Below is today's horoscope:
Keep your eyes, ears and heart open when someone is trying to speak to you. You need to read their words, body language and their intentions in order to truly understand what it is they're trying to say.
Whoa! Unbeknownest to me, this passage summarized my entire day. During the exchange with the math director, exhibiting patience was a virtue even though I initially felt as if she was attempting to shoot me down! However, displaying some calmness helped me cause. Hopefully, this too shall pass and I can enroll in the math class.
Tuesday, January 31, 2006
There Can Be No Testimony without a Test
First of all, let me start this blog off by providing my own personal eulogy commemorating the life of Coretta Scott King (1927-2006). Not only was she Dr. Martin Luther King’s wife but also stood in her own light by raising four children and advocating the Reagan Administration to recognize her husband’s birthday as a federal holiday. Her life is a textbook example of being selfless in an increasingly selfish society. When the Today show broadcasted her death, it motivated to solidify my plans of creating and endowing the book scholarship as part of my own M.A. Economics graduation gift to the university that would allow future students to attend college without increased financial burden (My textbooks cost $262!) This simple act of selflessness would immensely help any students defray the skyrocketing cost of higher education in Ohio.
Now back to my day. Fresh off of scoring 93% on last week’s quiz, I am beginning to exude the necessary confidence to achieve a 100% on the final exam. Also today, I learned the intake software, created a case from scratch, and scheduled my benefits appointment with the human resources representative for Thursday, February 2nd, Groundhog Day! One of the training officer announced that the agency human resources rep did not have official appointments from the class regarding our benefits (I did bother to contact him because there were 40 people in the general orientation. But anyway.) Luckily, mine is during lunchtime thereby not seriously cutting into any orientation time.
Today’s training session concluded ten minutes earlier allowing me to travel to the community college to register for the Intermediate Algebra. I told the employee that I am a transient student who wants to enroll in Intermediate Algebra to which she responded that I needed to obtain departmental approval for the general 12-week. Okay. Walking to the math department and discussing my intention of enrolling the course she remarked that she wouldn’t enroll me because it was too late and that was standard. I quickly proclaimed that the professor gave me a syllabus and told me that I had one more week to enroll. Then she asked if I was already in the system to which I responded yes. After obtaining my student identification number, she asked me to log onto CSU’s CampusNet to view my current schedule. During this exchange she inquired whether I needed this class or was it for personal enrichment. “Personal enrichment because though my home institution cleared me to take any course from algebra to calculus, enrolling in the Intermediate Algebra course would serve as a refresher.” Her attitude changed and she emailed the professor and copied me on it. The subject shifted to the assessment exam. I said that I would take it to qualify for entry into the class. She said that the score would allow her to make a more informed decision regarding my case. Immediately after this meeting, I headed to the assessment center, where I took the test and placed into MATH 1200. Hooray!
Boarding the 247 bus back to CSU, I had to return to my room to get my micro homework because I did put the folder in my bag (Well, I did not know in the morning that I would be taking the assessment exam! However, this event made me a better planner for all future events!) The key stuck of course (with all of the pulling it is a little dented) making me later. Afterward I walked four flights of stairs to micro class (that’s my exercise for the night) only to be bombarded with economic theory that I hadn’t read. At the conclusion of tonight’s class, I wrote that I would always prepare for any uncertainty because my semester’s goal is to achieve a 4.0; and, I cannot accomplish this feat without studying and preparation.
Even though I did not get everything I wanted, something good did come out of this: first, I tested into Intermediate Algebra. The graduate economics secretary informed me that the university would accept the community college’s placement results! Second, I saved $105 by not purchasing the book prior towards being confirmed by the professor. What a waste of income if I has rushed out and bought the textbook immediately after Saturday’s class without approval. Third, if I can pass this measly test then Intermediate Algebra’s test should be nothing!
