Saturday, August 23, 2008

School Days Are Here Again

My re-education has been jumpstarted. Last Thursday evening was my first back in school in several years.

Q: How does it feel to be the oldest student in the classroom?

A: It feels great!

At least the instructor has a good 10+ years on me. And, lucky for everyone in that class, our instructor is energetic, funny and engaging... and this is Accounting? Okay, one class can be checked-off as enjoyable. The true test will be whether or not my Business Law class will be just as pleasant. I have no fear that I will be interested in the subject matter, it is the instructor that I have my doubts about. He's a judge. A judge that I have stood before years ago. About 6 years ago, and in fact just happens to be the judge that ruled in both my separation and divorce hearings.

Ahh, life in a small town... Do not worry, I will in no way intentionally remind him of how we last met. I wonder if in his absence, my ex-father-in-law will substitute for him? They are very good friends, and, well... oh, just forget it.

My pursuit of a college degree has been a multiple launch effort. My last attempt, ten years ago, while hoping to someday be admitted to dental or medical school. Just days after beginning that term, I (we) discovered that a third child was on the way. (Somehow I still think that was intended as sabotage on her part... but I think that is a possibility with all three pregnancies.) And so, even though I finished that semester with a 4.00, I never attempted to reach for my goals again. Until now, that is.

In no uncertain terms, my life partner has been nothing but encouraging about this new pursuit. I had toyed with the idea of going to culinary school in Little Rock, and even though I know I would enjoy the subject matter immensely, I realize that the job security in that field is not as solid as I would like.

Upon being visited by our friend Jerry from El Dorado, Arkansas, I discovered that a degree program in his occupation, and one which I had been interest in as a much younger person was now being offered at the University of Arkansas campus in Hope. Prior to that program, one would have had to attend a school out of state with the closest being in Dallas.

The degree program is in Mortuary Science.

2 comments:

Speck said...

Several comments here.....

Congrats on being back in school! It's never too late! Woo Hoo!

Accounting - Poor dear, my deepest sympathies to you. Debits on the left, credits on the right. Need help? Email me.

B-Law - I was surprised at how interesting this class was. It helps to have it taught by a practicing lawyer instead of a business teacher.

Mortuary Science - I recently discovered this program in Hope too. If I lived closer I'd be in every class. I always wanted to be a mortician but the nay-sayers told me I was deeply disturbed. I never thought caring for the deceased or their survivors was morbid. (No pun intended.) Geez. I have friend who is a funeral director and I hang on his every word when he talks shop.

OK, I'm a geek.

Bruno Laliberté said...

that sounds so '6ft under"!!! but joking aside, this is serious business, giving dignity to the dead & comfort to the living. not to be taken lightly. i don't think it's only a business, but a vocation. wouldn't you agree?
:)~