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Registration for Spring 2016 college classes is fast approaching, so I spent last Friday morning, combing through the catalog, trying to decide what to take next term. Possibly take, I should say, since I’ve learned that a listing in the catalog doesn’t always mean a course is offered in a particular term.
I will still be enrolled in the College Math Prep class. What should I mix with it? Should I take Ethics (a class that will fulfill two requirements in one)? Or how about Native Peoples of North America (an elective that simply would interest me)? And maybe I should toss in a one credit health activity like Stretch and Strength or Stress Management. I could use both or either of those.
But then, as I browsed the catalog, I found myself very tempted to do something I hadn’t planned on doing at all. Ever. Hasn’t even been on my radar. Something that would be just for the fun of it. Take an art course. I would have to begin with the Drawing 1 class before I could move on to Painting 1. I used to paint with acrylics, but other than a community education class, I have never taken lessons. Oh so tempting.
The downside is, I can’t take a drawing or a painting class online. Enrollment would mean a commitment to go into the college two days a week for 15 weeks, which isn’t as conducive to my writing schedule as studying online is. Plus there would be winter driving conditions to get through for up to six weeks or so. And what about my speaking engagements in February and March. Could I work around those? Just how tempting is that art class?
To be honest, quite tempting. I think it would be fun, and fun is good.
What do you think? Should I get a little crazy with my course schedule?
While I wait for your responses, may I just say that, as often as I regretted through the years not attending college when I was 18, there is something to be said for being a more … cough, cough … much more … cough, cough … mature student. I don’t have to worry how my class choices will affect my career. I can let my interests take me wherever they will. I’m loving the freedom of that.
~robin
PS And I could totally carry off wearing a beret and paint-splattered smock, don’t you think?
Robin Lee Hatcher
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I think you should go for it, Robin! I took an art course in college and I’ve been trying to make time in my life to draw and paint ever since. Maybe I’ll sign up for a course this spring, too. Thanks for inspiring me.
Thanks, Lynn. I’m pretty sure I’m going to go for it. Would be fun to think you and I were taking an art class at the same time. True talent is not required, right?
Working around scheduling is always stressful, so the stress management class might be good! But whatever class you take, something new sounds like fun. You might also think of a fitness class and get that “cough” looked at! 🙂
LOL on getting the cough looked at. Thanks for the good giggle, June.
Everyone should take at least a couple of those fun classes in school. (Creative writing was mine!) So go for it! You’ll never regret it.
I just finished watching a Korean tv drama called Twenty Again about a woman who enrolls in college twenty years later because she’d missed her chance the first time. It was an excellent drama about living every moment, realizing that some dreams don’t get second chances, and making the most of your circumstances.
Thanks! I’ll look to see if Twenty Again is something I can see too. Sounds like a show I would like.
It is on Hulu (and possibly Netflix)if you have accounts with them. But I watched it on Dramafever (which is free with commercials). Hulu actually just pulls the videos directly from Dramafever anyway.
http://www.dramafever.com/drama/4763/Twenty_Again/
The first few episodes are a little tough (be warned) as Korean culture has such a strict social hierarchy. An older woman going back to school ruffles a lot of social norms and it takes a few episodes for students and professors to accept her. But then it all becomes awesome. 🙂
Thanks again.!
Yes. I think you should go for it! It’s so encouraging to read this. It really is. I’m what they call a “dabbler”. I like to try many things and sometimes I do, and sometimes I don’t. Many times, I thought of taking classes to the things I’ve wanted since I was a kid, like learning to play the piano…still dreaming on that one. So go! Do it! Enjoy! Have fun!
Thanks, Annie! I’m about ready to order that smock. 😉
I commend your enthusiasm, but you have given several really good reasons to wait for the summer term. I am sure that isn’t what you wanted to hear, but just the speaking commitments would be enough reason to wait. It will still be there at a mor opportune time. But before you decide, pray with an open mind to your Heavenly Father. Good luck with your decision making.
Thanks, Pat. I did look into the summer term. But, of course, there is double the work in the summer and it means four classes a week instead of two. That would be more disruptive to my writing than the spring term. And I did learn that I would only be gone for one of the classes (thanks to spring break) so I don’t think the speaking will interfere after all.
Definitely, go for it! Sounds like a blast. And you can make your next heroine an artist and call the class research! (Tax write-off, even?) Just drive carefully on wintery streets. And don’t forget the scarf…that’s essential with the beret, which, yes, you could TOTALLY pull off! 🙂
Thanks, Deb. Yes, I could do a write off if I used it for a heroine. Hmm… And I have knitted myself several scarves so it looks like I’m good to go. LOL!
Robin, I was about 45 before I even picked up a paintbrush and I don’t mean to paint a wall! I had no idea there was going to be anything there but there was. My family was in shock. My drawing was meh but painting was for me. Now that I am writing again I miss it but go for it and have a great time!
Thanks for the encouragement, Sandy. I already know I’ll prefer the painting to the drawing, but hopefully I will learn some good techniques and won’t be a total bust at it. But I know what you mean about writing taking away time from other creative pursuits. Having it be a college class would mean I would have to stick to it, which I think is a good thing.
It is just like writing. You learn as you go. You’ll be painting along and all the sudden something a teacher said way back will click in and you will “get it”. So many writer-painter applications. Have fun!
I say, go for it! I’m artist, so I’m obviously biased, but I think there’s something very inspiring about adding something different into your routine for a while. You may even find a new way to relax and get your creative juices flowing. 🙂
Thanks, Monica. I’m enjoying all the encouragement to go for it.
you work hard and desire a little fun so by all means go for it!!
🙂 Thanks, Shelia.
Good luck with your classes, Robin! Art would be such a fun class to take!
Thanks, Cara. Unless the course schedule has something unexpected (available next week), I’m planning to go for it.