First Tips, and a bit of a rant

I will confess that I am a bit of a perfectionist. My friends in high school may have used the terms, "brown noser," "teacher's pet," "geek," whatever. I don't see it that way. I just like to do the best I can and then try a little bit harder. I've always proscribed to the concept that "if it's worth doing, it's worth doing right." I've also always held onto the notion that my time is valuable, so keep it simple stupid.

Don't get me wrong, I'm not saying that if you don't get strait A's and aren't on the teacher's email list, than you are stupid or lazy. I am saying that if you want to take the time to go to college, at least put your best foot forward. Don't drag down the rest of your class because your week got too busy, or your head hurts too much to read the required material.

Something must have happened to cause me to make all of this public, right? Of course. I have been "going to college" for a little over a year now, that would be 13 completed courses. This also means sharing a virtual classroom with about 260 fellow distance learners. And countless hours searching through pages upon pages of poorly written, and sadly researched, discussion questions. I don't understand why some of my classmates are in college. They are not prepared, and rarely seem to be focused on their studies.

So, here are your first tips for college success:

If you are entering the virtual classroom for the first time, take it seriously. This is not a platform to advertise your services or promote your personal business. This is a classroom, where adults meet to expand their knowledge. You are most likely not a recently graduated high school senior, still finding yourself in this life. If you are going to take the time, energy, and money needed to get a college education, do your best and keep up with the class.

If you've been in the virtual classroom for some time, and find yourself struggling, buck up...take the reigns...get on the ball. Whatever it takes. Remember, you are in control of your own destiny. You have to make sure to give yourself enough time to complete the course work. This can mean bringing your text book to the bathroom (for those long visits :)), or toting your laptop to the park with your kids. WHATEVER it takes, do it! Otherwise you are wasting your money and time, and the time of others.

End of rant....I'm out!