SLP 101

This semester started with a bang, that’s for sure.
I am taking two upper level Psy classes (one isn’t even technically Psy -it’s Cognitive Neuroscience), an Elementary Statistics class (I’m horrible at Math), and a Social & Cultural Change class (that should be called “Creating Activists From Scratch”).

I am attempting to balance memorizing advanced neuroanatomy, formulating a behavior modification experiment, struggling through regression lines and correlation coefficients (I know that sounds ridiculous, but I would take upper level ANYTHING, any day, over any type of Math), and creating an unofficial student organization whose mission is to educate the public about the Modern Midwifery Movement and push the necessary legislature.

For many students, I’m sure that doesn’t sound like much. However, I work 30+ hours a week, and am new to taking a full semester of anything, let alone upper level classes.

I will admit, I have been a lazy student up until now. I had no idea what I wanted to do with myself, so I didn’t care. Every semester felt like a complete waste of time, until I discovered Linguistics (and slowly but surely found my way to the prospect of Speech Pathology). Mind you, I’ve maintained a 3.5ish GPA throughout college, but I’ve always been pretty good about half-assing my way to A’s. Not something I’m proud of, because - while I apparently test well - I didn’t develop good study skills or information retention. Those deficits are obstacles for me now, now matter how much time I spend on coursework and no matter how much dedication I have.

Anyway, on top of a full school semester and working full time, I’m trying to balance a social life, spending time with my fiance, and attempting to care for my dog. Recently she had bloodwork done, the results of which didn’t look so good. The vet isn’t sure what’s wrong yet, it’s a long story. In any case, I’m trying to make her as healthy as possible. I don’t have free time as it is, so I have to cut into schoolwork to play with her and make her homemade dog food.

For my college years up until now, I’ve had a lot of fun skating by in school, partying, hanging out with friends, chillin with my fiance, and otherwise lazing around. I’ve turned a new leaf… I feel that I’ve outgrown that stage in my life, because doing those things just doesn’t feel the same anymore. I don’t relate to the undergraduate population anymore. I feel SO good getting involved in school and thinking/planning seriously for my future. I haven’t had bouts of depression or anxiety in quite some time, and I usually get issues with that every month or so. I’m stressed, yes, but I feel satisfied with my life.

Literally not having enough hours in my day, that’s a new experience.
Feeling like I’m making a difference and doing something good in the world - even though my activist group is very small and new. That’s a new experience.
Realizing that I *need* to learn these concepts not just for the good grade, but because I’ll be using this information on the job? That’s a new experience.
Feeling stressed and worried in a completely new way…in a way that’s not associated with depression or anxiety? A new, wonderful experience.
Feeling like I’m growing and changing without having “gotten away from here”? :D Awesome.

Just some disorganized reflections on life right now…