I have been busy!

It's been a while since I have posted anything and that is because I have been busy! I can't believe that I have been in school for four weeks. The time has flown by. But I must admit that it is kicking my butt! The educational brain cells have been dormant for so long and they are still stretching themselves. But it has brought to mind the fact that I might serious have had a learning disability in my much younger days. I was never a great student, in fact, probably not even a good student. I thought school was a social event. Now can you imagine that! I got through by the skin of my teeth. I do remember that when I decided many years ago to attempt J. Sargeant Reynolds Community College that I actually enjoyed it and it really wasn't that difficult. So I just assumed that this time around it would be the same. WRONG. These Professors are serious stuff. But I am loving it. It is really putting me to the challenge that I think and know that I need. This is the real deal. This is the way I am supposed to be feeling right now about school.

The first couple of weeks I complained about the amount of work and the difficulty I was having but this week I am blessed for the struggle in which I am forced to learn. Yes, I went to the doctor and he said that I was a prime candidate for ADHD. Devin has it and has been seeking treatment since the fifth grade. So it stirred up my thoughts that I might have it as well. Back in the 70's and even the 80's this was not something that was addressed. So I do plan to be tested just to see if that might be a obstacle in my learning process.

I am still trying to organize my study habits, which is also a challenge but by next semester I will have it mastered.

Well just wanted to drop in and say hello. I have tons of homework for my Monday class and it will take me all day. I have obligations at church today that I need to fulfil. I am doing great and loving every minute of it.

Oh, I also found out that I can park in the faculty parking lot after 5:00 PM, so getting to my car in the dark is better now. So scratch that worry off your list. And I am actually making some new friends. Now I just need to learn to love coffee and then I will be set. But I really don't see that happening. Later.

Third Week Down

Last night I decided to go to the campus a little early to browse around the bookstore and check out the library. I got there at 6:00 PM, thinking that was plenty of time to achieve these desires. I was also allowed to park in the faculty parking lot (SCS students can park there after 5:00 PM) which made my walk closer to the buildings. I go be bopping to the bookstore, I glanced at my watch, "Oh, 6:00 PM, I have plenty of time to look!" As I got closer to the bookstore, and surveyed the windows with all the goodies, I noticed there was no one in there. Then I finally got to the door and it was closed! How dare them close so early. Great, now I had an hour on my hands. So I wandered down to the snack bar and ordered a chicken wrap. I was still full from the treat that Sally had brought me earlier in the day. I should be because I ate the whole thing. Anyway, I took my sandwich, found a seat, and decided to continue some of the massive reading that has been assigned. I looked around and I saw that I was the oldest person in the room. For some reason this made me feel so uncomfortable. Plus no one else was reading or eating. I almost questioned myself if I was in the right place, but I was. I also noticed that everyone had on sweat jackets and coats. The air was cool but I didn't think it called for winterizing. So I headed towards the library, which was on my way back to my class. This building is so intimidating. I couldn't figure out which door to go into so I opted to head to the courtyard to read some more. The air was so calming and absolutely beautiful. I really need to take some pictures but my book bag is heavy enough. So about 6:30 I decided to head on into the classroom. Professor Wray's door was open and she is so inviting. We chatted for a few moments and then I went in to grab my usual seat. I am beginning to talk to more students and realizing that I am in the same boat with many of them.

Professor Wray began her topic of Antiquity and about the Ancient Greeks, concerning freedom to and freedom from. What roles the class of people had. The citizens who were the top dogs, down to the slaves, and of course, the roles that women played as citizens. I am not very involved in the discussion because all of this is new to me. I am recalling or learning as we go. She has a wonderful way of keeping your attention, making the discussion interesting. But like I always do, my mind started to wander. So after class I approached Professor Wray. I told her that it had been over 30 years since I had been in school and that my memory of history facts were buried deep, very deep, and it was taking some time to dig them out. I told her that I was reading the material but due to the massive amount of reading I fear that I will not be able to retain it all. She was so wonderful and kind and told me that I would be fine. The discussion then went to all the wonders of the campus and she offered to take me around and give me a tour of what is available. Another student who has kind of taken me under her wing offered to meet me on night before class, have dinner and show me around. I found out that I can go to any sporting event for free. Plus they have a museum. I told her I was kinda lost and that I should call the advisors office and share my concerns. Professor Wray said that she would be more than happy to assist me with my guidance and what courses to take since she developed the curriculum for the Liberal Arts Program. This made me feel 100% better. So now she knows my fears and will push me along and make it more comfortable for me. Judy and I walked out together and the air was cool and wonderful but the main fact was that I could take a breath of easy and enjoy it. What a blessing.

