I've finished my first two semesters! It was a challenge!
I took two classes each semester while working full time and am currently taking the summer off to do some traveling! More on that later.
The most important part - the reults:
I got three As and one B! Having not set any standards for grades when starting school, I think this turned out well. I took two introductory psychology courses, first year English and Philosophy.
The B was in English, the most challenging class, and not having written an essay for over ten years, I am quite pleased with this mark! I do write excellent resumes and cover letters, so that may have helped a bit, but it was challenging to properly organize a research essay and especially to express myself in writing so that what ends up on the page is actually what's in my head. What helped most with all of these classes was setting the appropriate time to study the material and to prepare drafts of my papers early enough to revise them.
There are a few tricks I picked up from my classes regarding studying and writing...
From Psychology:
Scan the chapter and it's main points. Try to ask yourself questions about the main points that can be answered when you read the chapter.
Read the chapter and take notes.
Take lots of breaks to keep your mind fresh.
Review the material after to refresh your knowledge.
Try to test yourself to really make the knowledge stick.
Try to explain the material to someone who doesn't know it, a la 'ask me like I'm 5' reddit thread.
Philosophy's and English have straightforward methods of forming an argument/thesis statement:
Know the views that are for or against what you're arguing about. This includes the views you disagree with!
Point out the logical problems with the views you don't agree with.
Summarize the points, then present your argument or statement, not simply that you agree or disagree with the topic, but why you do or why your new argument or statement is valid, again, à la ask me like I'm 5.
Think of potential objections to your argument and point them out along with solutions.
At the end, give the reader an 'aha' moment by summarizing your point and pointing them to a new conclusion that helps them see the argument in a new, more logical way. This is the hardest thing to do! It takes a subject matter expert and lots of time for these to come about.
And lastly, from Google, a guide to the appropriate amount of time to study a particular subject based on its difficulty:
http://www.howtostudy.com/manage-your-time/
This really helped me plan my study time.
I should also note that each semester, I took one on-line class. Just because it's an on-line class doesn't mean it's easier! Always check rate my prof for an idea of what to expect and keep in mind some students are bias.
Just a note about traveling around and seeing others succeed in their lives... When in a big city, you see all sorts of successful people out and about.
It makes me appreciate why I want to be educated seeing so many smart and talented people. I want to be one of them! I want to converse about something I'm passionate about with someone for hours.
I want to get a good job and be internationaly rebound and have an opportunity to move cities for jobs. To do that, I'll need to have an education. Not only that, but you have to be an expert with connections.
