Background: I am a college student, but not a good one. I have to use gubmint monies to pay for half tuition (as both parents decided to not keep with their decent, moneymaking careers right before I start higher education) The combo: not having good/average grades = not getting any money at all
The meat: My GPA dipped down to 1.54, and I had to end up retaking 2 failed classes, while paying for all of it (came to about 2 grand). Passed those 2 classes, turned in all of the "Historical Repeat" paperwork (because simply having a second, higher grade wouldn't automatically remove the first one in the computers, oh heavens no.) Ended up with a 1.95.
Was FUCKING furious at myself, started yet another hazy spiral of low self-esteem and anger/depression. My advisor pretty much told me that i'd just have to keep paying for tuition myself until the loan kicks back in. More not pleasant emotions and thoughts. On the way out of his office, the EnviroStudies department secretary [(a past middle-aged spunky black woman) who was listening in on the whole conversation b/w me and the advisor)] remarks that there was an Organic chemistry repeat I had take that would change an F into a D, but not submitted the paperwork for, and that i should put that in and see how things go.
I had indeed submitted the papers 3 semesters ago but the ass-flapping, carpet-BRAINED TAINTCRANIUMS at University Records and Registration HADN'T APPLIED THE DAMN REPEAT CORRECTIONS.
Despite the anger and confusion seething inside of me while waiting in the line at University R&R, I was calm and courteous while submitting the paperwork again. Now I just had to wait. For 2 weeks. For the semester to start and have the add/drop date be precariously close to the estimated 'processing period.' Many spirits were imbibed on my part during this period.
The last day of the add drop period, i get an email in class. 'Notice of disbursement of federal aid' or some shit. The sleepy oceanography lecture is jarred by a loudly whispered "Fuck Yes!" from me. It draws the expected odd looks, then they fall asleep again. I check the online grade-keeping thingy the university has, and my GPA there sat exactly at a 2.00. I have now ascended the status of a C-student.
After class I celebrate the turn of fortunes with a crappy cigar in a parking lot. While puffing away and laughing to myself (drawing more odd looks) it starts to rain. I contemplate wrapping it up and hitting the ol' dusty trail, but stop and think, 'No amount of anything is going to fuck with me today.' I look up to the heavens and with a decidedly commanding voice say, "Fuck off, Nature." I didn't stop raining but I didn't care.
Fin.
Congratulations on clawing your way up to a C average.
NOW KEEP CLAWING. You can do better.
Quote from: 1SwellFOop on March 27, 2012, 10:23:28 PM
Many spirits were imbibed on my part during this period.
Call me crazy, but I think I may have spotted the root problem.
Just as you have to decide upon entering a bar if you are going to A) drink yourself sick, or B) try to meet someone, you also have to decide between A) getting good grades in college, and B) spending your college years in a haze of alcohol.
Less partying, more work.
In fact, I'm going to pull my older-than-you card and give you one piece of advice that will probably do more to keep your grades up than any single other thing (other than read all your assignments and turn in all your homework on time, every time) which is, simply attend every class. Unless you're dying to death of an illness. It's amazing how much you can get away with half-assing and still pull an A if you just attend every class.
Quote from: Doktor Howl on March 27, 2012, 10:37:28 PM
Quote from: 1SwellFOop on March 27, 2012, 10:23:28 PM
Many spirits were imbibed on my part during this period.
Call me crazy, but I think I may have spotted the root problem.
Just as you have to decide upon entering a bar if you are going to A) drink yourself sick, or B) try to meet someone, you also have to decide between A) getting good grades in college, and B) spending your college years in a haze of alcohol.
Less partying, more work.
And this.
I've gone to class hung over. It's not very fun. But it involved conscious decision-making on my part; questions such as "Is there a test?" and "Have I already done the reading we're going to discuss tomorrow?"
Quote from: Nigel on March 27, 2012, 10:40:06 PM
Quote from: Doktor Howl on March 27, 2012, 10:37:28 PM
Quote from: 1SwellFOop on March 27, 2012, 10:23:28 PM
Many spirits were imbibed on my part during this period.
Call me crazy, but I think I may have spotted the root problem.
