Putting the petty in perspective

i misbehaved in class on Tuesday. I spoke out of turn when another student was asked a question. I was chastised on the spot and I made my apologies in front of the whole class of 57. It was later explained to me when I asked that when a student was asked a question, it was for that student - and no one else - to answer. This is the way things are done at third level. Fair enough, I always bow my head in the face of greater wisdom.

I suppose we are all philosophers in a way. We all want answers to the ultimate questions, and we all wonder why. Our five hours of philosophy in first year are over. I found the lectures fascinating, and the lecturer's ability to turn them into a story was captivating. The human mind is not so different now to what it was thousands of years ago. The ancient Greeks, especially Plato, would reflect my own thinking. Kierkegaard and his "Leap of Faith" are other matters - it's not for me.

We had an extra class on Wednesday - study skills for mature students. The idea was great, and the heading on the handout even better: "How to study, where to study and how to handle the rest of the world" (adapted from Becoming a Master Student by David Ellis).

I needed this advice as I am swamped with all three matters since I started. I have literally wiped the slate clean on my previous life - no set dancing, no drama group, no music and very little of anything else. I want to rebuild some sort of social life.

Point number one was straightforward enough, advising us to look and see how we are using and misusing our time. Point number two was another matter. Plan two hours of study time for every hour spent in class! I thought both my vision and hearing had failed at the same moment and I was suffering some sort of seizure. No, I was still there and even my brain could quickly work out the sums on this one. I was in lectures six hours a day, so that meant I had to study for 12 hours, I spend two hours travelling and an hour at lunch. This equals 21 hours. Now that took care of two-thirds of the statement, so that left me with three hours to handle the rest of the world. That is what one might call a mathematical conundrum.

On Thursday we started studying a new area in nursing, so that called for a recap of our knowledge to date so we can relate it to the present topic. Names were called, so I knew enough on this occasion to keep it buttoned. Imagine my amazement when one student answered the question posed to someone else. That somehow blew Tuesday's advice out of the water.

My best friend died on Friday. We knew it was coming and so did she. We were complete opposites, but friends for years. She was with me always, in thought and deed. She gave me comfort when things were bad and laughter and joy even to the end. Her passing puts the petty things in life into perspective.