, 11 Nov 2008 21:41:00 GMT

Paula Knoph

Associate Degree in Medical Assistant
Penn Foster College

My name is Paula Knoph and I was born in Cork City in Ireland. I come from a large, working class family; the second from the youngest in a family of 14. My mother passed away when I was 4 and due to the lack of employment opportunities, my father was forced to make a decision that would effect the entire family. He applied for a job in England in a car factory and when he obtained housing, he, along with the four youngest children, started a new life in England.

I had a happy childhood even though money was tight. My dad would save change in jars so that we could go back to Ireland on vacation every couple of years.

I enjoyed school and did very well. In high school, I continued my success and during my junior year, I decided that nursing would be my career of choice. I had everything planned out. I would take my "O" levels in high school, go to a community college to get my "A" levels and once that was completed, apply to nursing school and become a registered nurse specializing in Pediatrics. That was the way it was supposed to be until life intervened. When I was 16, my father was diagnosed with lung cancer and passed away 6 months before I was due to graduate from high school. My siblings decided that my younger brother and I, still being minors, should return to Ireland and live with one of them and their family. Upon hearing this, my headmaster called me into his office and informed me that he and his family were willing to open their home to me so that I could stay in England and finish my education and return to Ireland once I had graduated. Although my family and I were touched by such a generous offer, we declined and we relocated back to Ireland.

I enrolled in a high school in Ireland and attempted to finish my education as planned, however due to the differences in curriculum and teaching methods, I began to fall behind and became discouraged, so I decided to drop out. Looking back, I really wish I had remained in England. The opportunity for success was right in front of me; I just didn't fight hard enough for it.

I moved back to England in my twenties. I worked in sales and met my husband who was in the U.S. Air Force. We moved to America when our children were young sons. When our boys started school, I worked during the day and my husband went to school at night. Once he graduated with his degree, I had to stop working in order to care for my ailing father in law. I cared for him at home for two years, until he passed away. With my boys in school and my husband at work, I was at a loss as what to do next. Without a diploma, employment opportunities were limited. I applied to a local nursing home that was offering free classes to become a Certified Nursing Assistant. I jumped at the chance because a high school diploma was not required. I passed the class and have been employed at the facility for the past 8 years. I enjoy my job but I would like to further my career and I would have to attend college in order to achieve this.

My eldest son graduated from high school in 2007 and I obtained my G.E.D. at the same time. My youngest son is a junior in high school and I feel that it is now my time to chase my dream of a college education and to be able to achieve this on-line would be convenient because I would still be available to my family. I would use the degree for employment in the field of physical therapy or speech therapy to assist stroke victims. My opportunity for success is once again right in front of me. This time, however, I am going for it and at the age of 43, I am ready for a the challenge.

Project Working Mom Scholarship Winner - Tracy Shepherd

Victoria — Tue, 11 Nov 2008 21:38:00 GMT

Tracy Shepherd

Associate Degree in Civil Engineering Technology
Penn Foster College

I am a 40-year-old single mother of two astonishing, intelligent human beings. As a single working mother who never took the opportunity to advance to a higher level of education, I have stressed the importance of education to my children their entire lives. They have worked hard to achieve an elevated level of success and my daughter was recently rewarded for her hard work with a full scholarship to college where she will attend this fall. Without this opportunity it would be implausible that she would be able to attend at all because of our family situation.

An educational opportunity like the scholarship program you are offering is paramount to working single mothers in my opinion, giving some of us an opportunity to improve ourselves and our situations. I believe it is also an opportunity to give our children a solid basis for grasping the importance of education through setting an example.

I remember in my childhood my family was extremely impoverished after my father left our family, and my mother had no education or work experience at the time. She worked hard at what she knew to provide us with a home, but it was arduous and at times there was not even enough food to go around. My mother would periodically go without eating for days just so she could feed her children.

Eventually, she applied for a scholarship opportunity through the state workforce program and was able to attend college to receive her associate's degree in accounting. I remember many times she couldnt even afford day care to attend her classes and I, being the youngest of 3, was not yet attending school. There were periods during her college years that she literally had to haul me to her classes with her. Eventually she received her degree and was able to secure a regular job. Over the years she advanced her career, bought us a house, a car, and improved our quality of life immensely. I was able to see first hand how an education can help a family to thrive and grow through the opportunity it provided to an individual who is motivated to put that education to work for them.

My entire life I have wanted to relive the opportunity to get a higher education. I married right out of high school and never took that opportunity when it was at hand. Now as a single parent, years later, I would love the opportunity once again to make a difference in my familys life through education. Having this scholarship opportunity would provide my family the opportunity to thrive once and for all in an economy where it is so difficult for single parent families without strong educational backgrounds to make a living. So many of us are working so hard just to make it to the end of the month, or working two jobs to make ends meet. I would also love to have the opportunity to show my children first hand how an education can improve your quality of life as my mother did for me.

I am currently employed full-time with the U.S. Department of Agriculture. I work as a contracted secretary for a temporary agency. Although it is a menial job which provides minimal pay and no benefits, it is a great organization with so many opportunities for a degreed worker. Having seen many job openings I could have qualified for to advance my career had I qualified with education; my goal is to advance my career in this organization. I have not been in a position to afford continuing education up to this point and this scholarship would mean the world to me at this time in my life. If awarded, it would afford my family such luxuries that we havent had, such as a more stable living, health insurance, a retirement plan, a college savings plan that could help my son to attend college in 4 years when he is ready, or possibly even extra money so we could enjoy a family vacation on occasion.

