Real Gurl Goes to College: Nothing But Time

Surviving the first term of college is no small feat, considering I started this adventure without knowing how to use a Ti-85 calculator (it comes with a USB cord).  I had my mind made up to just face each day, one day at a time.  I would handle the homework each day and never get behind.  I would attend all of my classes no matter what the teacher said about attendance not being counted.  Slowly but surely I collected a few days of success that turned into a few weeks.

In spite of an "interesting" Writing teacher, (and that is putting it nicely), and a garden variety teacher in the other 3 classes, I feel very successful.  I was never trying for good grades.  I was trying to NOT fail.  I was trying to be steady and keep up.  I did not want the intimidation of high school Geometry to take over my thoughts.  

We just celebrated Christmas and the first term is in the books.  I feel very proud of my work and my effort.  I am also very satisfied with my attitude when hit with a teacher who obviously did not live a life even remotely similar to mine.  I just kept walking the walk, doing the work, and keeping up.  When final grades were posted, I was so surprised and amazed at how well the term had gone for me.

Writing A
Health A
Psychology A
Algebra B

In just a few short weeks I will be ramping up to attack the next batch of classes, one day at a time.  And nine weeks after that you will probably be hearing about my final grades.  What will have you changed in that amount of time?  Don't let the time go by and promise yourself over and over that you are going to try something new or change an old habit.  Go!  Do it now!  One step at a time is all it takes.  Get ready to start and we will see where we go.  We got nothing but time.

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.