Last Friday night, I was looking at blogs for ideas on how to decorate children's rooms. While doing so, I got really upset and frustrated seeing all of the patterns, color, business and clutter in people's homes. I wondered how children could sleep in such a chaotic atmosphere. I almost laughed aloud as I realized that these photos portrayed exactly why I was drawn to the idea of being a "minimalist." However, I am not a minimalist; I could not live without cars or lots of tupperware. Anyway, the whole thought processed triggered a huge flashback to my years in college - particularly that of my sophomore year, though I am going to include more stories. I laughed aloud as I remembered what my world consisted of during that time, and I thought you might enjoy learning a little more about me through my stories/memories as so many quirky things popped into my mind. I often thought that because I chose to live at home and go to school, I had a less-than-real university experience. But I am absolutely positive that my university experience was life-changing and real in every sense. I also divided my college years into pre-mission and post mission. In other words - the time leading up to my associates degree, and then bachelor's degree/marriage/grad-school. Here goes (in random order).1. I can't remember how this came about, but this particular year (1996; I was 19), I chose a stint in the Honours Studies Programme. Can you believe the spelling? I'm guessing it was supposed to be for smart people on scholarships or for the extremely liberal/crazy students. Either way - it was an eye-opening experience. I was rather bored sitting in a room of young adults who perceived themselves at "intellectuals," but found the eccentric professors fascinating.
2. I stayed in the program long enough to get an associate's degree in General Studies. An AA (Associates of Art) at that.
3. It was in my first "Honours" class that I received exposure to the world of bitter, divorced professors - which proved to be very helpful in my later employment in various state agencies where bitter, divorced managers abound.
4. I was genuinely shocked to learn that one of my professors converted from Christianity to Daoism.
5. I had so many career aspirations - widely varied. Needless to say, I changed my mind a lot, though I only changed majors once (and that was post-mission). I wanted to be: a Dermatologist, a Lawyer, a Social Worker (that was mostly peer pressure), a Politician/Mayor, an agent in the FBI, or a Spanish Teacher. I finally settled on getting a degree in a useless field which holds the key to my heart - but found a marketable skills set for doing so. I graduated in Technical Writing (English). I often wish I had pursued my master's degree in Technical Writing. However, the stated paid for grad-school, so I chose to study Public Administration in order to receive funding. It worked out well and I enjoyed the material about public policy. I may yet become a Mayor (at the least a PTA President or City Council Member) - so we'll see how it all pans out.
6. During my sophomore year - I was totally obssessed with a certain someone: the author of one of my textbooks, and a world-renowned anthropologist. Ha, ha. I'm serious. His name was David Maybury-Lewis (I say was because he died in 2007). He was fascinating to me. I read our textbook with such awe, and to this day, it was one of the most influential books I have read. It is called "Tribal Wisdom and the Modern World." PBS also produced a series hosted by Dr. Lewis named Millenium, and it was based on the book. I watched every installment of the series in complete awe. My friends in the Honours Programme and I thought he was the coolest thing ever. Honestly, it was such an thrill to be able to shake his hand and listen to him speak at convocations one week. I can still remember what the room was like and where the sunshine fell upon the floor as I listened in stunned silence to his incredible remarks about living among tribal peoples and learning from their cultures. I also loved his accent. He was absolutely a brilliant man. To this day, I do not call myself "an american" to label my nationality. In his text book, he pointed out that anyone living on the Northern or Southern or Central American continents are Americans. We are from the United States. That really changed my super-egocentric ideas about our country. Anyway - I digress.
7. As a freshman, I could turn in handwritten assignments for some classes. Typing became the requirement a year later. It was in 1996 that I had to conduct my first research assignment using the Internet. It was then that I became exposed to "the web."
8. I received a full scholarship my first year of school. After getting perfect grades as a freshman and only being offered a half-tuition scholarship, I gave up the notion that a 4.0 means something. Yes - I'm still slightly disechanted about that. But better because of it. I learned that the world does not revolve around school, and I was happy to receive that C in Algebra and pass. And I only graduated with a regular gpa (no honors). That was a huge accomplishment for me given that at 19, anything less than perfect was devastation. In the end, I felt happy to have graduated at all, and to have learned so much. Ultimately, the learning superseded the grades. Grad school was a different story and I was so happy to finish with a high GPA.
9. My Spanish classes had a tremendous impact upon my life. I learned that I have a love of Spanish art - especially paintings. I really need to go to Spain one day in my life to fulfill my love of Spanish art, culture, history and literature.
10. Before serving a mission, I was terrified to speak aloud in my Spanish classes because all of the returned missionaries seemed so daunting and smart. After my mission, I couldn't believe how many grammatical mistakes those returned missionaries made on their tests. I had a lot more confidence.
11. Also post-mission, I had to debate in a Spanish Class with the one other female in my class against some males. We chose a non-controversial topic in my mind (but fascinating since there was one girl/boy debating against another team of girl/boy: Women in the Workforce. I was honestly shocked at how the whole thing turned out. I couldn't believe the way it was received, and the way I was attacked due to my assignment of "pro" women's role in the workplace. Wow. Crazy. It evoked emotion so much more than the topics concerning politics and abortion. Really opened my eyes.