I am sure there will be younger applicants for this scholarship whom over the course of their lifetime this opportunity may or may not make a bigger impact for them. Unfortunately, we can never see into the future and know when we will reach a point in our lives when starting over will not be a choice, but a requirement. At 40 years old I am willing to work hard to start over and make a difference in the lives of those I personally affect. I am a hard worker, I am goal oriented, and have I have faith in my ability to improve and thrive, even in the tough economy we face today. I also have adamancy, which I feel is my strongest quality.

I foresee that my biggest challenges will be that I have not been in the education system for a number of years so I will have to update my knowledge. I will also have time constraints from my current job and activities. I believe that I can overcome these challenges and that because of my adamancy, as well as maturity, I will work harder to overcome these challenges and earn my degree as I have the ability to face adversity without giving in to it.

I have chosen a course in civil engineering as I find that it fits well into my current job situation and many positions are currently needed in this field. Women are expanding rampantly in this area and I find it of great interest to me. I also like the versatility of this degree in that it would afford me a more diverse opportunity for advancement within my current organization, as well at market wide.

The availability of online learning is indispensible in the harried times we face each day and this provides a perfect opportunity for those of us who are already working full time jobs, have children, and strive to be a valuable part of the community. I currently volunteer for a local little league organization and for the Earth Team in our area, in addition to my full time job and the time that I devote to my children. I feel this would be a perfect medium for my education as I can make it fit more easily into my schedule.

I feel that no matter where these scholarships are awarded they will provide a great opportunity for many women to improve their lives. I am pleased that our education system recognizes the need for improvement in this unique area of our society and that learning institutions are willing to unite to lend such needed educational support to the women of our communities.

Project Working Mom Scholarship Winner - Jasmine Muller

Victoria — Tue, 11 Nov 2008 21:29:00 GMT

Jasmine Muller

Associate Degree in Graphic Design
Penn Foster College

Imagine a crisp, white, blank, piece of paper.

So crisp and clean ready to be written on. You grab a pencil with a good eraser. You know you will make mistakes as you write so you prefer a pencil rather then a pen which is much more permanent. You start to write on that sheet of paper. You include some ideas, notes, goals, maybe a drawing or two but as predicted you make a mistake. You erase, rewrite, and inscribe marks over words you want to void.

You pass on the sheet of paper to some one else and they input their own ideas and/or opinions. They like you also erase and make marks. By the time you're done, the piece of paper does not look as new and clean as it first started. It has marks, smudges, rips and even some fold marks. Well, I have come to realize that my life is like a piece of paper.

I started off an innocent baby. As I grew I made mistakes. I go back correct the ones I can and then I learn from them. People whom I've met have made an impact in my life good as well as bad and throughout my life experience I've learn what I like and don't like. But like that piece of paper I will never be the same. There is always going to be smudges and residue from the past. That can never be erased but only leaving a huge mark! You can either dwell on the mark or you can learn from it and become stronger.

I have been through my share of struggles. Molested at 10, Parents divorced at 13, I along with my older sister became the women of the house taking care of my younger sisters due to the fact that my dad took full custody of 5 children and he worked 2 jobs. I fell in love at a young age and eloped at the age of 18. Had my first baby at the age of 19 and lived the life of a Marine wife for a couple years.

Like every marriage, I went through my trials and tribulations. Gave up a lot of things to keep my family in tacked. One thing I gave up that I've always wanted to go back to was school. My obligation and responsibilities as a mother, wife and coworker became top priority delaying my goal of becoming a graphic designer for so long.

I've wanted to attend college ever since I can remember. I am now 23-years-old. I am a mother of two beautiful little boys. I work full-time as a secretary in a generator company by the name of Broadcrown, Inc. And I am currently going through a divorce of a 4½ year marriage. I am the third born of five children and the first and only so far to graduate high school, I will also be the first to attend and complete college in my family. As I said before I have been through my share of experiences and I am proud to say that I've lived and learned.

I've grown stronger and wiser. And feel that now more then ever I am ready to go back to school. One of my fears of going to college was the care of my children. Not knowing how I was going to mange a job, school and motherhood. But now getting a degree has gotten as easy as using your home computer.

What I love about getting my degree online is that everything is at my fingertips. I can attend a course at anytime, from anywhere. This means that I can continue to work full-time. After work I can focus on my children's needs and once they are asleep, I then can sit down to class in the comfort of my own home. I don't have to worry about a sitter, gas, traffic and pretty much all the stress of having to go to and from school. I love that the course material is accessible 24 hours a day 7 days a week. I have the ability to read and reread lectures, discussions, explanations and comments because sometimes I can get distracted and often miss spoken material. In addition, participating online is much less intimidating than "in the classroom." Anonymity provides me as a student a level playing field undisturbed by bias caused by seating arrangement, gender, race and age. I can also think longer about what I want to say and add my comments when ready. In a traditional classroom, the conversation could have gone way past the point where I want to comment. So you see online classes are easy, convenient, and the way to my victorious future.

