Wow, winter quarter registration is already upon us....

It's amazing that this is already the fourth week of classes. Time really does fly when you're having fun (or are extremely busy). I'm finding that I've had to forfeit certain other activities to get my work done, but it'll be worth it in the end. Plus, you know me: gotta send the right message to the kiddies that you have priorities in life. And once you care for your priorities, everything else will balance itself out. This is not to say I've led an INCREDIBLY dull life since going back to school; in fact, it's been anything but dull. I'm just learning that certain things I'll have to give up for now (you know, sacrifice the temporary for the long-term). But I've gotten to know and communicate with lots of great people online, and they are willing to help in any way they can.

I can't make heads or tails of this thing....

This Excel Project 3 has got me going BONKERS!!!!! I honestly don't get this whole assumptions/absolute references thing, not to mention the figures at the end of the whole thing don't match. I'm going to have to BEG somebody for help, as Prof. Buonaguro isn't in town and has no easily accessibility to the Blackboard. At least the chart seems to be okay. But I don't want to get a bad grade on this project. I've been doing good so far, and I don't wanna mess up.

So I'm having a little trouble with business math....

Just when I think I have it down pat, there's always something in the problem that I didn't consider. But graciously, Professor Luing has volunteered her services to me. Maybe I can see where I'm going wrong when it comes to word-problem solving, which has never been my strongest point. If I can see the problem set up in front of me, then follow the examples from that chapter in the book, it makes it easier. But when I have to rely on the verbal information, that's where it gets tricky.

So, a word of advice for all freshman (or anybody struggling in a class): If you're having a problem, don't hesitate to tell your professors. They can help you before it's too late and you're already too far gone. I made the same mistakes when I first attended college; the first couple of semesters were a breeze, and then the harder classes came. But instead of asking for help, I would simply 'study harder' and hope that the information would sink in. But sometimes you just need outside assistance. I could've avoided flunking ANY of my classes if I had simply gone to my professors or the Academic Learning Center assistants for help.

I'm ready for the weekend!!!!

I am done with all of my assignments for the week, which means I have an hour or two to breathe before I have to start all over again. But I've learned a trick: to start reading ahead of time. That way, the information is fresh in my mind, and I'll have little trouble with the assignment (if any). I just submitted what I thought would be a monster of a homework assignment. But you know, that's why the professors are there: to help you and make sure you get the most out of the course. They're not these big, scary people out to get you with their big, scary subjects. They've been there and can show you the benefit of their expertise. I definitely recommend Professor Luing to anyone looking to take an online course.

Hard work DOES pay off!!!

I just got back the results of two of my assignments for Environmental Science. I got 9 out of ten correct answers on my GHA and 18 out of 20 points for my essay on the movie "A Civil Action". And to think, I never really considered myself a science head. But I actually like environmental science. To think that we could affect the earth in major ways (by our carefulness or carelessness) is mind-boggling. What we've started doing at work (and at home, I'm happy to say) is recycling. We have to take care of the earth so that it can continue to take care of us.

Two down, two to go.....

Environmental Science and BusinessAdm110 (Business Math) are all I have to finish up for the week. One is a Case Assignment dealing with Payroll and the other is a GHA dealing with ecosystems and evolution. The thing that I've started doing (which is what I should've been doing to begin with) is taking notes in those classes. That way, the information has a better chance of sinking in versus me trying to make it stick.

I hope all is well with you, my fellow bloggers. I hope you're getting the great grades you deserve.

Finally getting the hang of the Discussion Board....

When you think about it, too, the Discussion Board is actually beneficial. You just might gain some insight into a particular question or reading that you never considered. That's what the college experience should be all about: exchanging of ideas, participation in enthusiastic discussions, etc. The online difference is online, you can't read the expressions of others, but can read the 'expressions' of their postings online.