I just heard from her about a week ago....I think she just posted a few days ago.... She seems to be a very busy woman....I know I always notice when she isn't around and look forward to reading anything she has to say.
She left two posts for me yesterday about the little boy I keep. He has been very sick for a couple of weeks and had a rough weekend. She is always so nice. Beth
How sweet of you dear friends! After reading Ava Rose's dead bird post and "laughing my head off," I see this thread by AppleOmyeye, and now I'm all teared up! Actually, I am dealing with a new and serious addiction--to the Homeschool Spot! Yesterday I managed to stay away long enough to replace some damaged vinyl squares in our kitchen floor. The day before, I washed kitchen windows and the mini-blinds that attract dust. Today I hope to sort boxes in the basement, etc. My ideals are great. I often have a challenge in putting feet and hands to them, though, and this place is so much fun... On the other hand, Apple, we haven't heard much about your studies for awhile, yourself! I was thinking of sending a pm and asking if your books ever came through and if your professor was more available. Besides my editing my cousin's master's thesis (as recommended by the class advisor), you're the only one here at this time who is a grad student, I believe, and it's interesting to hear your progress! You have a lot on your plate, and I hope things are going well. This made me feel so.... cherished! You're all special to me! Thanks everyone!
Hooray! Glad to know you're fine! My books DID arrive. I DID have a horrible time trying to catch up. Professors fortunately WERE very understanding, but the one is still not very accessible, but that's okay. The class isn't as demanding overall as I had feared and anticipated. Thanks for asking!
You're welcome. I am so glad to hear that! I hope that your new degree will be everything you want it to be, in order to meet your goals in life. I have a few hours toward a master's in special education; but when our children came--and then homeschooling--my ideas about education changed so drastically that I have doubts about my being comfortable in the system any more. Never-the-less, with the twins' high school graduations appearing on the horizon (in two years), I do sometimes think about that. So, if/whenever you'd care to share, I, for one, would be very interested in hearing your reasons for grad school--what doors you hope it will open for you, if it's enormously harder than college, etc. And if you don't, that's fine, too. You have my cheers!
If ever it seems like I don't answer....I'm just playing catch-up!! Reasons for subjecting myself to Grad School @ this time in my life: 1. It is something I've always wanted, always. Same with an eventual PhD... Whether THAT actually comes to fruition remains to be seen! 2. I love learning! I did not like ps but LOVE to learn, just about anything and everything! That's why I like teaching, because you have to learn something yourself before you can teach it. 3. Legit, accredited online degree programs are becoming more accessible and affordable. I "attend" University of Texas from the comfort of my Texas home. But my "home campus" is actually in Brownsville, many miles away (nearer to KrisRV, I believe!). 4. I already have a fabulous job teaching from home online w/ eSylvan that I LOVE, but it is part-time (even though I CAN work 30+ hours if I so choose) w/ no benefits. I am working towards the goal of becoming a college professor and teaching for a university in their online courses much like my own professors who have greatly inspired me! But I think (time permitting) I would still hope to stay on w/ eSylvan. As for whether grad school is harder than undergrad...there are definitely pro's and con's Grad school classes are all relevant to what you are interested in learning. No fluff or "core" classes, which often bored me to tears and I thought at the time were a waste of time and money, though very necessary :roll: hoops through which to jump. Grad school classes are FAST-PACED!!! No easing in to it, no hand-holding, no "I just don't feel like doing anything this week/day/hour", no skipping class meetings/discussions/assignments and so on. You're runnnin' w/ the big dogs now. BUT, I feel like I have a LOT more support from the professors and system as a whole, than I did w/ undergrad. Not sure if it is a level difference or if it has to do with the different institutions. Contrasting online learning from brick and mortar: Aye-aye-aye....tech issues aye-aye-AYE!! I can't "drop-in" to a professor's office and have a face-to-face to help me understand assignments, expectations, etc. Sometimes having to respond to peer posts in "discussion boards" is extremely time-consuming and tedious if the prof. specifies a min. quota of replies per topic. Everyone just rewords what everyone else has already said. However, I love NOT having to find a parking space ...leave my home ...find a babysitter drive in the rain, snow, traffic, heat ...sit in uncomfortable chairs/desks surrounded by sick 'uns during cold and flu season ...get DRESSED in "real" clothes, with hair, make-up (shower) just to go to class ...plan my day around class. I can usually plan my class/assignments around my day. and so many others! But...I've been on here long enough and need to find something for lunch! Take care!
Fantastic! I can really identify with what you're saying here, especially about loving to learn. I enjoy being a student. I was actually sad to graduate from college! Isn't that strange? Well, thanks so much for taking time to answer my questions. If we'd be visiting face-to-face, I'd ask you dozens more. I wish you the best, and I know you're a great teacher!