I've always had an interest in arts and computers. But, what led to wanting a career in the field of Graphic design was when I became editor of my high school yearbook my senior year. I created most of the layouts and assist my peers with their designs. I would spend hours trying to complete my layouts to perfection and would work after school and even weekends to meet deadlines. This was something that I was committed to.

After noticing my dedication I knew that I wanted to be a graphic designer. I would like to establish this by earning my associate's degree in Graphic/Web Design. This will help me find an occupation that enhances my creative abilities. Once I obtain this degree I would like to go as far as getting a Masters or Doctorate degree. I will take advantage of these degrees and construct a better future for not only me but my family as well. My degree in Graphic/Web Design will help find a profession where I can express my talent freely. This degree is proof to employers everywhere that I am well educated in this particular field and that I can and will be beneficial to their company.

I would like to build websites for diverse organizations as well as companies. I would also like to design posters for movies, cd covers for famous artists, shirts for promoting and much more. I anticipate that after many years of working in the field of graphic/web design I can one day become a professor and share my expertise.

I've learned not to settle for less but to attain to complete all and everything I set my mind to. My determination to get these degrees increases more and more each day. I'm not a quitter but a fighter. Education is a great factor in success. Without a proper education it would be extremely hard to obtain a rewarding career and my goal is that. To acquire a rewarding career and to look forward to what I want to do everyday oppose to what I have to do everyday.

Project Working Mom Scholarship Winner - Caroline Masi

Victoria — Tue, 11 Nov 2008 21:21:00 GMT

Caroline Masi

Associate Degree in Health Information Technology
Penn Foster College

Hi my name is Caroline Masi. I had been in an abusive relationship and found the strength to get free. I enrolled into college and was accepted to graduate school when I learned that my son Michael at the time was 15 was dx. w/Freidrich's ataxia.

I had to stay home and continue to work so that I could be there with him thru the traumas of this disease. I incurred large bills in tuition and was unable due to the expenses with my son to get myself back into school to finish my degree. I have been caring for him and working hard at the same time for the past 10 yrs.

His disease has progressed rapidly and he is confined to a wheelchair with 24/7 care w/caretakers that come and go. I have applied for scholarships and have yet to find the right plan. I just keep praying that the right program finally comes my way.

I am independent and struggle, yet somehow I find a way to sustain with the belief that an gift will arrive. Possibly this is the answer and I pray that it is. I am a hard worker and I don't allow the boulders in my path to pull me down or stop me. My son has taught me so much with his devastating plight, yet, he keeps smiling thru it all.

My older son has also given up so much to help with his younger brother, even to the point of giving up a scholarship to a school that would have taken him too far from his brother. I have been working in the PT field for a long time and I am one of the best out there, that has helped many heal. However, due to lack of a license my skills are taken advantage of by the industry and I am told that I can not be compensated as much as I should be, because of the lack of a license.

I have helped these companies get rich and all because due to my circumstances, I am unable to continue my education. Whilst I was in school I traveled 400 miles per week and at the same time I worked a 40+ hour week and took care of my children in between. And with all that said, I still continue to believe that an answer will arrive.

Thank you for listening...

God Bless You,

Caroline Masi

Project Working Mom Scholarship Winner - Theresa Foster

Victoria — Tue, 11 Nov 2008 21:08:00 GMT

Theresa Foster

Associate Degree in Early Childhood Education
Penn Foster College

Life is way too short to not reach for your goals. I have spent the last 20 plus years raising 4 beautiful children into healthy young adults at the same time, enjoying my 2 grandchildren. However, there comes a time when you have to tell yourself - "it's your turn" and that is exactly what I plan on doing.

I gave up the chance to attend college in my younger years, for the sake and well-being of my children. I was a stay-at-home mom for a few years, but as we all know, the costs to maintaining a household and raising children eventually requires a two-income household.

I went back to work full-time when my second child was just over a year old and have been working ever since. So much has changed in this world and my eyes were certainly opened, especially for the pasts few years. Children of this current generation have so much opportunity, but yet they squander it away and instead spend their time in destructive behavior and I've seen that it is sadly encouraged by their parents. I wonder to myself what can I do to help these children BEFORE they reach this point? If I could spend a year in their early formative years to help mold them and show them a different way, then maybe, just maybe, they will make better choices further down the road.

The only way I know how is to reach for my lifelong goal to teach elementary education, specifically 3^rd grade and under. My desires lie in teaching underprivileged children in schools most people would prefer to stay away from. I truly believe that one person can make a difference in a child's life. I believe that every child should have the same opportunities no matter whom they are or where they are from. Every child is a special gift with unlimited potential to do what is right and good in this world.

Whether I receive this scholarship or not, I will still pursue my degree through online studies. Unfortunately, with our current economy, quitting a full-time job to pursue an education is just not feasible. However, continuing to work full-time and still pursue my dream is possible through online education. Online education is flexible enough that it can work around my schedule, at home and at work. I am so thankful that the opportunity to earn a degree online is given to each of us.

I could sit here and continue writing until I reach the 1500 word limit, but in reality, its not what we put on paper, its what we are willing to give of ourselves to help each other!

