Guest Sorbate: I Bet You Didn't Know...

I started school this week! I had my second “first day” of school and in many ways it felt like the first time around. Leading up to this week, I didn’t think much of it. I work full time and am only registered for 6 units, an online class and a lecture/lab combo on Wednesday nights. But still, the night before my lecture, I found myself nervous about walking into a classroom full of strangers. Having been through college before, I knew what to expect in regards to the teacher, the classroom, etc. What I was worried about was that I was taking a freshman level class and I’m 26 years old!

Luckily, the student body at a community college covers a huge spectrum of ages and races. I arrived at class (10 minutes early because I was anxious) and found that I didn’t stick out like a sore thumb. The class filled up as the clock ticked closer to 5pm and there was a good mix of boys and girls, as well as a handful of students who looked my age or older. That put me at ease and I was able to sit comfortably in my tiny desk and listen to the teacher go over the syllabus.

I’m really excited to get back into school because I’m doing it at my own pace. There’s no pressure to get done in 4 years. I have a good, flexible job, so money isn’t the issue it was before, nor is scheduling. When I was working for my BS in Business up in Sacramento, I was juggling 2 jobs, and a full 18 unit class load almost every semester. This time around, I’m taking it slow because the subject matter is fairly new to me. I’m trying my hand at programming after picking up a beginner’s programming book this summer. This fall class is on basic Java Programming and I’m determined to do well.  But just being in a classroom again is going to take some getting used to.

The picture that accompanies this blog was taken as I was walking to my class. I was standing outside the building, double checking my schedule making sure I wasn’t lost, when I looked up and saw it. I had to stop and take in the beautiful view and share it with everyone. It dawned on me that not only was I lucky enough to see that view each week on my way to class, but I’m truly grateful for the chance to go back to school again on my own terms. Wish me luck!