Tuesday, September 20, 2016

Thoughts on going back to school


I remember graduating with my undergrad and thinking how I was sooooo done. The often asked, "thinking of going for your masters?" was quickly stifled with a "oh, heck no." And that was only two years ago! Well, a lot can change in two years I suppose.

So hear I am. Back in school. Again.

Now before I continue, let me tell you, I am so grateful for the opportunity to be in school again. Over the last two years, my desire to teach has grown and grown and here I am finally being able to go after it. That makes me so happy!

However the actuality of studying, being slowly flattened under a ginormous load of required reading, and racking my brain for the precise words I need in order to properly convey my ideas in a paper - yeah, those suck. I have been quickly reminded why I said I was "sooooo done."

But, it's what has to be done. Hard work makes the dream work, right?

Let me tell you this as well, there were a number of general education classes that I managed to avoid in my undergraduate degree. I was able to skirt the system and take something a little more enjoyable. That has come back to bite me right in the tukus.

Yep, I'm talking about you, biology. I'm talking about you.

So with that in mind, here are a few of my (quite literal) thoughts on returning to school.

"Why? Why? Why??? WHY????? WHY!!!!!!!!"

"I cannot read one. more. single. page." ...50 pages later... "not another one!"

"I'm an idiot. I can't do this. That's it. I'm done. No more. Screw teaching."
Takes a break, wanders through the isles of Walmart. Get's a milkshake.
"Okay, I got this. I CAN do this. This will be worth it!"

"I am never going to have a social life again."

When seeing that biology is actually applicable to everyday life. "Did you know...." And continuing to inform my husband about everything I can remember concerning the growth patterns of plants. 
...as this has happened numerous times, "Wow, I guess biology is actually important."

"I'm gonna fail. I don't get this. I am going to FAIL!" ...gets a 94. "See!!!????"

"Hmmmm, this is why I've seen great declines in my stress levels the last few years. I haven't been expected to regurgitate 300 pages of reading in 20 questions."

And side note, "Could we please stick to questions that are actually important!?"

Watching Grey's Anatomy and telling everyone, "I know what that means!!!!" And again, going on to explain in as much detail as I can recollect. 

"This program is going to take me how long!!!????"

"Think about the children. Just think about the children."

"I can do this, right? Yes. Yes, I can."

So anyway, if you don't hear from me for a while, I'm probably reading a textbook.
And repeating my mantra of "I think I can. I think I can. I think I can." :)