Time to Hit the Books!

Posted on by frankwmcarr

This Wednesday,  I start my last semester at Montgomery County Community College.  And this semester, we must buck up and get ready to study for four courses.  These courses are Management, Western Civilizations, Computer Science, and last but not least, majors-level Biology I.  The Biology course is a decisive factor on my attitude toward studying it as a major in the university I transfer to.  Biology has been a passion for me for quite a few years, for I really enjoy God’s created world.

However, I wasn’t sure if I like learning the “technical” terms and information of the courses (as noticed on websites for college courses), or performing the lab exercises.  Fortunately, a friend from my new church (who is a pharmaceutical scientist) said such facts and jargon has use within a given line of work or study.

Also, this man told me, as a full-time student, I should not dawdle in collateral reading or even parts of my assigned textbook that aren’t in the instructor’s current lesson.  (Unless, of course, I had time to do so.)

Also, keep in mind that different universities have different course offerings, as well as the necessary decision of textbooks to use for such.  But again, you won’t know the ins-and-outs until you enroll, especially in that the entire text is not usually taught, and instructors often add material.  Some elective courses are often a hit or miss deal.

But what do we make of this?  Well, consider the following Scripture:

I rejoiced in the Lord greatly that now at length you have revived your concern for me. You were indeed concerned for me, but you had no opportunity.  Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content.  I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need.  (Phil 4:10-12, ESV)

Incidentally, not only was this today’s personal morning devotional, but since it is Sunday today, I got my share of corporate teaching and preaching as well!  And with the friendly and useful advice of this friend of mine, I’ll be well-prepared.

As we conclude this last weekend before the semester, this gave some powerful preparation for my first full-time college semester.  So keep on praying for discipline as we get down and dirty with things.

So whatever you get, be content!  Onward and upward!

Collegiate Excitement

Posted on by frankwmcarr

As I enter my second year of CCP, we better be on the watch for more homework, speeches (in Public Speakng), lecturing, and best of all, lab work in our science classes, namely Biology and Chemistry.

While the assigned texts can stay at home, we will still need to take notes and and bring the appropriate lab manual on lab days.  (Public speaking does not have a textbook.)  By the way, the biology notes are a mere “fill-in-the-blank” approach in a booklet (which I bring to class).  I have mixed feelings about this organization.  It’s easy and already prepared, but waters down some of the freedom of a “true” notebook, and can be a little “mechanical” in terms of its study style.  Chemistry is taught by a very conventional professor uses no computer technology in his instruction.  We take real notes with him.

As far as transfer plans or even later courses, I really want to truly take things “one day at a time,” without merely vaunting it.  Therefore, blog posts, whether academic or otherwise, will focus chiefly on current issues, whether school or personal.  In the final analysis, no matter what college or career path I pursue, I’ll always be learning something.  After all, lifelong learning is part and parcel of who I am.