Now back to my day. Fresh off of scoring 93% on last week’s quiz, I am beginning to exude the necessary confidence to achieve a 100% on the final exam. Also today, I learned the intake software, created a case from scratch, and scheduled my benefits appointment with the human resources representative for Thursday, February 2nd, Groundhog Day! One of the training officer announced that the agency human resources rep did not have official appointments from the class regarding our benefits (I did bother to contact him because there were 40 people in the general orientation. But anyway.) Luckily, mine is during lunchtime thereby not seriously cutting into any orientation time.
Today’s training session concluded ten minutes earlier allowing me to travel to the community college to register for the Intermediate Algebra. I told the employee that I am a transient student who wants to enroll in Intermediate Algebra to which she responded that I needed to obtain departmental approval for the general 12-week. Okay. Walking to the math department and discussing my intention of enrolling the course she remarked that she wouldn’t enroll me because it was too late and that was standard. I quickly proclaimed that the professor gave me a syllabus and told me that I had one more week to enroll. Then she asked if I was already in the system to which I responded yes. After obtaining my student identification number, she asked me to log onto CSU’s CampusNet to view my current schedule. During this exchange she inquired whether I needed this class or was it for personal enrichment. “Personal enrichment because though my home institution cleared me to take any course from algebra to calculus, enrolling in the Intermediate Algebra course would serve as a refresher.” Her attitude changed and she emailed the professor and copied me on it. The subject shifted to the assessment exam. I said that I would take it to qualify for entry into the class. She said that the score would allow her to make a more informed decision regarding my case. Immediately after this meeting, I headed to the assessment center, where I took the test and placed into MATH 1200. Hooray!
Boarding the 247 bus back to CSU, I had to return to my room to get my micro homework because I did put the folder in my bag (Well, I did not know in the morning that I would be taking the assessment exam! However, this event made me a better planner for all future events!) The key stuck of course (with all of the pulling it is a little dented) making me later. Afterward I walked four flights of stairs to micro class (that’s my exercise for the night) only to be bombarded with economic theory that I hadn’t read. At the conclusion of tonight’s class, I wrote that I would always prepare for any uncertainty because my semester’s goal is to achieve a 4.0; and, I cannot accomplish this feat without studying and preparation.
Even though I did not get everything I wanted, something good did come out of this: first, I tested into Intermediate Algebra. The graduate economics secretary informed me that the university would accept the community college’s placement results! Second, I saved $105 by not purchasing the book prior towards being confirmed by the professor. What a waste of income if I has rushed out and bought the textbook immediately after Saturday’s class without approval. Third, if I can pass this measly test then Intermediate Algebra’s test should be nothing!
Saturday, January 28, 2006
God Bless The Child
Enrolling in the Intermediate Algebra class at community college is exactly the refresher I need because all of the linear graphing problems directly correlate into microeconomics! Also, I have correctly answered the majority of the math problems on my first day therefore, I believe that I will receive an A+ in this class.
However, the textbook price hit me squarely between the eyes: $88.00 and this IS community college! Even though a fellow classmate mentioned Amazon, the earliest shipping would be February 1st. That’s was unacceptable especially since I don’t have a mailing address. Forced to eat the cost, I will purchase it Monday immediately after work. Thank goodness I had the money to do it.
However, the textbook price hit me squarely between the eyes: $88.00 and this IS community college! Even though a fellow classmate mentioned Amazon, the earliest shipping would be February 1st. That’s was unacceptable especially since I don’t have a mailing address. Forced to eat the cost, I will purchase it Monday immediately after work. Thank goodness I had the money to do it.
Thursday, January 26, 2006
Union Jackie and Other Thoughts
Earlier this week, I learned which specific union I belong to as a government worker! That means discounted healthcare and more pay increases! Yeah! I will certainly need the pay increases to eliminate my credit care debt.
Omg bundled in my coat I nearly turned into a fudge popsicle because the temperature inside the room was frigid. It almost matched the outdoors. My shoulders were sore the entire day because of the coat’s extra weight. At least, I learned more about the computer system today but even after the pop quiz, I still took the binder home to study.
