OT - off to uni I go.....
Submitted: Wednesday, Feb 13, 2008 at 07:59
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Al & Mrs Al - Al & Lyn, Romsey
In a couple of weeks I go back to uni full time after a break of 21 years. I am going back to La Trobe in Bundoora where I graduated with a BA and I've noticed a few changes.
Back in 1985 when I first enrolled as a
young idealistic socialist, uni was exciting, I joined the student union [I had to, had no choice] I remember when I first went I wondered how long it would be before I would join my first student protest......I studied politics I thought I could change the world, the union building was a hot spot for radicals and dope smoking; one day I told Austen Tayshus where to go [he was lost and I pointed him in the right direction :)], there used to be a co-op where you could buy vegetables and mung beans cheap. I remember taking an instant dislike to a guy in one of my tutes because he drove an audi and went to Europe skiing on his summer break. I met Dr Jim
Cairns and the actor Graeme Blundell and thought it couldn't get any better than this, life was good.
Now in 2008 I am able to look at Uni with older wiser eyes. The student union is gone, it is now a guild and is optional [I joined up again] the buildings are the same, the smell is the same and I noticed the other day when I was there, they are still protesting they still look idealistic and they all look
young. The facilities have improved, no need to go the union for a cuppa, and secondary dope smoke, there's a juice bar in the Agora and an Indian restaurant, the book
shop has computers with internet access and there's a hairdresser where you can get a fake tan. I am not studying politics, but education, I'm not sure if I'll go on any protests...depends what the protest is about, the bar is still in the union so I might have to drag myself over there...the biggest change now is that...23 years ago, I had no direction, I plodded along, got my degree, got a job and plodded along again..this time I go with a purpose and a goal, my life has changed dramatically, somewhere along the way I grew up.
Lyn
PS...and now I'd really like to drive an Audi TT
Reply By: Willem - Wednesday, Feb 13, 2008 at 08:08
Wednesday, Feb 13, 2008 at 08:08
Good on ya Mrs Al.
You a Socialist? My,my, how things have changed over the years. Marrying a Capatalist must have swung the pendulum.....hahaha
All mirth aside, we hope you have a wonderful time renewing the brain cells.
love
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Follow Up By: Al & Mrs Al - Al & Lyn, Romsey - Wednesday, Feb 13, 2008 at 08:17
Wednesday, Feb 13, 2008 at 08:17
I didn't say I wasn't a socialist now...hahaha...
Thanks Willie, I intend to have a ball....
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Follow Up By: Kev & Darkie - Wednesday, Feb 13, 2008 at 09:05
Wednesday, Feb 13, 2008 at 09:05
Willem,
A Socialist and a wannba Politician ha ha ha
| Russell Coight:
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Follow Up By: Al & Mrs Al - Al & Lyn, Romsey - Wednesday, Feb 13, 2008 at 11:15
Wednesday, Feb 13, 2008 at 11:15
Kev, not interested in being a politician...good on you for going for the degree...more doors will open..
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Reply By: Mike Harding - Wednesday, Feb 13, 2008 at 08:10
Wednesday, Feb 13, 2008 at 08:10
Good post Lyn :)
>they are still protesting they still look idealistic and they all
>look
young.
Stir 'em up Lyn, keep 'em protesting and encourage their idealism (they will loose it soon enough) if the
young don't seek change and wish to overturn some of their parents values then where the hell is change ever going to come from?
>somewhere along the way I grew up.
I know! It's a bugger isn't it :( although I'm doing my best not to :)
Mike Harding
PS. Yes! They damn
well do look
young!
PPS. Good luck with the course.
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Follow Up By: Al & Mrs Al - Al & Lyn, Romsey - Wednesday, Feb 13, 2008 at 08:25
Wednesday, Feb 13, 2008 at 08:25
Thanks Mike!
I'm looking forward to sharing lectures and tutes with people half my age...it'll be an interesting challenge...it's amazing how you look at the world differently.
Growing up is a bugga...so is being responsible...ah well...
thanks for the good luck wishes....I hope i don't make a goat of myself :))
Lyn
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Reply By: Nick R (VIC) - Wednesday, Feb 13, 2008 at 08:51
Wednesday, Feb 13, 2008 at 08:51
hope you have someone to look after the kids for O week, that has not changed either I reckon, If you get into it you will be unable to care for them then!!!!
Maybe you have grown up since the last time???
Nick
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Follow Up By: Al & Mrs Al - Al & Lyn, Romsey - Wednesday, Feb 13, 2008 at 08:57
Wednesday, Feb 13, 2008 at 08:57
LOL ....ah O'week!
because I'm doing a post grad, I only have an O" day - next Tues...though..I checked out the timetable...I might pop over for a couple of other things as well...hahaha...
Lyn
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Reply By: Kev & Darkie - Wednesday, Feb 13, 2008 at 09:09
Wednesday, Feb 13, 2008 at 09:09
Welcome back to the house of pain :))
I have just been requested to do even more study at works expense to get a Degree instead of the Associate Diploma. So it looks like I will be studying via correspondence for yet another 2 years and not 4 months :(
Have fun and don't stress :))
Cheers Kev
| Russell Coight:
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Follow Up By: Member - JohnR (Vic)&Kath - Wednesday, Feb 13, 2008 at 11:03
Wednesday, Feb 13, 2008 at 11:03
Then mate, do your Masters in something. Why not?
