Head of the class

It might be a little early yet, but I'm really enjoying my Mexi-American Studies class.

Last night I started working on my first assignment. It's a paper. Minimum 3 pages. I'm about halfway through and on the bottom of page 3. Looks like I have the mother of all editing to do over the next two days.

Woah.

Let me take a step back.

First. The paper is not due until Friday... and I have already started on it. That is not like me at all. I am the QUEEN of doing papers the day they are due. Back in the day I could usually crank out a 3 pager in like an hour. Which I could have done last night, but it was getting too long-winded. Either way, the fact that I started early on this assignment is just mind boggling and a little freaky. Maybe I'm coming down with something.

Second. Reading. For class.

I don't know if I EVER did that. And now, I'm doing it practically everyday. And not only am I actually reading the shit I need to read for class, I'm reading ahead! I've started on one of the books that I don't need to have read for another two weeks.

I am at a loss.

It's like I'm growing up before my very eyes.

It's a brand new day folks! Don't worry; I'll bring all of you along to enjoy this very special ride.

One other thing. In my class, I am probably the oldest (at a mere 28) person in my class. And aside from my instructor, the only one with a degree. Shocker, I realize as I am taking my class at a community college. But apparently, it's a big deal. Every now and then, my professor will turn to me and say something like "Isn't that right, Arianna?" And of course, I have to agree. I mean, come on! I ain't stupid!

The real struggle I have is with keeping my damn mouth shut. I REALLY don't want to be THAT OLD LADY in the class that never shuts up. Has anyone ever taken a class w/one of them? Oh shit, they are obnoxious. They have all the answers (which, I do) and insist of giving their opinion on every little thing (which - as you know, I do that too).

So yeah. It's hard. I sit there... while our prof asks a question (that I, of course, know the answer to)... and listen to the crickets chirp as no one steps up and answers. Finally, out of frustration, our prof will call on someone (and the poor thing will have no clue). I told myself I would give two (but no more than three) answers a class. And it's a struggle. But I am determined to keep with it. I mean - I get to stay active, participate, and still maintain my "coolness". And that - my dear readers - is what education is all about.