Tuesday, January 15, 2008

Schooling

Well, there have been a couple of changes that have taken place since my last post. The next day I went to work and called a friend and told her I'd registered for the classes. She was excited for me but then asked if I had my two-year degree. I do, so she told me I shouldn't be taking any more classes at the junior college because they won't transfer.

So, I called the "real" college (as my boss calls it, and which makes me want to bitch slap him) and turns out, she's right. I spent THAT morning at UofH (the "real college) trying to register. Long story short, I wasn't able to register that day (or yet even) because it takes a couple of business days to get in the system. Okay. But I did learn that, as I said, I shouldn't be taking any more classes at the junior college (JC). Except for government (it's considered a sophomore class but it's required for UofH). So, I went back to the JC and cancelled all my classes and signed up for government. I signed up for a Monday / Wednesday class during lunch, since the UofH classes would all be at night. Plus, the instructor I wanted only teaches during the day.

Monday was the first class. We spent the entire class going over the syllabus. Being the kind of girl I am, I read ahead. I got to this one point and it was like I had these little people on my shoulders. Not so much an angel and a devil (although one was probably a devil's advocate) as just thinking the situation through. I'll call them RS (right shoulder) and LS (left shoulder). The conversation went something like this.

LS: Crap! We have to write a term paper. I don't want to write a term paper!

RS: Uh, hon, you're an English major. You do realize that there are LOTS of papers in your future, don't you?

LS: Ugh! You're right. (thinking) I wonder how much of my money I can get back if I walk out now and forget the whole thing?

Anyway, for now, I'm waiting to hear back from the UofH to see if (something about being out of school for more than seven years may be a problem) and when I can register for classes. I figure, if nothing else, I'm getting the government requirement out of the way.

I'm also debating what the paper will be on. It has to be on a public policy or law. He gave us list of acceptable topics (others have to be approved by him to be accepted). The list includes:

Capital punishment
Electoral College
Affirmative action
Abortion / Assisted Suicide
Teen Court
No child left behind
Prayer in public schools
Space Exploration

Right now I'm leaning towards the electoral college (since it's an election year), teen court (because I'd never heard of it before), abortion (because I have strong opinions on that), and (although I'd forgotten it until I whipped out the list just now) prayer in public schools (because, again, I have strong opinions about that). Someone at work suggested stem cell research funding, which I think would be a good topic but I'd have to get approval first so I don't know about that one.

What do you think? Thoughts or suggestions on the topics? Please feel free to throw out more topic ideas too! I'm all ears!

3 comments:

Chris Peters said...

WHAT GREAT NEWS!!! GO, L!!!

I haven't been "online" except for school stuff recently, but a little birdie told me you were going back to school. And English too! I'll tell you, I don't regret going that route at all. I'm sure you'll love it as much as I did (though those papers can be work). We'll have to keep in touch!

As for the govt paper subject - they all look good. The Electoral College might be good. Frankly, I've never quite understood it (shamed to say). And I always liked learning from a paper I wrote (I guess that's the point, huh?).

Again, I'm SO excited for you. Woohoo!

Lucy said...

:waving: Hey Ellen! Long time no see. I've missed seeing you "around".

As for school, you and K inspired me to take the classes. I was so jealous of the two of you when y'all went back last semester...so I had to join you this semester. :)

Thanks for stopping by. :)

Unknown said...

Yeah, L! So tickled you have it all figured out and are on the path to more learning.

Term papers. You'll do fine or you can bug Ellen for help as she is the queen of papers. I bow to her.

Now should I tell you I took a semester off and won't go back until spring? Ducking, hiding and hording the cookie bag closer to me.

Got my toes crossed for you.

I'm so very tickled you went back.

Yay! Celebrate!!