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So remember when I made that big announcement about going back to schoool and then never mentioned it again? All things wedding took over for a few months, but now it’s time to start talking about it! Exactly one week from today, I will walk into my first class since I graduated from Penn State Behrend in 2007.
I know in the original post I said that I was starting in August, and taking only one class my first semester, but obviously, plans changed. Apparently there are so many students in my same position – working full time, and taking classes at night – that the school decided to build us our own curriculum. Now I’m starting October 1st, and taking three classes right off the bat! This is a little scary, but I guess I can always drop something if it becomes too much. I did already switch up my schedule a little, as they had me in a classroom three nights per week, and I knew I would get overwhelmed pretty quickly with that. Luckily, my friend Nikki is my recruiter, and she spoke to an advisor for me. They got it changed so I’m on the ground two nights, and the third class is online, so I can work on it whenever I want. I know this will be much easier for me to keep up with!
So here’s my new schedule:
Monday – Work from home 7-4, On-ground class 6-9:35
Tuesday – Work in office 7-4, On-ground class 6-9:35
Wednesday - Work from home 7-4
Thursday – Work in office 7-4
Friday – Work in office 7-4
As you can see, I’ll have plenty of time Wed-Fri to get my homework and online stuff done, as well as the occasional weekend, though I hope to keep those free. It also really helps that I work from home two days per week, so Tuesday will be the only day I’ll have to be downtown, literally, the entire day. Luckily, the two hours before class will give me time to work on homework in the school’s labs, which are full of giant iMacs. I’ll be in my own version of heaven :)
Basically, I’m super pumped to be starting this new endeavor. I’m only a little nervous to be back in the classroom and on a more strict schedule, but I’m pretty sure I can handle it. Afterall, first semester only goes until Christmas, and I hate to even mention this, but that is only 3 months away!
Now I just need to go back-to-school shopping for a couple cute notebooks, new pens, and a fantastic planner!
Any words of wisdom for a back-to-schooler? Any great planner recommendations?
{ 6 comments… read them below or add one }
Congrats! I’ve been back at school for almost a month and it’s definitely been an adjustment, but I’m going full-time and balancing work around it, which as been an interesting transition in time management.
My favorite planner is the Erin Condren Life Planners. I’m sure you’ve heard a lot about them already, but I like them a lot!
Thanks! I’m excited and nervous and a lot of other emotions all at the same time. I think it’ll be a really good thing though :)
I actually purchased an EC planner last year, but didn’t use it enough to justify the cost, because my non-student self tracks everything electronically! Now that I have an actual use for a paper planner, I might consider it again.
That’s so exciting! Great schedule. You can do this! Good luck!
Thanks Tracy!
I loved going back to school! First of all, good luck with it :) Secondly, your planner is your friend. As is making sure you make time to read books that you love that aren’t school books, and then make one day (or a few hours) on the weekend your designated homework time. I used to get up early (ugh) to get it done by noon so I could have the rest of my weekend, and no homework lording over me!
Hope it goes well for you, I’m sure you will kick butt :)
Thanks! I’m really enjoying it! Still getting used to actually having homework, but I’ve been keeping up with it so far!