back to school

I was the perfect student.  Disciplined.  Hard-working.  Curious. Striving for that A, and usually getting it.  I needed the affirmation.

I liked class projects.  Studying with others.  And the back-and forth of good discussion.  I was meant to be a student.  Although now, having not been one for over 30 years, I can’t say I miss it.  In fact, quite the opposite.  I feel my son’s angst when he has finals.  I fret over his papers (probably more than he does).  I am happy to be able to read some trashy novel instead of some fine piece of literature, if that’s what I’d prefer.  And I don’t at all miss the feeling of having to study when there is so much more I’d rather be doing.

I got the degrees I wanted and thought I was done with school.  Then I decide to get my real estate license and here I am again, back in school.  Sort of.

Today I spend four hours in front of my computer watching two YouTube videos on different selling techniques.  In the background I hear a news headline, “Sitting At Work For Hours Can Be As Unhealthy As Smoking.”

This is nothing like watching the hilarious YouTube videos I’m accustomed to clicking on. 

Jerry Seinfeld last night on Jimmy Fallon. http://www.newsday.com/entertainment/tv/tv-zone-1.811968/jerry-seinfeld-on-second-tonight-show-starring-jimmy-fallon-1.7130466. 

The baby that is moved to tears by her mom’s singing.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-A_jI7AIUUQ

Fake spokespeople auditions.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zxIsaCpLVso

No, the YouTube videos I watch today are of a totally different ilk.  A bunch of people sitting around a table listening to one guy lecture.

Still, I suppose it’s better than actually going to class.  I get to read through all five sections of today’s Times, answer emails, participate in a BAFTA conference call, play a few games of online Backgammon, indulge in many games of WWF, read some reviews of books I’m considering, moisturize my legs, eat lunch, and try a Korean collagen face mask sheet (by Naisture) that Robyn gave me.

Only 13 online classes left.  26 hours.  Then 10 on-site classes. 20 hours plus another 20 in transportation time.   15 problem sets to complete and exams to take and exercises to do and 25 open houses to see and evaluate.  My goodness.  And the reward?   At the end, I will be allowed to begin work, where I’m told it could easily take six months or more before I earn any money.

Still, I am optimistic that it’ll be worth it.  Man, I sure hope so.