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Follow Up By: Member - Bucky (VIC) - Wednesday, Feb 13, 2008 at 14:35
Wednesday, Feb 13, 2008 at 14:35
Dont worry kev...I start officially tomorrow and will be going for a good 6 yrs!!!!!
Laura....not bucky!!
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Follow Up By: Kev & Darkie - Friday, Feb 15, 2008 at 09:30
Friday, Feb 15, 2008 at 09:30
You will go even longer if you fail a subject Kiwi ;))
Cheers Kev
| Russell Coight:
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Reply By: Member - Doug T (FNQ) - Wednesday, Feb 13, 2008 at 09:25
Wednesday, Feb 13, 2008 at 09:25
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Follow Up By: Al & Mrs Al - Al & Lyn, Romsey - Wednesday, Feb 13, 2008 at 09:45
Wednesday, Feb 13, 2008 at 09:45
LOL!
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Reply By: Member - JohnR (Vic)&Kath - Wednesday, Feb 13, 2008 at 09:36
Wednesday, Feb 13, 2008 at 09:36
Well written Lyn, but then you were uni educated. LOL I am sure being a post grad student is different, but then I woudn't know, never being a
young idealistic student. I just had friends who were.
Enjoy your learining, I always have and just know you have too.
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Follow Up By: Des Lexic - Wednesday, Feb 13, 2008 at 10:05
Wednesday, Feb 13, 2008 at 10:05
Firstly best wishes Loretta for the studies.
Secondly John. For a bloke who has a Latin tag on his Avatar and your spelling of "Learning" or did you mean "Leering" puts me in a perplexed quandry. LOL
I'm sure Lyn is there for the learning but you and I would be there for the Leering.
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Follow Up By: Member - JohnR (Vic)&Kath - Wednesday, Feb 13, 2008 at 10:52
Wednesday, Feb 13, 2008 at 10:52
The Latin is the learning still for me, as for your leering Mr Lexic, please don't mis-judge others to your standards. LOL I may just hide behind the darkened lenses outside, as you can't see the squint and lines around the eyes.
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Follow Up By: Al & Mrs Al - Al & Lyn, Romsey - Wednesday, Feb 13, 2008 at 11:11
Wednesday, Feb 13, 2008 at 11:11
LOL...you two...
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Follow Up By: Nick R (VIC) - Wednesday, Feb 13, 2008 at 19:54
Wednesday, Feb 13, 2008 at 19:54
gee mr R, after studying Lyn might be able to decypher our latin sayings......
mr Lexic hasn't yet
haha
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Follow Up By: Al & Mrs Al - Al & Lyn, Romsey - Thursday, Feb 14, 2008 at 07:38
Thursday, Feb 14, 2008 at 07:38
Johns is something like...in the old days children like you were left to die on windy hills...
and yours Nick...is that a scoll in your toga, or are you just happy to see me..hahaha...
Atque memento, nulli adsunt Romanorum qui locutionem tuam corrigant
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Follow Up By: Nick R (VIC) - Thursday, Feb 14, 2008 at 08:51
Thursday, Feb 14, 2008 at 08:51
very good lyn, there aren't these days are there......
google is your friend
how about
Quantum materiae materietur marmota monax si marmota monax materiam possit materiari?
but remember
Noli nothis permittere te terere.
Nick
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Reply By: Footloose - Wednesday, Feb 13, 2008 at 14:20
Wednesday, Feb 13, 2008 at 14:20
Hopefully you'll find the experience a fruitful one.
Certainly you should find a difference between being an undergrad and a grad, they usually try and treat you as a human being :)
I do hope that you don't have to suffer the "degree mill" situation, where the lecture theatres and tuits are overcrowded, and full of part time workers trying to fit everything in.
Places where the depth of your pockets is as important as the depth of your understanding.
Places where the staff is stretched so thin that you sometimes wonder if they don't magically disappear into a crack somewhere when you most need them.
Also be aware that your capacity to socialize, drink and have fun might now be constrained by your age:) You don't pull too many "all nighters" when you get over about 30 or so. At least I couldn't, and I tried my hardest!
You might well find that most students these days are more concerned with making ends meet than organizing demonstrations.
However, it's better than distance ed, where you have to organize your resources, and often go to expensive lengths to do so. Where you have to do "residentials' a couple of times a year, and meet with your fellow students. I'm sure that you know the drill.
Have a wonderful time, because it's unlikely that you'll enjoy yourself as much when you graduate and get into a school.
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Follow Up By: Al & Mrs Al - Al & Lyn, Romsey - Wednesday, Feb 13, 2008 at 17:27
Wednesday, Feb 13, 2008 at 17:27
Hi Footloose
already we've been told that we'll be treated differently being post grads...there are 200+ enrolled...I wonder how many will still be there at the end of the year...I hope I will be, I don't know my timetable as yet, and I wish I did because I now have a family to juggle. As for all nighters..I could probably still manage a few...I've learned over time that wiping yourself off is not a good thing - esp the next day so prefer to pace myself somewhat...
