Back to school thread - for grown ups

Bando · 08-18-2009, 07:26 PM

Anyone starting up a course of study this fall? I've done some extramural work and ended up getting accepted into grad school which starts next week. Working full time, going part time, little scary since it's for real this time. Won't be hitting the gym at the optimum time, but will not be skipping the gym.

Any other OV35'ers sharpening pencils and dusting off calculators for their own use in the next couple of weeks?

Ctrainer · 08-18-2009, 07:41 PM

I am getting ready to take my CPT exam and then will start my Specialist in Sports Nutrition Certification...and have taken on a new project at work which will take me through to next year..that is why you will find me at the gym at 5am...there is no other time..

Bando · 08-18-2009, 07:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ctrainer

I am getting ready to take my CPT exam and then will start my Specialist in Sports Nutrition Certification...and have taken on a new project at work which will take me through to next year..that is why you will find me at the gym at 5am...there is no other time..

I was feeling a little sorry for myself having to get up at 5 to hit the gym, not so much anymore.

SP1966 · 08-18-2009, 07:53 PM

A thread for grown ups? WTF am I doing here?

*waves goodbye!*

OutOfStep · 08-18-2009, 08:18 PM

I've been doing the full-time school, full-time (plus OT) job thing for 3 years now. I took a summer course back in May/June. Fall semester starts September 2 for me. Goodbye 8 hours of sleep, it was nice while it lasted. I average about 4-5 hours of sleep during the semester and that is the part that sucks the most. Being exhausted all day is no fun. I've been able to keep my training and diet on point throughout which I'm proud of. I vowed I would not use the "too busy" excuse to let things slide and I haven't. I've pulled all nighters, worked my shift, and then killed the gym more times than I can count. Do what you gotta do bro, and good luck with your studies. This experience has been a character builder for sure. I've learned a lot about myself along the way.

Bando · 08-18-2009, 08:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by OutOfStep

I've been doing the full-time school, full-time (plus OT) job thing for 3 years now. I took a summer course back in May/June. Fall semester starts September 2 for me. Goodbye 8 hours of sleep, it was nice while it lasted. I average about 4-5 hours of sleep during the semester and that is the part that sucks the most. Being exhausted all day is no fun. I've been able to keep my training and diet on point throughout which I'm proud of. I vowed I would not use the "too busy" excuse to let things slide and I haven't. I've pulled all nighters, worked my shift, and then killed the gym more times than I can count.

This should be the new definition of "determined" in the dictionary. Damn. Can't rep you but I'm sure some friends will come through.

KimberleyRN · 08-18-2009, 09:06 PM

This fall I will be continuing my quest for my Masters Degree.

I will be working full time, and schooling full time... and trying to keep everything else in line.

Pray accordingly!

Bando · 08-18-2009, 09:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by KimberleyRN

my Masters Degree.

You've claimed ownership, It's yours!

Reality_Check · 08-18-2009, 09:18 PM

Started my Physics PhD in Feb 2001. Did it full time (living on 25K scholarship plus part-time lecturing/tutoring) for 3.5 years. Swapped to part-time when the scholarship ran out.

Finally submitted thesis in March 2008 (been getting letters threatning expulsion and dire consequences if I didn't finish soon since about 2005). Got thesis back from marking in March 2009 (it passed but required modifications - doesn't need to be resubmitted for marking but supervisor has to sign off that required changes have been made).

Currently at home (for the last month only been employed working 2 -3 days per week due to lack of work at work - will pick up soon apparently) in the mean time I should right now be using my days off to finish my friggin thesis, but instead here I am wasting time posting fail pics and talking about study.

KimberleyRN · 08-18-2009, 09:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bando

You've claimed ownership, It's yours!

Ahh, I did not even notice that! You are right... I could have easily said A Masters Degree...

Oh, the power of positive thinking!

