'Only fools rush in where angels fear to tread', the lecturer warned me.
Today's movie in Film and Screen was The Wizard of Oz. Seeing as I've seen it approximately 2,000 times with TD's when they were little, I decided to skip the movie and catch up on my reading before attending the lecture. All would have been well if on walking into the lecture theatre, I wasn't met with a big sign on the projector stating that the readings he had asked us to do were wrong! Evidently when I downloaded my lecture notes on Sunday evening, I had failed to read the announcements and so I spent most of Monday night and Tuesday morning reading the wrong chapters!
As if that wasn't bad enough, the weekly worksheets I was expecting in the tutorial turned out to be a pop quiz on the Wizard of Oz and the week's readings. The fact that I was the first one finished and that the tutor picked up on it only emphasized my embarrasment at FAILING to remember that Dorothy landed in Munchkinland, lighting is NOT part of cinematography and something or other about form and content. Basically, I was so sure of myself, I was the first one finished and the only one to fail. I didn't take it too seriously at the time until I was made aware of the fact that these little quizes will account for 30% of our overall mark (together with participation).
There is no place like home but family commitments and dramas have taken up a huge amount of my time over the last couple of weeks. As a consequence I'm behind on my reading and the (correct) reading I have been doing doesn't seem to be sinking in. This afternoon I was beginning to wonder if I should think about dropping a class. Then again, why should I keep putting my life on hold while the rest of my family seems to be moving forward?
Sometimes it does all just go pear-shaped, and all we can do is move on. Make sure you ace the next 'Pop' quiz so the lecturer notices you for a different reason. Easier said than done I know, but as (I think) Frank once said 'thats life!'
ReplyDeleteI hate the term 'Pop' quiz too, it's a silly name for something that you are assessed on. I had them during one of my degree modules, and I also wasn't aware of their assesment value until after the event. If they must have 'quizzes' call them something different!
I hope the family dramas don't impact too much on your study, look upon study as an escape from them instead of feeling guilty.
I applaud you for going back to college, most won't they'll continue to wish that they did but live with regret instead.
ReplyDeleteBut as someone who took time off before returning to college, you're right there are times it is so very hard! Juggling family, career, studies, and then the 'fun' drama that manages to pop up.
Lately I have had so much of it, I've felt like my mind is spinning. We've had sooo much drama all at once. It's like everyone got together and decided to see how much stress they could cause all at once!
I decided to be thankful as much as I possibly could, and then to take one day at a time. I'm going to focus on the goals that I have and determine not to have regret. So if there is anything I can encourage you with, if you're not in over your head with too many classes then don't drop one. I've done it and then wished that I didn't later.
I just put together a post that might help you with staying focused.
Check this out and let me know what you think.
http://www.sophiemaddox.com/2010/03/08/stop-distractions-cold/
I really hope this helps you feel encouraged today. :)
Sophie
Thank you both for your words of wisdom!
ReplyDeleteDoes it feel like the world is passing you by while you are sitting still, doing homeowork, writing papers, etc.? I know that feeling quite well. There are so many things that we can't take part in because we have to devote so many hours to the accomplishment of our educational goals. So really, we are not on hold, but are also "moving forward", just in a less noticeable way. Maybe your personal life will calm down, and you will have time for all three classes. On the other hand, if you have to drop a class in order to preserve your sanity, do it.
ReplyDeleteI have dropped a class and feel almost human again!! If only it was that easy to drop some responsibilities at home. Your comment, Brandywind, about not being on hold is true - we are moving forward but my age plays a big part in feeling as if I'm not moving forward fast enough!!!
ReplyDeleteSorry, BrandyWINE!!!
ReplyDeleteThe age thing is a factor. I wish I could slow down the aging but speed up the education a little ! lol
ReplyDelete