Showing posts with label summer school. Show all posts
Showing posts with label summer school. Show all posts
Sunday, June 21, 2009
Home Sweet Home
I'm home again and summer school is over! I'm SO glad that I did it--definitely worth the time commitment to get nine hours (nine tuition-free hours at that!) completed. For now, I'm going to focus on SUMMER and enjoy a little time with my family.
Thursday, June 18, 2009
Time to Wrap it up
For almost three weeks we've had a great time at summer school learning, laughing and enjoying one another's company, but I think we've finally reached our threshold. It's clearly time to wrap it up here. Everyone is beginning to get cranky and sensitive. There is a lot of whining, complaining, and finger-pointing going on. People are starting to sweat the small stuff.
Personally, I find it amazing that we've lasted this long. Usually, when you get a bunch of women together for weeks on end, the drama begins before the end of week one--lol!
Like I've said before, I'm really glad I had this experience, but I will definitely be really glad to get back to my home, my family and my life, no matter how crazy it all may be. :)
Personally, I find it amazing that we've lasted this long. Usually, when you get a bunch of women together for weeks on end, the drama begins before the end of week one--lol!
Like I've said before, I'm really glad I had this experience, but I will definitely be really glad to get back to my home, my family and my life, no matter how crazy it all may be. :)
Tuesday, June 16, 2009
Great Resources
Summer school has left me with a variety of valuable tools and resources, including:
- a new circle of friends and acquaintances for networking, brainstorming and who can help me survive the rest of grad school
- a list of electronic resources and online tools of which I had no previous knowledge
- books that I can use to create lesson plans
- ideas or "lessons learned" from other teachers who have "been there, done that" so that I don't have to
- more university contacts that I can turn to during grad school (for help) and beyond (for references)
Sunday, June 14, 2009
On Time (and How It Flies)
It's funny how getting older changes how you view even the little things in life. Take exercise, for example: what once seemed like a huge waste of time (because there was plenty of metabolism to go around), now seems like a necessity. When I was a true freshman, time seemed to pass so slowly. It seemed like each week was dragging, postponing the arrival of the weekend. A semester seemed never ending. It was incomprehensible to think about four years of college-that was an ETERNITY to me!
When I was planning to be away for summer school, three weeks seemed like a pretty good chunk of my time. I was sure that the week would pass slowly and the weekend too quickly. Now, I'm back in my dorm room preparing for my final week here and I'm surprised at how quickly time has passed.
When I first stumbled upon the program, it did seem like a giant leap of faith and commitment on my family's part to dedicate three weeks of summer to school, especially since it meant living on campus. Yet, I decided to look at it from a long-term perspective, deciding that the benefits far outweighed the negatives. It really has. Just think: I have added six hours to my transcript in the past two weeks. SIX HOURS!!! By the end of this week, I will have added another three! That's without even mentioning all the great people I've met here, the fact that the whole program is FREE and that I've had time to focus on some personal goals. so thankful that I took advantage of this opportunity.
Here's to one last week of class....then, "Summer, ho!!!"
When I was planning to be away for summer school, three weeks seemed like a pretty good chunk of my time. I was sure that the week would pass slowly and the weekend too quickly. Now, I'm back in my dorm room preparing for my final week here and I'm surprised at how quickly time has passed.
When I first stumbled upon the program, it did seem like a giant leap of faith and commitment on my family's part to dedicate three weeks of summer to school, especially since it meant living on campus. Yet, I decided to look at it from a long-term perspective, deciding that the benefits far outweighed the negatives. It really has. Just think: I have added six hours to my transcript in the past two weeks. SIX HOURS!!! By the end of this week, I will have added another three! That's without even mentioning all the great people I've met here, the fact that the whole program is FREE and that I've had time to focus on some personal goals. so thankful that I took advantage of this opportunity.
Here's to one last week of class....then, "Summer, ho!!!"
Tuesday, June 9, 2009
Mama Tired. Very Tired.
Today is the most tired I have been in a while. I'm really dragging.
It may have something to do with the fact that I didn't go to bed until almost 1 a.m. and then the sunshine pouring through my window woke me up before 6 a.m. the next morning. So, instead of rolling over and going back to sleep like a normal person, I got up and went to the gym hoping to beat the "regulars" to the elliptical machines. Instead, the girl at the desk asked if I was there for the morning class. I was feeling rather adventurous, so I simply answered, "Sure." Then, for the next hour I was taking part in "Track Attack" (you pretty much get the drift of the type of exercise I was doing). I came back feeling rather refreshed, productive and ready to tackle my day.