Later today, I have my music class! Finally, I can realize my dream of taking applied voice lessons throughout the spring semester. I will report to the Department of Music at 6pm. This class’ goal is to enhance my soprano voice, improve my music reading capabilities, and reignite my writing fire (I intend on writing another album’s worth of material this semester.)
Don’t believe the hype! I fiend wanting to purchase the new XXL magazine with Cam’ron on the front until I read Jay-Z’s response about Cam’s diss on BlackAmericaWeb.com. Outrageous! Come now, everybody knows that the two didn’t like each other but that’s old news. Besides, I refuse to allocate my money towards pettiness like this! After getting shot for his Lamborghini last year, you would think that Cam wouldn’t want to fan any flames!
Omg bundled in my coat I nearly turned into a fudge popsicle because the temperature inside the room was frigid. It almost matched the outdoors. My shoulders were sore the entire day because of the coat’s extra weight. At least, I learned more about the computer system today but even after the pop quiz, I still took the binder home to study.
Later today, I have my music class! Finally, I can realize my dream of taking applied voice lessons throughout the spring semester. I will report to the Department of Music at 6pm. This class’ goal is to enhance my soprano voice, improve my music reading capabilities, and reignite my writing fire (I intend on writing another album’s worth of material this semester.)
Don’t believe the hype! I fiend wanting to purchase the new XXL magazine with Cam’ron on the front until I read Jay-Z’s response about Cam’s diss on BlackAmericaWeb.com. Outrageous! Come now, everybody knows that the two didn’t like each other but that’s old news. Besides, I refuse to allocate my money towards pettiness like this! After getting shot for his Lamborghini last year, you would think that Cam wouldn’t want to fan any flames!
Wednesday, January 25, 2006
Working Woman
It has been more than six days since my last posting and it is time to update everyone in the blogosphere! This week marks my first week on the job and thus far it has been information overload! Professionally, I have two employment manuals (one general, one agency) then add work and two become a bit much at times. Personally, these two workloads tire me and therefore, I have unable to read my math questions (I still will to take the placement exam!)
However, there have been a series of good news: yesterday a U.S. Treasury HR rep contacted me to schedule a phone interview; but, I informed him of my present education and employment plans. Today he sent me a congratulatory email. Yesterday, I sat at the dorm dining room feverishly reading and completing microeconomic homework only to discover in class that the problems were due next week. In addition, today upon calling the economics department, the secretary notified me that she received my forwarded email from the community college, faxed my transient letter to the institution, and mailed the original plus a copy to my address! How good can it get?!
Hopefully this string of good luck continues throughout the week because Thursday is the Urban League Annual Meeting, voice class and the community college placement exam. Saturday is the Intermediate Algebra course. I need all of the help I can get. I think that this era of good feelings balances out my universe because next week, I will reside in the dorm allowing me to sleep an hour longer and reduce my commute time by an hour.
However, there have been a series of good news: yesterday a U.S. Treasury HR rep contacted me to schedule a phone interview; but, I informed him of my present education and employment plans. Today he sent me a congratulatory email. Yesterday, I sat at the dorm dining room feverishly reading and completing microeconomic homework only to discover in class that the problems were due next week. In addition, today upon calling the economics department, the secretary notified me that she received my forwarded email from the community college, faxed my transient letter to the institution, and mailed the original plus a copy to my address! How good can it get?!
Hopefully this string of good luck continues throughout the week because Thursday is the Urban League Annual Meeting, voice class and the community college placement exam. Saturday is the Intermediate Algebra course. I need all of the help I can get. I think that this era of good feelings balances out my universe because next week, I will reside in the dorm allowing me to sleep an hour longer and reduce my commute time by an hour.
