New link space provides quiet haven for study
By Mark Edgcomb
IV Leader Staff
Finding a Place for Studying
I have found, together with a couple of my fellow
non-traditional student a new quiet place for studying before taking those test
that professors feel they need to give on a repeating basis.
You ask where on this campus can someone find a calm place to
study. We are passing on the once-hushed library, which seems overrun by overly
talkative students this semester. The cafeteria is fine early in the day or in
late afternoon, yet it is difficult studying when MSNBC is reporting on the war
in Iraq and I hear Mr. Bush telling Americans, that wire tapping citizens
without court ordered search warrants is completely acceptable.
I suppose that next he will tell us it is tolerable, to
arrest U.S. citizens, whom “they” imagine (what about presumed innocent) capable
of doing something illegal or immoral. Hell, why stop at wire taps? Why not
immediately arrest us all because you never know what any one of us is capable
of doing?
Therefore, I find it impossible to study once I hear that
type of news.
Fortunately, there are three other places left on campus. As
I head up the stairs next to the math lab, this always causes my head to hurt
reliving the misery of teaching myself algebra in Math 0907 in the lab last
year. Shaking off the nightmares and entering the top level, the domain of the
professors, I find other students have also found this genteel, refined and
well-mannered place: The link between building B and building D.
The new tables and chairs remind one of an urban café. The
area is tranquil and warm, a splendid place to cram information into the old
cranium.
Still, two places left on campus: one I have no success with
since my counselor is not there to help me with my projects.
The last place for peacefully studying I will not disclose;
however, if you ask George Bush or Safety Services I am sure they know where I
scrutinize my notes before my exams.
HAMMER POINT 2
Speaking of assessments has anyone managed to read the
messages that move across the IVCC sign at light speed. I realize and freely
admit I am a slow reader; therefore, could whoever programs this sign please
slow down the text around 9 a.m. every Tuesday and Thursday? Without doubt, I am
missing some important messages. For example, the fees for Spring 2006
graduation were due Feb. 1. Maybe if I post date my check “they” will let me out
of here.
HAMMER POINT 3
Speaking of messages did any one listen to the State of the
Union speech. If you did not, I can assure you that you did not miss much.
The President did mention about how this country is behind
the other economically developed countries of the world at the college level in
math and sciences degrees. After all, some of us have been scared by these
subjects.
Therefore, IVCC can lead the charge and put the U.S.A. back
in first place. The first class offered MTH-1313 Poker “Pay for College.” This
course would fill quickly and have a $250 lab fee which if you study hard can be
won back on the final exam.
One other class might be CHM-2121 Beer “The Elixir of Life.” Yes, you have to be
21 to enroll in this one. Meeting place TBA and you need your own beer stein.
Not wishing to forget the Theatre Department how about THE-1666 Acting-“Like You
Give a Damn.” Sign me up for that one.
Which brings us to a Hammer Point: due dates for papers. All
professors set dates for when finished work is due. Moreover, all students know
these dates. We all understand why professors set a date because without them no
one would ever turn in any work. Except, that is, for the over achieving
students (Over Achieving Student Syndrome or O-ASS).
I am a recovering O-ASS, there I admitted it, and I am an
O-ASS. Indeed, if you check out my GPA you will see that therapy is working.
Even now almost cured of this syndrome, one which most professors wishfully
daydream all their students would be afflicted with, I still manage to turn in
my project on time.
Maybe it is time they start letting professors kick students
in the O-ASS if students do not turn in assignments on time.