Of course, had I remembered what the day was to entail, I might not have felt so optimistic.
Last week, I truly enjoyed our class. The topics aligned with my interests and abilities well and our assignments ended up being so much fun. We literally laughed until we cried making a funny promotional video! This week, however, is one of those classes that is a required drudgery. It's a topic that just doesn't really inspire anyone. It's "Cataloging and Classification" which means that we are learning about all the different ways that books are cataloged/organized for libraries. Very technical. Very dull. It's a necessary evil--you can't have a library unless books are arranged in an orderly fashion and can be easily located--but it's still a very stale topic.
That's not to say that I can't find the silver lining: my teacher is wonderful and has great ideas for lesson plans, my group is amazing--we work so well together and enjoy one another's company, and we have been able to use some of the tools that we learned about last week to make our group project a little less difficult and more entertaining, etc.
But the bottom line is that this class--or today anyway--has exhausted me. Even if I had gotten more sleep last night, I still think the end result would be the same. I ended up collapsing on my bed for a few minutes after dinner, then my friends took me to Sonic for a little caffeine wake-up call. I'm feeling much better and looking forward to a quiet night of either movie watching or book reading. Here's to hoping that Mama's batteries get recharged for another long day tomorrow...the day we find out what our next two assignments will be!
It may have something to do with the fact that I didn't go to bed until almost 1 a.m. and then the sunshine pouring through my window woke me up before 6 a.m. the next morning. So, instead of rolling over and going back to sleep like a normal person, I got up and went to the gym hoping to beat the "regulars" to the elliptical machines. Instead, the girl at the desk asked if I was there for the morning class. I was feeling rather adventurous, so I simply answered, "Sure." Then, for the next hour I was taking part in "Track Attack" (you pretty much get the drift of the type of exercise I was doing). I came back feeling rather refreshed, productive and ready to tackle my day.
Of course, had I remembered what the day was to entail, I might not have felt so optimistic.
Last week, I truly enjoyed our class. The topics aligned with my interests and abilities well and our assignments ended up being so much fun. We literally laughed until we cried making a funny promotional video! This week, however, is one of those classes that is a required drudgery. It's a topic that just doesn't really inspire anyone. It's "Cataloging and Classification" which means that we are learning about all the different ways that books are cataloged/organized for libraries. Very technical. Very dull. It's a necessary evil--you can't have a library unless books are arranged in an orderly fashion and can be easily located--but it's still a very stale topic.
That's not to say that I can't find the silver lining: my teacher is wonderful and has great ideas for lesson plans, my group is amazing--we work so well together and enjoy one another's company, and we have been able to use some of the tools that we learned about last week to make our group project a little less difficult and more entertaining, etc.
But the bottom line is that this class--or today anyway--has exhausted me. Even if I had gotten more sleep last night, I still think the end result would be the same. I ended up collapsing on my bed for a few minutes after dinner, then my friends took me to Sonic for a little caffeine wake-up call. I'm feeling much better and looking forward to a quiet night of either movie watching or book reading. Here's to hoping that Mama's batteries get recharged for another long day tomorrow...the day we find out what our next two assignments will be!
Wednesday, June 3, 2009
Girls Just Wanna Have Fun...Even Old Girls!
Yes, we've been working hard at summer school, but we've also been having a good time. I've enjoyed getting to know my classmates (who are all female, by the way). We've shared stories, laughs and even our stashes of dorm room snacks.
I guess this is kind of a "do-over" for me. I never found my "niche" on the college campuses I attended as an undergrad. I never found a group of friends to fit into and, honestly, at the time I wasn't worried about it (I was more worried about working and visiting boyfriend--the one who eventually became my husband).
So, here I am, 32 years old sharing late night talks, taking silly photos, working out at the gym with friends and driving to Sonic to get a free root beer float just like any regular college gal. It's actually been refreshing for me to get away for a bit, clear my head, and feel footloose-and-fancy-free without so many responsibilities to bear. I don't think about what's for dinner (because dinner is cooked for me!) or where I need to be at 8 p.m. (because I don't have to be anywhere!) or if I have anything to wear tomorrow (all my clothes are clean because it only takes one load of laundry to get it all done!). Granted, I wouldn't want to live this way forever, but I hope this experience allows me to come home rested and refreshed for a change.
