Success

How to avoid flunking your online class

Posted on by Sheri Dean Parmelee

Hi everyone:

A student emailed me today, in a panic about failing the writing class I am teaching at a major online college. Here is what I told her about writing an assignment:

Please read all instructions carefully before you begin to write. Please write the document that the instructions call for. Look at each assignment as a separate and distinct document and do not mix them up.

Write one of them at a time, making sure that you have followed the instructions to the last degree before you submit them.  Ask questions as they come up, after you have read the instructions through numerous times.

Do not wait until the last minute to write an assignment because the panic mode clicks in and you cannot think clearly.

I hope this helps you as you navigate the courses you are taking.

Best,

Dr. Sheri

News from your blogger

Posted on by Sheri Dean Parmelee

Hello everyone:

Today’s blog is about following your dreams. Perhaps this does not seem to fit the category of being practical, but I would argue that it does.

Folks sometimes spend a great deal of time and money being trained for a job that they quickly decide they detest. This is very sad; as the old saying goes, “Find a job you love and you will never work a day in your life.”

I know a young man who went to school to become a computer developer, only to discover when he got into the job market that he really hated development. He took a leap of faith one day and started his own user-experience company, which he loves. He works very long hours but has a creative job that gives him financial and emotional rewards.

Likewise, I felt the call to become a college instructor 10 years ago, and never looked back in spite of long hours, sometimes-disruptive students, no benefits, and low pay. I love it. Earlier this year, I felt the need to write a book which I eventually called “Suddenly Single: A Practical Guide to Maintaining Your Household When Your Spouse is NLA” (No Longer Available). It was a labor of love which may be paying off. I just got an email from a highly-respected literary agent who believes in the book (and me) and wants to represent me.

Would I have guessed that my future held this? Nope, not even last year. But, by following my dreams, it looks like my dream to be a published author through  Suddenly Single is one step closer!

Best,

Dr. Sheri