End of first week

I have completed my first week at college. We had the first General
Science lesson today,the units being Biology, Chemistry, Physics,
Practical and Environmental Science. We told that those of us doing
chemistry cannot gain credits in the Chemistry unit, so we will have to
make them up somewhere else. I think I will do the IT module instead. We
are doing the Biology unit first and have started by looking at cells
and observing different types under the microscope. We have been given
some research on viruses to do by next week. We had Maths yesterday with a very enthusiastic teacher. I didn't find
it too challenging but I think I am best to stay in this class as I am
quite rusty, and am not sure if I could cope with the higher Maths
class! Our English teacher is another really enthusiastic teacher. I
think it is the subject I am most worried about. He gave us back the
piece of work from the day before. He said mine was fine and at the
right level. I am starting to get to know the other students in my classes. They have
varied backgrounds, some already work in the health sector, one is a
binman, a couple have come out of the army and several are mothers. The
types of degrees they want to do include Physio, Occupational Therapy,
Speech Therapy, Forensics, Zoology and Veterinary Science.

Next week we will be getting our first 2 assignments. Help!!

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Another day of study

Today we had Biology and English classes. In Biology we were introduced
to light microscopes and made up our own slides of onion cells and cheek
cells. In English we had to write a short essay. I chose to write a very
abbreviated version of my life story. They seem to be breaking us in
gently. It seems that we will soon be inundated with work! We will be
given our first assignments next week. I am trying to spend some time each evening doing some study to get me
into the habit.

This evening I have been watching a harrowing but very interesting
programme about the rehabilitation of a couple of injured soldiers.
Really impressive, tough characters!

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Washing machine repairs

Last night the washing machine decided not to empty. I couldn't face sorting it out until this evening. I had visions of having to call out an engineer and being charged exorbitant prices for spare parts or a new machine. Luckily, after investigation I discovered some fluff caught in the pump which I managed to free with the help of a sharp implement! This poor machine does get a lot of use and we do have very hard water.

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First day at college

Well, I have survived my first day at college - 3 hours of chemistry.
The chemistry teacher, also our personal tutor, seems very good. The
class of 20 was a mixture of one year full time students like me and first and second years of the two year part time course. We started off
by going over rules and regulations, then a review of the course. After
a 15 minute break we had a practical session. We worked in groups
looking at various pieces of equipment trying to decide what each thing
was. I recognised some things but I think equipment has changed somewhat
since I was at school many years ago! She then introduced us to the
periodic table. I think she was easing us in gently. Next week we get
our first assignment, and then the hard work starts. The one year course
is going to be pretty intensive. Afterwards I went to the Learning Resources Centre to sort out my
intranet access. The morning went surprisingly quickly! On my way home I had a phone call from my youngest who wasn't feeling
very well, so I had to turn round and collect her from College, meaning
I was late getting to work, but a colleague very kindly covered for me.

 I am now feeling quite tired. I don't think I have fully recovered from
my cold which doesn't help.

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Work experience

I have just spent a couple of hours work shadowing a local private
physio. It was very interesting, and the physio is an excellent teacher.
I have come home and written up notes on the cases I observed. I am
going to spend some more time with her next week. I am sure this is
going to be invaluable experience and preparation for my studies.

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Work and study

I have now received written confirmation of my place on the Access
course.

 Work are being very accommodating with regards to my studying. They have
allowed me to work different hours to fit round my lectures. I have managed to arrange work experience at an orthopedic hospital and
with a private physio. I will also contact other hospitals. All
universities expect you to have had some experience of physio
departments, so I am hoping this will fit the bill!

 I am getting quite excited about it all. I may feel differently in a few
weeks time!

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Returning to study

Both of my children are due to go to university in the next couple of years and I now feel ready to start developing myself. I have enrolled on an Access to HE course in Science for a year which will enable me to go on to university and study for a degree in a science related subject. I have not yet made a final decision on what degree course to follow, but am currently considering between: physiotherapy and speech & language therapy.

I know this is going to be a very difficult few years, consisting of a lot of hard work and not much social life, but I also think that it will be very stimulating and enjoyable and will open up new avenues to me.

I have not been idle over the years of raising my children. Just being at home for them and raising them is a big task in its own right and we know many mothers given the choice would have preferred to have been  able to have stayed or worked at home rather than have to go out to earn money full time. I also ran a couture business from home for many years but found being at home all the time a somewhat lonely and stressful existence.

In the last couple of years, I took up a position as a job-share receptionist working at an opticians. Not terribly challenging, but it has been great to be working in the outside world and meeting lots of people.

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