Friday, April 10, 2009

Flash Back Friday: School


This Tuesday will mark my last day of class.

While I probably will go back and take classes for fun from time to time (It is free and I love to learn)... and maybe someday I will decide to get a graduate degree. This Tuesday will mark the last day of class for my Bachelors.

I was thinking back to my first day.
Nine years ago.
(yeah, I know)

I really didn't want to stick out as an old lady with kids in High School.
I got a cool back pack, chose a "not someone's mother outfit".

Actually, because I was a sophomore, (with low registration priority) I didn't get the instructor I wanted - so I registered for a MWF class and planned to add a TTh in it's place (taught by a different professor). I figured out where my class was and was ready to go. Tuesday morning came.

Only I didn't count on parking being a problem.

I was late.
I practically ran across campus to get there only to find the classroom full. I tried to calm my breathing as I looked for a place to sit. Then I spied it. Second row from the front and I had to climb over 5 people. More people were trying to squish into the classroom, hoping as I was to add the class. So I walked/climbed to the available seat. As I sat down I felt a trickle of sweat run down my cheek just in front of my ear.
(very subtle, I know)

Five minutes into class the teacher announced that the only way to add the class was to do it online and the only way we could do that is if someone dropped. She then asked how many were officially registered. Lots of hands went up. She asked if any were intending to drop. No movement. She asked how many were hoping to add. Tons of hands, including mine went up.

She told us that it was most likely that only a few would get in if any at all. Students began filing out the back. I wiped my cheek on my shoulder feeling defeated, gathered my things and stood up to leave when she stopped talking and asked me where I was going.

(So much for not sticking out.)

I stammered something about needing to add as another drop of sweat coursed down my face. She said that I should just sit and enjoy todays' class.

Who was I to argue.

I sat down. I never did get in to that class...
Wednesday when I attended the class I was registered for, I found out to my horror that I had already missed the first day of class (on Monday).

I really wondered if going back to school was the best idea.
But it was something I really wanted to do. It was important to me.
And I knew that if I just kept chipping away, someday I would graduate.

I guess I was right... someday is two weeks away.

6 comments:

Anonymous said...

And hat's off to you!! Jim and I are VERY PROUD of you and your determination -- a wonderful role model for those wonderful grandchildren of ours, and others as well (including maybe some of those high schoolers you mentioned!!)

Anonymous said...

I had no idea it had been 9 years! You go girl! I think it is awesome!

Mandy said...

Aaaaggghh! You give me goosebumps. I love the way you write - I felt the anxiety of adding/dropping, racing across campus and relief of graduation all over again. Congratulations on graduation!

The Fifes said...

congratulations! I'm so excited for you!

Jenn said...

Wow, I didn't realize it had been that long since I was in Kindergarten... I still remember very well the time you were at class (or something) and I was locked out of the house. It may traumatize me forever.
:D
:P
Haha.

Christie said...

A great day to document! Your very own pioneer story! I love it.