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Back to School: Round 2, Week 3

Well, this week has been a little quieter. We got out marks back on Monday from the Basic Theory review test. Our teacher commented that typically people's marks on the review test are within 5% of what we would have passed Basic Theory with.  I got an 86%, so that sounds about right.

There was one person who failed that test. If I had to hazard a guess, I could probably figure out who in the class it is. I wish I could say that I think he just doesn't test well, but based on the questions he asks during class, I can't say I'd buy that excuse.

In Monitoring and Communications we wired up a basic fire alarm system in the lab. While I had this class through my college program (it's not something you cover in Basic), I did notice a difference in my speed and understanding of the project. Of course it helps that since then I've done fire alarm systems in a couple buildings. What a huge difference it makes having the real world applications and practical experience to help you understand the theory.

Electronics wasn't too bad this week. We just expanded on the circuits and theory from last week. We are learning how to convert AC sine wave signals to a straight DC signal. I guarantee anyone with a cell phone, lap top or other mobile device will appreciate the application of this skill, as all of the wall adapters to charge your devices do just that.

On a more personal note (and guys may want advert your eyes for this one), I had an unexpected visit from mother nature right in the middle of theory class yesterday. Thankfully I could excuse my extra visit to the bathroom as a symptom of my small bladder and too many coffees. I went to my car to grab my purse for the necessary arsenal of feminine products when I realized I was dry. Not a cotton missile in sight.
I visited the fitness desk, and was directed to the gold mine. And by gold mine, I am referring to the secret stash of contraband in a spare locker in the women's change room. The school receives free samples from companies, and the smart lady behind the desk has been stashing them for such an occasion as mine. Crisis averted.

Today we had our installation class. We have to come prepared with the schematic/line diagram for our motor control wiring. We have 3 hours to connect it all together and get it tested. And neatness counts. I improved on my work from last week and got a 100% and praise from the teacher this week.

A sense of solidarity is forming around our theory classes. We have them 3 times a week, each for 2.5-3 hours longs. Little favours have been popping up. Like today, someone in my class slipped me their debit card, and offered to pay for my coffee if I could order theirs in the process. I looked behind me and found the line for Tim Hortons had grown exponentially. Mostly students from my class looking to load up on caffeine. At least we're all in the same boat. 

Apart from 2 online quizzes I have to do for electronics, I have 3 tests next week: prints (schematics drawing and reading), installation class (a written test plus grading on our actual install), and theory.

Looks like I have some studying to do this weekend. Bring it on, Week 4.

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