Bando · 08-18-2009, 09:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Reality_Check

Started my Physics PhD in Feb 2001. Did it full time (living on 25K scholarship plus part-time lecturing/tutoring) for 3.5 years. Swapped to part-time when the scholarship ran out.

Finally submitted thesis in March 2008 (been getting letters threatning expulsion and dire consequences if I didn't finish soon since about 2005). Got thesis back from marking in March 2009 (it passed but required modifications - doesn't need to be resubmitted for marking but supervisor has to sign off that required changes have been made).

Currently at home (for the last month only been employed working 2 -3 days per week due to lack of work at work - will pick up soon apparently) in the mean time I should right now be using my days off to finish my friggin thesis, but instead here I am wasting time posting fail pics and talking about study.

go to post #5
get ambition therein
finish the doctorate
lest you become your own fail pic

Old-Time-Lifter · 08-18-2009, 09:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Reality_Check

Started my Physics PhD in Feb 2001. Did it full time (living on 25K scholarship plus part-time lecturing/tutoring) for 3.5 years. Swapped to part-time when the scholarship ran out.

Finally submitted thesis in March 2008 (been getting letters threatning expulsion and dire consequences if I didn't finish soon since about 2005). Got thesis back from marking in March 2009 (it passed but required modifications - doesn't need to be resubmitted for marking but supervisor has to sign off that required changes have been made).

Currently at home (for the last month only been employed working 2 -3 days per week due to lack of work at work - will pick up soon apparently) in the mean time I should right now be using my days off to finish my friggin thesis, but instead here I am wasting time posting fail pics and talking about study.

PhD in Physics............ very good! I'm impressed!

OutOfStep · 08-18-2009, 09:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Reality_Check

Started my Physics PhD in Feb 2001. Did it full time (living on 25K scholarship plus part-time lecturing/tutoring) for 3.5 years. Swapped to part-time when the scholarship ran out.

Finally submitted thesis in March 2008 (been getting letters threatning expulsion and dire consequences if I didn't finish soon since about 2005). Got thesis back from marking in March 2009 (it passed but required modifications - doesn't need to be resubmitted for marking but supervisor has to sign off that required changes have been made).

Currently at home (for the last month only been employed working 2 -3 days per week due to lack of work at work - will pick up soon apparently) in the mean time I should right now be using my days off to finish my friggin thesis, but instead here I am wasting time posting fail pics and talking about study.

Physics PhD wow. Nice job and much respect. My sis is over at UC Berkeley working on her PhD right now.

Ctrainer · 08-18-2009, 09:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Reality_Check

Started my Physics PhD in Feb 2001. Did it full time (living on 25K scholarship plus part-time lecturing/tutoring) for 3.5 years. Swapped to part-time when the scholarship ran out.

Finally submitted thesis in March 2008 (been getting letters threatning expulsion and dire consequences if I didn't finish soon since about 2005). Got thesis back from marking in March 2009 (it passed but required modifications - doesn't need to be resubmitted for marking but supervisor has to sign off that required changes have been made).

Currently at home (for the last month only been employed working 2 -3 days per week due to lack of work at work - will pick up soon apparently) in the mean time I should right now be using my days off to finish my friggin thesis, but instead here I am wasting time posting fail pics and talking about study.

show off!!

immuno · 08-18-2009, 09:59 PM

Wow, props for the advanced degrees! I'm actually going backwards. I have a bachelors in acctg, but am seriously thinking about getting an associates in CAD.

Whatanejit · 08-18-2009, 10:39 PM

I am in the middle of a part time Masters in Clinical Education.

I have a 5000 word essay deadline for 1st Sept! So if I am a bit quiet you will know what I am up to

Best of luck the rest of you in your academic goals

Ctrainer · 08-18-2009, 10:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Whatanejit

I am in the middle of a part time Masters in Clinical Education.

