Getting a Formal Education in Mason Valley

_{Originally published in the Mason Valley Newspaper by LM Wilkinson on November 13, 2017}

_{Residents of Mason Valley are located many miles from the nearest brick and mortar university or college. Per Google Maps, Yerington is 65 miles from Western Nevada College in Carson City and 72 miles from the University of Nevada, Reno.}

_{But finding a career path, and furthering your education can be accomplished right here IN Mason Valley:}

_{Step 1 : Access to the internet can start, for free, at our library located at 20 Nevin Way in Yerington. Librarian Renee Menesini can assist by signing you up to access the internet on the computers.} 

_{(Updated 06/12/2021: Emergency Broadband Benefit:} https://getemergencybroadband.org/           Starts 05/12/2021….qualified families can get up to $50/month temporary subsidy on internet services.)

Step 2 : GCFLEARNFREE.ORG is a site that offers free and comprehensive instructions starting with basic computer operations through advanced technology; work and career; etc..

_{Step 3 : Career exploration can be accessed on ONETONLINE.ORG or other internet search sites. O*Net On-line assists by evaluating your work abilities and/or interests, then by directing you to career clusters that match. Within specific careers, O*Net defines work tasks, educational background, employee attributes, salary range, work force demand, and more.}

_{If the career you want to pursue requires further education:}

_{Step 4 : Go to Google on the internet. And start searching for on-line education for the career field that you would like to pursue. This can involve becoming indebted. Spend time researching these on-line schools. When you speak with representatives, you may receive many amazing offers. Use your discernment.}

_{Check guidetoonlineschools.com/online-reviews for student reviews.}

_{Step 5 : FAFSA stands for Free Application for Federal Student Aid and can be found on fafsa.ed.gov . When you apply online for FAFSA, you will find out if you qualify for student grants (no pay back) or student loans.}

_{Once you have applied for an online school, you can apply your FAFSA grant or loan to that school.}

_{As you look at this process in it’s entirety, you may become overwhelmed. Take it one step at a time:} The journey of a thousand miles begins with one step. – Lao Tzu

_{Expect bumps in the road, but don’t let those bumps stop you.}