Life in Providence...

[yellowline]

At the request of Lubemaster, I'm starting a thread about the first 2 months of college life, in response to the questions I asked in August.

In terms of classes, I'm attending them all, doing most of the reading, all the assigned homework. I'm estimating I have 2 Bs, a B-, and an A-. Surprisingly, Calculus is the A- class, which was the class I was worried about. I switched from "business math" to straight calc. I have a good professor, and the algebra truly is the hardest part of the class. All's good there. I'll probably take Calc 2 next semester, so I satisfy the requirements for everything but chem and engineering. Good news is I feel like I'm actually learning in Calc, not learning just to pass a test, then forget.

The most difficult thing is motivation. For a long time, I had really no clue what I wanted. I thought about a degree in philosophy, since some have offered the argument that it's a versatile degree...everyone wants a thinker. But I get seriously lost in the readings sometimes, and I dont think I have the kind of intellectual curiousity needed for philosophy.

The undeclared program offers career tests based on personality, interests, and such. Of all the ones I've taken, accountancy is the common "recommended career." Looking at surveys, it seems to be a great career in terms of earnings potential, job availability, satisfaction among professionals, and ability to work away from the city. Also, I do like sequence and order, and I (don't laugh) enjoy math and working with numbers, when I understand it. So that's what I use to motivate me, and I think I'll try some accountancy and economics courses next semester.

I've gone home a couple times, and I do feel more comfortable in a small town...at this stage, I don't think the city's for me. It's not a redneck thing, it's just that I was brought up in a small community and prefer it.

As far as fun, we've videotaped and messed with a friend who's exceptionally funny when drunk. Watching a drunk run around randomly and do the worm on the floor is much too funny. I've experimented a little with liquor...vodka and whiskey aren't bad, but I'm not going to lose control of myself...I've seen how it can really embarass you later on. We've done some things that I don't want to repeat online...nothing illegal, but I'd fear the repercussions if anybody I knew read it online. Also tried cigars, but I'm not a fan of having them, except for really special times. With the girls, I'm just being a good friend for right now...they've had good things to say about me to one of my friends who came with me from HS. We'll see from there.

Overall, I'm happy. Room for improvement, but it's a start.

[M.D. Holloway]

Yella,
I would suggest that you do pursue the philosophy degree but double up with something equally as important and flexible - MATH. I have a BA in philosophy and a BS in chemistry. I wish I had the BS in math instead. The combination coming from a great lib art college like PC will be unbeatable. You can get into any grad program you wish (law, med, eng, comp, biz...) or go into any field of profession.

Trust me when I tell you this - do the double major / double degree with that combo and you will not regret it. I'll hire ya!

[M.D. Holloway]

Also - the philo degree may prove to be a challenge for you becasue it will require you to use a different part of your noggin. Thats the idea. It is excellent training in comprehension, writing and critical thinking. All valuable assets to complement a degree in math.

Again, I can not stress it strongly enough - do the double!

(also - after Thanksgiving is the best time to swoop up on the lonely ladies - they just got back fro the vacation to find out that their boyz cheated on them - they will need some luv...or revenge sex!)

[dhoward]

Listen to Lube.
He also has a Master's in BS...

[M.D. Holloway]

NO GREASE FOR YOU!

[dhoward]