I guess this is kind of a "do-over" for me. I never found my "niche" on the college campuses I attended as an undergrad. I never found a group of friends to fit into and, honestly, at the time I wasn't worried about it (I was more worried about working and visiting boyfriend--the one who eventually became my husband).
So, here I am, 32 years old sharing late night talks, taking silly photos, working out at the gym with friends and driving to Sonic to get a free root beer float just like any regular college gal. It's actually been refreshing for me to get away for a bit, clear my head, and feel footloose-and-fancy-free without so many responsibilities to bear. I don't think about what's for dinner (because dinner is cooked for me!) or where I need to be at 8 p.m. (because I don't have to be anywhere!) or if I have anything to wear tomorrow (all my clothes are clean because it only takes one load of laundry to get it all done!). Granted, I wouldn't want to live this way forever, but I hope this experience allows me to come home rested and refreshed for a change.
Tuesday, June 2, 2009
College Student Communication in the 21st Century
Now that I find myself back at one of my old colleges, I can't help comparing how things have changed since I was a nineteen year old freshman. The campus is a little different--there are new buildings and landscaping and such--and it also seems a lot smaller now that I'm "all grown up." The food seems to have improved (we finally got to eat in the cafeteria....much better!) and there are many computer labs to choose from these days.
One of the main differences I now see between life for a college student today versus latter years is the availability to keep in touch with people. Just today, I have used my cell phone to call at least three people, texted the same people, IM'd (instant message) a friend (while I was in class, no less), checked my e-mail, and communicated with friends from all over the United States via Facebook.
When I was a traditional undergrad, very few people had e-mail. No one had a cell phone. To keep in touch with my friends and family, I primarily wrote letters. Can you imagine a college student today whipping out paper and pencil to write a letter to someone? If I had only had a few of those communication conveniences back then, I think I would have adjusted much more easily to college life.
So, all-in-all I'm glad that these things exist to keep people connected. I definitely feel less homesick knowing that my friends and family are just a click or a phone call away.
As for today....it was kind of a long one. It started out with the unexpected announcement that the cafeteria is being renovated, so we have been rerouted to the Ball Room for mealtimes. That means we don't have full access to the range of cafeteria foods normally offered. Still, it has been an improvement. At least there is salad, veggies and fresh fruit! Also, the afternoon class time was very long. We worked in front of our computers from one to almost five o'clock without a break--without so much as standing up to stretch! On the positive side, we did seem to accomplish much more today and we are starting a fun video project. Plus, part of our assignment was to set up a Google site, so I was able to get a head start on my electronic portfolio. Yay! Now, I'm off to finish my warm green tea (something I had never tried but was encouraged to do so by a classmate--now I like it!) and read a book (The First Year by Harry Wong) before bedtime. I have to rise and shine early so I can get a warm breakfast before they put it all away and only leave cold bagels or cereal for the late risers.
One of the main differences I now see between life for a college student today versus latter years is the availability to keep in touch with people. Just today, I have used my cell phone to call at least three people, texted the same people, IM'd (instant message) a friend (while I was in class, no less), checked my e-mail, and communicated with friends from all over the United States via Facebook.
When I was a traditional undergrad, very few people had e-mail. No one had a cell phone. To keep in touch with my friends and family, I primarily wrote letters. Can you imagine a college student today whipping out paper and pencil to write a letter to someone? If I had only had a few of those communication conveniences back then, I think I would have adjusted much more easily to college life.
So, all-in-all I'm glad that these things exist to keep people connected. I definitely feel less homesick knowing that my friends and family are just a click or a phone call away.
As for today....it was kind of a long one. It started out with the unexpected announcement that the cafeteria is being renovated, so we have been rerouted to the Ball Room for mealtimes. That means we don't have full access to the range of cafeteria foods normally offered. Still, it has been an improvement. At least there is salad, veggies and fresh fruit! Also, the afternoon class time was very long. We worked in front of our computers from one to almost five o'clock without a break--without so much as standing up to stretch! On the positive side, we did seem to accomplish much more today and we are starting a fun video project. Plus, part of our assignment was to set up a Google site, so I was able to get a head start on my electronic portfolio. Yay! Now, I'm off to finish my warm green tea (something I had never tried but was encouraged to do so by a classmate--now I like it!) and read a book (The First Year by Harry Wong) before bedtime. I have to rise and shine early so I can get a warm breakfast before they put it all away and only leave cold bagels or cereal for the late risers.
