TESC Free Electives - FEMA vs. DSST or CLEP

[mrs.b]

Gosh Marianne, I cannot imagine. You've made a recovery though, right? We do not know what is wrong, yet. Muscles on my left side started to tremor to the point I cannot stay on my feet for long or left leg will give (right is perfectly fine and strong), some other stroke-like symptoms, severe headaches, but not a stroke - that was ruled out first. I've never been an anxious person, but out of nowhere, I've had two anxiety attacks for no good reason in the past few weeks. I'm only 36 and have great blood pressure and all the rest. All bloodwork was checked for endocrine, thyroid, auto-immune, and similar issues; I swear they took four quarts of blood, so either they were thorough or are feeding vampires. It all came back perfect (except a marker for strep, but I'm not sick, so whatever that is...they put me on antibiotics anyway). MRI is next.

I went ahead and withdrew in the hopes of finding a fast course or test to replace. Edited: Just saw your second post - excellent on the Labor Relations exam. I'll sign up tomorrow. Thank you, thank you, thank you!

[marianne202]

I hope the labor relations exam works out, if they have a practice exam definitely invest in it, well worth it! I'm sorry you are having such trouble. I assume they have looked at ruling out MS? It could also be stress / anxiety or migraines both can have similar affects (neurogenic migraines, not typical pain headaches, but neuro deficits) I developed them in my early 30's after my son was born. I would lose my balance, have weakness and lose almost all my vision except for my central vision. It was terrifying the first time it happened. Dr. attributed it to hormonal fluctuations. I was on meds for a few years but now I only get them when I'm stressed. As far as my cancer goes, we think we got it all, thanks to a longer than expected surgery and a wonderful doctor - it pays to research your specialist! I'm almost two years since my surgery and I just had my tumor markers drawn again. I should have my results in a few days. I just didn't allow it get me down, since I knew it was probably cancer months before my surgery, I had made peace with it and was determined not to let it shake me. Thanks to a great group of team members in my EC classes they helped me when I was recovering to keep up. I was very lucky to have friends in my cohort to help me out. I'm not sure I could have done it without them! I hope they get it all figured out. Treat yourself to a massage and find something relaxing to do each day, just for you, you might be surprised how much that helps - mentally and physically! I now get a massage every other week and it is my time to relax. Since I started I don't get everything going around my classes and I just feel less anxious and stressed. I started this as a reward when I got my first degree and I kept it up after I realized how much I liked it and how good it made me feel. Just a thought, but it couldn't hurt to try. I hope you get feeling better soon! Good luck!

[rebel100]

Marianne....you just amaze me! I'm sorry to hear of your illness and much more than pleased that your outcome appears so positive!

Mrs B...I hope they get you figured out soon. I can understand why your husband would encourage you to take some time off...But I agree that your really close and should investigate all of your alternatives. I'm a little confused as to exactly what your trying to find now. What exactly do you need to finish?

A few schools come to mind that might have what you need.

University of Arkansas Independent Study University of Arkansas Independent Study Courses
University of Idaho Independent Study Courses-Independent Study in Idaho-University of Idaho
Colorado State pueblo Independent Study Colorado State University-Pueblo > Schedule of Courses (more upper level courses than the other two)
Brigham Young University Independent Study Online Course Catalog - BYU Independent Study (they seem to be agreeable to letting you finish quickly, plenty at the upper level).

Here are links to my reviews of some CSU-Pueblo courses:
http://www.degreeforum.net/general-educa...eview.html

http://www.degreeforum.net/general-educa...lture.html

http://www.degreeforum.net/general-educa...oc432.html

[mrs.b]

Hi Rebel,

The course spot I need to fill is under Area of Study Elective (Section II, B, Elective here). I already have Sociology of Work and Industrial Psychology, but need a third since I dropped Small Business Management. These do not seem to be common offerings at the various independent study options, except Penn Foster. I think the Labor Relations ECE Marianne pointed out should fit the bill, though. I emailed advising to confirm, ordered the book last night in the hopes it does ($15 on Amazon!), and as soon as I get Advising's confirmation, am going to sign up with Excelsior. There is a testing center very close to my house for these, which blew me away since I am going to need to drive 2 hours to the nearest DSST testing center to take Business Ethics in Society (there are 3 local, all of which are converting to the computer system and cannot administer tests for the next month or two until their systems are set up).

Marianne,

You're in my thoughts and prayers that the latest test comes back clean and clear. I have to admit, a tumor has crossed all our minds and has me terrified; I envy your calm. If it's just stress, that's manageable, but we asked the doctor if it could be something like that and he sounded dubious but has not ruled it out; he's focusing on all the scary things first to be certain. Perhaps I can sell my husband on paying for a massage and day spa pampering for wellness purposes!

[MRHTOAD76]

I can say +1 for FEMA I got my 12 in one weekend. Sorry to hear about both of your health issues.

Mrs. B I don't know if you have e-mailed the graduation specialist at TESC ,but I would to discuss with them any other options / exceptions they may be able to offer.

[mrs.b]

Update: I printed out the three study guide booklets for Leadership & Influence, Effective Communication, and Developing Volunteers (thanks Rebel, for the recommendations!). This evening, while taking a break on paper writing, I flipped through the booklet on Leadership & Influence for about the last 45 minutes or hour. Feeling cozy with the material, I took the exam and...1 credit down, of the 3 needed to fill those last Free Electives. An hour! FEMA is awesome. Consider me hooked. Thanks again!

[marianne202]

Congrats! Keep it up and you will be done before you know it!

[rebel100]

Update: I printed out the three study guide booklets for Leadership & Influence, Effective Communication, and Developing Volunteers (thanks Rebel, for the recommendations!). This evening, while taking a break on paper writing, I flipped through the booklet on Leadership & Influence for about the last 45 minutes or hour. Feeling cozy with the material, I took the exam and...1 credit down, of the 3 needed to fill those last Free Electives. An hour! FEMA is awesome. Consider me hooked. Thanks again!

Sweet! Told ya!