The Joy of Finals or: Manners Go to Hell

Well, this is my first post outside the confines of English class. It also means I probably lost all of my (2) readers. C'est la vie.

Finals is never fun for anyone. Especially this semester. Granted, I had only 3 finals, so I should shut up and not complain, but I had two back-to-back ones on Friday. Determined to do well, I decided to camp out at the library and study my little heart out.

So on Wednesday and Thursday, with the college student staple in my hand-a medium mocha, I snuck into the library (yes, it can be done!) and settled into a comfy seat on the fifth floor. Mind you, the fifth and sixth floors are designated as the quiet study areas.

I can listen to music and still get something done, but something about talking IRKS me. Especially in a quiet place. I have been told to be quiet several times, but while both of these times occurred on the fifth floor, I was in a group table with the sign "Group Study" hanging overhead. The study nook I chose was hidden. Single desks. No talking allowed, bitches.

I heard quite a few whispers and giggles which made me mad. Why is the library so full around finals time? Why does everyone decide that the library is the coolest hangout after abandoning it all semester? Oh, hell, I hardly went to the library this semester either. What am I bitching about?

People seriously have double standards though. I keep my phone on vibrate and leave the area when I answer it. This happened on Thursday when a buddy wanted to borrow my notes. I got up to answer it, and two people who were chatting and whispering two seconds ago suddenly gave me this deer in the headlights look. You know, the look that reads, "How dare you bring a cell phone to the library?" Oh I'm sorry, did my vibrating cell phone INTERRUPT YOUR CONVERSATION?

Last week also marked a momentous occasion-the first time I ever, ever asked someone to quiet down. And it wasn't for talking. It was for this mouse clicking. I tried to put up with it. I mean, I hate being told to pipe down, I admit it-one time someone told me that the music from my headphones were too loud. But this non-stop mouse clicking drowned out my music and was incessant. After ten minutes, I finally went up to the person, and apologetically told him it was distracting. Guess what he was playing? Some rip-off version of Minesweeper. Dude, take a real study break.

I guess everyone is too preoccupied with themselves to worry about anything else. I feel it, y'all, I do. I forgot a friend's birthday. My mom tells me I sound distant on the phone as I worry whether Professor K. will ask anything about Type 2 Sedimentation on the final. It's just funny to see it in others. Talking in libraries, people bumping into you and not saying "excuse me," annoying mouse clicking...I'll be glad when finals are over and everyone can stop being drones!

Ethics Post #9

I had mixed feelings about 301 online, to be honest. I feel like we've had a great teacher (thank you, Mrs. Raisor, for letting me call your home to get help with the research paper!)

But I feel, overall, the online design of the course needs a little work. The calibrations are just terrible. I can understand the reasoning behind it, but I feel like the implementation of the calibration needs to be improved. Nobody thinks like an English teacher at our level. I think that the peer reviews should count for a lower percentage if calibrations are eliminated, and have teacher input count for a higher score.

But now for the good stuff. I really enjoyed keeping up this blog. I have several blogs floating around out there, and I enjoy writing. Keeping up with these blogs is a way for me to get my love of writing out. I also liked learning about how keeping a blog at work can be detrimental to your position! It reinforces my belief that if you're going to blog about that kind of stuff, keep it private!

The assignments, like writing memos, were helpful. I enjoyed working with the group wiki even though I really didn't communicate with my group (with the exception of 1). Overall, I feel like this course has been useful. Thanks!

Almost...done...

So the semester is almost over. I can't believe it. It has been a so-so semester for me. I disliked several of my engineering classes with a passion, and did not learn very much. My study habits took a beating too. I used to start studying for an exam the week before, but now two or three days is good enough for me. I feel so burned out in every aspect of my life. I'm just tired. I have no motivation for school. My runs have grown stale. I wish I had a running buddy to make them more interesting. I think I need a BREAK! I"m applying to grad school at least, and have the GRE all taken care of.

I'm sure I'm not the only '06er who has an acute case of senioritis. Have a safe and happy holiday, and Merry Christmas/Happy Hanukkah/Kwanzaa/Festivus, and GOOD LUCK ON FINALS!!!!!! I'll miss reading everyone's entries. If you're still interested in my blog, I'll keep this updated. So I'll welcome any readers! Thanks to everyone who commented on my posts, they made me feel special.