School is Cool!

So now that I am, once again, a community college student, I figured I would update everyone on my new experiences. I am attending Scottsdale Community College in Scottsdale, AZ. I was pretty skeptical about it at first just because the feelings of "failure" and such were haunting me. I mean, I was just pessimistic about having to take a step back.

Anyway, I am taking 13 units at SCC. My classes consist of Communication courses and Psychology courses on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Through all the mayhem and stress of making decisions that impact my future, I decided to minor in Communication. It only makes sense because after all of this school stuff my family and I have been going through, I don't think I want to continue on to a master's program, which almost puts my BA in Psychology to shame. Besides, I've always been told that Communication would be right up my alley and to be honest, I would have majored in Communication if it wasn't for the public speaking part. So I think the minor will be put to good use with any profession I may find myself in. And yes, unfortunately, public speaking is involved in my two communication courses this semester.

So I wake up at 6am on Tuesdays and Thursdays and leave around 6:45am to drive to school. If I'm lucky and the freeway isn't backed up by traffic, I can get there in 15 minutes. But I leave early just in case because AZ morning traffic, and evening for that matter, is a complete joke. And I can't forget to mention that the 101 is going through road construction (and has been ever since I first came to AZ) so you never know what fabulous surprises you may run into. I start class at 7:30am and am able to leave the campus at 1:15pm. On Thursdays, I have to be back on campus for another class that begins at 6:30pm. So really, my schedule is more than manageable and I'm really happy with it.

Thankfully, I really enjoy my classes. My professors are all great and the class sizes are small and intimate. I am getting to know some of my fellow students which is nice because once a class becomes more personable, it's easier to give speeches in front of them. Muy bueno! My psychology courses seem relatively easy. The cool thing about most Psychology professors is that Psychology is their passion and they love to teach about their passion. And that's what I've found with my professors. And all of them are so easy to talk to, very warm and very willing to help. It's been a nice experience so far, certainly mind-easing.

Something somewhat random is that my Slovenian's friend, Maria, goes to SCC. I met Maria on the first day that I met my Slovenian back when we both started at ASU. She is such a sweet girl. Anyway, I ran into her on my first day which was really cool and I didn't feel like such an outsider.

Speaking of outsiders, I am definitely a black sheep here. In my communication classes, we had to go through introductions. One of the questions we had to answer to the class was where we were from. I have a particular routine about answering this question because I've gotten mixed "reviews" after answering this. So in order, I say "California." Where in CA? "Southern California." What part of SoCA? "Orange County." Oh Wow! You're from THE OC. Where in THE OC? Newport? San Clemente? I'm from this little place called "Coto de Caza." No Way! A desperate housewife! But this is where the mixed reviews come in. People either are completely fascinated with me, as if I'm from another planet. Or they despise me and put me in the category of the snobbish OC/Coto girl. Luckily, people are more fascinated with me. But honestly, I love where I live and where I'm from and know that I'm extremely fortunate to live in such a wonderful place, but it's a bubble. And I don't want people thinking that I'm better or I'm a snob or that I'm really spoiled. So I just stay myself and tell people that the real housewives are a joke and that they put an awful name on people who live there. And that the kids of the show are jaded and obviously too spoiled for their own good. I basically hose their illusions about what they believe to be a typical "OC." I learned today that people can tell that I'm from Southern California by the way I talk and the way I dress. Not too sure if that's a good or bad thing, but whatever. But then again, I had similar experiences when I first transferred to ASU. I guess it still weirds me out.

So basically, all is good. I'm really excited for all of my classes this semester and am anticipating learning. As much as I dislike the fact that I won't be graduating until Fall 2009, I am grateful that I am back in Arizona regardless of what school I'm enrolled in. Not to mention, my living situation is divine. I am going to take pictures once everything is completely settled in. Believe me, it's like living in a 4-Star resort. Wow. I mean WOW. Having my own room and my own bathroom is such a luxury for student living. And the walk down to the pool/spa, gym, tanning beds, theater room, business center or game room (all of which are free access) is never a downer on my mood.

I hope all is well with everyone and that your week is bringing you lots of smiles and laughters. ♥