I'm glad I went to the school today. I wasn't planning to, considering my last two trips were fruitless. On one occasion, we had both babies: FAIL. And the second time, I stood in line for an hour and a half to get my photo ID - and still was unable to get it: FAIL.
I was just going to skip today and, instead, go tomorrow, which is when classes actually start. Leap right over this orientation crap because it's been very disorienting.
Today was the day of convocation, when the freshmen gather together and watch their faculty, in full academic regalia, march into the hall to bagpipers; where a few speakers speak; and the official start of one's college career gets underway.
I was going to skip it and wallow in my self-pity over how much of a waste of time my last two visits turned out and how I just didn't feel like I belonged.
But I went. And I'm glad I did.
I won't bore you with the details of the day. They're not interesting. Like explaining a pro golf tournament, hole for hole, over the phone to someone.
What I will share is that today redeemed my faith in my decision to attend college at 41. I have been feeling out of place - not inadequate or stupid or incapable of doing the work. I don't fear anything. I've just felt ... strangely like I'm crashing someone's party. That it's ridiculous of me to think I can stitch myself into the academic fabric without standing out. Like mixing yarn with cross stitch.
At the end of the day (which is right now) I feel far fewer trepidations. Far fewer.
Tomorrow, classes for the first time. I can't wait.
Enjoy your semester and all that comes with it...late night reading, reading while you're cooking, reading while you're brushing your teeth, reading at red lights etc. Life is good.
ReplyDeleteBest Wishes that all goes well tomorrow and the next...;p
ReplyDeletehave a great time and of course learn alot! i loved college and hated middle and high school so goes to show how different they are :)
ReplyDeleteI am so pleased with your decision to go. To better yourself. To enrich your writing career.
ReplyDeleteIt is another HUGE leap of faith for you, and those leaps are always nerve racking, but have been getting easier for you since me.
: )
Our children, your children, and my children will look on this as a lesson of learning. A lesson of commitment and dedication. Perserverance.
WE ARE PROUD OF YOU, ANDY!!
I'm late with the good wishes, but I hope today is a fulfilling experience. Good luck on your journey, friend.
ReplyDeleteOh, congrats!
ReplyDeleteThat means you're at school right NOW! I hope it's going super well and that you find out you love your classes, love the challenges, love the learning and, most of all, realize how very much it ROCKS to be in your forties!
(P.S. If you read my post about Writer's Digest, I didn't have you in mind. I was thinking of a couple of other friends. Just didn't want to accidentally offend!!)
Can't wait to hear more about the collegiate career!
Marie
I really look forward to reading of your educational exploits, Andrew. Keep going! :)
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