I've been meaning to write this for quite some time. I underestimated how tired I'd be between school and work, and this blog subject is TOTALLY reflecting that. Oopsie.
From the very beginning of the semester, I noticed a vast difference in myself and the students that appeared to be right out of high school. Vast. The difference? I'm paying for my education. Most of the younger kids there have an amazing scholarship (A+) and take for granted the amount they're saving on education.
I get it, though. I was there once. Looking back, I might've acted like some of them. I wasn't paying for it, so it wasn't as important for me to take it seriously. I got good grades and always did my assignments, but it was willy nilly. Of course, I was there learning about something I didn't originally plan for (see previous blogs), and I really didn't care for. And maybe that's what some of these kids are experiencing too.
On the first day of my human bio class, the teacher made us go around the room and tell about ourselves, including what our major was. I'll never forget what one girl said: "Um, well I want to be pre-med, so I'm not even sure if this school has anything for me." I about fell on the floor. WHAT ARE YOU DOING HERE THEN?!?! Stop wasting your time!! RUN, do NOT WALK to the nearest school that will be worth your while!!! ....of course, I said nothing. But I know that one day she will regret the time spent in this community college that does not, in fact, have anything she needs to become a doctor. A+ scholarship or not, you shouldn't waste time at a school, ever. *clears throat* my sister *cough*
Then there's the kid that sleeps through algebra everyday. Every. Day.
I honestly think he gets stoned before class. I walk past him on the way to class every day, and he's always heading toward his car. Um, wrong way kid! But he came in and got chatty one morning before class. He asked what I was majoring in, because we were all airing our fears about upcoming math classes. He ACTUALLY told me that he was going into engineering, and that he had to pass EVERY SINGLE math class offered.
....shortly after, his head was on the desk and he was asleep. Somehow I don't think he gets what he's up against. Saying you want to be an engineer because it sounds cool won't actually get you through the program. And in case you were wondering, when it came time for our final review he proved he was totally lost in the class by the questions he asked. I'm in basic algebra. G'luck, kid.
I agree that college isn't for everyone. Part of me thinks that we shouldn't start college until our 20s-- live in the real world a couple years and let us decide that we don't want to be burger flippers forever and we'll go back with a TOTALLY different perspective.
I know it's true for me. This time around, it's totally different. I'm working in a profession that some turn into their lifetime career. So while I'm keeping my head in the game there, I'm being reminded everyday that I have to prove myself in order to get where I'm going. I have to make specific grades to even be eligible for this program, and that requires work. I'm not afraid to ask questions a million times over if I have to, if it means I totally and completely understand something to pass a test. Most importantly, I'M PAYING FOR THIS. There will be a bill in the mail the second I graduate, so why would I want to waste a second of the experience?
(side note: Will I ever NOT have a student loan in this lifetime??)
I'm thankful for this third (and Lordy, please FINAL) chance to go back. I'm doing my best to make the most of it. I see it in a totally different light than the people right out of high school. Maybe one day they'll regret it, maybe they won't. I just know that it takes no time at all to differentiate between us in class.
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