May 12, 2011
Plus 40 & OnCampus

Well, I made it through another semester – my fourth one! I hate to be trite, but I just have to say that time surely does fly! I ended the term with two As and a B. The B was in Religion 101 and is due to my test scores. I don’t know why I do not generally test well in some subjects, but I did get a 95 on the final, thank goodness. In all other sections of the class, I received As. It was not a difficult semester, and I am very glad I chose the classes I did. This old brain still has a lot going for it!

It does feel good to have another term under my belt and to be taking the summer off. Now I can catch up on all of the things I’ve been putting off due to having to make time for schoolwork. I do need some discipline, though, since I have to study algebra over the summer in order to do well in my second attempt at it in the fall. I feel that studying at my own pace, with the same book and using online classes on YouTube for assistance will put me in a good space to do well. I intend to receive an A in that class no matter what it takes!

It is hard not to lament the fact that all students are required to take certain classes in order to complete the curriculum required for a degree, despite the fact that certain of those classes will most likely never be used in a chosen profession. I believe I wrote about that when I first started school and even discussed it with Dr. Mahan, Vice President of Academic Affairs and Student Services. Without exception, every student I spoke with about this fact has the same opinion, but “You can’t fight city hall.”

I decided to keep my “Religion in a Global Society” textbook rather than sell it back to the school because there is a great deal of material we did not study, and it is a very interesting subject. Subjects like it help to broaden one’s view of the world and foster a better understanding of other people and their beliefs. Regarding selling textbooks back, it is a great way to recycle and also to get some money back. Students also post books for sale on the bulleting boards, a good way of saving and making money. When I was not working, it enabled me to recoup some of the funds spent on books. The Book Nook at NETC has all the books available, and grant money can be used there for purchase. I have purchased books online as well. Used books and even new ones purchased online can save the buyer quite a bit of money.

I am sure when I come back in August I will have plenty to talk about, and I do look forward to that time. I hope all my readers have a great summer!

Karolyn Tredeau, 64 of Ruby, entered college after taking a 40-year hiatus from formal education. She is a student at Northeastern Technical College and will write about her experiences in this column, “Plus40 & OnCampus” once a month. Karolyn can be reached at karolynt@shtc.net.

Read Karolyn's April column.