I came home and read, but didn't read anything related to studies. I rewarded myself by reading my novel. And I plan to take today off from my studies. Saturday I will gear back up and try to establish a better routine. As I feel like I am struggling, the lesson learned is that I don't simply give up, but I seek help, plunge along, and know that this is something I am doing for MYSELF. Dreams to come true but they might not be as you had envisioned them, but go with the flow. Later!

Second Week

Well I survived my second week and actually felt comfortable in everything related to the newness. I have even developed some new relationships. I am still learning names but the conversations have been great. Monday I had my reading class. I have been taking the test online but it is apparent that I simply can't read. I find that I am struggling with different concepts. It might be the magnitude of reading that I have. I am still trying to discipline myself as to what I need to work on verses what I don't really need. Thursday I had my Ancient History class and the lectures are wonderful. Again, tons of reading. Professor White and Professor Wray are great story tellers. I can actually relate to the stories based on Don's sermons and our Sunday School lessons. It is wonderful to have some recognition to the subject. Plus it makes it more enjoyable.

During my third week I plan to explore the campus a little more. I think this week we go to the Boatwright Library. I know that once I pass through the doors I will be in complete wonder. The outside of the building just wows me. I need another trip to the bookstore. I am dying for something with the U of R logo.

As I was leaving last Thursday night there was a transit bus there, I allowed my imagination the opportunity to think that the football players were filling up the seats for their first away game. I love coming by the soccer field after class. The lights are brightly shining, several players still kicking the ball around, just complete rejuvenation. I love sports and hopefully I will be able to attend a home football game, crowds and all.

I still can't believe that I am doing this. The stress is making it real! But it is a good stress.

I have Monday off for Labor Day, but I will still forge towards my reading. Today I plan to just relax and back to the computer tomorrow. Have a great day.

Week Two Begins

Last night went better than last week. I found a great parking space and made my way to the classroom with 15 minutes to spare. The Professor remembered my name, which always amazes me in a large setting. We talked for a bit and then she moved onto the next person who entered. We actually started the class a little before 7 because everyone was there and eager to get started. I sat by the guy who ate the popcorn last time. But I have come to realize that he is full of knowledge and insight. He is also in my history class and his comments blew me away. I asked him if he had gotten the Religion Book required and he was clueless. I also noticed that he did not have the textbooks for this class. So we began with easy and then we had to start reading. I just knew he would pull out his snacks but instead, he asked if he could share my book. So we read together. The Professor at the end of the class reminded those that they need the materials in order to pass the class. I didn't mind sharing but I could tell that we were on two different reading speeds. After the class he went up to the Professor.

This class is teaching us how to define the main topic of the reading material. Hey, didn't I learn how to read in elementary school, obviously not. It is also teaching us how to pick out the important facts that the writer is trying to make. We read several small pieces and tried to ask ourselves questions that would stimulate discussion. So no, I was not taught how to read effectively. Even though this is a tough process to grasp, I am loving it. I can't wait till I can say, "hey that's how it works".

We have next Monday off and she did not double up the homework, so I have plenty of time to do what is required, but I will not put it off. The Professor asked at the beginning of the class what we thought of the homework and my reply was "Massive". Most of the class agreed.

Now that I am somewhat settled. I am ready to explore the other areas of the campus. Maybe even a U of R football game. I noticed this morning that the air was crisp and cool. Football weather! Maybe Thursday I will go a little early and head to the bookstore. I think I am the only one who doesn't flash an University of Richmond logo somewhere on my person.

Off to work and back to read.

First Week DONE!

I find that my mind is constantly "on" now, more so than ever. But I am thinking in different directions. To begin with, the beauty of the campus is remarkable. If you ever get the chance just to ride through, you would appreciate God's gifts and treasures. Then get out of your car and find a seat. Just listen. It's like you have been zapped to another place and time.

I am calmer and more relaxed. The fears I dreaded have vanished and eagerness has taken its place. I have had a headache for the past couple of days but I think that is from sitting in front of the computer so much, reading, thinking, etc. Overload.

