What College has Taught Me...So Far

Greetings!

When I made the decision to return to college and (finally) get my degree I had all sorts of concerns. It had been over 9 years since I had attended any college classes when I left due ti a divorce and then working 50-60 hours a week and not having time to go back to school.

This left me with about 4 semesters to go to complete my AS degree in General Ed. and also I found I could get an AS degree in Political Science by taking just a few more classes, so I decided to do this.

Back to my concerns. I was afraid that maybe I was a bit too old to hold an interest in the classes, but on the contrary, I have found my maturity and age and experiences to be very helpful as I have attended my classes. My ups and downs in life have made my essays a great read, better than I could have written at 32 (ten years ago when I stopped my schooling).

I was also afraid that maybe I would not have time to pursue my schooling with working as well, but this too has been a false worry. With the advent of online courses offered through my college here in town, I have the freedom to pursue my classes after work and on my own schedule, so long as my assignments are submitted by the deadlines posted.

So what have I learned so far?

I have to say I am thoroughly amazed by the insight college courses have given me about myself and how I interact with the world around me. Some notions that I thought I did not have did rear their ugly heads, and now I know to extinguish those things in my life. I have learned to see more than meets the eye in things I would not have noticed otherwise as well.

One important lesson I learned the other night while sitting in class (I am taking a live math class at my college due to testing in to a lower math grade..details following...) listening to my math 920 teacher (pre-algebra) and watching her show us how to do prime factorization without using a calculator (calculators are not allowed in class yet) it dawned on me exactly why I never really excelled in mathematics. It's because I don't like bullshit very much.

Now, this is not a reflection on the math course or the techer, the course and the teacher are excellent. But, my mind kept asking me "why the fuck do I need to do this without a calculator?" and "why the fuck do I need to do this...PERIOD???" These were the same thoughts I had in high school. I never heard any good explanation as to why a calculator could not or should not be used. It's a great tool.

In my head I equate not using a calculator for mathematics with building a campfire in your backyard..in the middle of the lawn...to cook dinner on when you have a stove and BBQ which makes it easier and more efficient. Better yet, it's like rubbing two sticks together to even light the damned things. OH and by the way, what time does the fucking sun dial say it is?

I learned the lesson of my disdain for bullshit, and it answered my questions as to why I never excelled in mathematic in a school setting. I mean, I can DO math, my career has depended on my ability to DO math. But I can look up any formulaes that I need and better yet...I can USE THE GREAT INVENTION CALLED A CALCULATOR to do the math.

All these years I had a fear of classroom math, even at times thinking that "my brain is not wired for math" or having self doubt about whether I was good enough to excel in school.

Well, my brain is fine, and I am good enough to do anything I want to do, and smart enough to decipher what I should do or want to do.

I just don't appreciate bullshit getting in my way!! :)


Thanks for reading! I urge you all, go back to school, or go to school if you have not started college yet!!