Even without a book, I'm keeping up....

I don't want to fall behind in any of my classes because of not having the books, so what I've been doing is reading the notes from the PowerPoint presentations and saving them to Content Collection, so that I can print the notes out on my computer. Through no fault to Berkeley (or me), I ordered one of the books through a particular online website; after two weeks, I was sent the wrong book. So I reordered the book and have to wait for it to come in. But all the while, the notes provide great background information for the chapters we have to study.

I am getting really positive feedback from my algebra professor; my homework was actually done correctly!!! I was a little hesitant, because I wasn't sure I was doing the problems right when I went back and re-read the information. But alas, I was. I'm also doing well with my Finance class; I got a 100 on both my discussion board and my latest homework assignment. I knew I wouldn't let last semester's performances slow me down. I have too much at stake to slow down now. I have something to prove to myself and those who love me. I knew I made the right choice by coming to Berkeley.

My first Sociology GHA...

I am proud to say that I got an 84!!! It wasn't actually that hard, though; most of it was based on information that we should all become familiar with before we're even given our homework assignments. The test was made up of multiple choice and true/false questions based on Course Information, Course Documents, Assignments, and our class syllabus. Truthfully, it would've been hard NOT to pass this GHA. I am glad, though, that I took a few minutes to read over the course information and become familiar with it.

Speaking of which, I am going to be re-reading the chapters in my statistics book just before the first test that deals with gathering information and data. I didn't get a response from the teacher for this discussion board, so I don't know if I did well or did poorly. I do know one thing, though: whatever mistakes the professor brings to my attention, I'll be sure to store it in my mind so that I don't repeat these same mistakes on the test. Homework really is a practice session for any tests that you'll take in class; and ultimately for any tests you may have to take when interviewing for a job (because many temporary agencies and corporations are now requiring employees to take on-the-spot tests). And if you learn from your mistakes so that you don't repeat them on a test or at a job interview, you'll benefit yourself in the long run.

Berkeley cares!!!

So one of the great things I've noticed about Berkeley College is their commitment to excellence; I've also noticed their involvement with things that are for our benefit not only as students, but as functioning citizens of society. From their Project GreenPath to The Healthy Cafe Club, I've come to realize that Berkeley wants us to succeed in every aspect of our lives.

The latest Smoke-Out day yesterday is proof of that. Smoking is not only detrimental to the person doing the smoking, but to others around him or her, not to mention the environment. My mother stopped smoking a few years ago, and she's never felt better. So with this is mind, I'm going to find a way to get the point across to my brother without it sounding like I'm nagging him. I think that the tips found during the Smoke-Out will help me to help him in the right direction.

I also love Berkeley College's commitment to finding a cure for juvenile diabetes. Diabetes is a terrible disease that can take its toll in many different ways, and can ultimately be fatal. So I applaud Berkeley for always giving attention to this matter.

My efforts are really paying off....

Since I know that statistics is one of the subjects that I'm really going to have to buckle down on this quarter, that's exactly what I've been doing--rereading the chapters and going over certain concepts and putting them into practice--step by step. It really helped when I turned in my homework assignment for this week. I think I still have to have a step or two clarified before the big test, but I'm confident that I'll do well.

Speaking of homework assignments, I also got some help from a very unlikely source for my statistics homework: my twelve-year-old niece. She was the one who helped me understand the concept of stem-and-leaf data. Without grousing out loud how I couldn't understand it and without her explanation, I'd still be stuck rereading the information and not understanding it (although from now on, I will email the professor if I'm stuck regarding any statistics concepts; after all, that's what the professors are there for).

I also got an excellent grade on last week's discussion board for Finance 310. I got a 100%; the professor said that I had an excellent grasp of the concepts. I just want to keep moving in that direction with regard to my classes.

Hmmm, about my Finance class....

So I've noticed something a little offputting (but only because of what I've been used to so far at Berkeley) about my Finance class: we don't have a discussion board every single week. In fact, our next discussion board isn't due until February 7, 2009. But I'm not upset about it or anything; it's just not something I'm used to. But change is good (and necessary); besides, that will afford me more time to study the material and keep it fresh in my mind so that when the time comes to do my assignment, I'll be able to rely on what I've read and retained.

I also noticed that Bank of America is coming to Berkeley College for recruitment for job opportunities this Thursday. I would love to be there, but the registration for classes is coming up at my place of employment, as well; and I wouldn't be a team player if I didn't come to work on that day. So what I'm planning to do is contact Career Services via email and seeing if there's any possible way I can apply online--or at the very least, send them my email.

As for statistics, I have higher hopes this time. I finished one part of my homework assignment with relatively no trouble; I think I may have missed a point or two, but for the most part, I really understood the material this time. I have to finish doing the reading to finish the second part of my homework, but I'll get it done by tomorrow. This is shaping up to be a great quarter at Berkeley College this year.

Creating a homepage....

So by now, I'm old hat at this. I have been asked to create a homepage for my sociology class this term. I actually like creating a homepage, because it gives students and professors an opportunity to know a little more about me. We were asked to do the usual (give our names, our backgrounds, our majors, and how long we had been attending Berkeley College--as well as any additional information we wanted people to know). I think this will be an interesting class and that I'll learn a lot from each and every student (I still have to get the book; long story that I won't get into. Let's just say that I really wish I remembered my password for the Berkeley College online bookstore).

As for statistics, it turns out that I have one of the same professors that I had for a class two quarters ago. He recognized me, too, and said that I had done well in answering this week's discussion question. I have a feeling that I'm going to turn things around this quarter; yes, it will still require me to study, study, study, but I'm more optimistic in terms of the studying paying off. I'm going to work like never before and remember that statistics isn't algebra.

Risk management is an interesting area of Finance, in that it deals primarily with the types of risks incurred in any situation and the methods of managing risk (or handling risk with the least amount of damage or loss occurring). This information is valuable, particularly for those of us going out into the workforce when we graduate, look to purchase cars for the first time, or look to purchase homes and start families. I'm looking forward to this quarter, and I'm hoping all of my fellow students do well.

A new session....

So I'm keeping my promise to myself (and setting a good example for my niece at the same time), and I'm keeping up with the weekly notes that are posted on Blackboard for the three different courses that I'm currently taking. Already, I feel that this approach is helping me. I don't feel like I'm rushed to get everything done. I'm going to read the chapters and post to the discussion boards as normal, but having it fresh in my mind by the time the tests and GHAs come will really benefit me, as I'll be able to apply everything I've learned later on down the road.

I'm also noticing some of the same names in many of my online courses. Perhaps they have the same major I have? At any rate, it's nice to have familiar names and students whose work and postings that you're familiar with (faces would be nice to go with the names, but in due time).

Speaking of faces, it's nice to know that Berkeley uses actual students in their commercials and on their billboards. It makes it more personal and real to those of us who attend Berkeley College. We can say with pride, "I know this person; he or she is an excellent student."