When I think back to being in High School (yes I can remember that far back), I don’t specifically remember doing any studying. I vaguely remember sitting in a class or two. Most of my memories were of the friends, fun and extra-curricular activities. When I think about my first stint in college (nursing school) I still have the same type of memories; very vague about the actual learning part. I did learn because the passing of nursing boards and its subsequent licensure provided the proof.
Starting school this time however, nothing BUT class, reading, writing, calculating and studying as tests are at the forefront of my mind. My goal – all A’s a perfect 4.0. Anything else would be total failure on my part. After all, if I’m taking out loans and giving up free time, shouldn’t I do all I can to attain perfection? Unless you reach for the stars you will never get off the ground.
Had I known then what I know now, high school would have been more productive. Organizational skills are the first thing to tackle in addition to study skills. Class calendar in hand, highlighters and my electronic calendar, has me setting up schedules and reminders to keep school (and life) organized. Study area set up with everything in reach, a far little quiet corner of the house; perfectly conducive to jumping off the cliff towards a degree.
Fast-forward: 2-years later and I’m still falling off that cliff. This 2-year degree, taken on a part time basis while working full time and having a personal life, equates to an additional 2-years to obtain said degree. Many times I sit and ask myself why am I doing this? Particularly since I do not need it for a job or career (thankfully a fulfilling job fell into my lap in the midst of this). The satisfaction attained from reaching and maintaining that 4.0 is not the only thing pushing me forward to completion.
It’s the things I have not only learned about the contents taught, but also what I have learned about myself. I have a drive and tenacity that will overcome most obstacles set into my path, including the preconceived notion that I’m not very smart. I have witnessed, through various classmates and myself, that leadership can be achieved in a quiet, unassuming way. The ability to lead can be found within all of us given the right circumstances. I can honestly quit saying, “I’m not good at math”. While I still don’t like it, I do have a healthy respect for it.
P.S. Yes, you will use algebra in every day life.