September isn't the only month for back to school

Yesterday after a talk with Jody, I decided to get in gear and just look all over the course selection on the school website for anything that I might be able to take. When I checked earlier, the choices were dismal. Most of everything I wanted to take, and everything I needed to take required a course in the fall semester making me out of luck. I decided that if I could find some courses to take in the winter I would. Although I'm still at a loss for what I want to do, I know I cannot stay home for another semester. I'm restless and miserable. I had planned not to go back to school unless I knew what I was doing, and I'm not all that sure I should be staying at the Mount. I do know, however, that since I've made this decision the cloud of dispair that has been hanging over my head has at least slightly diminished. I was very cautious with the courses that I picked, and where none are required courses for any direction I may take, I will be able to use them as credit toward a direction. With the help of Krystyna and Tawny I made the following course selections that I'm now registered in:

Introduction to Information Technology
An overview of microcomputer use. Topics covered may include terminology, computer hardware, computer ethics and the impact of technology on people. Students receive practical experience using an operating system, electronic mail and various packages that may include word processing, spreadsheet, database and presentation software.

Just the thought of that course makes me bored. However, should I decide to take a math major route, it is a required course so I have that base covered. Also I've been told by many people that it is an easy, low-maintence course. Can't beat that!

Social History of European Women from the Reformation to the Modern Day
A historical analysis of attitudes toward women from the Reformation to the modern day. Topics include historical demography of women, family life, different religious viewpoints, family law, birth control, witchcraft, education, women in revolutionary movements and the rise of the feminist movement.

Wow! I thought that this class sounded incredibly interesting, which is what I need. Also Tawny suggested I look into some women's studies courses and this is also listed as such (as well as a history course). I had it narrowed down to this or The History of Childhood: The American Experience. After talking to Krystyna (who was taught by both professors) we decided I would benefit more from the professor teaching this course. I would like her methods of teaching better, and would feel more comfortable approaching her. I should probably gain some experience writing essays, and Krystyna told me this professor will work with me to ensure I write what she's looking for.

Finite Mathematics
This course provides an introduction to the type of mathematics used in business, economics and the social sciences. Topics include: matrices, systems of linear equations, Gauss-Jordan elimination, linear programming, the simplex method, probability, Markov processes and game theory. Emphasis is on application.

I've been told one thing about this course: EASY! Which again, is what I'm aiming for. Also, I can use it for credit should I decide to major in math (it is not, however, a required course) so it's not a waste of time or money. I'm not sure about the professor for this course, I haven't heard anything about him. I went to the bookstore today to check out how much the book would be, $178!!! That's more expensive than the Calculus textbook! It better be a great learning tool!

Behaviour Modification
The study of the application of learning principles to address behavioural issues in a variety of settings. Examples are taken from clinical, institutional, home and community environments.

I had talked to Krystyna and Tawny and we thought that only three classes would be good enough for me, especially where I was taking a history course that will most likely require a lot of reading and essay writing. However, I thought I would just check out the Psych department and see what they were offering in the winter. In my second year I took an intro to psych class and I absolutely loved it. I was captivated by everything I learned and I kicked butt in that class. I was immediately taken with my professor as well from her personality to the way she teaches. In my three years of university she has been by far my favorite teacher. I had given up on getting into one of her classes this year as they always fill up fast. So imagine my shock when I saw she was teaching this class and there were two seats left! I thought that this was too good to be true! She might remember me and I'm used to her teaching methods. I registered, not 100% sure I'll take it, but just in case I decide I want to and am not left with a full class. I've always loved psych and part of me still wants to get into it. I especially love the behaviour aspect of it, so even if I don't go into Psychology, I have this class to take that I'm anticipating enjoying very much.

I have a lot of options open to me. I can go the math route, or the psychology route. I can go the general studies route as well if I want to. Also, the computer course comes in handy with either a psych or math major. My only concern is that I am still going to be part-time (because I only took one semester) so I won't be able to stop my student loan payments like I had hoped. So my dilemma now is should I drop a course or two because I won't be able to work as much and I'm going to have to pay bills? Or should I leave it as is? I don't really want to drop courses. We'll have to see how much money I get.

My next plan of action is to get my student loan application in the mail. It takes 4-6 weeks so I'm expecting word back by mid december at the latest, so I should get in in ASAP. The best part? I don't have classes until 1230 on Monday and Wednesday, 1030 on Tuesday and Thursday, and then I don't have classes at all on Fridays! This is the first year that's ever happened for me before and I'm so excited!

I think that is everything now. I'm very tired (I was too excited last night about registering today so I didn't get to sleep until after 3 and then worked the daycare!), so I'm going to go nap before I have to go to work. Any comments or advice you have on my plan of action, how many courses I'm taking, what courses I'm taking, etc. is well appreciated and you can leave me a comment if you like!

PS: And a BIG thank you to TAWNY for helping to dig me out of my pit of despair *wink*