Monceaux.org

Well, I just finished my first set of homework for this semester. I have been taking one class per semester since fall 2001 through MSU working towards my Masters. Luckily, work pays for me to take these classes. It is a free ride for my degree. While everyone has their own decisions to make, I cannot imagine why many of the people I work with do not pursue a degree or take any classes.

Although, as much as I wish to continue taking classes and getting my Masters and Ph.D., I really am tired of school. I do learn things from my classes, but it just seems so monotonous. Basically, I sit in a classroom listening to someone teach something, take some tests, write some papers, and that's it. I think I have already proven over the many years I've been in school, that I can study and take tests. I would really just like to take classes where everyone discusses a topic and actually learns from the interaction and conversations surrounding interesting topics. At the same time, I'll be the first to admit, that without tests and due dates hanging over my head, I'd likely not ever participate. I'm quite lazy, and would prefer to watch some TiVo, play on the 'Net, or go to a concert with my wife.

Overall, I would say that I actually enjoy learning something from my classes. I would highly encourage anyone who has the opportunity to go to school on someone else's nickle to do so. Even if you do not pursue a degree, the right courses will keep the wheels of you mind from rusting up so much. I do a great deal of thinking and puzzle solving for my job, but there are just some things that get rusty without using them. For me, my math skills suffer very quickly without occasional usage. I also would not mind freshening up on some biology or chemistry.

Not sure exactly how I got on this tangent, but I really just felt like announcing that I had completed my first homework assignment, and I wish it were the last.