Project Working Mom Scholarship Winner - Shana DeBusk

Victoria — Tue, 11 Nov 2008 20:47:00 GMT

Shana DeBusk

Associate Degree in Business Management with an option in Marketing
Penn Foster College

Currently, being the mother of a two and a half year old little girl has clearly inspired me in all aspects of my life. When you become a mother, you look at life through your childs eyes and the world becomes a much bigger place than before having her in my life. Her inspiration makes me strive to be a better person. Sometimes I fall short of that goal, some days I exceed expectations, but it drives me to work harder to be the mother that I want her to look up to. With that said, education plays an important role. I want my child to see that there are many open opportunities to her and what a better way to do this than by leading as her example.

My life was quickly started, as domestic issues forced me to be on my own at the age of seventeen. I quickly learned that the worlds door was not open with bountiful opportunities for a seventeen year old girl and that if I were to get anywhere in life, I was going to have to work hard for it. Initially, I attempted to go to a community college after completion of my high school diploma, but having to make ends meet was a higher priority at the time. Needless to say, my dreams of going back to further my education and accomplish that of getting a degree were put on indefinite hold.

My career initially started with assignments through temporary placement agencies and then I advanced to becoming an employee at various corporations in sales and marketing positions. Everything from in-house wholesale and retail underwriting to loan origination positions and outside commercial sales; from small companies to large corporations and at one point I was even in business for myself. Forty hours a week was not the norm for me, as I wanted to advance in any position given, so I worked overtime, made myself on call as needed and often took work home with me.

During my career in marketing and sales, I did very well and often would win awards for huge sales, largest accounts and was often the top female sales and marketing associate of the company where I worked. With that said, many encouraged me to expand my horizons through education, but I never seemed to find the time. This held me back for much higher paying positions that I just knew I would be great at, if only given the chance, because I did not have an associates or bachelors degree. Many companies required that you have the degree or they would not even consider you for an interview, even if you had related work field experience. I just never could get my foot in the door to showcase my attributes and what I was capable of without a degree and so many colleagues of mine would often go, apply and move on, because they had the experience and the degree, making an improved career move and a more lucrative income for their families. Meanwhile, I would see that my opportunities were maxed at certain levels unless I could find time and money to go back and make my educational dreams a reality.

My hobbies include acting when opportunities have risen, as well as a deep love for writing. It would be nice to incorporate my love for the arts with my marketing background. Joining a career I have enjoyed with my passions.

Now, as a stay at home mother, I spend quality time teaching my child academics appropriately geared toward her age group, showering her with attention, love and the joys of childhood. As she gets older, my goal is to press forward the importance of education and to help her in that path as much as possible. I intend to go back into the job market once I have sowed these seeds of inspiration, love and knowledge in her, as she starts school and begins her educational journey. Meanwhile, it would be nice to be able to afford a better education for myself, so that when she does enter the world of school, that I will be a better candidate and have more opportunities in the existing job market. By doing so, I believe, that I will instill in my daughter the importance of continuing education and that no matter how old you are, where you have been or what you are currently doing now, you can achieve your goals and overcome any obstacles set ahead of you one day at a time.

Project Working Mom Scholarship Winner - Stacey Adams

Victoria — Tue, 11 Nov 2008 20:10:00 GMT

Stacey Adams

Associate Degree in Business Management with an option in Human Resources
Penn Foster College

My name is Stacey Adams and I am pursuing an online education in order to give my children the life that they deserve.

I have been working since I was 16. Our family did not have the means to send myself or my siblings to college and I started working to help support our family straight out of high school.

While in school I worked as well to help provide. My mother did not have any education further than high scool and I have watched her struggle for years to make the rent and put food on the table. While she lost all of us to foster care when we were very small she managed to bring all of us back together again. This is not the sort of life that I want for my children.

While it may have taken me awhile to get to the point where I could invest the time and, hopefully the money, I am here now. An online education would suit me best because I do not believe in taking time away from my family that I don't need to. I work for a large company with many opportunities for advancement but it seems as if the employees with higher education seem to get these promotions.

I would be happy just to have enough schooling behind me to obtain a good, reliable job. Thank you for your time in reading my survey. Please consider me for your program.

Thank you again,

Stacey Adams

Project Working Mom Scholarship Winner - Aiyona Barr

Victoria — Tue, 11 Nov 2008 20:06:00 GMT

Aiyona Barr

Associate Degree in Accounting
Penn Foster College

I am a 27-year-old mother of two. I became a mother shortly after I graduated high school and didn't think I would ever have the time or ability to attend college while raising my daughter. I did have the opportunity to attend a local vocational school for a degree in medical transcription, but have not found a position that will accept the degree I have obtained.

I found an interesting statistic that 95 percent of girls whose mothers attend college will also attend college. I want the best for my girls and would like to set a positive example for them to follow.

Getting a degree is important to me because I would like to make myself a more competitive applicant in the job market. It would provide me with the confidence and ability to apply for jobs at a higher payscale. Thus enabling me to provide a better lifestyle for my girls.

Online education is right for me because I have a full-time job, a part time business and two active girls. It would enable me to continue my education and maintain my busy lifestyle without disruption of income.

My ultimate career goal would be to obtain a degree that would allow me the opportunity of starting my own business offering my professional services to other business owners. I would love to have the ability to work on my own terms, raise my girls, and help others at the same time. This scholarship would open that opportunity up for me.

I appreciate your time.

