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Back to School: Round 2, Week 4

On Monday, I had two tests to study for: one in Prints reading class and another in Install Methods class. By the afternoon I already had the marks for the Prints test posted on eLearn (Mohawk's online student acess website). I got a 92.5%! The Install test I know I passed, but not sure with what. I studied the chapters we were told about, and reviewed the labs for the class. The content wasn't quite what I thought it would be, and some of the questions seemed vague. We'll see what happens when the marks come in.

By Tuesday I decided being an adult and going back to school is a lot of work. By the time I did shopping, cooked dinner and got laundry going, it was already 7:00pm, and I hadn't even started my homework yet, or eat said dinner. 

At some point since starting school, it's occurred to me how trusting a group of people all in the same situation can be. Even in the first week, people were leaving bags with new found friends to run off for a couple minutes. Just like we'd known each other for ages. It makes me wonder what will happen when school is over. When we're out of the bubble, and back in the real world. Do these new found friendships carry over? Or are they just a necessary coping mechanism to get through this stage of the game? 

Wednesday was an easier day. All of the classes ended early. I spent my extra time catching up on the online quizzes (5 of them), plus continue working on a project I've deemed to be a 'sink or swim' activity. We just got plunked in the deepend, and see how we all fare. I'm sure after the assignment is completed, a class will be spent on how to actually complete the components of the project. I worked on it until my brain couldn't process information and numbers and code rules anymore. 

On Friday, we had some type of assessment in every class. A test in Code, a quiz in Theory, and the aforementioned 'sink or swim' project where we complete the installation portion. No one was done early for that project. You could tell everyone was taking extra care with their work. My work was received with rave reviews. The teacher was impressed and commented that it shows that I take pride in my work. "I've had good teachers, and worked with good journeymen," I replied. "No, no," he'd said. "You can have all the good teachers in the world, and it means nothing if the student isn't willing to put in the work. You're an asset to your company." I'll admit, that felt really good to hear.

We're at the point now where there will be quizzes and assignments every week now, till the end. Already 4 weeks in, 6 more to go, almost at the halfway point. I feel now that my brain has finished the transition to being back into school. Wonder how long it will take me to switch back into work mode. 

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