This month marks my return to school for the first time since my injury. For a variety of reason, I have had to start out with an online course. But I am quickly learning that online courses are just as much--if not more--work than classroom based courses. Although there are many advantages to online learning in terms of being accessible and convenient, I personally find it is not ideal for my learning style. I really am the kind of student who learns best in a classroom. I am also a bit of a procrastinator. Okay I am a master procrastinator lol. I am finding my online course is requiring a lot of self-discipline, time management, organizational skills, and motivation....all things I really need to work on. So the past few weeks have been a learning experience in many ways.
Resuming my education represents a huge step forward. It's a good thing. A very good thing. But I must admit that it was not a step that was taken without some trepidation and personal doubt. I was a student when I was injured. It wouldn't be accurate to say that I am "picking up where I left off." I am not. I really am starting all over again in many ways. At least that is how it feels. But I had to start somewhere and this online course represents the first step.
My immediate goal is to just survive this first course. I feel a little like I am adrift at sea without a lifeboat. But it's still early in the semester. I have to keep reminding myself that I still have time to get myself organized and comfortable with being a student again. But not too much time! The fall semester is 12 weeks and nearly 3 weeks have already elapsed. A more long range goal would be to get back to taking courses on campus again, rather than online.
It's been a stressful last few weeks trying to my course registration arranged and diving back into being a student again. But I think that stress is easing somewhat. And I am slowly realizing what a great thing is to be back learning. I have missed that a lot.
