Going back to school full-time for me is a lot like riding a bike. The only difference is the bike is now a Go-Kart and everything you know about riding a Go-Kart comes from playing Mariokart on Super Nintendo as opposed to actually riding a real-life Go-Kart.
Ok maybe it’s not that dramatic, but after having been away from full-time school for a while there is definitely an adjustment period that takes place.
The night before my first day of school was filled with nervous energy. I couldn’t sleep. I imagined what my first day of school would be. I imagined what the teacher would be like, what my classmates would be like and how everything would turn out. Luckily, classes begin at 5:30pm so I could afford to sleep in.
I’m very fortunate that the first day of class and the first week of class was a very pleasant experience. Our instructor was very friendly and the cordial and laid back atmosphere in the room created a very positive vibe among everyone. Our class is a mix of people from various ethnic and cultural backgrounds. We also have an even number of women and men in our class. The ages in our class room range from 18 yrs. old to those who have started a family, and or those starting a new career.
The biggest adjustment I had to make was geography. I moved from South Vancouver to a five-minute walk to Stenberg College. When I began visiting Stenberg College, I quickly realized that I did not enjoy taking a bus, and then the Sky train to go to school. That field trip took an hour.
I didn’t want to spend an hour before class and an hour after class everyday just to go to school. I scoured Craigslist and luckily found a nice place within walking distance to school three months before school began.
Living close to school is very beneficial because I don’t have to worry about transportation anymore. The less stress I have about school the better.
The two hours I would spend daily on public transportation could now be spent on doing homework and preparing for class.
The workload for school has been manageable for me. At the moment I’m focusing primarily on school and I don’t work so I have enough time to work on assignments, and the textbook or article readings necessary for class.
If I had to go to school and work during the week I don’t think I would be as successful in school. I’ve had the experience in the past of going to school daily from 9:00am to 4:00pm and then working from 4:30pm to 11pm and it was very tiring, stressful and I did not accomplish my academic goals during that time. Looking back, I’m amazed I was able to survive that school and workload.
If there is anyone reading this that is interested in taking this program and working as well, please make sure you allot some time during the week, and weekends to focus on school. Give yourself every opportunity to succeed.