Monday, June 1, 2009
Summer School: Day One
Today was the first official day of summer school, though we had to be here early Sunday evening to check into our dorm rooms. So, I've officially been here 24 hours.
I'm having a serious case of deja vu and suddenly remembering all the little things that have to be worked out between roommates. We have private rooms but share a bath. We also share a full-size refrigerator that is located in my room. I had forgotten how much etiquette is required when living in the dorms. You have to figure out things like whether or not you will leave the doors to your room open or closed. Closed feels rude, especially if you like your suitemate (I'm fortunate that I do!), but open all day means phone calls are not very private and you might be annoying your neighbor with your music. You have to figure out subtle ways of figuring out whether or not someone is in the bathroom and if flushing the toilet cause your suitemate to be awakened when they really wanted to be sleeping in. Are you required to do everything together or at least always invite one another along? Like I said, I'm very glad that I was paired with someone that I was at least familiar with before we arrived and we get along well, so none of these issues have been a problem. It's just strange to be back in the place where you have to figure all this stuff out!
I would be lying if I said I wasn't homesick. Class time is a great distractor, but when you are back in the quiet dorm rooms with a huge amount of free time (compared to being at home), it really makes you miss the activity of your on-the-go family. And their noise. And their hugs. It didn't help when my youngest called crying hysterically last night. It was seriously heart-wrenching to hear her saying, "I want you to hold me!" in between sobs. Turns out, she was just upset with her Daddy who made her clean up her messes, but it still didn't make me feel any better about it.
On the upside, I'm starting to know a few more names and have met some great ladies. I feel very confident in the course we are taking this week (it's basically a Media and Technology class) and we are doing some fun projects. I have so much free time (because we don't have homework; we do everything in class) that I am getting to read some books that I have been wanting to finish and I have time to exercise (I even started my day with a walk/run and hope to end it at the gym tonight).
But as for food...so far, no good. :( We have been limited to the food in the student center so far because regular summer school doesn't officially begin until tomorrow, which means the cafeteria is closed. We have been limited to hamburgers, fries and chicken strips. Yum--a big, greasy mess. We opted to go out for dinner tonight. Hopefully, we'll at least have some veggies at the cafeteria tomorrow!
I'm having a serious case of deja vu and suddenly remembering all the little things that have to be worked out between roommates. We have private rooms but share a bath. We also share a full-size refrigerator that is located in my room. I had forgotten how much etiquette is required when living in the dorms. You have to figure out things like whether or not you will leave the doors to your room open or closed. Closed feels rude, especially if you like your suitemate (I'm fortunate that I do!), but open all day means phone calls are not very private and you might be annoying your neighbor with your music. You have to figure out subtle ways of figuring out whether or not someone is in the bathroom and if flushing the toilet cause your suitemate to be awakened when they really wanted to be sleeping in. Are you required to do everything together or at least always invite one another along? Like I said, I'm very glad that I was paired with someone that I was at least familiar with before we arrived and we get along well, so none of these issues have been a problem. It's just strange to be back in the place where you have to figure all this stuff out!
I would be lying if I said I wasn't homesick. Class time is a great distractor, but when you are back in the quiet dorm rooms with a huge amount of free time (compared to being at home), it really makes you miss the activity of your on-the-go family. And their noise. And their hugs. It didn't help when my youngest called crying hysterically last night. It was seriously heart-wrenching to hear her saying, "I want you to hold me!" in between sobs. Turns out, she was just upset with her Daddy who made her clean up her messes, but it still didn't make me feel any better about it.
On the upside, I'm starting to know a few more names and have met some great ladies. I feel very confident in the course we are taking this week (it's basically a Media and Technology class) and we are doing some fun projects. I have so much free time (because we don't have homework; we do everything in class) that I am getting to read some books that I have been wanting to finish and I have time to exercise (I even started my day with a walk/run and hope to end it at the gym tonight).
