
I’ve never been a good athlete, nor am I good at putting long term goals down on paper and then meeting the benchmarks which will ultimately get me to my destination. But when the desire is there, I will subconsciously search out my objective like an internal GPS. My six year dream to complete a college level math course may seem prosaic to most. However, I need that knowledge to confidently tutor higher level math students whom I have had to turn away. Although I got an A in college algebra years ago, high school math has changed. The courses are accelerated, and more advanced content has been introduced to the high school curriculum. By taking pre-calculus, I can fill those gaps. So four weeks ago, I began an online pre-university calculus course. So please excuse me for my absence on thelearningtutor; the exercises have consumed my brain power.
I’m still pursuing this goal – the course ends in September – but I’ve already overcome many obstacles- mainly financial. When I first considered returning to school, I thought I could do it inexpensively by auditing. I didn’t need another degree, but I quickly learned that the local university charged the same amount because an auditor takes up space. Then I checked into the online version and discovered that even though seating capacity was not an issue, the technological fees actually increased the cost over taking it in the classroom. So I set my dream aside.
But as dreams tend to do, it recurred. Maybe it was because I turned 50, or maybe it was because I had to turn away even more students this past year. In March, I once again explored options for taking a summer course, and I met more dead ends. The local technical college, a more economical choice, could not assure me that the class I needed would be offered. However, they wanted me to complete the application process, which would include transcripts from two different colleges, with its attendant fees. That didn’t make sense. I again considered the local university knowing the cost would be higher. In fact, about $1,100; fees like parking, activity, etc were nearly as much as tuition. Since I only needed one course, I was not eligible for any financial aid.
However, I decided to get creative and raise the funds. The cornerstone of my plan was to sell my diamond engagement ring (gasp!). I assure my readers that I thought it over carefully and discussed it with Jim. I never wear my ring. In fact, it’s become loose on me so I’m afraid of it slipping off without my noticing. Finally, as a good friend pointed out, I don’t have a daughter to leave it to, so I would get more use out of liquidating it than letting it sit in a jewelry box. But when I researched this option, I learned that the diamond market was flooded, and my devalued ring, at most, would bring $600 if I could find a buyer. I still believed I could get the funds, and I completed the admission process, having faith that God would come through in a miraculous way. As the date for summer session drew nearer, I had trouble registering for the class, and then I learned that the course was four hours, instead of three, increasing the cost $200.
Deciding God was telling me, “Not now,” I let go again. At this point, I got discouraged and began to think this would never happen. But I couldn’t stop talking about it, and I ended up telling the right person-a divine appointment? He informed me that I could take a free online course called a MOOC (Massive Open Online Course). I thought this was too good to be true, but after googling, I found a pre-university calculus course starting the next week! Now for someone who wants a degree this will not help, but it is the perfect fit for me since I only need the knowledge.
Now, I spend my evenings doing math and rewatching lectures between students. Just like the athletes preparing in Brazil, I have wondered many times if the effort and sacrifice of time is worth it. But I’m enjoying the challenge, and I’ll keep my eyes on the prize.