Catch-Up, Changes, and Plans

Hello, fellow visitors to the Internet. This is another one of those "sorry I haven't written in a bit of time, life got the better of me" posts. Here's what happened, long story short. After the first week of the semester, I wasn't feeling too sure about one of my classes. I kept thinking that I could make it work, that it wasn't a big deal, that I was nervous about it for nothing. But then we got the syllabus (3 classes into the course) and I saw what I was facing and I realized it just wasn't for me... So, on the final day of the Add deadline, I switched classes.

In doing so, I created a lot of work for myself. I was three classes behind in my new class (Astronomy), had extra textbooks to buy and read, classes to make-up, material to understand. Now, three weeks into the semester, I feel settled into my new class, and I'm glad I made the switch. However, if you've been following my blog, you'll know that this is a bit of a déjà vu experience, as I did this same thing last semester. I thought I had a good schedule and class load figured out, until I realized one of my classes wasn't my cup of tea, switched to something else, and had to face all the catch-up work that came along with it.

This semester's course swap was a bit more complicated for me, as it involved my major. I don't want to get into it too much, but let's just say I finally had a heaping dose of those typical collegiate "I don't know what I want to do with my life" thoughts. I'm still re-evaluating my goals and plans for the rest of college and beyond, so I do think this experience was good for me, but as far as switching courses two or three classes into the semester, that's something I'd like to avoid in the future. I don't know if I need to just plan my schedule more carefully... or if I need to sign up for more courses than I'm going to take with the option to drop one that doesn't feel right (something that was suggested to me by a CU alum). I'm sure I'll figure out a strategy - and a schedule - when the time comes for course registration in the Spring.

Overall, this little absence from blogging represents quite the learning opportunity for me. I do plan on writing on here more, as there's lots to talk about with the semester in full swing, the summer drawing ever closer, and the general experience of life here in beautiful Boulder.

Cheers :)

This blog is sponsored by the CU Book Store.

Back in the swing of things...

The first week back was a whirl of meeting new students and professors, finding classrooms, reading a syllabus from each class, and generally getting back into the rhythm of things. I'm quite excited about my classes this semester... I have two that work toward my major, including a filmmaking class that got going quite quickly, with us holding Super-8 cameras on the first day, and filming with them on the second. I have a Nutrition class that is not only aweomse because it's in my dorm (meaning I can basically roll out of bed and head to class) but also because it seems like it's going to give me information that will serve me well for that thing called "real life." :D I also have a history class that surprised me by being "Latin American history through film," which is really perfect considering my major. All in all, I think this should be a good semester academically.

It always amuses me how, even though we're past the days of "assigned seats," students tend to settle into the same spot after only a few weeks of class. For now, everyone is still shuffling around a bit, but I feel certain that people will have their places within a few class sessions. In the same way, I'm in the process of settling into my routine for this semester, figuring out what time I have to leave to get to my next class, what the best way to get there is, where to eat based on where I am on campus, etc. I tried something new this semester -- using the bus system to get around campus. Even if I only take the bus one stop from my dorm to the UMC, it saves me an incredible amount of time, is great when it's cold, and seems smart when I get out of class and it's already dark. So, there's a lesson from the first week back: mix it up! Don't settle into routine too fast!

I'll be back in a few days with more to say about the start of the semester, but that's it for now. If you're in Boulder and reading this, I encourage you to get outside and enjoy the great winter weather we're having! I went for a hike this weekend in the ice, snow, mud, and sunshine, and it was absolutely wonderful!

Cheers :)

Ready for second semester?

Well, we're heading into the final stretch of Winter Break. I know some people are probably back in Boulder or back in the dorms... I hope travel plans haven't been too thwarted by Boulder's latest bout of winter weather. I must admit I'm getting ready to be back in the swing of things. Vacation is nice, but at a certain point, I miss the routine, pace, and purpose that comes from school being in session.

As you may notice, I'm trying out a new look here on this blog... the New Year always brings the desire for change, so I'm working on a format that I like a little better, one that's a bit more simplified and a little more formal looking. If you have any feedback, please feel free to share.

I've been working on assembling my textbooks for the semester. It's always hard to face buying $50 or even $100 books... Of course, they're necessary, but it's a lot for any student to face. If you shop smart, using the CU Book Store's used or rental options, you may be able to save some nice amounts of money. And then, of course, there's buyback at the end of the semester to get some of the money back. I didn't end up taking advantage of this myself in the fall because I was so interested in the subjects of my classes that I actually wanted to keep the books... But perhaps I'll be able to use this great opportunity this spring. So far I think I've spent a little over $250, which is not awful compared to some students I've talked to, who claim they've spent up to $600 for one semester!

I'm currently working on a small project for the bookstore that will explain some FAQ's when it comes to textbook purchasing and buyback. So, if you have any questions, I'd be happy to try to answer them and/or include them in the video. Just leave them in the comments!

Anyway, I hope this first week of 2010 is treating you well. Cheers :)

This blog is sponsored by the CU Book Store.