But as for food...so far, no good. :( We have been limited to the food in the student center so far because regular summer school doesn't officially begin until tomorrow, which means the cafeteria is closed. We have been limited to hamburgers, fries and chicken strips. Yum--a big, greasy mess. We opted to go out for dinner tonight. Hopefully, we'll at least have some veggies at the cafeteria tomorrow!
Thursday, May 28, 2009
My To-Do List
- Finish proofing almost 200 engagement & bridal photos
- Create blog post for engagement photos sneak peek
- Get oil changed and tires checked in the car that will be making the four hour drive to campus this weekend
- Go to the dreaded Wal-Mart to purchase snacks and supplies for the kiddos and myself for our travels next week
- Get caught up on "regular" laundry before husband and daughter return from youth camp with mounds of dirty clothes
- Finish reading the book club selection, "Copper Sun" by Sharon Draper so I can return the book before leaving Sunday
- Figure out what I'll need for three weeks in a dorm (maybe it would be easier to decide what to leave at home!) and pack it
- Pack my two children who will be visiting friends and my sister in Texas and attending day camp next week
- Buy a few groceries for the hubby so he won't starve (or eat out)
- Exercise (I missed the last two days because of our busy schedules)
- Create "gag gift" for a friend's birthday as payback for a Christmas stunt
- Make a notebook for the babysitter with all the do's, don'ts and "where to find it" information
- Fill out day camp enrollment forms, make out checks for said camp and copy insurance cards
- Clean out vehicle
- Put away all photography gear from this week's sessions
- Make a deposit at the bank (10 miles away)
- Get a pedicure!!! (I promised little daughter we'd have a "girl party" while Daddy & big sis was away)
- Clean house (the chore that never leaves my to-do list, so it seems)
- Water garden
- Breathe
Sunday, May 24, 2009
To Panic or Not to Panic....That Is the Question
A week from today, I will be loading my car and driving four hours away to stay in campus housing for three weeks without my family in order to complete a significant portion of my master's degree studies.
Part of me wants to panic. Okay, the biggest part of me wants to panic because I keep thinking:
Part of me wants to panic. Okay, the biggest part of me wants to panic because I keep thinking:
- I'm stressed about all the things I meant to get done before I left (that I haven't).
- I'm sad about all the things I will be missing while I am gone.
- I'm nervous for my husband and the babysitter whose task it is to keep my six-year-old entertained (she announced that she was already bored by 10 a.m. the day after school let out).
- I'm worried about making it through eight hour class days without getting a migraine.
- I'm wondering how well I will get along with my classmates. Will I be the odd man out because I am not a certified teacher nor have I ever taught?
- Will the cafeteria food be bearable? I have valid fears: I lived on this particular campus the year before I married, and the smells from the cafeteria made me nauseous as I passed by each day. I still claim it was the worst food in the history of university cafeterias! Even the salad and cereal was unsuitable to eat, in my opinion. No joke! I lost so much weight that year....
On the upside, there are several things to look forward to in this experience:
- I get to meet new people and (hopefully) make some new friends. If not, it will be a great exercise in networking.
- I will have completed nine hours of courses in three weeks. There is no other way I'd be able to graduate in a year's time if not for this intense session.
- I won't have to cook any meals and I will only be responsible for dressing myself, cleaning my tiny dorm room and keeping my small stash of laundry clean. What a load off!
- Evenings should be free for reading a good book or working out at the really nice Wellness Center (they are even having Zumba classes!) or taking a walk around the track just like I used to do in the "good ol' days."
- I don't have to be in class until 9 a.m. which means I can sleep in if I want!
- If the cafeteria food is bad, maybe I will drop those last few pesky pounds before we head to the beach for vacation!! :)
- It's free! All of this is free even down to the textbooks and meal plans. Whoo-hoo!
I decided that instead of looking at it as being gone for three straight weeks, I'd take it one week at a time. I will only be gone five nights before I can come home for a short weekend. That's not bad. I'm pretty sure the week will pass much more quickly than I anticipate. Between Zumba and working on my portfolio...well, you know what they say: "time flies when you're having fun." ;)
Thursday, July 31, 2008
Summer? What Summer?
This morning, thanks to my youngest daughter who woke up at 5:30 a.m. and couldn't go back to sleep, I got up early and finished my summer coursework. All the "i's" have been dotted and "t's" crossed, so I can officially brush my hands together and call it a semester.
