I was sitting in the classroom last night after our break, and despite the fact that I had to pop an emergency anti-anxiety remedy beforehand, I was feeling pretty good. Or maybe I was feeling good because of the little magic pill.
I looked over to the side of the room and saw a big crucifix draped with Jesus, hanging on the wall.
Isn't it enough that the campus has crosses everywhere on its grounds and lit up in neon on the sides of its buildings, Christ has to be in all the classrooms? Is he in the ladies' room too? I have nothing against Jesus. Cool guy.
But perhaps I have issues with Catholicism. Guess I should have thought that through before hooking up with a Catholic university. I mentioned this on Twitter and someone offered that I could turn the crucifix upside down and release the flies. (I didn't.)
Instead, I silently took the Lord's name in vain and then quickly apologized to Jesus for that transgression and asked for a sign that I was doing the right thing, devoting so much time to this class that I was clearly unprepared for. I mean, I felt like Elle Woods. I hadn't read all of the required text because my textbook hadn't arrived in the mail in time (see post below) and yes, I've learned my lesson. I don't know why the important life lessons of Legally Blonde didn't stick with me. Next time go to a bricks-n-mortar store if you only have a week to prepare. The professor asked me a question and I gave the wrong answer, but at least I answered.
After our halftime intermission, we students started talking, "Is this your first class?" "How long has it been since you were last in college?" "Have you read all this stuff yet?"
One guy remarked, "I feel like Rodney Dangerfield in Back to School."
OMG, he speaks my language.
A woman said to me, "I was in the student lounge with a girl who is young enough to be my daughter!"
My experience exactly.
Maybe I'm neurotic, but I am comforted to know that at least I'm not alone. Most of us were silently screaming on this roller coaster together, with Jesus.
It will get better. And yes, there's strength in numbers. Hang in there!
Posted by: KtP | 31 August 2010 at 11:48 AM
Thanks! I think I will!
Posted by: blaugra | 31 August 2010 at 03:21 PM
The cross on the classroom wall is kinda creepy. I get it, it's a Catholic school but, really?
You're going to get as much out of this experience as you put it into it. So, keep at it and try to relax and enjoy the ride. It's not do-or-die.
Posted by: lg | 31 August 2010 at 07:14 PM