Tuesday, October 23, 2012

Real Gurl Goes to College: College and Lollipops DO Go Together

I am now in my fifth week of college and I am settling in pretty well.  Running with A's in my classes, with the exception of algebra.  I have no idea what I will be getting in that class.

It's kinda scary.  We have had plenty of homework and classwork but no quizzes or tests and the mid-term is next week.  I feel like I am getting it during class but you know how tests go....fear grips me and it all goes straight out of my head!  Sometimes that happens just with the homework!  So mid-term next week...YIKES!

I missed my algebra class last Thursday because I was sick so today I stayed after and worked on the missing homework and today's homework.  The teacher was there and another student and we worked through it together.  That was very reassuring but still, the test looms in front of me.

But the good news is, no matter what actual letter grade I get, I am doing something extraordinary.  For many years people near and dear to me have suggested I go to college and I said, "never, ever!"Those are the magic words, aren't they?  Never say never.  In spite of my resistance, here I am and I can honestly say that I am enjoying it.  I love the feel of the pencil to paper and the joy of working together with those at my table.  We share our knowledge and experience like a team.  It is a thrill to be able to say that I understand it and I was sad to miss class on Thursday.

Yesterday I bought a couple of bags of Caramel Apple Lollipops and brought them to Writing class.  All of sudden I felt hesitant to bring them out, thinking the kids would think I was silly.  But oh no!  They were soooo happy and thanked me profusely.  

(You have to understand something about me.  To borrow a phrase from Zoey on Nurse Jackie: "In my world there are prizes.")

There were enough lollipops to bring them to Algebra today and at break we passed the bag around.  Again, it brought joy and smiles to everyone.....especially the teacher.  Because for a few brief minutes the class was actually quiet.