With Pleasure Comes Pain

23 June 2004 µ 9:43 pm
Step 1 to finishing

I took the plunge.

Today I started looking at universities to finish my degree. I was starting to get sick of the ladies at work harassing me about it and have been seeing “signs” that perhaps the time has come. Later, while perched on my deck writing some things for work, I talked briefly to my brother who told me that he had just signed up for classes at a local college. The thought hit me, “If he can do it… then why in the hell can’t I?”

So, I went inside, grabbed the phone, looked up the number for “adults going back to school counseling” and called. I felt like a moron, “I don’t know what I have to do, but I want to finish…where do I start?” I was transferred to about three different people, when finally one counselor was ready to counsel me. She told me that “walk-ins” were permitted and that someone would be available if I wanted to stop in tonight. I kept thinking to myself, “I have this mental momentum – if I don’t go now, I never will.” So, I asked for directions and immediately hopped into the car, hands shaking just a bit from nerves and stomach on the edge of releasing all of its contents.

Upon arrival, I was thoroughly lost. I had forgotten what mazes campuses can be. Eventually, after stopping to read several signs (me ask for directions again – you must be kidding!), I found my destination – the career/college planning center. I went inside and told the girl that I was there to meet with a counselor. Her response: “You have to have an appointment.” I was flabbergasted. “I just talked to Counselor, and she told me I could walk in – that someone would be available to meet with me.” She didn’t smile, “You have to have an appointment. This isn’t how we do things.” I stuttered a bit, with the feeling of instant regret (i.e. drama) hitting me straight in the face – I wondered if it was a sign that this was a mistake. I didn’t want to break my momentum, not while I had it. “Why would Counselor tell me to come in if I couldn’t?” Finally, the girl obliged and told me to sit – that it would be 30 minutes.

My luck kicked in. Within 10 minutes, the counselor I had spoken to had a cancellation and called down to see if I had come in. Luckily, the boy sitting with the girl was smart enough to realize that I was whom she was referencing. I was sent up to see her.

We spoke briefly and off I went. I then proceeded to try my hand at filling in little circles with a number 2 pencil – inventorying my interests and determining my personality. Apparently, these two things combined can help me plan a career path that is best suited. Sounds better than floundering, eh?

So, in two weeks, I should expect a call, at which point I will discuss the results with the counselor. I’m a bit nervous about the whole thing – it’s been seven years since I’ve been in a classroom (outside of training for work). But, post this counseling, I’m going to sign up for Spring Semester somewhere. I’m really curious if politics will pop-up… but we shall see.

I’ve told three people so far, and all three have been very supportive of me, even going so far as to say that’s the best news they’ve heard in awhile. I only hope I keep up the momentum and follow through.

	23 June 2004 µ 9:43 pm Step 1 to finishing I took the plunge. Today I started looking at universities to finish my degree. I was starting to get sick of the ladies at work harassing me about it and have been seeing “signs” that perhaps the time has come. Later, while perched on my deck writing some things for work, I talked briefly to my brother who told me that he had just signed up for classes at a local college. The thought hit me, “If he can do it… then why in the hell can’t I?” So, I went inside, grabbed the phone, looked up the number for “adults going back to school counseling” and called. I felt like a moron, “I don’t know what I have to do, but I want to finish…where do I start?” I was transferred to about three different people, when finally one counselor was ready to counsel me. She told me that “walk-ins” were permitted and that someone would be available if I wanted to stop in tonight. I kept thinking to myself, “I have this mental momentum – if I don’t go now, I never will.” So, I asked for directions and immediately hopped into the car, hands shaking just a bit from nerves and stomach on the edge of releasing all of its contents. Upon arrival, I was thoroughly lost. I had forgotten what mazes campuses can be. Eventually, after stopping to read several signs (me ask for directions again – you must be kidding!), I found my destination – the career/college planning center. I went inside and told the girl that I was there to meet with a counselor. Her response: “You have to have an appointment.” I was flabbergasted. “I just talked to Counselor, and she told me I could walk in – that someone would be available to meet with me.” She didn’t smile, “You have to have an appointment. This isn’t how we do things.” I stuttered a bit, with the feeling of instant regret (i.e. drama) hitting me straight in the face – I wondered if it was a sign that this was a mistake. I didn’t want to break my momentum, not while I had it. “Why would Counselor tell me to come in if I couldn’t?” Finally, the girl obliged and told me to sit – that it would be 30 minutes. My luck kicked in. Within 10 minutes, the counselor I had spoken to had a cancellation and called down to see if I had come in. Luckily, the boy sitting with the girl was smart enough to realize that I was whom she was referencing. I was sent up to see her. We spoke briefly and off I went. I then proceeded to try my hand at filling in little circles with a number 2 pencil – inventorying my interests and determining my personality. Apparently, these two things combined can help me plan a career path that is best suited. Sounds better than floundering, eh? So, in two weeks, I should expect a call, at which point I will discuss the results with the counselor. I’m a bit nervous about the whole thing – it’s been seven years since I’ve been in a classroom (outside of training for work). But, post this counseling, I’m going to sign up for Spring Semester somewhere. I’m really curious if politics will pop-up… but we shall see. I’ve told three people so far, and all three have been very supportive of me, even going so far as to say that’s the best news they’ve heard in awhile. I only hope I keep up the momentum and follow through.
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