CC's graduation

CC's graduation
2nd in our class to graduate

Thursday, July 29, 2010

mediocrity no more.

A couple of weeks ago another student at school commented to me that I seem extra focused on getting things right.  I confirmed that yes, that perception would be accurate.  She didn't understand why that would be important to me.  I was compelled to explain to her that there were few things I feel I have done really, really well in life - besides my children.  This is my chance to take a fantastic opportunity and turn things around and do well.  Mediocrity is no longer an option.

I have taken steps to ensure my success in the classroom - just little things that I believe that have given me an advantage.  A couple of weeks ago, I realized I was super aggravated and had a head ache - I was in front of a huge fan that was drying out the moist products I needed to accurately and efficiently do my work and I was next to the music - blaring acdc.  There was also a lot of idle chit chat, which was slowing the rate at which work was being achieved for the entire classroom.  I must say, it did take me all afternoon to figure out that those were key factors that were not working! I have since moved across the classroom, my concentration level has been honed and my work has increased in efficiency and accuracy by 100 fold.


Front of Spiral Perm for Hair 6" or Longer

Some times these new practicals take hours to complete and you've just gotta commit yourself to the project at hand, not knowing exactly how long you'll be wrapping, spraying, twisting and picking!

Everything has gotten in my way to be able to go to school at Gene Juarez - since I was in high school, when I first started looking at going to school there.  I think it was initially that I was scared, then it was that yes, indeed I was scared - scared of failing.  Then, again - I am scared of failure.  Thus, I am finally going to school.  Sometimes at the beginning of school, I would look back over my shoulder and whimper a little to myself, scared of being there.  But, that's over.  I am sacrificing so much right now to be in school, that I have not ever sacrificed before.  I have settled for mediocrity and that is no longer acceptable to me.  I strive for excellence in my work, through head aches, feet aches, itchy skin, prickly people and throbbing arms and fingers.  This is my new life.


 Back of Spiral Perm for Hair 6" or Longer
The perm picks remind me of my grandma

When I finally discovered that it was fear that was holding me back, I gained a new perspective.  It's the end of week 11 - finals for Technical are next week.  I can't believe I've made it this far.  I can't wait to come home next Saturday night - having graduated this module and knowing I was focused, my head was in the game and I came out a winner.  Mediocrity no more. Life's too short.

Sunday, July 25, 2010

It's school time: come drink the juice kids!

There are surprises that have hit me along the path as I've just finished week 10 at school.  One of them crept up on me during our first six weeks in Design.  I saw one or two people taking energy drink shots, a few more tapping their legs like crazy and thought... ok, good for you, you've found something that works... or not.

Well week 7 rolls around and we all graduate into Technical.  Different educators = different game.  "Ok people - go get your *Rock Stars* - your *Five Hour Energy* or *Red Bull* - we've got some work to do!!! Next day: come with your (see above list) and be here on time!  Next break - go get another one people - hurry it up!

I gotta tell ya.  Energy drinks have not appealed to me and they still don't, but these educators are awfully convincing.  However, I have not seen any behavior out of the students (who's numbers have steadily increased) that have decided to drink the juice preform at excellent levels or increased anything other than perhaps irritation and possibly aggressive behavior.  If anything, it's an interesting side note on watching a group of people migrate toward the same behavior - "everybody's doing it..."

http://www.globalhealingcenter.com/natural-health/the-health-dangers-of-energy-drinks/

By the way:  I've never had an energy drink and I've even decreased my caffeine intake since I've been in school!