Getting ready for a new semester—
it’s been crazy
Aug. 21, 2008
I have literally been running around like a mad woman for the last two
weeks. Getting prepared for the upcoming fall semester and trying to
adequately prepare my children for school has driven me bananas. These
school supply lists are more and more extreme. The lists include
requests for baby wipes, zip lock bags, four dozen pencils, etc. What
are you gonna do with baby wipes for first graders? I spent well over
$150 on school supplies this year, and none of the supplies were for
me. Unfortunately, this semester I waited until the last minute to
register for classes, and it has been a nightmare for me. Trying to pick
classes that will work with my work schedule and my children's school
schedule has been really difficult. Moraine offers a variety of night
classes to accommodate adult learners, but I had the hardest time making
them coincide with my varying schedule.
Well, I eventually worked it out and I will be attending night classes
at Moraine at least four nights a week. My last challenge will be to
conquer the last-minute bookstore shoppers on Saturday.
I have to get back to work, so I will talk to you guys later.
Summer break
June 11, 2008
I am so happy to have finished this semester strong. I got three A's and
one C. That would be equivalent to a 3.5 GPA. I have to be honest, that
class was really challenging and there was a lot of work. For the
summer, I plan on continuing at my job and relaxing. I am not attending
summer school this semester because the classes I needed conflicted with
my work schedule. However, I do have plans for the summer. My cousin is
getting married this August, and I will be going to New Orleans to
celebrate his marriage and my birthday. I will consider this to be my
vacation for 2008, and I will be able to relax and spend quality time
with my family. I am looking forward to touring New Orleans post-
Katrina to see how much the city has changed. Before Katrina, I visited
New Orleans, and I remember a city that was beautiful and full of life.
In my next post, I will discuss my vacation and how the wonderful city
has changed.
Until next time, Nesha.
Staying focused!
April 14, 2008
I know that it has been a while since I last posted, but I just wanted
to give everyone an update. I am doing a wonderful job this spring
semester! So far I think I have three A's and one B. Believe me, it
hasn’t been easy though. Working a new job and all of the activities
with my kids has really kept me busy. It seems like the closer I get to
accomplishing my goal, the harder my assignments become.
I have had to write all kinds of 14-page papers, ranging from Philosophy
of Religion to Art Appreciation. This has definitely been a challenge,
and I believe that it hasn’t been anything that I can’t handle. This
semester has been different because I have had to wisely manage my time
with the kids and my school work so that I could stay on top of my
grades. It seems as though I haven’t had any time for myself. I am truly
looking forward to summer break. Wait a minute...I don’t know why I am
looking forward to it—I am enrolling in classes for the summer! I keep
telling myself, YOU ARE ALMOST FINISHED! So I am going to keep my eyes
on the prize and stay focused. Until next time.
Getting ready to graduate
Dec. 19, 2007
My experience at Moraine Valley is slowly but surely coming to an end. I
finished this semester strong with a grade point average of 3.66!
Maintaining a high grade point average not only helps me obtain my
goals, but it also helps motivate my kids. They see me doing well in
school and it encourages them to do the same. I am very proud of myself
and I am finally experiencing feelings of relaxation. Unfortunately,
these feelings aren’t here to stay…… I had to hurry up and register for
next semester and once again I will be taking on a full load. The good
news is that all five classes will be taken online. Therefore, I will be
able to finish pursuing my education and work at the same time. I am
really looking forward to this semester because it will definitely be
one of my most challenging semesters at Moraine. I will be taking
philosophy, art appreciation, math, juvenile delinquency and state/local
government. Just wanted to give you an update on what’s been going on
with me… Happy Holidays, Nesha
My visit to a synagogue
Nov. 15, 2007
This week in my World Religion class, we had a special assignment. We
were required to attend a house of worship that was not of our own. I
knew nothing about Jewish people or their culture, so I decided to visit
a Jewish synagogue. I decided to call before I showed up, to see if
there was a specific dress code and to see what time services began. It
was a wonderful experience! Unfortunately, the service was predominately
held in Hebrew. But I was able to follow the songs that were sung in
English. The sanctuary was full of colors and the members were very
welcoming. At the end of service, they had a bagel and Bible session.
This was exciting because I was able to introduce myself and interact
with parishioners. I am so grateful to be enrolled in this class because
it has taught me about religions from all over the world.
My first entry
Oct. 8, 2007
My experience at The 2007 LaSalle Bank Marathon
Outside of all of the homework I have this semester, I still
manage to find time to relax, relate, and release. Unfortunately,
this wasn’t one of those weekends. I had to choose whether to
study for my Earth Science and Math classes or go to the
marathon. I guess you already know which one I chose. I attended
the 2007 marathon on one of the hottest days in Chicago. The
heat was blazing hot, and you could just see the sweat glistening
off of the bodies of the athletes. The competitors were all
sizes, ages, races, and countries.
The race created a wonderful and diverse atmosphere in the heart
of downtown Chicago. I am literally mesmerized by the dedication
and commitment these athletes possessed on that race course. Not
only do you have to be physically prepared, but you have to be
mentally ready as well. The marathon encompassed the city,
starting at Millennium Park and going as far north as Wrigley
Field. I don’t know if I would have been able to walk 26 miles,
let alone run it! During the race, I was able to sneak in a few
chapters for math, and I’m still working on Earth Science. LOL!
I guess that I do have one thing in common with the athletes, and
it is the dedication factor. I am totally dedicated this
semester to having a challenging and successful Fall 07 while
still maintaining a high grade point average. ENDURANCE,
PERSEVERANCE, AND COMMITMENT are all attributes that I am trying
to embrace.
