Sunday, November 8, 2009

So Long, Farewell...





Hello All,

Since this is the last blog post of the semester (I think), I want to use it to reflect a little bit. I am thinking about deleting this entire blog after it's been graded. I have a personal blog that I update. There, I'm completely anonymous and I like it that way. This blog is a little too personal for me to share with strangers and cyber-friends, so it may have to go. I've enjoyed keeping this blog. It has definitely come in handy when I needed feedback and encouragement. I only hope that I was as helpful with my comments to my classmates, as their comments were for me.

Since my very first post was about my apprehension concerning my first semester at LSUS, I figured it would be only fitting to write this blog about the lessons I've learned since the beginning of the semester.

Lesson One: Leave home (I live in Minden) two hours before class starts. From my home, it takes me approximately an hour to get to LSUS. However, with traffic, detours, and the unexpected, I have often been very pressed for time. When I leave home at 10:00 for my 12:00 class, I am able to take my time, pick up lunch or run an errand, get a great parking space in front of the building, and still have time to look over my notes. Being early is always better than being late.

Lesson Two: Ask your classmates what classes they have taken, and what they think of the professor who taught it. This goes a long way when choosing classes in the future. Exchanging information with people who know about a class first-hand has factored into the classes I'll take next semester, and what professor I chose to take them under.

Lesson Three: Get to know your advisor. My advisor has spared me from many headaches and sleepless nights. She has planned my schedule for the rest of my time at LSUS. There is no guesswork. I just have to register for the classes she's mapped out, and I'll graduate on time. She's the best!

Lesson Four: Wait until the first day of class before you buy your books. This semester I had to return two books because the class didn't require them. Next semester I'll wait until I get the class syllabus before I buy my books.

Lesson Five: Having a break between classes isn't so bad. This semester, on Monday's and Wednesday's I have a 45 minute gap between my two classes. At the beginning of the semester I thought it was a pain in the behind. I just wanted to get the day over with and go home. But as the semester went on, I loved having 45 minutes (sometimes longer than that, depending on what time my first class ended) to run to Walmart, grab some lunch, or look over my notes. This lapse in my day has proved to be very handy.

I'm sure I've learned hundreds of lessons these past few months, these are just a few. I've really enjoyed this class. I've enjoyed writing, and reading my classmates work. I've enjoyed Ms. Smith's updates and forum posts, and I've enjoyed reading about the day-to-day life of my classmates. I have a feeling I'm really going to miss this class next semester.

Be Well Everyone,
Kourtney Washington

P.S.- Enjoy the goodbye video I've posted above. The Sound of Music is one of my favorite movies, and I couldn't resist posting this video. It's corny, but then again, so am I.

7 comments:

Christie said...

I have personally experienced all of those lessons as well...good stuff. I'm so relieved the end of the semester is coming up...next semester will be tough too, but at least I'll have a month break. I love The Sound of Music, btw!

kkeys said...

I have enjoyed your blog, I found it to be very interesting and relatable. The things that you learned are valuable, I learned those awhile ago, especially about the books and asking about classes in advance. I am glad this semester is about to be over, now I only have to make it through one more. I hope you enjoy the rest of your time at LSUS!

Anonymous said...

I like how you ended your blog; great last post! I think I might "borrow" your idea by giving some study habits that I learned this semester on my last post (maybe). I love The Sound of Music too!

Jonathan said...

Wow, you have to drive a long way to get to school! I don't even like the drive from Bossier!

Bhibbakyalibnan said...

Wow, I thought my drive from W. Shreveport was a pain! I won't be complaining about that anymore.

I'm glad you shared the lessons you've learned this semester. My adviser isn't much help, but that's just because I have my schedule planned all the way out. To find out more about your professors, go to ratemyprofessors.com. That's the best way to find out info about your future teachers. :)

Nivine A. Eng226

WateryPhoenix said...

Love the song =P I will miss reading your posts, but I understand your reason for not wanting to keep it up. You learned some great lessons, and I agree with all of them =P

Good luck with your college life! And with everything afterwards! <3

dotsmom said...

Kourtney,

As always, interesting and informative. "The Sound of Music" is a fave--I love musicals. I have the soundtrack to "South Pacific" in my car's cd player at this moment.

Good luck! Stay in touch.

K. Smith
Eng. 226