READING

I am a lifelong reader and it is hard for me to imagine anyone not reading on a regular basis. Reading is more than a hobby to me. It is my lifeline, my comfort, and my solace.
I decided to go back to school thirty-five years after I graduated from high school and so far I have fared well. I believe that much of my success can be attributed to the fact that I have been a lifelong voracious reader.
However, there is a difference between reading for pleasure and reading for class. Sometimes I find myself so immersed in my classroom reading that I suddenly stop and think to myself, "What did I just read?" Because I read the text fast (like I would a novel), I may not be comprehending the material as well as I should. This is something that I am aware of and working to change. Although it is impossible to remember everything one reads, I believe that I do a fairly good job. Working on my comprehension will be an ongoing process throughout my college career, and indeed my life.

CRITICAL THINKING

I worked as a Lead Worker at Cumberland County Department of Social Services. One day a worst case scenario presented itself when our computer system went down. Our unit took and processed Food and Nutrition applications (food stamps), and the entire process was computerized. The workers panicked and clients continued to sign in to be seen.
Luckily, we had a backup supply of paper applications that we mailed out to clients who were unable to make it to the agency. I quickly distributed them to the workers and informed them that they would have to take the applications manually until the computer system was repaired. It took longer, but the clients were seen and able to sign their application, which was needed to protect the application date.
When the computer system was up and running again, I allowed each worker some "protected" time (time in which they could work without interruptions), so that they could input and process the applications taken during the down time.
This process was successful because the clients were still served in a timely manner and each worker was allowed time to complete the additional work involved.

FAVORITE COLLEGE COURSES (SO FAR)

So far, my favorite college courses have been English 111 and General Psychology. English 111 was the first college course that I took after having graduated from high school over thirty-five years ago. It was a challenge, but I enjoyed it and learned so much about what is expected of a college student. Two of my favorite things about the class were the weekly "free" writing assignments and the final essay assignment. Each week, we wrote 300 words on whatever subject we wanted. If something exciting happened during the week, I would think to myself, "This is what I am going to write about this week!" Mrs. James was my teacher and was so inspiring and helpful. My final essay was about the benefits of frequenting used bookstores. I had written about my favorite used bookstore in a "free" writing assignment and Mrs. James suggested the topic for my final essay. It didn't seem like work because I knew so much about the subject!
My favorite thing about General Psychology was gaining valuable insight into why we humans act the way we do. I experienced many "Aha!" moments when reading the course material. The course definitely gave me a thirst to delve deeper into the field of Psychology.

WELCOME TO RED LIPS LAUNCH SHIPS

My name is Kathy and I have been a resident of Elizabethtown, North Carolina for the past twenty-four years. I am currently enrolled at Bladen Community College and my concentration of study is Early Childhood Associate. In five years, I hope to have at the very least completed my requirements for an Early Childhood Associate degree, and possibly be furthering my studies.

INTRODUCTION TO RED LIPS LAUNCH SHIPS

I believe that red lipstick cures a variety of ills. Caitlyn Jenner agrees with me and all is right with the world.