Project Working Mom Scholarship Winner - Lorrie Colichio

Victoria — Tue, 11 Nov 2008 20:01:00 GMT

Lorrie Colichio

Associate Degree in Early Childhood Education
Penn Foster College

My entire adult life has lead me in the direction of educating children. Through my 4 daughters' academic careers, I have been exposed to the education system on many levels. Volunteering within their schools allowed me to witness teacher's assistants, teachers, administrators, board of education members and parents points of views as well as the responsibilities of each in a child's life.

I now have the pleasure of working for a local preschool and toddler program where I started 2 1/2 years ago as a teacher's assistant in their toddler program. Today I am the preschool's coordinator. I have always felt that due to my lack of a degree, my employment options were limited. I proved to my employer that through my life's experiences, both personal and work related, that I am more than capable to run a successful program. I know, however, that without a degree my advancement is stalled.

I have recently obtained participation in a grant funded program with our school district. This will enable our preschool to grow in leaps and bounds. We suffered a loss of enrollment due to the school district's program and now that we are participants, our other programs are more exposed and we now have a waiting list.

I want to be able to do for our school district what I have done for this small preschool. The program that they run is very unorganized and without leadership. So many children would benefit if there were a person with the sole responsibility of the success of this program and what it could provide to the children of our district. I know that I can be that person but, again, without the degree to back me, my chances are slim.

An Associate's Degree would act as my stepping stone and help me obtain a position that that would benefit so many children for many years to come. Because of my family and work schedules, an online course would allow me the freedom to obtain this degree and then go on to further my education.

Thank you for your considering me for this scholarship.

Project Working Mom Scholarship Winner - Kala Copeland

Victoria — Tue, 11 Nov 2008 19:57:00 GMT

Kala Copeland

Associate Degree in Medical Assistant
Penn Foster College

Getting a degree is important to me, because it would open up so many doors for my future. I have dreams that, until now, have not been possible to acheive. A degree would allow me to build a future with a dependable career, so that I, as a mother and wife, can help support my family.

My daughter is one of the most important influences in my life. When I look at her, I want her to be proud of me and all that I have accomplished. I want her to see how I have acheived my dreams, so that she will strive to achieve her own. I want her to look up to me, and see how a degree can benefit someone. I want her to know that a higher education is not just something to consider after high school, but something she should strive for.

With an online education, I can spend more time with my family, while still learning and receiving a decent education. I can learn at my own pace, and avoid the worry of not learning all that I need to within a certain ammount of time.

I have always dreamed of doing more with my life than those around me. I look at them, and see how I want so much more. Most of the people I know settled for less than their dreams, and it only drives me to strive that much harder. I want to know that I did all that I could with my life, and that all of my dreams were reached for. I've always imagined living in a decent home, with a decent job. I've always imagined the pride I would feel knowing that I strived for a degree, and accomplished that goal. It has always been at the top of my list of goals I want to acheive before I die.

I can only hope that my dream of a higher education will come true, and that I can use my degree to benefit myself and those around me. I want to make a difference, and this is the best way to start acheiving that dream and the many others I will have in my life.

Project Working Mom Winner - Violet Curley

Victoria — Tue, 11 Nov 2008 19:47:00 GMT

Project Working Mom Scholarship Winner - Violet Curley

Violet Curley

Associate Degree in Business Management with an option in Human Resources
Penn Foster College

My name is Violet Curley, and I am the forty-five-year-old mom of two amazing teenagers.

My son, Sean, graduated with highest honors from Plainfield High School this year, and has been accepted into the Honors Program at the Engineering School of the University of Connecticut. He plans to obtain his degree in Computer Science. My daughter Lauren is going into her junior year at Plainfield High, and made the Honor Roll every quarter last year. She hopes to become an English or Foreign Language teacher.

Their love of learning and passion for a good education is no accident. I have always impressed upon them the need for an education beyond high school, and used myself as an example.

A high school diploma is almost useless in today's tough world. I currently work in a warehouse, doing very strenuous physical labor, just to barely pay the bills. We make out okay when the warehouse offers overtime, but when there is no overtime available I have to take on a second job to make ends meet. I spent most of the last six months working seven days a week, the kids stepping up to the plate and getting themselves to school on time and doing well in their studies.

It is a very tough job market right now. Without further education, I see no way out of my dead-end employment options, and envision myself pushing my body to it's physical limits until retirement age, only to collect a very inadequate amount of social security.

However, a chance to further my education, as I have always encouraged my children to do, would open a whole new world of possibilities for me. To use my mind, rather than my body, to earn a living has been an out-of-reach goal, as education is expensive and every precious penny now goes to the mundane cost of day-to-day living.

An opportunity to obtain a scholarship to better my life, and the lives of my children, would be deeply appreciated, well-used, and not taken lightly.

It would give me the chance to practice what I have preached to my wonderful children, to show them that goals can be achieved if you work hard enough for them, and are passionate about them.

A degree in Business Management/Human Resources would be the culmination of a lifelong dream to strive to do better, to rise above circumstances, and achieve financial stability.

Project Working Mom Scholarship Winner - Crystal Taglialatela

Victoria — Tue, 11 Nov 2008 19:43:00 GMT

Crystal Taglialatela

Associate Degree in Veterinary Technician
Penn Foster College

Why is my education important to me? That is an easy question.

