School Is Now in Session

Aaaarrrrgggghhhh!!!!

I'm well into Week 2 of my first class. I've finished the readings, videos, and review, and now I'm looking at starting my assignment to be turned in by Monday. Last week's assignment took what seemed like for-e-v-e-r to read and analyze the data given us -- and that was beyond the weekly readings, etc. I learned a lot last week and am learning a lot this week, but I sure am exhausted. I try to work smarter, not harder . . . but so far it hasn't seemed to work. One problem I have encountered is that I have trouble working on the turn-in assignment in short bursts (a few minutes here, 20 minutes there, etc.). It takes me a while to get settled in and coordinate my thoughts to put on paper (so to speak), so if I only have a few minutes I barely start before I have to stop and move on to something else.

I sure hope one of the lessons I learn this course is to be able to use every moment rather than just those that all come together!

On top of all this, I need to schedule, study for, and take the GRE. I have always had trouble taking tests of any kind. From Kindergarten through finally completing my bachelors, having to take a test or exam throws me into a tailspin. I know the information; I just cannot get it out of my brain and show on paper (or computer) that I know it so I can get a grade. The end-of-course exams nearly made me quit school over and over again. Perhaps that's why I find high-stakes testing reprehensible and unconscionable.