The parking lot is well lit. We walk out in groups. I am still feeling my way around as to what is best for me. I love the smallness of the classrooms. All I could envision were these big lecture halls with 100 students, all sitting there in front of their lap tops, the professor way down in front and looking like an ant with a tiny spot light on him/her. But that isn't the case at all. It's cozy, informal, relaxed, and no lap tops. You can bring your drinks, popcorn, peanuts. Kinda like being at a movie, sitting in your living room discussing history, what is going on, religion, politics. All the things that are taboo in a conversation.

So I am cleaning today with altering doing a little bit of this and a little bit of that. I'm having a great time.

It's getting better

Well last night was my second class. What I could gather from the description from the class it consisted of ancient history and that is exactly what it is. As I walked into the building, I tripped on the lip of the doorway and almost fell into the arms of a stranger. He didn't laugh and I pretended that it didn't happen. He didn't even ask if I was alright, he simply kept on walking. I went to the room number that I had and looked into the window on the door. It appears dark and small. My thoughts were "how can they hold a class in a room like this. The window was above my head so I couldn't see everything. I slowly opened the door and there sat this older woman at her desk. I simply apologized for entering and she said that if she didn't want anyone in there she would have locked the door. I knew this was Professor Wray and neglected to introduce myself and ran. I went to the correct classroom and again, it was small but could hold about 30 students. One by one they started coming in. The classroom was filling up. This class will be taught by two Professors, White and Wray. Professor White was a lot younger than I but very welcoming. I soon discovered that Professor Wray had a charming wit and a calming affect on all of us. During her introduction I asked if I could tape her class. That opened a whole can of worms, tasty ones at that. She was very understanding and told me that I would be fine and not to worry. I soon discovered that she was an excellent story teller and held my attention. I took notes but I don't know if I will ever be able to translate what I wrote. I now know what you mean by not being able to read my handwriting. During our first break, many students came over to reassure me that I would be fine and that the two Professors were wonderful instructors. I also discovered that many were in my Monday night class.

I am so thankful that this first week is over. I still have tons of studying to do, but my mind is processing the information and I am actually looking forward to the work. The ancient history class has a lot of religious instructions. In fact, the first book I will be reading is the "Introduction to Religion". And Professor White is a Chaplain. God has me right where He wants me to be.

When I left I followed the crowd and found an easier way to get back to the parking lot. I had that spring in my step and my mind was reviewing the topics discussed. The night air was perfect, calming, enjoyable.

Well this will be a busy weekend of review. But I also need to remember to take time for myself and my other responsibilities. Have a good weekend and until Monday.....

Oh, my gosh!

Well today I settled down to take my pre-test in my strategic reading class. I got a 50. Well if I scored any higher I would not need this class. It took me about an hour and a half to do it. Then I decided to tackle the "blackboard" and "myreadinglab". The "myreadinglab" is where I will get the majority of my assignments. The "blackboard" indicates my independent studies, in other words, HOMEWORK. I have just about completed all of my homework for this class. There are a few more vocabulary words that I need to do. (Thank goodness the answers are in the back of the book :) ) I still have some reading to do. Then I will review the rest of the week.

Then I decided to take a peak at the Realm of Ideas class I will take on Thursday. Guess what, there was nothing there. That is probably a good thing because I would stress myself out just thinking about what is to come. I pray that it is as calming as Monday's class.

I am cooking Billy a decent dinner tonight because I feel guilty being gone the other nights. Thank goodness I have Tuesday and Friday afternoons for my school work. How do full time students do it? I think I will ask this question all semester long.

Until later, back to my studies.

First Day of School and I have my Backpack!

I have always heard about these types of dreams but I have never had one, until last night. I dreamt that I was rushing to get ready for school and my cousin, Kristin, called and wanted me to write Auntie a story for Christmas. I told her I would and rushed her off the phone. It was raining outside and I grabbed my raincoat and headed out the door. I arrived just in time for my class, found the perfect parking space, ran to the door and took off my raincoat and I looked down..... I had forgotten to get dressed. I was standing there in my underwear! Then I woke up.



Emmy was kind enough to provide me with her favorite pink book bag. I have filled it with all the essentials, required books, paper, pens, pencils. Tonight I have my English Class. I have scanned the reading material and it really didn't look that complicated. I am too nervous to eat but I know I better grab something because I will be starving when my class lets out. I hate to eat late at night.



