Schoolaholic

I'm done. And I'm not at all ok with this. I love it all so much, and I'm not at all ready to let it go.

Wednesday I wrote my last exam for the EA program. Naturally, because administrators think it's fair to schedule exams from easiest to most challenging (at least my program was that way), the Autism exam was last. It wasn't as challenging as I initially thought it might be, just because the material can be pretty heavy and intricate. But I had also been studying for this exam for about a week (anyone who knows me also knows that "unsatisfactory" for me is anything less than an A-, which requires a lot of dedication and self-discipline on my end. I'm disgusting, I know, but it helps me sleep better). Anyway, Wednesday at 5:45pm I submitted my last exam of the program.

I left the exam room so emotionally mixed. I'd be crazy to say I wasn't relieved.... Come on, I had been studying for exams for several weeks, and my brain was totally fried. And HOLLA, I'm now done everything I need to be done to graduate! However, that was just the point.... It was all over. Every year, after exams, I always find myself in want. The whole semester, everything is just go go go go go go go. AND I LOVE IT. I love being constantly busy. I love researching, writing papers, presenting powerpoints (even if they do take me 5hrs to create), going to lectures... I love it all! I love being exposed to so much new information every single day and then taking it wherever I go from that point on. I love engaging in debates about things I have learned, and I love hearing what other people have to say about their experiences with things we have been learning about. Learning is one of my addictions, and this whole "being done" thing is causing some MAJOR withdrawl for me.

Mind you, I WILL NOT miss ANY of the stupid drama that occured in my program among the students. You see, my class was 98% female. Literally 2 guys in the second year class (no wonder I'm single! Maybe I'll pursue engineering next....). And with an overhelmingly female class, there's BOUND to be some drama! Some = TONS! I really struggled with it for the whole course of the program simply because I don't understand it (i.e. "girlfighting". After reading several books on the topic, I have yet to find any enlightenment that satisfies me). I thought maybe it was because some were just out of high school and perhaps still in a "not quite adult" frame of mind. But that theory did not account for the mature students in the class (mature = 35+). Seriously, we once used CLASS TIME to discuss graduation celebrations, whicn resulted in a clear division of certian groups within the class. It was just too much for me, personally.

But I am not ok with this sudden lack of structure. To be sure, without it, I am a complete mess. I thrive on routine. The school year is perfect like that for me. During the school year, every minute of my time is spoken for. School typically 9-5, tutor or mentor during breaks , Tuesday and Thursday nights train (i.e. running), most Wednesday nights work @ Copps (if not, then homework), Friday night work, Saturday morning work, Gym, Saturday night work, Sunday homework, rinse, repeat. I like this. Scratch that..... I LOVE THIS, and I need it to keep me sane. Hard to believe that having literally no spare time is something that keeps me sane, eh? I NEEd to be busy/ stimulated.... all the time. Otherwise, my brain will turn me inside out and eat me alive!

Learning is a passion of mine. In second year of Mac, I had the brilliant idea that I was going to get my Phd in Sociology (likely in Soc of Education, specifically Special Ed). And while that was just me being young and overly ambitious after attending a graduate school fair, I'm beginning to think this goal may actually come true (eventually). The thing is every time I approach the conclusion of a program of studies, I find myself inspired by another area. Which in turn serves to postpone my entry into "big girl" employment. This past fall, I had decided I was going to return to Mac and obtain a second degree in psychology. The whole field is just extremely fascinating to me, and I thought it would be extremely benificial to me as a "future" educator (particulairly for special needs education). But ended up deciding against this idea. As much as I want to do psych, I have to get a foot in the door with the board of education. I've got to use these skills and get some experience. But, while I know I have to do this, I'm still just not ready to put my own learning aside.

So, what I decided was this: Hopefully I will be working as an EA come the fall (this will likely only be on a supply status, but supplies get several calls everyday, so work will not be hard to come by). But, at night, I plan to take some sociology courses back at Mac again! (my degree is in sociology :). AND I'M SO SUPER A LOT VERY MUCH EXCITED! You see, McMaster is the love of my life! As is sociology! I will be able to both use my skills at school during the day as well as continue to learn new things of my own at night. I'm thinking of taking one or two of the following: statistics, 3rd year Canadian sociological theory, or Deviant Behaviour. Dear reader: Ask me if I'm pumped. YES!

Furthermore, my plan is to apply to teachers college in the fall for the academic year 2010/2011. I plan to apply to Brock, York, and U of T.

So all in all, effective problem solving I've done for myself here. And even though I'm still coming to terms with my recent program completion and new abundance of available time, I am glad I have Mac to look forward to for the fall.

And so, from the facts about myself stated here, I hypothesize that my children will be born on exam room floors.

Last thing about school (for today :P): I won an award. For "exemplary academic achievement". It's lovely.

On a different note, I start at the Virtual Y tomorrow. It is an after-school program by the YMCA which offers homework help, a nutritious snack, and physical activities for children up to grade 6. I love inner-city settings. Although they often present themselves with a rough exterior, I find the children there are much more appreciative for your efforts. It makes you very thankful for the privileged position you have in life. It opens your eyes to the conditions and situations many people have been dealt. Working in inner-city locations has opened my eyes to many things, and one of those has been to take pleasure in small things. I am thankful for what I get from these settings.