So it’s been awhile since I updated. I was meaning to for awhile, but I didn’t. First classes were to be my subject. It’s kind of too late for that now, seeing as I’ve had several classes since then.
However, there’s one thing I would like to state which several of my fellow bloggers have made apparent: Faststart is lousy. I apparently got pretty good results from them, but they still didn’t give me my reading package for Poli Sci. This is a pain, because that’s all my Prof is using right now. Also, the bookstore is really bad about getting them. Some of my classmates said more were supposed to arrive yesterday, but when I went there and looked into it, there were none there. When I asked the people there, they told me that there were four in stock, but I’d have to look around for them if they weren’t where they were supposed to be. then they told me there were no others available for order. I fixed that. I ordered about ten or so more, since I figured I wouldn’t be the only one who’d need the package.
Actually, it’s not a major issue. The readings thus far have been from Plato’s Republic and Machiavelli’s “The Prince” both of which I have read previously, and both of which are available online anyway. However, the situation had potential to get frustrating fast, so I’m glad the package will be available by Monday.
So, let me make this clear, as others have: Unless you feel lucky, avoid faststart! You may think you’re saving yourself some hassle, but you could very well be causing much more trouble for yourself at a later date.
My professors are pretty cool, though. The whole experience is very different from High school, which I loathed. Economics is the only one I have a little bit of trouble with, but not for the reasons I thought. It’s actually very interesting. It’s just that I have it at 9:30 in the morning, and the professor talks in kind of monotone, so it’s difficult not to be lulled to sleep, which saddens me because I really am interested by what he has to say.
In Philosophy, someone thought I was a T.A. because I dress so formally and I use a leather carrying case instead of a backpack (Though I haven’t dressed that way lately. All my clothes reek of mildew due to a Totem Park Laundry Room related drying accident) ironically, the T.A. for my Philosophy class is also named Max. It got confusing in the discussion group today when at the end of the class someone shouted “Max!” and I turned my head.
So that’s my first experience with the academics here. I’m actually looking forward to more classes.