Last blog.
I can't believe I made it. I have to admit, there were so many weeks where I just wanted to drop this class.
During the semester, I was promoted at work and my hours increased a significant amount. During April, I was working two jobs (around 45 hours a week). It always seemed like there was a lot of homework in my classes. Top all of it off with trying to maintain a home for two sweet, but very demanding little boys (2 years and a one year old). There were just days where I simply said, "Ugh! I just don't have the energy to do English homework right now!" -sigh-
Look at us all now, though. We made it to the end and it was worth it. When we first started the class, I was so confused and perplexed over how Blackboard operated. It was my first online class and I felt lost. I would post in the discussion forum asking questions because I just felt so stupid!
The group activities were a little hard. The assignments themselves were actually rather easy and somewhat entertaining, but the concept of "group" activity was difficult to handle. I'm a procrastinator; always have been and probably always will be (despite how many times you would think that I would have learned the lesson). I felt bad when my group had to wait on me to give my input. However, I would go to the group page the day before the assignment was due to give my input and find that no one else had been on there either! It was just a difficult process to have group discussions with a group that you have never met and do not personally see!
The essays and blogs were interesting. There were occasionally times when I was absolutely frustrated because I did not like the topic we were supposed to write about. I found myself stuck and unable to even start writing. I had no opinion on the matter and in my opinion, felt there was no need to have one. However, this class forced me to actually sit down and think about these alien topics and form an opinion. I learned that instead of saying, "Well, I don't really care about that particular topic", I should be saying "I haven't given it much thought before, but this is what I think..."
It was somewhat exciting to me when I realized that Music and Culture would be our main curriculum. I was anticipated a big ol' English book of my past classes. What a relief! It was also nice that we were not expected to read a ridiculous number of novels in a small amount of time! I barely have time to sit down and focus on a book these days! Another relief!
All in all, I'm proud of myself for climbing this mountain called English 101. Congrats to all of those who did the same!
Congrats right back at you for completing the course as well. Coming from the mind of another procrastinator, this class was rather daunting. I also felt like I should have dropped the course throughout the semester, but I just couldn’t bring myself to do it. It was a struggle at times, but English classes usually are for me, and I figured it would be best to just work through it rather than give up and still have to repeat it. Luckily I was able to find a topic that I was somewhat familiar with each week for the blogs. There were a few that I had to think about before responding to though.
ReplyDeleteThe group work was intimidating. I have always been a strong team player, but after 40+ hours at work, I didn’t want to rush on an assignment that was due in an hour. I think it was the either the first or second essay with the PDRs that I as in a group with about five other students and only one other person and I submitted a draft. That was nerve wracking. With the larger groups, a single PDR couldn’t weigh on the grade that much, but with only one essay to review, it seemed like I had to put that much more effort into the assignment. Plus, the only criticisms and suggestions we would receive would be from one other person. I am glad that you have persevered through the course, because I know the pain of repeating. Once again, congratulations.
Yay for finally being done! I was right there with you on being overwhelmed and trying to find the time, motivation and energy to do all of the work! I have a 1 ½ year old son and he keeps me so busy throughout the entire day, I don’t know how you do it with a 2 year old AND a 1 year old! I give you major props for committing to school and sticking with it! I totally agree about the group projects it was really frustrating most of the time. I’m a huge procrastinator as well and I found myself doing most of the work the night before it was due! I’m glad that is over with. I got annoyed with the blogs too. Sometimes I would just sit there staring at my computer screen just like uhhhhhh I have nothing to say about this at all. But it all worked out and I surprisingly enjoyed writing about all of the different topics, even the ones I thought I hated. Well congratulations on pushing through and making it to the end and good luck with everything ahead
ReplyDelete