Lessons Learned ...

As some of you may know, I've been really stressing out about my academic performance lately. Today, I learned something:

If you don't understand why you received a grade, question it -- be willing to learn from your mistakes and you just might be rewarded, or at least know how to improve for next time.

Two weeks ago, I turned in a paper for my sociological theory class. I worked really hard on this paper for several days and was really hoping for an 'A' ... When it was returned Tuesday, I found that I had received an 86, a bit below my goal. So, I set up an appointment with my professor for this afternoon. After going over my paper and letting me know my weaknesses, he re-read my conclusion (in which I tied theory into a modern sociological problem) and he changed my grade from an 86 to a 90 ...

On top of that, I also spoke with my social stats professor about an exam I had recently taken and received a 77 (in any other math class, a 77 would be great for me. But not in stats, b/c stats I (somewhat) enjoy). One problem in particular bothered me b/c I had drawn out the equation, I had conceptually come up with the correct answer, but mathematically, I was off. After seeing this, he bumped me up from a 77 to an 80.

I didn't set out to have my grades changed, but I did want to know what I could do to improve myself for future papers and exams -- but I'm not complaining about the outcome. And all though going to my professors about my scores and wanting to improve sounds like a simple enough thing, it really clicked for me today: there is nothing wrong with asking questions, who knows what you may learn.

I also learned that my theory prof isn't as intimidating as I thought, he's actually a nice guy ... imagine that, lol (:

Anyway, I just wanted to share this as I know I'm not the only one struggling with classes right now.

xx

What I'm doing RIGHT NOW!

Preparing for a Sociological Theory midterm. Prof gave us the questions that will be on the midterm and is allowing us to bring in one sheet of paper (written on one side only) anything we want, except we can't write our essays out on the cheat sheet (or it will graded harder and a bibliography would be required). Sooooo, I've copied and pasted all the relevant bits of information I could locate from my own notes, the lecture slides, and textbook. It's amazing what you can fit on one sheet of paper with a 7 point font and 1/2" margins! I still have some more stuff to add (I even have room on my paper to add it) and THEN I can read over it to see if any of it is really useful. *sigh* Did I mention the exam is THURSDAY!?!!! I'm also currently wondering why I thought this theory class would be interesting. I must be crazy, LOL

ANYWAYS, aside from that, things are going ... Had a family bbq this weekend, that was entertaining. Got to see my besties new place (cute as expected!). And hung out with my Chris (:

Just work and school, more of the usual.

Well, I suppose I should get back to the fascinating (and ancient) world of theory. Gotta get more done before Chris gets home and we have dinner!!

xx

It's been a while ...

makes me think of the Staind song and that song is depressing ): ... Anyways.

It has been a while since I blogged though. Right now, I'm playing catch up: catch up on lectures, papers, readings, emails, news ... you know, the usual. I took the weekend off, no work, no homework (hence the reason for all the catch up!). But it was nice. Very well deserved and much needed.

Chris and I spent most of the weekend together, relaxing. We don't really get to spend time together like we used to, so it was really nice ... We had lunch on the patio at PF Changs, then did a little shopping (I needed new work pants and HAD to get a denim jacket to wear for the fall), and I was finally able to pick out the radio I'm going to have installed in my truck (I've been dealing with trying to find a new radio for 2 months now, so fingers crossed this one works out). Saturday night, we went to see The Social Network, which I give 2 BIG thumbs UP (: Movie Tavern really needs to step up its drink game though. My Bloody Mary was lacking, I still haven't had a good one of those in ages ): ... On Sunday, we had a cookout with some friends/family. It was nice, low key. Chris grilled some burgers and I made my famous herb roasted potatoes.

Oh and BIG NEWS, I got my beloved BlackBerry back!!!! Big thanks to Randy for trading with me! LOL (:

Well, that's pretty much all that's been going on recently. I've got some more emails to catch up on, then lunch, and off to work for the evening!

xx