12. In a beginning Theater Class, I was introduced to the world of Greek Tragedies. Can w
e say...psychotic? Anyway, in that class, I met a girl who told me all about her wonderful "friend" who happened to be male, serving a mission. I told her I was going to go on a mission. She didn't make the same declaration - and it was obvious she liked the guy on the mission. Funny thing. Because three years later - I met him. And married him. I still laugh about that; had no idea she & I were talking about my future spouse.
13. I was sickened when two of my 19-yr-old counterparts decided to get married instead of finishing college.
14. My first exposure to a college literature class was classic. Here I am - 18. My first day of the class. The Prof. asked us to each read a paragraph. Wouldn't you know that my first paragraph was laden with profanity - nearly every other word. My palms were sweating. I was the third or fourth reader. No one before me had the Lord's name in vain in their paragraphs. I said a prayer. And chose to just skip the swear words altogether. It was pretty short. But I was relieved when I went to my next class - Institute. A boy from my lit. class was also in my institute class. It felt good to leave the world behind and go study the scriptures.
15. I always worked at least 30 hours while going to school. I rode the bus home from school to work before my mission because I didn't have a car. I rode to school with the Cheshire brothers. They were great examples to me. I learned a lot about good work and study habits from them. Their parents made them save money early on their lives - and to this day, I still want to follow their example w/ my own kids. They split their money like this: 10% to tithing, 40% to savings, and 50% for living/spending. I can imagine they're doing great in life w/ habits like that. I have fond memories of listening to these 3 brothers talk about their respect for their parents, sing together, and discuss the dating antics of the Institute. I am grateful for the generosity in driving me 30 min. to the Unviserity every day of my freshman year.
16. I was most definitely a feminist in college. Now I bet a lot of people would be surprised by that. I made a choice to turn my mind and life to that of wife, mother, and homemaker. It is by far the most-fulfilling role I have ever had.
17. I didn't want to get married before the age of 30 so that I could pursue a PHD. Thank goodness I got married at 23. I don't think I'd be a bearable person if I'd been allowed to become as independant as I had hoped. Marriage is the best thing that ever happend to me!
18. I still don't think math should be taught by someone who can't speak English. Maybe that's why I got a C?
19. Though I received a C in basic Algebra at 19, I would later get an A in calculous-based equations at the age of 27. By then, of course, I had the best math tutor on the planet - my husband!
20. I have an AA, a BA, and an MSSPA. What in the world do degrees do for one anyway? The titles are still ridiculous in my opinion.
21. My favorite buildings on campus were most-definitely the library and the Spanish building. The library is obvious - I just loved to study and research, and have access to published journals. The Spanish building was a great place to meet really interesting people. Like the two brothers from Mexico that had a real live Mariachi band. They would often sing in the lobby while all of us comrades in the same classes studied for our tests. Fun times.
22. My least favorite class ever had to be Anthropology. Boring. I ditched it several times to go skiing instead.
23. I looked forward to Convocations each week. As mentioned before, I met Dr. David Maybury-Lewis there. I also was privileged to hear from a Holocaust survivor, a scientist dedicated to preserving Siberian Tigers (my favorite animal then), and many other incredible people. I least enjoyed attending the Honours Issues Forums. I think it is because I do not enjoy being around people that feel a need to "prove" how intelligent they are. If you are smart, it shows and others know it. When you have to demonstrate how brilliant and better you are than the "dumb" people, I'm pretty sure I won't enjoy your company.
24. I also thoroughly enjoyed the weekly Institute of Religion firesides. I don't remember exactly what they were called, but were held on Tuesdays at 10:30 am. President Hinckley came and spoke and it was a wonderful experience in my life that I will always cherish.
25. My first date in college was with a guy about 3 inches shorter than I am.
26. I took Mission Prep two times - first at 19, and then again at 20 - during which time I received my call to serve.
27. I never felt threatened by the professors that were out to prove God doesn't exist because I had a firm foundation and testimony. I valued the opportunities I had to share my beliefs to my professors through my actions.
28. Unlike many people, I got such a kick out of having the professors with horrible reputations for being hardliners. It was a game to me. And easy to get A's out of them. All you had to do was learn what they wanted to you to say/write and in what manner. If you could do that, then no problem. Obviously, as an English major/Spanish minor, I didn't have a lot of classes based on tests. Rather, I had to write essays. If you could just pick up on the nuances of what a particular professor liked, you could easily write and pass. I found Graduate School to be a little more difficult in this way because I had morning sickness most of time (I was pregant for 18 months of grad school), and I just didn't care to play the game anymore. There is a reason why college is easier at 19.
29. For most of my undergrad studies, I worked at a printing company. I was really good at binding, burning plates (that go on the press), and cutting huge stacks of paper. I also worked in the front office, though I really enjoy working with the paper. One of my favorite smells is still that of new paper - like a new book. My boss was a great friend to me, and I spent most weekends hanging out with his family. At different times in my life, I was close friends with 3 of his daughters, and still enjoy their company.
30. I thoroughly enjoyed being part of the college of Humanities, and am interested to see if our children follow after their mathmatical dad or their literature-loving mom.
31. While most young adults (female) were drooling over Brad Pitt, I was drawn to the more mature actors like Patrick Stewart and Sean Connery. I really don't like Hollywood or anything, but I tell you that to let you know that I liked WAY older men. But I married someone my age - which is good because I can't image a 40 or 50 year age difference in marriage.
Well, this has been a fun post thinking back on my college days. If I can think of more, I'll write it.
