Saturday, October 29, 2005

"Say when!"

October is almost over, and I've only posted once. It's been a busy month. Nursing school has gone from terrible to tolerable to enjoyable at times. I actually enjoy what I'm learning. The difficulty has been that the process and structure of it are hard to adjust to.

At this point, and for several weeks now, things have been okay. I know what is expected, and I am meeting those expectations as much as possible. I have tried to adapt myself to the 'nursing' way of thinking, so that I can do my papers and presentations and other written assignments in a way that is acceptable and encouraged (translated - required).

Seven weeks of school remain for this semester. I have been successful in enough requirements that I have no doubt I will continue to the next level (the next semester in the program).

"The next level" makes it sound like a video game, doesn't it? Maybe I should think of it that way. There are huge obstacles to overcome, with humans, assignments, and learning requirements all in my way. I have to negotiate my way through all that stands between where I am now and my goal (winning the game at the end of the last level, graduation).

The only problem with the video game analogy is that I don't play video games. I should probably think of a new way to describe it. Any ideas?

I did not feel supported or encouraged by faculty at the beginning of the program. That has changed gradually as the weeks have passed.

There are a few instructors who seem to be willing to talk with students and help with questions. Others answer questions, but the feeling of engagement is missing. Obviously, the ones who seem the most interested in students, and their success, are the ones who are the most helpful.

Over the course of the past ten weeks my effort, my work and my attitude have spoken on my behalf. Where I was hearing criticism and (what felt like) condescension, I am now hearing compliments and encouragement. That's a nice change.

My parents have said, "Don't say IF!" ("If I get through this semester." and "If I graduate.") Say, "When ..."

That reminds me of watching milk being poured into a plastic cup and waiting for just the right moment to say it's full enough.

"Say when!"

posted by jordanrep.com/10522 @ 9:56 AM