The skies the limit

At 31 years of age, I feel like I am officially restarting college. Granted, I’ve been in it for the past 4 years, but that wasn’t ‘real’ college. Don’t get me wrong, I have learned a LOT of information at my current school, but there is something to be said about the college experience on a large campus. It’s as if I am getting the experience that I missed out on several years ago.

When I attended MTSU back in the dark ages of the internet (1998-2002), I was in the music program and nothing else really mattered. All I had time for was music. No real socializing or having fun, just music. Turns out that I really didn’t know what I wanted to do. (Like I really know now.) I became overwhelmed and withdrew the next semester. After several unsuccessful semesters, I eventually left and went into the ‘workforce’. Was it the best move? At the time, probably. I didn’t know what I wanted to do. I’m not a huge believer in destiny or fate, but it seems like all the signs are pointing me in the same direction these days; and I hope that’s a good thing.

So week one has come to an end and I am feeling a little overwhelmed. I’m stretched a bit thin, but I think it’s a good thing. I’m taking 3 courses at MTSU, 2 at NSCC and working. Needless to say, I spend a great deal of time on the road. (2-2.5 hours a day) So how are things different this time than the last? Attitude. I WANT to be here. I want the experience again of being on a ‘real’ campus. I want to be studying in the study area of the library(?!). It’s an interesting turn of events for me. For someone who has a disdain for school, being in it for 3/4 of my 31 years, I’m enjoying the experience anew.

So what’s changed since the first run through? Besides myself and campus, the biggest change I would have to say is WiFi. That kind of stuff didn’t exist when I went here originally and the addition of it is amazing! For instance, I’m writing this in the courtyard in front of the library, working on some online class components, emailing assignments and people watching. I don’t have to be tethered to a computer lab or a dorm room that I don’t have. This would have been amazing to have 12 years ago. <sigh>

What is the biggest detractor of my new college life? Weight, in more ways than one. I have found myself eating more junk food lately because I can’t find a time to have a real meal. To combat this, I have cut out the sodas and started to make my own trail mix to snack on in between classes. Like I said, weight is a problem in multiple ways. My school bag is hideously heavy. So what makes it so heavy? Let’s look at a normal days inventory.

Books: Flash, Alice, Program Logic & Design, American Social Media, Japanese, Japanese Workbook

School items: 2 notebooks, Pens,pencils, highlighter

Tech: Ext HD, Flash Drive, earbuds, laptop, iTouch(sometimes)

That all adds up to be quite the load, not to mention that soon I will be having to carry my video camera around with me soon 3 times a week. That in itself is going to be a whole new world of hurt. So how could this burden be lightened? My first suggestion would be e-books. That in itself would lighten my load my 80%. Sadly, only 1 of my books is available in a digital format. (thanks Amazon  & Apple) That would probably explain why I see so few iPads on campus. The content just isn’t there yet. sad.

As week 2 begins, and I’m already starting to sink, I’ve learned an important lesson- I can’t afford to procrastinate anymore. If I keep barely treading water, I will eventually tire myself out and drown. I have to face things head on and plan appropriately. I don’t plan on making the same mistakes for the umpteenth time.