It is now 5:31 PM and I will grab that bite to eat, grab my flashy special book bag, jump in the car and pray all the way to U of R. My parking space better be there! I am going to stop here for now and continue when I return home. That is if I can keep my eyes open. I am use to going to bed around 9:00 PM. Say a prayer for me. Here I go. I wish my mother was here to take a picture of me as I head off to my first day of class.

9:46 and I am at home. As I was riding over to U of R I remembered as a child how often we would cut through from River Road to Three Chopt Road. Funny how your life comes full circle.

I got there about 6:18 and found my classroom (this was the class that I couldn't remember the room number). I sat in the Garden of Five Lions and enjoyed the water fountain and I called and talked with Debbie until class time. About 6:45 I decided to go into the classroom and to my surprised, I was one of the last to be seated. The instructor introduced herself as "Shannon". This class will help me comprehend what I read and train me how to understand those text I don't want to read or don't enjoy reading. She told us that 50% of the class was online and that our homework would take about five hours each week. And this is only one class! How does the full time student do it? The two and half hours flew by and it was very enjoyable.

I left with a skip in my step and actually enjoyed the night, cool air. So the first step is over. Day one down. Thirteen weeks to go! There were only 18 students in the class and many first time students. Some returning after years of being at home, some students just out of junior college, some simply there because they didn't have anything else to do. All ages, races. A great mix.

Well off to bed. Now Thursday will be a different story. Ancient History. Let's see how that goes. I plan to get busy on my homework tomorrow. I promise! Thanks for going with me to my first day of school.

Hurray!!!!

The night before ......

Well it is Sunday night and tomorrow is the big day. I have tried not to think about it but it is sitting out front in my mind. I really don't know what to expect. On Friday, I found my classroom but I didn't dare go inside. I wanted to save that for Monday. I plan to arrive early to soak up this very first day. I just wanted to let everyone know that I am ready but nervous. I have tried to travel back to my days of John Tyler and J. S. Reynolds, but my mind is blank.

Well Billy just wanted to go get some ice cream. I think I will close for now and go get a treat. Wonder if I could get him to go to Dairy Queen. Until tomorrow. Sleep sweet.

Dreams come true

I can confirm that with tons of faith and complete trust in God, He will see to the good of all things. I want to begin by thanking Diane and Don Retzer for this opportunity. Without them, I would not be embarking on this next phase of my life.



I have always wanted to attend college but my childhood prohibited that from happening. Not because of money but because of the lack of educational values of my parents. Times were different for them at that time and did not understand the importance of an education. After graduating from high school I muddled around and finally, on my own, decided to attend J. Sargeant Reynolds Community College. I actually enjoyed but then came love and then again, education was not that important. I attended John Tyler Community College off and on for work related advancements. But it wasn't until this past November that my mind started to wander back to the desire of attending school. Out of the blue, I asked Don if it was possible to attend school at my age (49 at the time) and have it paid for. His reply was, "Yes, that is what Diane does at the University of Richmond." Diane was an advisor for the School of Continuing Studies at University of Richmond. My first thought was, "Right, me attend U of R". I just knew that U of R was out of my league. But out of curiosity I called Diane and set up an appointment.



As I turned off of River Road onto the entrance to U of R, I began to shake. My mind was jumbled up with thoughts. I'm too old for this, I can't afford this, what am I thinking, I am wasting Diane's time. I nervously found my parking spot and went into the building. I asked for Diane and she immediately came out of her office. We sat down and chatted about what I would like to study. There were several options and we decided that the Liberal Arts Program would suit my needs more so than the others. She asked about my past college enrollments and I told her about the few credits that I had. I actually had no idea what I had so she advised me to get my transcripts from both colleges. I completed the paper work, met with the Dean and upon leaving his office he extended his hand and welcomed me to the University of Richmond. He was very kind and encouraging.



On February 14th I received my acceptance letter from University of Richmond. I sat here in total disbelief. I simply couldn't believe it. It actually took my breath away. So then I went about searching for scholarships, funding, and grants. Diane was very instrumental in guiding me in the right direction. Finally I received word that I had received the Pell Grant. I still applied for the student loans just in case the scholarships did not come through.



