December is typically the month we give gifts to each other. January is the month we give gifts to ourselves. It might be a huge sale at a nearby superstore or online. It might be membership in a fitness center that follows a new year’s resolution. Better yet, it might be an action to increase knowledge and improve career opportunities — like signing up for a new educational or training program, taking the next exam, exploring new job possibilities or interacting more often with a learning partner.

As a Penn Foster student you have given yourself such a gift. You have given yourself the gift of learning in a targeted way that will open new career options for you and could change your life. What a gift!

This gift might not feel totally comfortable yet — sort of like a new pair of shoes. But if you use this gift regularly, you will be amazed at how comfortable it will feel after a while — sort of like those shoes you just live in.

We know that independent learning isn’t easy, especially for people whose lives are incredibly full. But remember that being an independent learner doesn’t mean learning alone. We at Penn Foster certainly see ourselves as one of your learning partners. We want you to succeed and advance in your life and career, so feel free to ask us for help anytime. Our faculty and student advisors will be happy to respond.

Also, have you ever thought about asking a friend to be a learning partner? He or she could simply ask you on a regular basis how you are handling your gift of independent learning. Or, perhaps this person might even sign up for the same program and learn with you. Either way, such a person could be one more gift for you and help make 2008 a VERY HAPPY YEAR.

Enjoy your gift of independent learning this year.

Student Spotlight — DEBBIE SWENSON
Student Spotlight — Floral Design Student and Entrepreneur

                           “I have found that confidence in what you are doing has a big impact
            on the quality of the product you produce. Without Penn Foster’s quality learning
                  and easy online classes, I would not have been able to take the Floral
                                       Design program and become a successful florist.”

Debbie Swenson, a student of the Penn Foster Floral Design Program, recently opened her own business, Alma Floral & More, Inc. in Alma, Kansas. Debbie is the primary floral designer for the new family-run business. She is teaching the other co-owners, Tim, her husband, and his mother, Rita Swenson, the basics of floral design. Debbie toyed with the idea of floral design in the past but wanted to complete a program and put her skills to use.

Debbie and Tim Swenson have four children who can regularly be found helping out at the shop, along with other family members. The Swensons are excited about the prospects of giving back to the community and have a plan to expand the business by offering more products, gifts, and other services in the near future.

You can view their company website at www.myfsn.com/almafloralandmore. Penn Foster would like to applaud the accomplishments of Debbie Swenson and all of our students. Visit the Penn Foster website for more on the Floral Design Program.

Source: Small Town Papers News Service

Did You Know?

Our Penn Foster Student Website is available to you 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, to help you with almost all of your servicing needs. Many of our students regularly use this service to quickly access information regarding their account. If you’re not familiar with the services our website offers or if you’re a little timid on the computer, we’ve provided step-by-step instructions to help you out. Click here.

Like Baking a Pie...Try this Formula for Success

Being successful is no more difficult than baking a pie. It’s a simple, easy, step-by-step process according to Edward Brancheau, author of web article “Like Baking a Pie...Here Is Your Formula for Success!” Click here.

Who Studies Online?

Are you curious about other students who earn their degrees online? Maybe you share some of the same life experiences or goals. To read profiles of other adult students studying online through various schools, colleges, and programs, including Penn Foster, visit this site: elearners.com.

Weblinks

Learn free vocabulary and give free rice!

Ever dreamed of seeing your name in the paper? Be careful what you wish for.

New Year Goals — MyGoals.com

Tell Us YOUR Story

Attention Graduates! There is no one better qualified to encourage our students than someone who has personally experienced and met the challenges of distance learning. Many students need inspiration, motivation, and support just to enroll, as well as continue with and complete their studies. Email your story to [email protected], or mail it to Jim Healey, c/o Penn Foster, 925 Oak St., Scranton, PA 18515. We would love to hear from you.

Penn Foster News Archive