Friday, January 20, 2006
All’s Well That Ends Well
Hallelujah! Miracles do happen on this Earth! Immediately after meeting with the graduate economics secretary, I took the 247 to Tri-C’s Metropolitan Campus to inquire about enrolling as a transient student. First, I headed to the assessment center where the rep told me that the office’s hours were Mondays through Thursdays 9am-8:30pm, thus accommodating my work load! Afterward, I traveled to registration and picked up the spring 2006 course booklet, I realized that there are an abundance of options available to me. Upon returning back to CSU, I emailed the departmental secretary and visited Tri-C’s website for course descriptions and prerequisites. Even though some of the classes are scheduled Saturday, that is a small price to pay versus NOT GRADUATING! Plus at least I have the money and a solid job to afford this endeavor.
Breaking Even
Today I picked my county letter congratulating me on obtaining the job and welcoming me into the fold. My orientation starts next Monday. Even though, the CSU tuition is paid, U-Pass granted, room and board squared away, I am still in a pickle because I cannot find an available math class to save my life! Also, the music receptionist hasn’t returned my voicemail message for two days straight which will slap me with a late fee! However, I will still take the placement exam today because it is important to know where I measure mathematically and more importantly to follow-through. This is important to me because I’d rather know now in January than to discover this discrepancy in May 2006!
Tuesday, January 17, 2006
Lo and Behold! Look What I've Found!
While surfing the Net on a Mac for the first time, I have discovered an economics association right in my backyard! It publishes a journal, has a newsletter, and has just held its annual meeting late last autumn 2005. This program will allow me to present a paper prior to the ASA Fellowship plus prepare for the ASSA Meeting in Chicago! On top of all of that, one of its board members is a professor at my university. Amazing! This is a great sign because I can develop my economic skills here instead of venture elsewhere :) I will use all of these available resources!
First Day of School
Yesterday’s astrology read :
It's your turn in the spotlight, baby, so get ready to enjoy all the adulation coming your way. You're the center of attention and possibly a hot topic in the media. Paris Hilton better watch her back.
I could not agree with that statement any more because exhibiting fearlessness is indispensable right now. I am starting a new job, enrolling in school and will be transforming my life in many different ways. This passage is totally applicable towards today's events and circumstances!
Today marks my first day of graduate economic classes (Well, the class is intermediate microeconomics so it is undergraduate, but still!). This class offers me an opportunity to test out of microeconomics to make room for a math class. Though I am hoping that it is pre-calculus, since the department says that I can take calculus simultaneously with the other required courses, providing much-needed breathing room to strengthen my math skills.
Also today I have finally submitted the room deposit for my graduate dorm room. This move allows me to be closer to work and school, thereby, enabling me to focus on studying.
It's your turn in the spotlight, baby, so get ready to enjoy all the adulation coming your way. You're the center of attention and possibly a hot topic in the media. Paris Hilton better watch her back.
I could not agree with that statement any more because exhibiting fearlessness is indispensable right now. I am starting a new job, enrolling in school and will be transforming my life in many different ways. This passage is totally applicable towards today's events and circumstances!
Today marks my first day of graduate economic classes (Well, the class is intermediate microeconomics so it is undergraduate, but still!). This class offers me an opportunity to test out of microeconomics to make room for a math class. Though I am hoping that it is pre-calculus, since the department says that I can take calculus simultaneously with the other required courses, providing much-needed breathing room to strengthen my math skills.
Also today I have finally submitted the room deposit for my graduate dorm room. This move allows me to be closer to work and school, thereby, enabling me to focus on studying.
Friday, January 06, 2006
The Next Phase
Okay now that I have decided not to enroll in precalculus, I am still committed towards auditing microeconomics because that is what I have spent my entire Christmas break studying to accomplish. Why let it go to waste? Besides, I have OMS as a backup! This course will provide great statistical background that’ll assist me in economics. Right now the biggest thing is to follow-up and prepare for spring semester.
Completed
Earlier today, I was stressed with obtaining my doctor’s signature to fax a letter informing the drug screening agency that I legally take prescribed medication; hunting down the third reference to complete my county job clearance application and register to ensure that I receive my financial aid check (Currently, I am broke with NO money; and, this check is the only way to purchase books and finance my education!) But let’s backtrack for a minute.
