So, I’ve been frantically trying to arrange my course schedule for the spring. It’s a frustrating process every semester, especially now that I’m done with Gen. Ed.s. Most of the classes required for my major that aren’t just survey courses (ones that everyone takes) are only offered in one section, which means that I am forced to plan my schedule around them. Then comes deciding when to have lunch. And that isn’t even the beginning of it. Being sure that none of the time slots conflict, letting required classes dictate which chapel I attend, and making sure that I have the best teachers: all of these are factors to be considered. One of the first things I learned when I got to Harding is to be sure to ask older students and alumni which teachers to take. I’m sure that all of the professors employed by Harding are wonderfully delightful people who are incredibly intelligent. However, I’m sure that we all know that those attributes are not always communicated in a classroom setting. So after I begin to narrow down my choices for electives, especially bible classes, I am sure to ask someone I trust for advice about professors. It has been wonderfully helpful thus far, and the only time that I have been disappointed with my instructor choice has been during the semesters when I didn’t ask advice but simply picked the only class that fit into the convenience of my schedule. And from that experience, seriously, take my advice: It’s much better to have an inconvenient schedule than to sit in a class that you hate for a whole semester, knowing that you could have chosen something else. It’s also important to make use of your advisor. You probably won’t need him/her as much as Harding will try to tell you that you do, but don’t forget that he/she is there to help you and can save you a whole lot of heartache if you will let him/her in on your plans.
On the bright side of things, I am almost finished arranging my schedule for the spring and I’m fully satisfied with it. I’ve got professors that I know I love and friends that share my major and course load. It’s going to be a great semester!
Too bad I have to come back to reality and remember that I still have to get through this semester before I can start a new one. I’ve got lots of papers to write. Majoring in English and Education will do that to you!! But it’s wonderful and I thoroughly enjoy it all, at some point or another. Remember to ask people for help. Don’t do the scheduling thing, or really anything at all in life, all by yourself.
Heart you all.
