I am going back to school after 18 years, starting the 27th, and I am about the same age as you. I remember the first time I tried college as a working adult the social anxiety was so bad, I just stopped going to class. And that was a film studies class where we spent much of the session sitting in the dark. I don't expect to have too much trouble with social anxiety this time ... just not sure my brain still works.

Of course, it's much different for you, standing at the front of the class, having had various misadventures with awfully-behaved students. But this year you have tenure! And you have weathered so many battles! Also, I think you have blocked the less-seasoned students from your most challenging class, so hopefully this semester will be an easier one for you. Best wishes!

I hope all goes well for you Muji ! and ya, i sure hope you have better luck skipping the abusive students this year. It must be stressful. DW, that is great!!! I think J is starting soon too. Many good thoughts to all. Funny, i love to learn. my mind can be a sponge when i am interested but i could not stay awake in class!

I too hope all good things for you! ... the both of you! I'm going to have to wait 'til the 2nd Quarter is near the end to see if I'll be attending in-person or not. We have options here in my City...with our Nasty weather just around a couple of corners...we're quite smart about it. But, I LOVE LEARNING! I really do. I read all the time. Having some assignments helps me to stay alert and be responsive. Good luck to all.

No back to school for me and it has me as cranky as a nuptial left standing alone at The Altar: All dressed up with no place to go. My academic conditioning says I should be gearing up for classes, but. . . Not this semester. . .

I am trying to channel the conditioning into other pursuits, but it is more of a challenge than it seems like it oughta be. There I go, getting oughtistic again!

Best of luck to those of you who are heading into the Academic New Year. May it challenge you gently.

Hey, Donna, good luck going back to school on the 27th! I'm glad you're socially fine tuned for it, and I can assure you your brain is fine tuned, too. Thanks for reminding me I have tenure now, and I can also focus on my more mature students so I can look forward to some fun in the classroom. You're right, being up front is different, but I'll try to grow into claiming my tenure privilege so I can relax.

Doo, I've been thinking about J, too. iwo, I hope the options shake out in your favor and you get some lovely learning come your way. arf, may the channeling into other pursuits pay off for you. Thanks to everybody for the first day of school encouragement! Back attcha, each and every one!

Big hugs to everyone:-)
I live in a uni town. The students move in this weekend. I don't experience personal trauma, so to speak, but we local slike to hide from them as much as possible.... I can't imagine being "in" the tsunami. We're here to throw you that lifeline whenever you need it. Puma power!

you know I have faith in you hugs min

sending strength and courage

Yes Muji and Doo...I already have received and responded to one of my professors and classes are a week away from starting. I have spent a lot of funds on extra texts beyond the etexts, since I am a tactile learner from the dinosaur ages of actual textbooks. I want to research where the origin is in a text of a statement that may be mentioned chapters later. So I mark the page for easy reference. Not easy to do with an etext at all.
I have the two consecutive math texts and study guides for the Algebra. Triggers and anni's froze me to a point of no recovery in time on that one. So self exposure going on daily here as I work the chapters and formulas. Hoping to pass the class I didn't and the next in one 16 week session. I was over zealous in taking the trigger of numbers in combinations with the anni's and the two other Psychology classes in a 7 week time. But those classes I passed very nicely in(4. and high 3.5)...so sharpening my pencils, new note books delivered and scanning the chapters of the Fall semester have already started,
Hugs all of you.
J.

I missed a quiz on my wedding anniversary. That was the straw between an A and a B+, My instructor was supportive, but I do know the information, just lost the day.

hugs and support - go get em!!!

Jewells, I know what you mean about paper textbooks and e-texts. I started teaching before there even was an Internet, but in the last 5 years my bosses have pushed for e-texts to be the norm for me. They're cheaper, and competition for enrollment with other colleges is fierce, so you have to adapt. Highlighting an e-text, writing notes in the margins and all of that, well, it's been a whole new thang, if you know whut ah meen.

I'm glad you shared the details of this math challenge you have upcoming this semester. I would be gearing up for it the same way you are. Much support to you with the semester's launch!

OK, it all starts for me tomorrow. Gulp. Here goes!!
Like I posted on Calypso as well, here's hoping with the song "We Rule the School" by Belle & Sebastian...
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QQVElV5Hr0U

All the best to everybody starting a school year or involved with someone who is!

By now your first day is under your belt and out of sight!. Hugs Muji I hope it was a good start.

yes, seconding Jewells, hugs : )