Yesterday I emailed the financial aid office, after two days of being placed on hold for at least 10 minutes, regarding registration and its impact upon my aid package. A representative called to inform me that if I didn’t register by 5pm today that my financial aid refund check wouldn’t be mailed January 13, 2006. Omg! Having only 35 cents in my wallet, I scurried the house looking for change. Luckily, I found $4 and proceeded to take the bus downtown to university registration to enroll on the spot (How else would I explain to them that I was a graduate student taking undergraduate economic courses without penalty?) I asked the receptionist about course registration and asked if I knew the courses which I want to register. I responded “Yes, but I didn’t know the section numbers” To which she replied that I had to log onto CampusNet. Okay but as a returning student and new computer system how could I do that? Returning to the desk, I told her that I didn’t have a password. She gave me the right instructions but the wrong directions to the phone to set my password. After this minor inconvenience, I went back to the computer to complete spring enrollment; however, the system shot back a non-permission failure message. Immediately I called the graduate economics department to inform it of my registration problem and that I needed to register by 5pm else I lose my financial aid. The secretary gave me permission to enroll electronically, but we discussed whether or not I should take precalculus. I decided against it back it would be deja vu all over again. During my first semester as a freshman I took precalculus and earned a D. Never again, I will just take my math during the summer; and, within a matter of minutes have complete the process.
Finally, everything is completed and I know that I will only be broke for two more weeks and the world is a much better place!
Yesterday I emailed the financial aid office, after two days of being placed on hold for at least 10 minutes, regarding registration and its impact upon my aid package. A representative called to inform me that if I didn’t register by 5pm today that my financial aid refund check wouldn’t be mailed January 13, 2006. Omg! Having only 35 cents in my wallet, I scurried the house looking for change. Luckily, I found $4 and proceeded to take the bus downtown to university registration to enroll on the spot (How else would I explain to them that I was a graduate student taking undergraduate economic courses without penalty?) I asked the receptionist about course registration and asked if I knew the courses which I want to register. I responded “Yes, but I didn’t know the section numbers” To which she replied that I had to log onto CampusNet. Okay but as a returning student and new computer system how could I do that? Returning to the desk, I told her that I didn’t have a password. She gave me the right instructions but the wrong directions to the phone to set my password. After this minor inconvenience, I went back to the computer to complete spring enrollment; however, the system shot back a non-permission failure message. Immediately I called the graduate economics department to inform it of my registration problem and that I needed to register by 5pm else I lose my financial aid. The secretary gave me permission to enroll electronically, but we discussed whether or not I should take precalculus. I decided against it back it would be deja vu all over again. During my first semester as a freshman I took precalculus and earned a D. Never again, I will just take my math during the summer; and, within a matter of minutes have complete the process.
Finally, everything is completed and I know that I will only be broke for two more weeks and the world is a much better place!
Tuesday, January 03, 2006
It Can't Get Any Worse
Okay so today I did not get off to a good start between my family member’s nonchalance at my economic situation (she can’t help me but she can bail my sibling out of traffic court and jail. How unfair! Well, at least she did impart some wisdom about relocation. I should remain here until my probationary period ends, then move.) I would save a lot of money BUT still would have to deal with the two-hour commute and her rants. Well, there are always trade-offs.
Then this crazy man sits right next to me and immediately tells me that I had to move and give him more space (he does this all of the time! So I challenged him when he asked (not asked more like dictated) that I had to move. He didn’t ask the person on his left. If he thought he would infuriate me, he did; yet, I returned the favor!
Now I will go to the Cleveland State University to register for courses.
Then this crazy man sits right next to me and immediately tells me that I had to move and give him more space (he does this all of the time! So I challenged him when he asked (not asked more like dictated) that I had to move. He didn’t ask the person on his left. If he thought he would infuriate me, he did; yet, I returned the favor!
Now I will go to the Cleveland State University to register for courses.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)