Would I do it all over again if I could? I won't be stupid and say that it was easy juggling school work, my kids' summer activities, my travel schedule and a host of "everyday life" chores. I struggled with spending downtime with my kids (like a real summer should be) and I didn't get to do a great many things that I planned to catch up on this summer.
I spent a lot of time pre-planning my travels to make sure I would have adequate time and internet connections, spent several late nights with in my office, and tried to do homework while keeping an eye on my kids and their friends. Heck, I even spent some quality multitasking time poolside in a bathing suit--lifeguarding, sunbathing and doing homework!
If I were to do it over again, I would....but just once.
If I weren't trying to speed up graduation and complete my degree this fall, I wouldn't have taken summer school nor would I have advised anyone else to. Summer break is really important for recharging batteries and preventing burn-out, but since I can see the light at the end of my tunnel, it has been worth it for me. After all, there's always next summer to catch up on my postponed projects.
Would I do it all over again if I could? I won't be stupid and say that it was easy juggling school work, my kids' summer activities, my travel schedule and a host of "everyday life" chores. I struggled with spending downtime with my kids (like a real summer should be) and I didn't get to do a great many things that I planned to catch up on this summer.
I spent a lot of time pre-planning my travels to make sure I would have adequate time and internet connections, spent several late nights with in my office, and tried to do homework while keeping an eye on my kids and their friends. Heck, I even spent some quality multitasking time poolside in a bathing suit--lifeguarding, sunbathing and doing homework!
If I were to do it over again, I would....but just once.
If I weren't trying to speed up graduation and complete my degree this fall, I wouldn't have taken summer school nor would I have advised anyone else to. Summer break is really important for recharging batteries and preventing burn-out, but since I can see the light at the end of my tunnel, it has been worth it for me. After all, there's always next summer to catch up on my postponed projects.
Tuesday, May 6, 2008
Colleges Are More Flexible Than You Think
When I first decided to go back to college, I did some major debating about whether I should finish a degree online or go the traditional route. As you can tell, traditional university won out for several reasons, but the allure of the flexible online class really intrigued me.
I was surprised to find that traditional schools are way more flexible and accommodating than you think! I first discovered this when I asked my advisor about a "features writing" class that I saw in the undergraduate catalog but not on the class schedule. He told me that it was no longer offered but suggested that I take it as an independent study course instead. Okie-dokie. I did it!
Then, when I realized that I wanted to take summer school but I already had two weeks blocked out on my calendar for travels--things that are very important to me and that I will not compromise for class--my advisor suggested a "hybrid class:" part traditional classroom, part independent study. Basically, I will go in for some lectures and I will work on projects at home. I ended up enrolling in two hybrid courses this summer because the second class was scheduled while I would be traveling. Add those to the one online class I will be taking and that means I won't have to miss my travels at all!
I enrolled in a geography class at another university (it is an online class; my school doesn't offer these), but I was afraid that it wouldn't meet my general ed requirements because it wasn't listed on the transfer list of classes for our state. A quick e-mail to the registrar's office and they said it would be just fine.
Also, I found out that one specific classes listed as requirement for my major could be substituted for another class. I thought that was really weird--aren't requirements "requirements?"--but I was really glad to be able to work it all out. It was the one class preventing me from graduating in December.
So the moral of the story is: if you think traditional university is not for you because it's not as flexible, you might be wrong. Make friends with your advisor because they know all the short-cuts and substitutions that aren't going to be spelled out in any undergraduate catalog. When in doubt, call the registrar's office, and lastly, always eat your Wheaties. Oh wait...maybe you can strike out the last one.
I was surprised to find that traditional schools are way more flexible and accommodating than you think! I first discovered this when I asked my advisor about a "features writing" class that I saw in the undergraduate catalog but not on the class schedule. He told me that it was no longer offered but suggested that I take it as an independent study course instead. Okie-dokie. I did it!
Then, when I realized that I wanted to take summer school but I already had two weeks blocked out on my calendar for travels--things that are very important to me and that I will not compromise for class--my advisor suggested a "hybrid class:" part traditional classroom, part independent study. Basically, I will go in for some lectures and I will work on projects at home. I ended up enrolling in two hybrid courses this summer because the second class was scheduled while I would be traveling. Add those to the one online class I will be taking and that means I won't have to miss my travels at all!