I have a 5000 word essay deadline for 1st Sept! So if I am a bit quiet you will know what I am up to

Best of luck the rest of you in your academic goals

That sounds tough!! Good luck with that!

hochspeyer · 08-19-2009, 12:57 AM

Hmm ... does homeschooling two teens count?

beachguy498 · 08-19-2009, 05:20 AM

I got 2 degrees going to night classes. One in Mechanical Engineering in 1996 and one in Manufacturing Engineering in 2006. I'm toying with going back for a masters degree, but have enough on my plate now.

My hat is off to all that go the night school route, keep your eye on the prize and study hard.

BG

Reality_Check · 08-19-2009, 08:12 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bando

go to post #5
get ambition therein
finish the doctorate
lest you become your own fail pic

Just what I needed a boot to get things going.

Well I may not have started till 2pm or something but here it is 12am and I'm only just finishing up (I really get on a roll when I get going, its starting up that's the problem for me). A very productive day it was too (not just saying that either).

Quote:

Originally Posted by Old-Time-Lifter

PhD in Physics............ very good! I'm impressed!

thanks

Quote:

Originally Posted by OutOfStep

Physics PhD wow. Nice job and much res
pect. My sis is over at UC Berkeley working on her PhD right now.

thanks...impressed with your sis

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ctrainer

show off!!

Err..yeah maybe (body building sites attract narcissists probably more than others..before you know it you have people like me hanging around).

sh_sh · 08-19-2009, 08:23 AM

in for the geezer study group. not quite 35, but once upon a time i was 17 going on 29 so you do the math.

I've been working on the degree off and on for quite awhile. Im lucky in that my job has lots of down time that I can spend on my studies. I dont think Id have a chance if this wasnt the case....just not enough hours in the day.

My advice: talk to your professors on day 1, explain your situation, and ask what the best course for success is. Every one of mine have been very accomodating (one even used a webcam to put lectures online just for working adults that missed the occasional class.)

Good luck OP!

Bando · 08-19-2009, 09:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Reality_Check

Just what I needed a boot to get things going.
Well I may not have started till 2pm or something but here it is 12am and I'm only just finishing up (I really get on a roll when I get going, its starting up that's the problem for me). A very productive day it was too (not just saying that either).

Nice!

Quote:

Originally Posted by sh_sh

I've been working on the degree off and on for quite awhile.....

College was the best 13 years of my life...

Ctrainer · 08-19-2009, 10:08 AM

Err..yeah maybe (body building sites attract narcissists probably more than others..before you know it you have people like me hanging around).[/QUOTE]

Don't mind me...I'm just jealous!!

cross66 · 08-19-2009, 07:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bando

Anyone starting up a course of study this fall? I've done some extramural work and ended up getting accepted into grad school which starts next week. Working full time, going part time, little scary since it's for real this time.

Are you taking online classes or ground classes?

For the past year and a half I have been working on my master's in special education fulltime, worked full-time, until May had a part-time job, and this past summer I took my level I and II Reiki classes. I've fit the gym in, but kissed off my social life. I start my summer finals tommorrow, and the next semester starts in two weeks. With any luck, if my appeal is approved I will be taking my last class and doing my student teaching this fall and complete by December. It's been an interesting run, but I'm ready for the end of school. I took my courses online, and it worked out pretty good, because I was never late for classes.

Bando · 08-19-2009, 07:46 PM

I work at a University so will be in a brick and mortar classroom. To get through undergrad I took courses online - I worked 2nd shift and it wasn't uncommon to be chatting with study partners at 2am - I couldn't do that now with kids I bet. Best of luck in finishing up and way to stick with it.

canadianlifter · 08-20-2009, 07:00 AM

I just wrote my last exam on Tuesday. I had been doing school part time/work full time/wife and two teenagers at home too. Been working steady midnites for the past 5 yrs to get it all done.
I now have a Bachelor of Commerce degree (Accounting major) and Im looking to get into a new career. Its been a long tough haul but well worth it!

Bob

And today is my birthday!! 41!!