I think I'm going to cry

[daughter]

Folks--

I'm on hiatus. I start school tomorrow. Oh yeah!! I'm so excited I almost cried.

Those who know me can I understand the tears. The course is pretty challenging: 2 novels, fairly thick, one particularly dry(I've been warned) and a collection of poetry in six weeks. Whew.

Some of the poets I actually know and others I have read or heard at readings so I'm pretty excited.

Wish me luck. I'm soooooooooo happy. Spent every dime I had (haven't heard about my grant yet). I'm going to school!

Peace,

zawadi

 

[MissTaken]

Best Wishes to you, daughter.

I know you will do well. Enjoy the journey and grab, digest and absorb everything you can.

*hugs *

 

[Lauren Hynde]

Good luck, daughter! I'm really happy for you. And please, have fun!

Don't forget to come back and tell us how it went!

 

[WickedEve]

I know you'll love the experience, and you'll impress everyone. You know you have what it takes, and we know it.

 

[smithpeter]

daughter

When I first read your post I thought you had to write two novels, (one particularly dry) and compose a collection of poetry all in 6 weeks.
I hope you have luck with the grant.
We all know that students tend to party a lot. Don't do too much of that and you should do fine. We are here for you.
sp

 

[KatPurrs]

You'll do just fine, daughter!

With your keen interest and intelligence, how could you not. And I haven't even mentioned that damned Type A personality of yours! Well, not until just now, that is...

Kudos to you, daughter! You're gonna SHINE!!!

Kat~

 

[TheDR4KE]

All the best Zawadi. I'm so very happy for you.

D

 

[Debbie]

Damn i thought they were going to be tears of sadness.
So glad they are from happiness.
Blessings on your back to school adventures.

 

[karmadog]

I wish I was in the class with you! What a blast that would be.

 

[daughter]

Thanks, everyone

karmadog, we would have a blast. First night was something. We're studying Literature in Detroit(my hometown). In addition to the novels and collection of poetry, we were given handouts of additional poetry and fiction.

smithpeter, I'm an old hat now. No partying for this senior student. I have 6 poems and a short story to read by Thursday. We have a set of questions to answer and must be prepared to discuss the works indepth. I have to read 19 chapters of the first novel by next Thursday. Quizes, one paper and a take home exam. Did I mention this course only runs 6 weeks?!

My first read, Robert Hayden. Gotta go. Thanks for all your support.

Peace,

daughter

 

[karmadog]

Hey, daughter. Who are the novelists? I don't think I've read anything from a Detroit novelist, except Elmore Leonard and Loren Estleman.

 

[Nicodemus]

Congrats D,

I knew one way or another you would make this happen for you. Really happy to hear that things have come together.

Nic,

 

[daughter]

Detroit Literature

karma--

Oh, we have a helluva list. We're reading folks who lived here, born here, or wrote about Detroit. The majority of poets are Detroiters.

We're reading "The Dollmaker" by Henrietta Arnow. The book is set in Detroit. She lived here during the depression/WWII. She eventually died in Washtenaw County. Neighbor county of Wayne(Detroit).

The other novel is "them", National Book Award winner, by profilic and celebrated author, Joyce Carol Oates. The book is set in Detroit in the 30s. Ms. Oates taught at University of Detroit from 1962-67. The book is based on the life of one of her students, a former Detroiter who later moved to Dearborn(Know about Henry Ford?)

The poet list is even more impressive. For me anyway. Edward Hirsch, taught at Wayne State. He wrote the poet's Bible some would say, "How to Read A Poem and fall in love with Poetry". Robert Hayden, one of the most influential black poets in American history, Phillip Levine, was educated, lived, and taught in Detroit, Ron Allen(known more for his plays), Dudley Randall(Broadside Press), and then there are the emerging poets of whom I know about five of them personally.

I gotta get off the net and get back on the scene. I missed the submission call for "Abandon Automobiles", the anthology we're reading. LOL

Thanks, Nicodemus. Yes, I didn't care what I had to do, I was takin' my opinionated, career-student ass back to school.

Gotta go.

Peace,

daughter

 

[JUDO]

D -

Awfully glad to hear you're back in school, doing what you want - need. I wish I could go back to school, if only...

DE-troit, the word and car capital. I picture blue collars spouting a little creative thinking while welding a spark of molten metal along the curve of a gender fender that would make Carmen Electra green with envy.

My industry is suckin' wind out here right now. If somethin' don't happen soon, I may have to go back to school.

Good vibes.
- Judo

 

[dark stranger]

break a pencil

your mind is the sky
without clouds
fill it with learn colors

let it be horizon then
on the morrow

good luck ms,

Dark

 

[REDWAVE]

Congrats, but be sceptical

Congrats on going back to school, Z, if that's what you want to do, which it seems it is. As someone who's undergone a lot of formal education, as well as having done a lot of self-teaching, studying on my own, I see formal education as double-edged. Yes, you can learn some valuable things. Yes, it can advance your career. But I have always been of the opinion that what goes on in the classroom is much more about indoctrination than it is about true education, which to me means expansion and liberation of the mind. The really important things I've learned have all been self-taught.

 

[daughter]

You get what you want

RED--

I attend a small liberal arts college that promotes not inhibits free thinking. In fact, if you don't give some sign the 'light' is on, the professors are alarmed.

I believe in learning, period. Being in a classroom is not an automatic death. That's too simplistic and you're not a simple man, RED.

There are five us including my professor in my class studying Literature in Detroit. We're more than a working class, factory town. We actually have intellectuals, progressive thinkers, artists, activists and the holy. Our makeup and perspectives challenge every stereotype and bad press about Detroit. Not that there isn't some validity to these notions on some level, but we are not monolithic nor one dimensional. Our class ranges in age from early twenties to mid-fifties. We are black, Canadian, Albanian, Jewish, and Lebanese. Very cool mix and we've already had very engaging, stimulating discussions.

Real learning takes place when you're willing to see beyond what you think you know. And I believe you can get that in a classroom, on porn board from a counselor in tinsel town, and the pews.

I don't accept doctrine of any institution wholly, RED. I contemplate and make conscious conclusions based on my own beliefs, values, and facts.

I am a thinker, RED. I welcome lessons wherever I can find them.

Be well.

Peace,

Zawadi

 

[Guest]

Red,I also believe that I have learned more from my own self-taught experiences..ie,street smarts common sense..
However,never turn down the opportunity to learn new things as
life's lesson may be on the way to you..
I ncorporate knowledge learned into your own belief system-
weed out what you don't like or don't want to remember..
so to speak..YES,teachers today need to care more about the students than the curriculum..i agree..going to college myself 2nd
year studying for degree in criminal law...keep your dreams high Red......Angel