I enrolled in a geography class at another university (it is an online class; my school doesn't offer these), but I was afraid that it wouldn't meet my general ed requirements because it wasn't listed on the transfer list of classes for our state. A quick e-mail to the registrar's office and they said it would be just fine.
Also, I found out that one specific classes listed as requirement for my major could be substituted for another class. I thought that was really weird--aren't requirements "requirements?"--but I was really glad to be able to work it all out. It was the one class preventing me from graduating in December.
So the moral of the story is: if you think traditional university is not for you because it's not as flexible, you might be wrong. Make friends with your advisor because they know all the short-cuts and substitutions that aren't going to be spelled out in any undergraduate catalog. When in doubt, call the registrar's office, and lastly, always eat your Wheaties. Oh wait...maybe you can strike out the last one.
Sunday, May 4, 2008
The Great Summer School Debate
My spring semester will be officially be wrapped up in two more days. You know what that means? I'll say "good-bye" to homework, writing papers and research and say "hello" to lazy summer afternoons by the pool, sleeping late with my kids and relaxing in a lawn chair.
Well....maybe.
I've actually decided to consider summer school. At the beginning of the spring semester, I planned to take several classes this summer so that I could graduate in December. But I talked myself out of it, saying that I didn't want to miss all the summer activities that I'm usually involved in (youth camps, mission trips) and I wanted to be able to hang out with my kids instead of my computer. Plus, it wasn't like I had a job waiting on me when I graduated. As the semester wore on, I found myself looking forward to a break.
However, I started recalculating the hours I had left plus the monetary savings that I could gain by skipping the spring 2009 semester. I discovered that I might be able to complete a full 11 hours this summer through a combination of testing out of a class (it only costs $10!), taking two internet classes and one "hybrid" class (a hybrid class is a combo of independent study & classroom teaching). Taking these classes would not interfere with the summer activities I already have planned (as long as I have internet access when I travel). I also discovered that I could save $1000 or more by skipping the spring semester in favor of the summer/fall combo The savings would come from tuition that will increase for fall/spring (but not summer), gas savings and food savings (I usually eat out when I'm at school). That makes summer school a pretty good investment overall.
I still have to visit with my advisor and make sure this is going to work the way I think it should. I'll be honest: this is not going to be easy. It requires me to work throughout the summer, take a short break (I'm headed to the beach in August, thankfully), then hit the books again...this time, with 18 hours in my schedule. So, if I do go forward with this plan, I'm going to have to keep my eye on the prize. I think I should put sticky-notes on my bathroom mirror, computer monitor, fridge and any other frequently-used flat surface that says "Just Do It"...you know, Michael Jordan style. :)
Well....maybe.
I've actually decided to consider summer school. At the beginning of the spring semester, I planned to take several classes this summer so that I could graduate in December. But I talked myself out of it, saying that I didn't want to miss all the summer activities that I'm usually involved in (youth camps, mission trips) and I wanted to be able to hang out with my kids instead of my computer. Plus, it wasn't like I had a job waiting on me when I graduated. As the semester wore on, I found myself looking forward to a break.
However, I started recalculating the hours I had left plus the monetary savings that I could gain by skipping the spring 2009 semester. I discovered that I might be able to complete a full 11 hours this summer through a combination of testing out of a class (it only costs $10!), taking two internet classes and one "hybrid" class (a hybrid class is a combo of independent study & classroom teaching). Taking these classes would not interfere with the summer activities I already have planned (as long as I have internet access when I travel). I also discovered that I could save $1000 or more by skipping the spring semester in favor of the summer/fall combo The savings would come from tuition that will increase for fall/spring (but not summer), gas savings and food savings (I usually eat out when I'm at school). That makes summer school a pretty good investment overall.
I still have to visit with my advisor and make sure this is going to work the way I think it should. I'll be honest: this is not going to be easy. It requires me to work throughout the summer, take a short break (I'm headed to the beach in August, thankfully), then hit the books again...this time, with 18 hours in my schedule. So, if I do go forward with this plan, I'm going to have to keep my eye on the prize. I think I should put sticky-notes on my bathroom mirror, computer monitor, fridge and any other frequently-used flat surface that says "Just Do It"...you know, Michael Jordan style. :)
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