Cracking The Books- My journey of going back to school

When I graduated from post-secondary education I was convinced I was done with school and wanted nothing more to do with it. I had no aspirations to ever again be a part of classes I was not interested in, professors I did not enjoy listening too, being part of group projects with people I didn't see eye to eye with and I was certainly done with every exam and thesis paper not to mention the odd scheduling of classes and the massive gap in between. Seriously, I have to wait nearly five hours in between my next class. Am I going to study, waste time, take a nap, or go to the movies? Most of the time it was take a nap or go to the movies. Rarely and I stress rarely was it ever study.

Now that I was out in the working world I figured I had no need for further education. I had done my part and had paid my tuition up front with no student loans or debts whatsoever (I know, impossible and crazy right?). I felt I was vastly ahead of the curve and free to enjoy adulthood living on my own. As it turns out adulthood was filled with more going out and socializing which became duller with each pint consumed (Isn't the exact opposite supposed to happen?) annoying bills, and just an overall sense of boredom. I needed to mix things up a bit and kick start the engines to feel energized and refreshed. As time progressed going back to school part time started to become increasingly interesting to me and this time I would be spending my hard earned money to learn about something I was actually interested in since my youth, Astronomy.

When I had originally attended post-secondary education it was for marketing. I figured it was easy, simple, and something I could grasp quite well. I did alright but I didn't really apply myself but then again when I was 18 - 19 years of age I thought I knew more than I really did. In the grand scheme of things I didn't know a damn thing. Not saying I am a Rhodes Scholar now but I like to think I have progressed since those younger years. I didn't have the grades for any more advanced courses and I figured that was fine. I could coast by and I was always good with money. No need to re-invent the wheel. Being a simple citizen was the life for me. As I mentioned earlier that life began to strain and I was aching to improve my knowledge. I had no problem reading a book or two on the subject of Astronomy or Physics. God knows I could easily watch movies about the subject and Google the night away researching but I wanted something more concrete. I wanted a formal education so when I talk about this stuff at parties (Wow, I must attend some really lame parties) I could feel I know what I am talking about, not just rambling about some stuff I read through a Google search. 

Fortunately my local college where I attended previously (George Brown College) had a course in Astronomy. I figured why not and signed-up right away. It turned out to be one the best decisions of my life. I was actually getting firsthand knowledge on a subject I was truly passionate about. I was participating in class and learning about the formation of the universe, interstellar nebula, formation of the galaxy and solar systems, astronomical units, light speed, asteroids, comets, terrestrial worlds, gas giants, and that was only the tip of the ice berg. I could go on forever about the stellar life cycle of stars, black holes, and the mysterious dark matter which occupies the vast majority of the known visible universe. It was an incredible feeling. I felt like I was finally becoming the student I should have been when I was 19 years old but like I said I knew nothing back then. All I cared about was finishing my assignments just to get them out of the way and which girls to talk too. This time all I cared about was learning more and more. The discussions in class really got my brain going and the text book for the class was a true treasure chest of knowledge. I actually read the entire text book. I have never done that before ever. 

When class wrapped up I was quite confident that I was not just having a good time and learning a lot of interesting stuff I was confident that I would get a good grade. I felt really good about my research paper but I didn't expect to get a perfect 30 out of 30 but I did. I nailed my exam and completed the course with an A+. I even went as far to build a to-scale model of the solar system and hang it in my apartment. Arts and crafts were never my thing but I busted my butt for a month to make sure it looked good. It looks great and I am really proud of it. 

I am not stopping at Astronomy. This new found thirst for knowledge has me currently signed up for an Intro to Biology course and I would love to improve my math skills as well so I got that in mind along with a robotics course. Going back to school has been a great decision and if you are reading this thinking you might want to do the same thing I say go for it! Check out your local community college for night school courses or whatever course schedule works best for you. I am certain you will not regret it. These days, naps and movies can take a back seat. Studying is my thing now. Well, maybe I can squeeze in a nap or two.