Just as you have to decide upon entering a bar if you are going to A) drink yourself sick, or B) try to meet someone, you also have to decide between A) getting good grades in college, and B) spending your college years in a haze of alcohol.
Less partying, more work.
And this.
I've gone to class hung over. It's not very fun. But it involved conscious decision-making on my part; questions such as "Is there a test?" and "Have I already done the reading we're going to discuss tomorrow?"
Not only that, but while you're partying, you're not studying. And the next day, when you get out of class, you're too tired to study
again.
It makes me sad you are congratulating yourself for succeeding in an educational system that is so clearly stacked against you. You can learn whatever you want for free.
I applaud your success. It is the system that makes me sad.
Quote from: rong on March 27, 2012, 11:32:40 PM
It makes me sad you are congratulating yourself for succeeding in an educational system that is so clearly stacked against you. You can learn whatever you want for free.
I applaud your success. It is the system that makes me sad.
You can learn a great deal for free, but there are some things that actually do require access to skilled training and expensive facilities.
I agree that the educational system in the US is massively defective, but not for the reason you give.
Quote from: Doktor Howl on March 27, 2012, 10:43:24 PM
Quote from: Nigel on March 27, 2012, 10:40:06 PM
Quote from: Doktor Howl on March 27, 2012, 10:37:28 PM
Quote from: 1SwellFOop on March 27, 2012, 10:23:28 PM
Many spirits were imbibed on my part during this period.
Call me crazy, but I think I may have spotted the root problem.
Just as you have to decide upon entering a bar if you are going to A) drink yourself sick, or B) try to meet someone, you also have to decide between A) getting good grades in college, and B) spending your college years in a haze of alcohol.
Less partying, more work.
And this.
I've gone to class hung over. It's not very fun. But it involved conscious decision-making on my part; questions such as "Is there a test?" and "Have I already done the reading we're going to discuss tomorrow?"
Not only that, but while you're partying, you're not studying. And the next day, when you get out of class, you're too tired to study again.
That's why, if you're going to decide to party, you should have already studied enough to tide you over until the hangover is gone.
Of course, that will, ultimately, make the decision to party far more rare. During the term I have a rule that I can start my single evening beer of the night exactly three-quarters into my math homework.
I believe one hour of class is worth 8 hours of studying.
I also believe educational institutions are more interested in their own financial security than they are interested in any one persons success as a student.
Quote from: Nigel on March 27, 2012, 11:50:15 PM
Quote from: rong on March 27, 2012, 11:32:40 PM
It makes me sad you are congratulating yourself for succeeding in an educational system that is so clearly stacked against you. You can learn whatever you want for free.
I applaud your success. It is the system that makes me sad.
You can learn a great deal for free, but there are some things that actually do require access to skilled training and expensive facilities.
I agree that the educational system in the US is massively defective, but not for the reason you give.
You are referring to hard science classes that require hands on experience in very expensive labs with even more expensive equipment, yes?
Quote from: rong on March 28, 2012, 12:29:11 AM
I believe one hour of class is worth 8 hours of studying.
I also believe educational institutions are more interested in their own financial security than they are interested in any one persons success as a student.
It's normally a 1:2 ration, but I can believe that you might be special.
And to the latter, yes, but a school that has generally unsuccessful students is a school that will not long have financial security.
I detect more than a hint of sour grapes in your posts; I am assuming you failed out.
Quote from: Queen Gogira Pennyworth, BSW on March 28, 2012, 01:44:53 AM
Quote from: Nigel on March 27, 2012, 11:50:15 PM
Quote from: rong on March 27, 2012, 11:32:40 PM
It makes me sad you are congratulating yourself for succeeding in an educational system that is so clearly stacked against you. You can learn whatever you want for free.
I applaud your success. It is the system that makes me sad.
You can learn a great deal for free, but there are some things that actually do require access to skilled training and expensive facilities.
I agree that the educational system in the US is massively defective, but not for the reason you give.
You are referring to hard science classes that require hands on experience in very expensive labs with even more expensive equipment, yes?
Yep. And also require close guidance and collaboration with more experienced teams. For instance, medical school. Who's gonna trust a self-trained surgeon?
