Monday, June 12, 2006

higher education

today i went to cal state fullerton, without a fundamental goal really, but i got a few small things accomplished. i found where NOT to park, i found that to do so was not cheap, i purchased a course catalogue for the fall, i found the "LH" building, where most of the communications courses are taught, and i just sat in the middle of the campus quad feeling really small. does anyone have any stories about going to/getting into college that might make someone feeling really insignificant feel like college isn't going to make me feel misplaced? i feel like i could use some help, but at what, i don't know, and by whom, i know not. it is amazing to me that kids at the age of 19 and younger can navigate their way through this process with little or no assistance.
i'm supposed to register in mid-july, and i can't wait to do so. hopefully one semester through will break off some of the icicles.

7 comments:

  1. You are brave to do what you did -- to visit. And wise, too, prior to starting classes. Wise to kind of case the joint. I started at a college of less than 2,000 and then went to Purdue University (35,000 or so) for the teaching credential at age 25 or 26. I remember thinking I was glad I started at a small school first. I believe you will adapt and evolve and adjust nicely. It will always feel big, I imagine, but you will not feel insignificant forever. Learning...your way around, where to park, where to grab a cup of coffee or sit to study...all that stuff will help you feel settled. It is a stranger to you right now. And success will make you feel significant...success like getting registered, getting to class, completing a class, finding your way around, meeting some people, etc. That will build you up. You are in a new experience. It is natural that it feels foreign. Just hang in there. It's a nice next step for you. They have a reputation for parking fines there! Sounds like you may have experienced that?

    June 12, 2006 10:17 PM

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  2. I felt that way at College of Marin, Santa Rosa Jr. College, Sonoma State, San Francisco State, Dominican College, and at Saybrook. Well Saybrook had it's own unique problems like getting in hot tubs with your instructors. It was a cleansing experience. Most 19 year olds have a difficult time and that is why there are classes designed to teach them how to study, take tests, and do timelines. A lot of handholding that you missed by going to Jr. College and learning it on your own.
    One of the things I like about college vs jr. college and high school was the relationships I made with other transfer students. Most of them had a lot of real world experiences and that maturity showed up in the classroom. I also had a different relationship with many of my teachers that was more collegial. I especially remember one of my sociology teachers and one of my anthropology teachers. They were very helpful and as I became more aware of what I wanted to do were able to guide me toward opennings they had connections with. I think you will enjoy it more than you can imagine at the moment. I believe that you will form some relationships there that you will keep the rest of your life. I am excited for you and the road ahead.

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  3. Just one more thought. It is late, but it's just schooooooooool. They do schoooool stuff there. You know how to go to school and do school stuff. Really I've taught at colleges.... teaching first graders was more challenging except for residents and graduate students they are full of themselves and try to point out that they know stuff you don't... give them a "c' and they come unglued..... teach them to mess with the professor! Really its school... see I dropped the oooooo's, less annoying and my finger was starting to hurt. I got a Ph.D. and can't spell... what does that tell you... it's school and I was charming then... you know full of ...... it.

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  4. umm... hot tubs with the instructors? that sounds like it would take some of the pressure off. where do i sign up for those?

    honestly though, i feel 100% better today. i think i just needed to tell people that i felt very intimidated. but i'm all better now.

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  5. ...and thank you guys for reading!

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  6. And thank you for inviting us to participate in your life by sharing your thoughts. That means so much to me. Glad you feel better today. Step-by-step and together we will share in your journey and you in ours and we'll be stronger because of one another.

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  7. WOW, what a busy week. Glad you are making such progess. Did someone mention coffee? I think I'll get some. Tall drip to go, please, no cream.

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