Successful Dropout Podcast and Interview

Thanks to a visit with a new friend at my recent book signing, I was asked to do an interview on the Successful Dropout podcast! The host is Kylon Gienger, a young entrepreneur who shares tools for young adults wanting to skip college and go straight to entrepreneurship. Kylon invited me on his show to bring a different perspective for the years right after high school graduation, especially for those listeners who plan to go to college.

Not only did I have a blast chatting with Kylon about some of the techniques that I share in my book to earn a $15,000 bachelor’s degree in two years, but I was also inspired by his story and the stories from the Successful Dropout community: a group of people who want to better their lives and the lives of those around them.

My favorite quote from the episode is Kylon talking about how to know when you’re on the right track—how to know that you’re living to your full potential. We were discussing how each of us had found the courage to choose and follow a non-traditional path after high school: Kylon dropping out of college and me deciding to study off campus. Kylon says,

“Some of the best experiences you’ll ever have in life are the things that you were once afraid to do. … If you’re feeling just a little bit of fear, you’re probably doing what you’re supposed to be doing.”

I’ve listened to three other interviews that Kylon has done, including the episode with his sister Chelann, and I learned something from all three. I hope today’s podcast will inspire you to grow, to find mentors who push you, and, as we talked about in the interview, to just not worry so much. 🙂

Successful Dropout: http://successfuldropout.com/

http://successfuldropout.com/earn-bachelors-degree-15000-two-years-hillary-harshman/

Black mortarboard from College Without the Campus

Embroidery wrapped cell phone charging cable craft

Five Things I’m Loving: Spring 2017

In my “Five Things I’m Loving” post series, I share five of my current favorite things or activities. The theme in this post seems to be the little things in life making a huge difference. Feel free to share what your top five are in the comments below.

1. Handy Healthy Snacks

The tip that I heard many years ago of having nutritious, easy-fix snacks available is the first example of the small things in life having major impact. Grabbing a handful of almonds has saved me many times from being hangry. A few more snack ideas?

  • Trail mix
  • Granola or snack bars
  • Ingredients for a simple salad (strawberries and pre-washed spinach, for example)
  • Bananas
  • Dry cereal
  • Cheese sticks

2. Craft Time: Wrapped Cell Phone Charging Cable

Recently I happened upon a listing for earbuds wrapped in embroidery floss on Etsy. I was inspired. So I sat myself down with some American Southwest-colored floss and began wrapping the charging cable for my phone (this is the cable I currently use the most). Following the instructions from these tutorials[1], I wound and knotted for a few hours to wind up (hehe) with the cable in the header photo.

3. Learning from others by discussing ideas

“Two heads are greater than one” and “Iron sharpens iron” are two sayings that describe my third fav. A few discussions with other people who put a priority on growing and learning has given me new ideas to ponder, new brain connections between subjects, and new inspiration to pursue positivity. My experience corroborates that of Megan Gebhart, who went to coffee once a week with someone new for a year and wrote about what she learned. Wisdom and encouragement can be found in a coffee meetup. Thank you to those friends who have shared their time and encouraged me this spring!

4. Spring Flowers!

How awesome is it to see and smell the lilac trees in bloom! And wildflowers, cherry and dogwood blossoms, and alliums. Just lovely.

5. YouTube Exercise Videos

A friend mentioned Yoga with Adriene’s 30 day challenges, and I thought that sounded fun! Adriene is a calm and self-depricating yogi who leads by doing. I learned a new yoga pose and increased my strength and concentration by completing this 30-day challenge.

And that’s the top five things in my spring that I hope will spark an idea of something fun you want to try.

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[1] Embroidery wrapping tutorials: https://www.pinterest.com/pin/214835844702525776/ and https://www.pinterest.com/pin/214835844702525776/.

Black mortarboard from College Without the Campus

FAQ #4: The difference between online classes and credit-by-exam tests

Q: Hillary, how is the way you took courses different than taking online classes?

A: The main difference between credit-by-exam testing and online courses is the lack of a professor to guide you in the credit-by-exam method. Credit-by-exam courses put the burden of learning upon the student. However, this doesn’t mean that the student is alone in learning: the student has the opportunity to select resources and advisors as needed. The structure of online courses parallels a traditional college course, including a specified textbook to learn from and interaction with a professor and other students.

Black mortarboard from College Without the Campus

April Book Signing at Book & Game

Today’s the day!

I’m so excited to be at Book & Game from 11am-3pm today to sign copies of College Without the Campus! Drop by to enter to win one of two $25 Book & Game gift certificates. Have a wonderful Friday!

Book & Game Co.
38 East Main St.
(Corner of 1st & Main Streets)
Downtown Walla Walla, WA

Black mortarboard from College Without the Campus