The Undergrad Way of Life

One of the cool things about working for BYU is that they give you six free credits to take courses each semester. I decided to take a couple of undergrad courses this semester... and I have some observations.

1. I'm wicked smart now... It amazes me what a little life experience and career will do. The teacher will ask a question, and I'll look around when I don't see any hands up, thinking... seriously, does no one know? Apparently not, but I have to think back to my undergrad days... I'm sure I didn't know anything. I've actually had to make a goal of shutting up and not talking as much. It's ok though, because I've had some sweet study partner offers... the nice thing is I don't really need to study. I guess I come closer to being up in front of the class teaching, then sitting in the chair, but it makes for good grades without any effort... and homey likes that.
2. I'm wicked old now... it always amuses me at how my classmates approach me about my age. One said "so are you in the program?" When I say no, he said "then what do you do?" Another in a coaching baseball and softball class said... "so when did you play softball" with a bit of a nervous smile. I said "back in 1996." He just stood there. You should've seen his face as he did the quick math and then looked back at me like... "Why?... Why are you in this class?" Then there's the beauty of recognizing that look and walking away leaving them to figure it out for themselves. Mystery is my best friend.
3. Death by PowerPoint... alright teachers this is for you... and ya it might be because I'm an instructional designer and this is what I do for a living, but ENOUGH of the PowerPoints that have every word of what you say. If that is the case, put it on Blackboard and let me sleep in, I can zip through it later. I have had the craving several times to revamp professors courses, and I finally caved in one of my courses, and offered my services as a means of extra credit.
4. Cool Kids... are still cool. I'm in several classes with BYU athletes and I still get star struck. Even though I've done a ton in my life, they are still the untouchable ones. Why?

Anyhow, I think the one thing that grad school has taught me is how freakin' easy my undergrad was. When I see students freaking out and obsessing over what they think are hard assignments, I just wanna say... "just wait."