I was never the best student.. Sometimes I was downright terrible.. But when I decided to attend university, I tried to make the best of my poor schooling habits.. Sure I skipped class, sure I may not have done all the homework.. But I still attended most sessions, and I still carried good grades.. I quit school in the spring of 1998 because I really didn’t know what I wanted to do, and I didn’t want to waste anymore money.. Being 2003 now, I really miss school.. Being in my current employment situation (note: unemployed).. School would really fill the void, but there is just no way that it can be afforded right now.. and there are bigger and better fish I’d rather contend with (note:immigration and a house).
I really do enjoy learning, and I have a bit better focus on what I would like to be doing. I miss attending class, I miss the workload of assignments, of feeling accomplished when finishing a long term paper, the pride of getting good marks.. and I would give a lot to be able to go back to university right now..
I cannot tell you how much it annoys the fuck out of me.. talking to people who are in school, who brag about blowing off classes, not buying their books, not doing homework.. waiting until the last minute of the assignment period to complete 15 page papers.. and then have the nerve to WHINE about how much they have to do.
It’s like well DUH, if you went to class, did your homework when it was assigned, started projects in a timely fashion, you wouldn’t be freaking out about doing a 15 page paper that you haven’t even LOOKED at the subject, that is due in 12 hours.
And the reasons for not attending class?
• The professor said we didn’t have to
• I fall asleep
• I couldn’t get my books because I spent the money elsewhere
• I couldn’t be bothered to get up in time because I stayed up till 5am on the phone/comp
• I couldn’t be bothered to walk across campus.
• Reading 20 pages a day for homework so I can write a paper is too much.
• My friend gives me notes, so why should I go?
• The teacher doesn’t teach anything important.
And like telling them that doing these things are what is screwing them over.. and they’re like well it gets done.. and it’s like well yes, but I’m the one that has to listen to you bitch and moan because you couldn’t be [i]bothered[/i] to take responsibility for yourself.
[i][b]gawd[/i][/b]…. i sound like my parents
When I was taking 1st year engineering at Carleton, I remember seeing the mature (a.k.a. not fresh out of highschool) students at the very front of every class. We had about 8 of them, out of a class of 300. They always asked lots of questions, they always did all the extra assignments, and they attended every single class without fail.
At first, I thought they were crazy. But now that I’m going back to school, I look forward to being among their number. If only British-based education systems could circumvent the aimlessness of youth, -everyone- could be just as enthusiastic about learning.
Great.. now -I- sound like a PSA.
Anyways, while I’m there I’ll keep my ears peeled for any opportunities, Bex. You never know what can crop up.
PS. <Mr.T>Don’t be a sucka! Say no to drugs!</Mr.T>