On July 7th I applied for my classes. On Mondays I will be taking English 201U, Strategic Reading. It is designed to support the development of critical reading skills across content areas. A transactional model of reading will be examined to enhance the importance of active, engaged reading for comprehension. Then on Thursdays I will be taking IDST 301U, The Realm of Ideas I: Context and Chronology. It is an introduction to selected major ideas in ancient and modern world history, including philosophies, systems of beliefs, political ideologies and concepts of social order; institutions through which the ideas have been manifested and implemented; methodologies used in the academic disciplines examined. WOW. Just reading that sends me into total confusion, but Diane said that I could do it.

Then last week I received my parking sticker in the mail! Wow, I am officially a spider! I have the parking sticker! Hurray. So with that being said I decided that I needed to learn my way around campus. The few times I have ridden around I got totally lost. So yesterday I got up, got my trusty little U of R map and headed across the river. I knew I could only park in certain places but with ease I found my assign lot. The day was beautiful. The air was soft and bright. The trees were green and welcoming. I parked the car and sat there for a moment. I decided to have a conversation with Diane. Even though Diane would not be here to see this day, I knew that she would not leave me stranded. So I said, "Diane, please help me. We have come this far and I really don't know what to do". I got out of the car and just started walking. The first building I came to was Rylan Hall, this is where I will be taking my Thursday class. Well I went into the first door I came to, well it was the back door. As I was looking around a nice young woman asked me if I needed any help and I told her what I was looking for. She informed me that I had come in the back door and she very kindly took me right to my class, which was on the second floor. She told me that if I would come in the "front door" it would be easier. I didn't dare go into the classroom, I wanted to wait for that feeling on Thursday. So I departed out the front door and found that I was totally turned around. So I found a sitting around in this beautiful gardens and I sat down and pulled out my map. I found my "You are Here" spot and surveyed the area. Weinstein Hall was just across the courtyard. My two classes were right beside each other! So I walked over there but couldn't remember the instructors name, but at least I found the building. So I felt relieved. Now I needed to find the bookstore and the cafe, the real important things. So I went back to my sitting area and pulled out my map and figured that I needed the head "thata way". I felt like Dorothy in the Wizard of Oz. "Follow the Yellow Brick Road". Everyone that I came in contact with said hello. Then I saw a group of very, very young students coming towards me. I knew then I was headed in the right direction. Sure enough, it was the building that held the bookstore and the cafe.

I went to the bookstore and asked the young attendants if I needed a student ID card. They were clueless but said that the ID department was on the next floor. So I headed up there and there was this HUGE sign stating "Student ID". So I went inside and explained that I was starting on Monday and needed to know if I needed an ID card, she told me to stand in front of the blue curtain and snap, I had my University of Richmond Student ID card. Bam!

So then I had to go back to the bookstore to look around. I didn't need any books because I purchased my books, used, off of Amazon.com. But I just had to buy something. So I purchased a Movie Trivia book for a friend who was having a birthday. Everything with U of R on it was out of my league. Then they had the Vera Bradley handbags. Maybe one day I will purchase a U of R sweatshirt, but not right now. Then I went to the cafe. Again, I just had to make my first purchase. So I ordered a sausage biscuit and a small coke. $3.04. More than my usual Hardee's breakfast. But hey, it's U of R. So I sat down and found that I was so nervous that I couldn't stay settled long enough to eat the whole thing. I wanted to explore some more.

As I was exiting the building, I headed back from where I had come and couldn't believe that it wasn't actually that far apart from everything that I need. There are hills and slopes to climb, this will help my exercising. Everyone was wonderful. I was hot and sweaty. I got back to my car, sat there for awhile, thanking God for all the blessings in which He was given me and then I thanked Diane for being with me.

All of this has been the easy part, now I have to do it. I must say that my mind is not trained for studying, my attention span is limited, my confidence level is low, but my determination is high.

I figured it will take me ten years to get my degree in Liberal Arts. I am beginning this journey at 50 and what a way to go out. I really don't know what I want to be when I grow up, but that piece of paper means everything to me. And it really isn't about the piece of paper, but the experiences along the way that are important. The kindness of others, the challenges of the days, the drive to excel, and the rewards in the end.

So let's pack that book bag (compliments of Emmy Campbell), and head to school. I will keep you posted! Don't wish me luck, just keep me in your prayers. Luck has nothing to do with it.