Local residents

Every year my college is descended upon by a gaggle of Canadian geese. And it is not a small gaggle either. The college has a couple of small ponds and lots of grassy areas that seem to attract these loud birds.

I have even seen them outside the gates, crossing the busy road, using the zebra crossing.
It is hilarious.
But life at this college wouldn't be the same without them.
So.....bien venue!
Quack! Quack!

Course update

I can't believe that I've almost finished my 3rd full week of college.
How's it going?
Not really sure.
The BIG surprise is that I'm actually enjoying Maths.
Ok, pick yourselves up off the floor.
I said that I'm liking Maths.
It took me 3 goes to get my Maths exam 20 odd years ago and I hated it back then. But now, it's just like doing puzzles.....at least so far it is.
Unfortunately, the class that I'm finding the hardest is English. It all about the facts. I have to learn how not to write 'purple prose' (thanks Spence) and also be more concise.
Analytical essay writing is another one that I'm not looking forward to doing.
The teachers are doing ok, considering we're such a mixed bunch of people with very mixed abilities.
The Maths teacher is great, JH. Everything very simple and clear.
The English teacher is good, K, but not so good at keeping the class focused.
The Social Work teacher, AU, is also very good, with a fun sense of humour.
But the really interesting one is our Course Tutor. Dragon Lady! This term she is teaching us Interpersonal Skills. We had to do role playing today. She will pin you down with a stare if you're talking in class.
Scary!!
I'm hesitant to say that I'm doing well, mainly because I'm finding it hard to do the homework in the evening and also I'd like a few more guidelines about how much work is expected in terms of length of assignment. Plus I'm frustrated at the lack of having a printer. I spoke with my mum about it this evening and she told me to go buy one at half term. This is last years Christmas/Birthday and next Christmas present. I've been deferring it to be able to get the laptop that I really want.
So watch this space for that update.
But so far, all my homework has been handed in on time AND completed.
One of the things I've been using the most has been a pack of colouring pencils. There have been a few pieces of work requiring LOTS of colour (thanks KR).
I'm still really pleased to be on this course and I think that I made the right choice in going to that particular college, but 4 years is starting to feel like a very, very, very long time.

2nd time around

I've just realised that it has been quite a while since my last post.
The reason for this is probably down to the fact that I've just started a course at college, with a view of doing a degree next September.
It has been almost 20 years since I left university that last time, so this is quite a challenge for me.
At the beginning of the week, I was a nervous wreck.
The induction week loomed ahead.
I woke up Monday morning with horrid butterflies in my tummy.
This was my first day back in full time education and I was unsure of what to expect.
It was the start of a 4 year stint of studying.
Oh gosh....what had I signed up for?
Oh well, here goes....got Child to school on time and then began what could be an hours journey on 2 buses, to college.
Actually it only took 45 minutes, including the waiting time, not too bad really.
And then there I was, waiting in the queue for my student ID. Yes, it's official. I am now a full time student and member of the NUS.
Ok, on to the next task....finding my classroom.
3 flights of stairs later and there I was walking in to a room filled with 22 others.
To say that I am one of the oldest in the class is an understatement. At least 2 thirds of the class are between 19 and 24. Everyone has something unique to contribute to the team, so we shall see how we all get on as time goes by.
Mostly female and 1 poor man.
Hope he survives the year.
It is now Thursday morning and the induction week is over.
My studies will start in earnest on Tuesday. I'll have a 3 day school week, with the other days being Thursday and Friday.
So watch this space and keep your fingers crossed that I don't fall at the first hurdle.