The last time I was enrolled in university was 13 years ago.  A lot has changed since then.  Gone are the days when you use to take notes with pen and paper.  Now, the professors post all notes and assignments on a secure network for the university students.  If I want notes from a certain class, I just go online and print off a copy…brilliant!!!  Overhead projectors are becoming extinct as well.  They are usually sitting in the corner collecting dust while the professors use a projector system linked to their computers.  There are also facebook groups for some of my classes.  Students can go to the group and share information and resources.  It is absolutely amazing the things you can do when it comes to technology.

Today was my first day of school.  I have five classes in total and each class is once a week and 3 hrs long.  I had 2 classes back to back which resulted in a 6hr day for me (with a 20 min break for each 3 hr class).  But the time flew by and both classes and both profs are amazing.  I find my classes more interactive than any other university classes I have taken.  We have small class sizes too, so it’s easy to get to know everyone.  Out of the two classes, I have 2 group presentations, 3 individual projects, reading assignments and some short written assignments.  We only have 8 classes until practicum, so they are jamming everything in.  I am certainly going to have to fine tune my time management and organizational skills.  I still have 3 more classes to attend this week, so I’m going to try and get an early start on things.

When you think of teaching, several images come into mind; books, pencils, erasers, chalk boards and…..apples.  Today was my orientation day for my education program.  It was good to finally meet my fellow peers and professors.  There were a few ice breakers and then we played the Ed-mazing race.  It was a fun and very informational day.  I think the coolest part of the day is when each of the 94 education students received (among other things) an apple.  What a great way to welcome a student to the world of teaching.  From what I heard today, it’s going to be ALOT of time and work.  I am definitely up for the challenge and I can’t wait to start classes on Monday.

I finally received my course information package in the mail.  I’ve been waiting for weeks.  I was able to preregister for all my courses.  So far classes will be mon, thurs and fri.  Sounds good to me!  There is also an orientation the week before classes begin.  I’m really looking forward to meeting my fellow classmates and professors.

Some people dread school, but I’ve always loved school.  I have seven years of university and college to prove it.  The next two years will bring it up to a grand total of nine years and eventually I would like to get my masters degree.  The sky’s the limit!

I received my acceptance letter for the Bachelor of Education program I applied to in January.  To say I’m “happy” is an understatment!  There were over 600 applicants to the program this year and they only accept 65-75 students.  I am so thrilled and shocked, that I don’t think reality has set in yet.  At 36 years of age, I’ll be heading back to university and I couldn’t be more excited.  Since leaving my full time job in December, the last few months have been a whirl wind.  I have been “guest” teaching or substitute teaching the last few weeks and I absolutely love it.  The B.Ed program is at a local university so my travel time will be only 45 minutes one way.  I travelled the same route for 3 years while I worked at a call centre, so the drive does not bother me at all.  I’m sure I could do it with my eyes closed.

So now, I’m officially on the journey I’ve always dreamed of.  I have been wanting to apply to this particular program for years and did apply a few years back.  I was even called for an interview, but I declined because the time just wasn’t right.  I guess everything happens for a reason.  I am one very lucky girl and don’t think for a minute I’m not thankful!!!