I have struggled my whole life to try to make more for myself than the life I was given. I refuse to settle for second best. I grew up in a single parent home, living with my mother and my older brother.

We barely had anything, although my mother did the best she could to support us on her own. While we may have not had everything we wanted, like most kids, she made sure we had everything we needed. At times that meant she went hungry or without to ensure our needs were met. I know how much she struggled everyday, and how much she wished she could have done more.

I love my mother, but I have always promised myself that one day I would go to college, get my degree, get a good job, and repay my mother for all the hard work and sacrifices she made for my bother and I in the past. Even as a child I knew what I wanted out of life, and have never given up on that goal.

I have loved everything about animals, even before I knew you could make a career out of working with, and helping them. I have never wanted to be anything, or do anything, besides work with animals in some way, shape, or form. If I knew that I was able to make a difference in the life of one innocent creature, I would feel as though my life was complete, as if I had a purpose.

Now that I have a 4-month-old baby girl of my own, I am even more determined to not give up, to achieve my goals, to make something of my life, to give her everything I never had. I know that with a college education I could do that, not only for myself, but for my daughter as well. We still, to this day, struggle to makes ends meet and financing an education is not cheap.

I work from home, watching other kids so that I can make some extra money and still be able to spend time with Delilah. She is my world. I love her more than anything. Being able to get my degree online would enable me to continue being a stay at home mother, all while getting my degree and making my dreams a reality. If I were given this opportunity I would be forever grateful, and would never forget it! I appreciate you even taking the time to read my thoughts, and consider our situation. Even to be considered for a scholarship means the world to me.

Thank you again for taking your time to hear my plea. I ask just one thing. Remember this: No matter what happens, I will never give up. I can't, for my daughter's future, for her well being and benefit. If I was given this opportunity I would promise that I would never let you down. You would never reget your decision, and my whole family would be forever grateful for the impact that this opportunity would have on the rest of our lives!

Thank you.

Project Working Mom Scholarship Winner - Karen Adams

Victoria — Tue, 11 Nov 2008 18:51:00 GMT

Karen Adams

Associate Degree in Health Information Technology
Penn Foster College

Hello, my name is Karen Adams and I've been a life long resident of the state of Florida, a recent divorcée, and, now, a single mother.

I attended a Catholic grade school and high school in the Daytona Beach area where my father, who is very involved in mine and my sons' lives, has lived in the same area also all of his life. I went to college directly out of high school, but realized it wasnt right for me at the time. I was impatient to get out into the working world and make my own way, so after a semester, I dropped out and jumped right into the job force.

Within a few years I met my, now, ex-husband and we had our son in 1992. We married too young and grew apart as a couple. We separated in 2007 and found it necessary to sell the house we'd purchased only 7 years earlier and now my son and I have a rental house for MORE than my house payment was--explain that one to me! HA!

But all of that aside, I have been interested in returning to school for many years but saw it as an unattainable goal due to financial difficulties as well as time constraints from working full-time. I have many reasons for wanting to further my education but first and foremost would be to make a better life for my son (who is 15) and I right now.

I pride myself on being able to be independent, and, for the first time in my life, I AM independent and living on my own, doing well but barely making ends meet, knowing I CAN better myself through an education. My son has a promising career in baseball having played competitive, traveling baseball (AAU) and now being on the varsity team as a freshman in high school, and over the last 5 years or so, I(we) have(had) invested in all that hes needed to advance his skills as well as keeping him focused on his education; not an easy task with an active teenager!

As a single mother, holding down two jobs, which I have done for the last 6 years, I'm finding it increasingly difficult to help as much as I would like to; as I did being one half of a married, working couple could. The aspect of returning to school IS daunting and I'm apprehensive about it, but I feel that I'm ready now at this point in my life.

I need a better career. I NEED to be able to call myself something. I NEED to get out of the deadend-ness of regular, generic office work that will lead no where fast. I have been looking into a career in the medical field for some time now. It's definitely something that will always be there and need qualified, responsible people in it to keep it running smoothly by organized employees such as myself with an eye for detail and a willingness to do what it takes instead of saying it's not my job.

I love to do volunteer work for my sons school and booster club for the baseball team and contribute when ever possible. Given my work schedule, I am unable to do as much as I'd like and I miss games here and there. It breaks my heart at times to do so, but it's that time where I have to make the choice of paying bills and living or going to the game, so I skip the game and ask for every detail when I'm able to see him later. This is the way life is, and I understand it, I'm sure, now that he's older, he understands also. I mentioned to him about the possibility of me going back to school, he's happy for me. He also realizes that he will need to, and is ready to, help out more around the house.

I'd really like to make him as well as my parents proud of me so I can tell you that getting a degree will change my life for the better, I feel it. I would be able to work a normal schedule, making more money, allowing me to spend more time with my family, making me a very happy productive person indeed.

If I were to be picked to receive one of these scholarships for school, I can assure you that I will put forth my best effort in attaining the degree where, without the funding, it would most definitely not be possible. As it is, I will still be working the 6 days a week to keep all of my bills paid as well as keeping up with my school work.

Now, at 38, embarking on a new life, I have so much motivation to better myself and my way of life for both of us. Getting the scholarship will certainly lighten the mental load that will surely be put on me if I have to get a school loan that will have to be paid back, in some cases, as soon as you graduate. It would weigh heavily on my mind as I go through my classes, graduate, and then try to find a job prior to the payments starting.

I have always been a responsible and hard working person from the day I got my first job when I was about 17 or 18-years old. I am a strong believer in work first play later, I am always saying this to my son and I think he's finally getting the idea. I'd like to be an example to him by going for this. I want to be a person he can respect and look up to and be proud to talk about. I'm sure he is now, he's a great well-rounded, thoughtful child. As he completes his last 3 years of high school and entertains thoughts of college, I'd like to set an example to him, if I can do it, so can you! Quite possibly, this degree could be a stepping stone for me, pushing me to go even farther to attain a higher degree to progress myself in the field I choose.

Thank you, in advance, for your time and consideration and I hope that I have given you enough information about myself.

Continued from last post...

66bearess — Fri, 07 Nov 2008 18:42:00 GMT

Continued from last post…here is the email response I sent to my facilitator on behalf of my learning team:

Thank you for your response. With all due respect, I too use the CWE and WritePoint for each and every paper I submit, so when you mark down for mechanics and claim the input comes from there I have even more reason to dispute your marks.

I am sorry you feel that entertaining my disputes are draining; I would expect that part of your role as instructor are to clarify why you make the marks you do. And yes, I aim for a perfect score...what student does not want one? Perhaps partial points lost to some students have little affect on their grade, but what about those students who are teetering between an A and a B, or worse, between an B and a C, or what about the student teetering between a C and a D? That partial points loss could mean the difference between passing and failing, and for my team I am willing to go to bat.

Just as you feel you are wasting time set aside for facilitating by having to respond to my concerns, I feel I am wasting time nit-picking mechanics when I feel content is more important. While I agree that knowledge of proper grammar, spelling, punctuation, and academic formatting is important in academia as well as in business, is it not more important to gain knowledge on the concepts of business administration? Is that not for what we are here?

I go through each and every assignment very thoroughly. I hound my team members to strive for excellence as well. I use the CWE, both WritePoint and the Plagiarism checker, and tweak and tweak until it comes back spotless so unless you are using a version of the CWE that is unavailable to students, I do not understand from where your marks are coming. You consistently make comments that the content is good and the references are adequate but you just as consistently find fault with mechanics. I do not know how more thorough I can be in preparing assignments and, being the last person to touch my team's work before turning it in, the final fault for all of these points deductions is mine for not catching these alleged errors you find.

I am sorry you feel I do not see your action of partial points versus whole points as an act of consideration, and I agree that taking partial points is fair when warranted. There have been times when, reluctantly, I agreed with your marks. There have been several times, however, when I strongly disagree with your marks, and those I have challenged (and yes, it is my right--my obligation--to protect my GPA and to support my team in protecting theirs).

Whether or not partial points deductions have any significant affect on a student's grade is irrelevant. It is the principle.

To which she responded, and I quote: “Noted.”

To Which She Replied...

66bearess — Fri, 07 Nov 2008 16:49:00 GMT

Well, here it is…my facilitator’s answer to my contesting her quarter-point deduction to the team’s essay. I will have to quote her because her message is riddled with grammar errors. She replied, and I quote:

This week, I utilize the CWE features and WritePoint for the mechanical aspects of the paper, and therein is the feedback for the font style.

I am a little drained trying to entertain your grade disputes almost every week, which I think is your right, but it is a dispute for a very minimal portion of a point, that does not even affect a student's grade significantly. In the same token it is affecting my being effective in facilitating the classes that I have, because I have to make sure that I respond to you and take appropriate steps, and it takes away that time I have dedicated for facilitating. Taking small little portion of points is fair, compared to if whole points are taken out. I tried to be very considerate, but I think you do not see that at all, instead perhaps, you are aiming for a perfect score, and thus, challenging every grade I give. I could be wrong about this perception, but this is how I feel about it.

Therefore, I will refer your LT paper to the Faculty Assist team, and submit it for feedback grading.

A revised grade for the paper will be posted on or before Sunday. Please be advised that the revised grade could be more or less than what was initially given, and since it is not the final grades, it is acceptable that grades can be revised.

Oh my goodness! I was dumbfounded. I have a facilitator who is “a little drained” from having “to entertain [my] grade disputes almost every week” ??? Wait, is it not her JOB to ensure her students understand her methods and to explain where confusion exists? Apparently, accepting an A- when the work is worth an A …what did she say? ... ‘does not even affect a student's grade significantly.’

And because she takes partial points versus whole points, that makes it ok?

She says she tried to be very considerate and that all I see is that she is preventing me from a perfect score so I challenge every grade. Um, no, I am challenging only the grades that I feel are unfair. If she paid closer attention, I do not contest those areas that while may be nit-picky hold some merit.

Seriously, if she can’t stand the heat….

…my next post is my email response to her…

A Quarter Point for a Font?

66bearess — Fri, 07 Nov 2008 04:57:00 GMT

In the continuing saga of me versus my instructor (oops, sorry—facilitator), I again had to contest her grading of my, no OUR, submitted assignment. This time, she took a quarter-point deduction from the learning-team’s final essay because the font used, according to her, did not comply with APA formatting requirements. She said:

Quote:

“However, according to APA format, the acceptable font should be Times New Roman or Courier.”