I have done a few courses via distance ed so I hear what you're saying..and yes they can be a pain.
I intend to enjoy this year even though it'll be hard, and I intend to enjoy everyday beyond...one thing that I've learned is that there are no guarantees in this life so make the most of each day...I aim to do that.
Lyn
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Follow Up By: Footloose - Wednesday, Feb 13, 2008 at 17:59
Wednesday, Feb 13, 2008 at 17:59
Lyn, may I wish you the very best luck with it. Sounds like you're doing the Dip. Ed. That shouldn't be too taxing...except for the time away from study...don't expect to learn much about reality if that's the case LOL
I think that the right attitude, which you obviously have, is worth at least 50% of your total mark.
Yep, spent far too much time out of my life on the edumacational treadmill. It had its moments. I now have a suitcase full of bits of paper that say how wonderful I am...what rot.
I have far too many stories to tell of my times as a student so I'll just tell one.
I can remember one graduation (one of the few I didn't do "in absentia" )where a lady came up to me, gave me a hug and said "we'll have to keep in touch."...the problem was I still don't have a clue who she was!
I certainly hadn't been "in touch" with her or any other ladies there :)
My wife thought it was quite funny.
I have to admit I miss those days, being able to sharpen the mind through working my mental tail off.
Have fun.
Cheers
Footy
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Follow Up By: Al & Mrs Al - Al & Lyn, Romsey - Wednesday, Feb 13, 2008 at 18:07
Wednesday, Feb 13, 2008 at 18:07
Hi Footy
yep a dip ed in primary teaching....it'll be taxing enough I'm sure as this time I'm a wife and mum as well...but...it'll be worthwhile in the end....
You must have made an impression :) even if you weren't aware of it...
thanks I shall have fun
Lyn
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Follow Up By: Footloose - Wednesday, Feb 13, 2008 at 18:27
Wednesday, Feb 13, 2008 at 18:27
Lyn, I certainly hope that it works out well for you, both the degree and the profession.
I have a friend who I assisted through Uni in that area. She's married etc now, and still rings and emails me.
At first it was all "you were wrong, and I know better."
Now it's "oh well maybe I can retrain." LOL
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Follow Up By: Nick R (VIC) - Wednesday, Feb 13, 2008 at 19:56
Wednesday, Feb 13, 2008 at 19:56
hey lyn Timboon could use a good teacher or 3
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Follow Up By: Al & Mrs Al - Al & Lyn, Romsey - Thursday, Feb 14, 2008 at 07:22
Thursday, Feb 14, 2008 at 07:22
Thanks Nick, I'll keep that in mind :)
Footy...I am retraining..hahha...so perhaps I'll look at it from a different angle...I don't plan to change the world, but I hope at the very least I do something that makes me feel that I've done something worthwhile.
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Reply By: Member - DAZA (QLD) - Wednesday, Feb 13, 2008 at 17:51
Wednesday, Feb 13, 2008 at 17:51
Hi Lyn
I hope you do well with your endeavours,you only get out of life
what you put in to it, or as my
Cook / Wife says their are doers
and watchers.
Cheers
Daza.
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Follow Up By: Al & Mrs Al - Al & Lyn, Romsey - Wednesday, Feb 13, 2008 at 18:01
Wednesday, Feb 13, 2008 at 18:01
Hi Daza
I aim to be a doer...
thanks
Lyn
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Reply By: mike w (WA) - Wednesday, Feb 13, 2008 at 23:11
Wednesday, Feb 13, 2008 at 23:11
Lyn,
good luck with the study. I made the change and went to uni full time last year. Great year, expanded the mind, built the hecs debt a bit more. It Can be a testing and stressful time, especially if balancing study and family, but just remember to make time for yourself and your family, your sanity will thank you for it.
The guilds, although voluntary, are worth it. It supports a good cause (providing they are a proactive), and some of the benefits available (guild member discounts on food, books, stationary etc etc) pay for themselves. Our guild used to put on $1 hotdog days-$3 and you wont need to eat for the rest of the week!!
Have fun
Mike
P.S. We had quite a few more 'mature' students in our course, I tell you, they know how to give the youngens a run for their money at the tav ;)
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Reply By: Member - barbara M (NSW) - Friday, Feb 15, 2008 at 09:17
Friday, Feb 15, 2008 at 09:17
Dear Lyn,
Best of luck with your studies I managed to do primary education degree by distance ed. and sometimes I wondered if it had any relevence at all. The most effective training I had for teaching was being a mother to 3 children. The most eye opening experience was realising that my children were in the minority having the upbringing and the experiences that they had. Best of luck not only with your degree but also in gaining employment as here in NSW there are hardly any jobs for primary teachers which is fine for me but I feel very sorry for the
young graduates who tick all the boxes to go west and still there are no permanent positions. For some even if they get the medal for the highest pass. Go For It Barb
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