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| "Snap-the-Whip" [9 boys playing in front of rural schoolhouse] Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division |
Summer is officially starting around here the end of this
week, and I am starting out with no voice because of a cold like ick. My kids get out of school Friday and my
countdown to when they will go back will begin.
Just kidding…sort of.
This summer is already filling up pretty quick with
family activities, summer camps, and of course research. I have finally procured a sitter for a couple
different weeks. She has agreed to me leaving
my darlings with her while I make it up to NARA and the Library of Congress in
DC to do research. I may even be able to
fit in a jaunt to the DAR library and NGS.
Needless to say I have to get cracking on a research list and plan out
my visits.
In other news, I have officially signed up for the
September 2013 starting class of the Boston University Certificate in Genealogical
Studies. The excitement is wearing off
and the nerves are setting in. I haven’t
been back to “school” in 15 years and I really want to be successful at
this. High hopes and all you know. I even signed up to be a substitute teacher
for next year to help pay for the program.
You know it has to be serious if I would be willing re-enter the work
force after 12 years of being at home.
My get “my feet wet in online courses” class has
mid-terms this week. Last week’s module
was awesome for the genealogists in the class.
It was an entire section on personal genomics and how the different
genetic genealogy testing companies do what they do. It was like being in a candy store watching
the videos and doing the reading. I just
couldn’t get enough.
I am doing okay in the class, not as good as I thought I
would, but okay. While I am doing okay
(quiz average of a low B) it is bringing home to me the fact that I really need
interaction in some things at a personal level.
There is a discussion forum where I can talk about the problems with
fellow students and the staff chimes in only when we are having problems. I don’t like it, and I think I would prefer
to have a staff lead discussion section.
Way too many what ifs and unclear answers which a things that I do not
deal well with.
My other take away is that I still stink at math. Our professor makes a lot of assumptions that
we know (remember) formulas from prior biology classes or statistics. I hate statistics and the fact that I do not
have a firm grasp of mathematics is showing through. Let me restate that, my grasp on advanced algebraic
functions, statistics, and calculus has never been solid. Yes, I can do basic math and know my way around
a calculator if I know what formula to use.
Other than that I am beyond lost.
It is because I get all the theory questions correct that I have a B so
far in the class.
This class ends the week that my Gen Proof Study group
starts up. 8 weeks of discussion and
analysis on the Tom Jones book Mastering
the Genealogical Proof. Do you know
how excited I am he is one of the instructors for the BU program? I have skimmed the book once, and it is now
sitting on my shelf. The end of July
will be here before I know it and I am just going to have to get over my
aversion of writing in books and highlighting stuff.
Oh, you know what this means?! It means a trip to the
office supply store in my near future!
Hello, my name is Shannon, and I have an office supply addiction…
I think you are my new hero. I quake at the thought of a really good class....with fear AND desire. The MGP book is sitting next to my Bible (I think I have read one more than the other, lol). And, I really, really suck at math. There were so many other things I wanted to learn besides memorizing that awful stuff. And I think of Staples as my ToysRUs. If only my genealogy was as organized as my office supplies..... so fear not, you are not alone...
ReplyDeleteGlad I am not alone, LOL. I wish my genealogy was that well organized too, someday, when I have fewer distractions and less writing. I have too many stories to tell still. :)
DeleteOh, this sounds like such fun! I know it is also scary and nerve-wracking, but it sounds to me like sitting down to a feast with all your favorite dishes! Especially the Gen Proof study group for the Tom Jones book! I just got my book in the mail, and i wish I had time to enroll in a course! I wish you the best of luck and congratulations for taking this path!
ReplyDeleteThanks Mariann, at points I am sure I am going to need all the luck I can get. It is going to be an adventure!
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