Quote from: rong on March 28, 2012, 12:29:11 AM
I believe one hour of class is worth 8 hours of studying.
I also believe educational institutions are more interested in their own financial security than they are interested in any one persons success as a student.
A little bitter, are we?
The expense and dysfunctionality of the education system in this country is a cause for consternation, to be sure.
But that's not a reason to devalue educational institutions as a whole
It's precisely because good education is so valuable (both to the individual and the society they interact with) that the expense and dysfunctionality is a cause for concern.
It is something with benefits that far outweigh the cost, but it pays back its cost in ways that don't fit on a balance sheet, so it is crippled in the name of short-term gain.
Quote from: Nigel on March 27, 2012, 11:50:15 PM
Quote from: rong on March 27, 2012, 11:32:40 PM
It makes me sad you are congratulating yourself for succeeding in an educational system that is so clearly stacked against you. You can learn whatever you want for free.
I applaud your success. It is the system that makes me sad.
You can learn a great deal for free, but there are some things that actually do require access to skilled training and expensive facilities.
I agree that the educational system in the US is massively defective, but not for the reason you give.
Some people (such as myself) actually require the ritual of The Attending Of The Classes, because otherwise we won't do the work or the reading won't stick or whatever. I mean, I could take all kinds of math classes online for free, and I know I won't get anything out of it because I need a human talking at me for an hour or three four days a week, with homework for the intervening times.
Quote from: Nigel on March 28, 2012, 02:37:28 AM
Quote from: rong on March 28, 2012, 12:29:11 AM
I believe one hour of class is worth 8 hours of studying.
I also believe educational institutions are more interested in their own financial security than they are interested in any one persons success as a student.
It's normally a 1:2 ration, but I can believe that you might be special.
And to the latter, yes, but a school that has generally unsuccessful students is a school that will not long have financial security.
I detect more than a hint of sour grapes in your posts; I am assuming you failed out.
you assume incorrectly. i partied like a rock star and worked 3 jobs while i did it.
graduated magna cum laude. twice.
Set 0 UAYEB (POISONED)
its been sort of a fun morning: musing over the Iran moves Tuesday? {never mind|
when i was in the 1st grade { i was given instructions | by the older kids } in the
one room fits all school house ? the Art & science of putting the TEACH out.
I was Very VERY good at doing this ACtuaLLy | in fact to good | instinctually
neadless to say no Athoritarian extorters ever gave me any reason to brag
about anything | Just the opposite | & of course the opposit applies too.
i hink my point is there are two lessons those taught be teachers
& those by other Students, I have always | since grade 1 } excepted the
ladder rejected the former. Anyway How big was your Loud School & Where? ha ha
Never Mind 3aM borde
Quote from: rong on March 28, 2012, 11:20:14 AM
Quote from: Nigel on March 28, 2012, 02:37:28 AM
Quote from: rong on March 28, 2012, 12:29:11 AM
I believe one hour of class is worth 8 hours of studying.
I also believe educational institutions are more interested in their own financial security than they are interested in any one persons success as a student.
It's normally a 1:2 ration, but I can believe that you might be special.
And to the latter, yes, but a school that has generally unsuccessful students is a school that will not long have financial security.
I detect more than a hint of sour grapes in your posts; I am assuming you failed out.
you assume incorrectly. i partied like a rock star and worked 3 jobs while i did it.
graduated magna cum laude. twice.
Quote from: rong on March 28, 2012, 12:29:11 AM
I believe one hour of class is worth 8 hours of studying.
I also believe educational institutions are more interested in their own financial security than they are interested in any one persons success as a student.
It really depends on the institution. Smaller institutions, like the one I attended for my undergraduate degree, couldn't afford NOT to care. But it was also small enough where the President was able to rub elbows with the students and know them personally. Most every faculty member, staff member I knew at my college cared deeply about the success of their students. That is, if the student cared. For the students who came solely for the social aspect, if they weren't going to put effort in, I can't blame faculty for writing them off after a certain amount of attempts to draw them in.
I would wager even at your mega colleges, that while the top brass may be quite removed from the student body, the professors mostly will still have an investment in their students succeeding. Teaching college classes would be especially thankless and soul-crushing if you treated it like a cold assembly line.