End quote.

In more than two years of online classes, I have used Times New Roman or Courier less than half a dozen times and never once in all of those essays have I received a points deduction for using a font other than those two.

So, I contested. On behalf of my team, I am going to fight for that one-quarter point. After all, in an assignment worth seven points, one quarter of a point is like a 96% which is barely above an A- for the grade. Added to the other fraction of point deductions she applied for more nit-picky reasons, the total grade for the paper was 6.45 out of 7. Sounds minor to some, but it works out to barely an A- which, for some of my classmates means the difference between an A and a B for their final grade.

I wrote an email to her (and copied it in my individual forum since she won’t communicate with her students there even though she is supposed to) and said:

Quote:

I find this points deduction unfair. Section 5.02 Typeface (Page 285) in the APA manual defines Times New Roman as "preferred" not required. Even your comment says "should be" not "must be." The Arial typeface in 12 pitch is similar to both the serif-type Times New Roman and the sans serif type of Courier. Times New Roman, as we discovered in Week 3's LT assignment disguised punctuation too easily and we lost points for semicolon use.

The APA manual states "Use a typeface that is similar to" Times New Roman or Courier. The manual also states "The type on paper must be dark, clear, and readable. It must also photocopy well."

12-pt Arial meets both of these requirements.

Endquote.

I wonder what lame answer she’ll give me.

Facilitator from HE**

66bearess — Fri, 31 Oct 2008 07:28:00 GMT

Do you not agree that if a teacher displays one team’s errors for the whole class to see that she must also display the other teams errors? In the seemingly unending saga of my experience in this class (which actually will end in another week—thank goodness), the facilitator yet again demonstrates her obvious lack of sensitivity and apparent knee-jerk responsiveness to a student whose team-environment ethics are far superior to her own.

God, I hope she reads these blogs (I think I will give her the link—AFTER she has given me my final grade, of course).

As usual, this facilitator’s grading of my team’s submission for week 3 included partial points lost for mechanics. No surprise there. However, the specific reasons she gave were questionable…so I questioned them. Privately. In my individual forum (and, of course via email because this facilitator is afraid of any kind of trail that might incriminate her or at least prove her ineptness). I said (and I quote):

“Your feedback states that Learning Team A's paper discussed ‘some of the concepts of OB, but could have been further elaborated.’ Please explain why you feel that the effort failed to earn full points for content. My team followed syllabus instructions to the letter including each factor listed in the syllabus. Your feedback also included points taken off for mechanics, specifically the use of first person. I personally ensured there was no use of first-person in this essay so would appreciate you pointing out exactly where this occurs.”

This insensitive moron replied with a corrected paper in the team forum—a very public forum to which the entire class has access. In her corrected version of our paper, she points out several mechanical errors—very minor—and the so-called ‘first person’ occurrence she was referring to was not even a first-person occurrence at all but a typographical error where the letter ‘a’ was omitted from the word “may” that a teammate did not catch prior to the paper being posted as final. Moreover, she condescended (now to the entire CLASS) by stating (and I quote again): “Though not required, I am attaching a corrected paper of your Week 3 LT paper to clearly point out the weakness of the paper as to its contents and mechanics, per [my] request.”

OH H E * * NO. I most certainly DID NOT request she clarify for the entire class.

She further condescended by saying “I have been very considerate enough to just take some portion of a point out from the content of the paper, instead of taking whole points.” (notice the impeccable grammar as she writes?)

Well, LA TEE DA! How very considerate indeed of you, Ms. Facilitator, to give us MOST of a point for something that deserves the whole point.

Ugh.

Week 4 is almost over. Then, one more week. I hope I survive it without having a stroke from the raised blood pressure she’s causing me.

Unbelievable.

66bearess — Fri, 31 Oct 2008 05:30:00 GMT

Ok, I thought maybe I had said enough about this facilitator but no…she continues to irritate the H-E-double-toothpicks out of me. Not only is she obviously overwhelmed with facilitating more than one class at a time, she feels the need to condescend to me in her reply to my post about my week 2 assignment (I wrote in an earlier blog how it accidently was not attached to my post and how she had failed to respond to me after five days).

Now she is trying to make me believe that due to server problems (whose? Hers?...if it were my own server problems she would not allow the excuse—AND she would require a ticket number from technical support) the reply she allegedly sent to me days before had never gone through. So, she offers me a “cut and paste” of the message she allegedly sent. Need I mention that this “cut and paste” failed to include the header information that would have proven her attempt to send the reply in a timely manner. How convenient. Moreover, she may never even have replied at all had I not needed to send her ANOTHER email regarding the Learning Teams week 3 assignment (I will leave those details to another blog).

ANYWAY, in her message she says (and I quote): “Please bear in mind that it is the student's responsibility to assure that all assignments with attachments are properly submitted.”

Uh..yeah…I KNOW…which is why (you moron) I wrote in MY message to which you say you allegedly replied (and I quote): “Is that going to cost me 30% of my grade?”

Unbelievable.

Project Working Mom:Putting Education to Work

A Formal Complaint

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Continued from last post...

To Which She Replied...

A Quarter Point for a Font?

Facilitator from HE**

Unbelievable.

Project Working Mom:
Putting Education to Work