College Media Advising - Learning to Let Go

Advising a student newspaper is very much like teaching a child how to ride a bike. Cautious and slow at first, a parent is right there, guiding, supporting, and coaching. As the child gets the hang of it and gains confidence, you slowly push away and let him or her ride off on his own, watching his every move from a distance and hoping for the best.

Sometimes the kid crashes, sometimes he stops himself, afraid to move on, and other times, he rides recklessly without any fear, throwing caution to the wind.

As the faculty adviser to The Montage, a student newspaper at St. Louis Community College - Meramec, I'm just like that parent in the newsroom.

In the beginning, I coach the students on story structures, photo techniques and the basics of design. I lecture on legal consequences and ethical considerations until their eyes start to glaze over. We banter back and forth about newsroom rules, ad placement, and maintaining objectivity.

As the students gain confidence and overcome the intimidation and fear of jumping into something new, I offer resources, guidance and support. Just like the parent clutching to the back of the bike seat, I'm always there and they know that they can always rely on me, bug me on Facebook, or call my cell phone when questions arise and the pressure is too much.

Eventually, though, I must let go. I have to let them experience this journey as independently as possible. As a firm believer in the College Media Advisers' Code of Ethics, I know that students learn best when they have the opportunity to depend on themselves and their peers. They learn through trial and error, tears of frustration, and through the readers that enjoy what they've produced. Most of all, they learn the most when I'm not hovering over their shoulders as mom and rather standing on the sidelines like the cool aunt.

Sometimes, they crash and burn. Sometimes, they plunge headfirst into dangerous waters, throwing all caution to the wind. But most of the time, they take off a little fearful and then build up momentum, riding steady and stable.

As hard as it is to let go, it is much more rewarding to see the pride radiating from their faces when they complete each issue, knowing that they did it on their own. As much as I'd like to run alongside, hold on to the seat of their success and fix the sting of the scrapes and bruises that accompany the ride, I can't and I won't because it's not my journey.

Instead, just like most parents do when their child cycles away, I'll give them a big push, watch from a distance, and hope that I've given enough guidance and support to get them to their final destination.

Shannon Philpott has been a professional newspaper reporter, published freelance magazine writer, and experienced SEO copywriter for 10+ years. She also teaches both college journalism and English in St. Louis, MO, and maintains a blog about writing, reflecting, and teaching at http://www.shannonphilpott.com

Bachelor Degree in Social Work - Information on the BSW Degree

A person should consider obtaining a bachelor degree in social work if they want a rewarding career assisting the community. Social workers impact the lives of many people in their community. It is a helping profession with the goal of improving the lives of others.

A social worker's environment encompasses a wide range, like hospitals, prisons, in homes and schools. They do their job through research, counseling, and handling casework. Social workers deal with abused children and wives, drug addicts, and the poor. The even tackle environmental issues with their community. If this appeals to you, read more about social workers and the training required to become one.

On average a social worker can make between $34 to $41 thousand per year depending on which type of field they choose. The majority of social workers do their jobs within organizations and agencies that focus on the many social problems plaguing the community.

At the very least, to become a social worker, you are required to have a bsw from an accredited program. The course of study may include ethics, social and economic justice, diversity, and servicing at risk populations. These principles are taught within the classroom environment and in the field under direct supervision. This program typically lasts four years, with an additional requirement of 400 or more supervised field hours. Social workers need a license to practice and each state has its own requirements. The Board conducts an exam that must be passed. If you are interested in being an asset to your community, take the first step and get your bachelors degree in social work.

Interested in helping people? Read about Top Social Work Graduate Programs and Trauma Psychotherapy.

Is an Accelerated Masters Degree Right For You?

While most people can find a solid career with just an associates or bachelors degree under their belt, other careers require more education and training from their employees. Some careers, including executive and teaching positions require master's degrees in order for candidates to be considered for a particular position.

Though some people may have the time to commit to a traditional on-campus or online masters degree program, others may not be able to devote such time to their studies due to their personal and work schedules. That is where the accelerated masters degree programs come in.

Accelerated masters degree programs cover the very same topics and fields as their traditional counterparts, but an an accelerated pace. This can be done through a combination of things including shortened class times (instead of a traditional semester course, some classes are 3, 4, 6, 8, or 12-week programs), rolling admission (which allows students to begin their study at almost any time so they don't have to wait for a uniform "start" date), and may even be able to accept work-experience credit towards the degree (which then permits students to take fewer courses to complete the degree of their choice).

The other advantage of an accelerated masters degree program is that the program is worth just as much as a traditional masters degree program and is completed in less time.That leaves more time for the student to go after a new career, a new position within their current organization, and more time to enjoy life outside of work and the classroom.

Upon completion of an accelerated masters degree program, you will find that many more doors of opportunity have been opened for you. The higher education of an accelerated masters degree program compared to a bachelor's or associates degree allows them to pursue higher positions within an organization, which could mean higher earning potential as well. Compare top universities offering Accelerated Masters Degree Programs now.

Joy Miller, is an educational writer for Accelerated Degree and reviews colleges offering Accelerated Degree Programs Online.