Tuesday, March 13, 2007

Well, I guess spring summer is here.

it is 29* C in my office. Google Calculator says that's 84.2 degrees Fahrenheit.

On the "good news" side of things, that probably means it's the time of year that I can feel like I can get away with not wearing hose again.

Of course, part of that 84.2 is that they finally got the heat working...

***

And I guess there is a yin to every yang or a good to every bad: I counseled a student this afternoon who's super enthusiastic and has it together and who cares about what she's doing. She just wanted to verify that she was on-track with the coursework she needed (she is). She also asked me if I was "ok" with the idea of her taking an English Lit course "just because."

I told her that, honestly, one of my concerns - and I understand this is often a money issue for students - is that too many people go to college and narrowly focus on their degree, and never sample the other course offerings.

Honestly? If I were an idle rich woman who wanted to have somewhat of a "parasitic" life (in the sense of taking in but not necessarily giving out)? I'd just do nothing but take college classes. I'd move somewhere where there were several good schools with a diversity of coursework, and I'd enroll, and just take classes and just learn stuff.

Because learning stuff is fun. I think that's one of the unfortunately-too-well-kept secrets in modern life. I wish more people were aware of the fun and fulfillment that learning can bring. (Ben Franklin: If a man empties his purse into his head, no one can take it from him)

3 comments:

Bess said...

Just a pop in to send you gigantic hugs of thanks. Prayers are answered. Mama is in the place I described - at least - one that we have every reason to believe will be that place. Thank you for your prayerful love.

dragon knitter said...

i've often thought of re-enrolling in school. i have my bachelor's, and have thought about going for my master's. i have always loved learning. the big problem now, is that i have my bachelor's, is paying for school. don't know if i want to "grow" that student debt. that, and i've got two kids who are getting close to thinking about college (i dont' believe 4 & 5 years is too soon to think about it, lol)

Anonymous said...

Man, you've really got the Protestant work ethic. Why does it have to be a parasitic deal to take courses recreationally? What about the writer who takes courses in disparate subjects and someday metamorphoses them into a book, or the individual who is just interested in personal enrichment? You do have a point, but you also seem to have an inner voice that makes you do stuff you don't want to do and then criticizes others for doing what they want. Lighten up.