It Begins Again

Today is the first day of spring semester.

I got out of my differential calculus class ten minutes late. I was worried about my new math professor, after being blessed with such an energetic, passionate and caring professor last semester for pre-calculus. I consider myself a bit spoiled. My new prof is a frazzled guy, looks younger than he probably is, which might be last 50’s, with a build and demeanor like a retired military man. He seems sincere, which is one of the best qualities I think you can find in a professor. When one of my fellow classmates – who also happens to be a friend – asked a question, he carefully answered it and inquired with her to make sure she understood his explanation. I think the rumors I heard about this professor might be false, or at least, I hope they are.

Later, I will have chemistry lecture followed immediately by chemistry lab. I have the same professor as last semester. The lectures with my chem professor are frustrating as I allow them to be. I have a decent system down, though. I record the lectures because I have trouble understand him at times, which helps when I go back and look at my notes after class. His lecture style is via PowerPoint, and I use my printed copy as reference to make sure I follow which slides he uses and which he does not. (This is important, because the material on the slides he does not use usually is not going to be on the exam). When I’m writing constantly and following meticulously along with the slides, it’s much harder to fall asleep.

Tomorrow is calculus again, then biology lecture and a new class, intercultural communications. Biology is with the same professor I had last semester. He’s a nice guy, mellow and not exactly zealous about his subject. He was initially a researcher, but after being burned out he left that profession and started teaching. Sometimes I wonder if that’s the best choice for educated people who become frustrated with their education, but who am I to say anything about that. I’m not educated yet. The latter is a speech class; I had to pick from two classes that would satisfy my IGETC speech requirement. Since I am shy and therefore not particularly fond of public speaking, the first option, this was my only hope. However, after looking over the syllabus, it seems I will not be able to escape my fears as there will be speeches written and delivered. *sigh*

This cycle repeats over again on Wednesday (calculus, chemistry) and Thursday (calculus, biology, communications), only changing up on Fridays. That final day before the sought-after weekend should be a nice change of pace, with a 9am music class called “History of Roll and Roll”. I cannot see how a class named thus could not be fun. Afterwards, until early evening will be biology lab; if they’re anything like last semester, they will be interesting and reasonably enjoyable.

Twenty-one semester units is a pretty hefty load, especially coming in with a pitiful GPA after fall’s unsuccessful attempt and requiring an “A” in every class to remedy that. Pressure can either be boundless inspiration or a dangerous burden on my path to learning, I just need to figure out how to handle it without cracking beneath its heft.

“I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with my eye upon you.”

Psalm 32:8

I love my Cubby girl, and it seems like the feeling is mutual!