But beyond all of that, from my perspective, the onus is really on the student. The student needs to invest more than their parents' money or the government's subsidized loan money. Learning is more than just showing up to class. If an individual applies themselves and is there to seek and accumulate knowledge, there is no reason for them to fail, short of some legitimate learning disabilities.
Education, like many things in life, is what you make of it.
Quote from: rong on March 28, 2012, 11:20:14 AM
Quote from: Nigel on March 28, 2012, 02:37:28 AM
Quote from: rong on March 28, 2012, 12:29:11 AM
I believe one hour of class is worth 8 hours of studying.
I also believe educational institutions are more interested in their own financial security than they are interested in any one persons success as a student.
It's normally a 1:2 ration, but I can believe that you might be special.
And to the latter, yes, but a school that has generally unsuccessful students is a school that will not long have financial security.
I detect more than a hint of sour grapes in your posts; I am assuming you failed out.
you assume incorrectly. i partied like a rock star and worked 3 jobs while i did it.
graduated magna cum laude. twice.
NIGEL, AS PREDICTED!
YOU OWE ME 3 HIPSTERS!
I think you meant to say, "Manga Cum".
And what you do on your own time is your own business. Perv.
I worked four jobs. Full-time. And attended 72-hour long parties. Which I planned. While obtaining my double-PhD in theoretical physics and as a neurosurgeon.
And it was uphill both ways.
You must be exhausted.
Boy, are my arms tired!
:lmnuendo:
???
That's because you didn't lift with your back.
Seriously, just because you're a Discordian doesn't mean you can ignore the importance of Ergonomics!!!!
Quote from: Doktor Howl on March 28, 2012, 02:55:57 PM
Quote from: rong on March 28, 2012, 11:20:14 AM
Quote from: Nigel on March 28, 2012, 02:37:28 AM
Quote from: rong on March 28, 2012, 12:29:11 AM
I believe one hour of class is worth 8 hours of studying.
I also believe educational institutions are more interested in their own financial security than they are interested in any one persons success as a student.
It's normally a 1:2 ration, but I can believe that you might be special.
And to the latter, yes, but a school that has generally unsuccessful students is a school that will not long have financial security.
I detect more than a hint of sour grapes in your posts; I am assuming you failed out.
you assume incorrectly. i partied like a rock star and worked 3 jobs while i did it.
graduated magna cum laude. twice.
NIGEL, AS PREDICTED!
YOU OWE ME 3 HIPSTERS!
GODDAMN IT! IT'S NOT LIKE HIPSTERS GROW ON TREES, YOU KNOW! :crankey:
Quote from: Cainad on March 28, 2012, 05:29:51 AM
The expense and dysfunctionality of the education system in this country is a cause for consternation, to be sure.
But that's not a reason to devalue educational institutions as a whole
It's precisely because good education is so valuable (both to the individual and the society they interact with) that the expense and dysfunctionality is a cause for concern.
It is something with benefits that far outweigh the cost, but it pays back its cost in ways that don't fit on a balance sheet, so it is crippled in the name of short-term gain.
Cainad, as always, with the voice of reason.
Quote from: rong on March 28, 2012, 11:20:14 AM
Quote from: Nigel on March 28, 2012, 02:37:28 AM
Quote from: rong on March 28, 2012, 12:29:11 AM
I believe one hour of class is worth 8 hours of studying.
I also believe educational institutions are more interested in their own financial security than they are interested in any one persons success as a student.
It's normally a 1:2 ration, but I can believe that you might be special.
And to the latter, yes, but a school that has generally unsuccessful students is a school that will not long have financial security.
I detect more than a hint of sour grapes in your posts; I am assuming you failed out.
you assume incorrectly. i partied like a rock star and worked 3 jobs while i did it.
graduated magna cum laude. twice.
Damn you, you just lost me a bet. :lulz:
Quote from: Cain on March 28, 2012, 03:15:41 PM
I worked four jobs. Full-time. And attended 72-hour long parties. Which I planned. While obtaining my double-PhD in theoretical physics and as a neurosurgeon.
And it was uphill both ways.
:lulz: :lulz: :lulz: