It's Like I Never Stopped

Yesterday was my first day of classes for fall semester. What a rush it is to be on a college campus! Thousands of students, of every age, race, and walk of life. Lines of people everywhere (that part isn't my favorite.) At the end of last semester I was so burned out, having taken an entire year of Anatomy and Physiology, and some other classes. My brain was fried and the thought of going back was so depressing to me. It takes so much mental energy for me, and every time I thought about the semester being almost here, I wanted to cry and run. But, it turns out, I just needed a break. And now, after having the summer off, I feel ready to do it again. I'm even excited because I have interesting classes in new areas. No more cells, tissues, muscles, bones, nerves, blood vessels, AAAAAAGH!

This semester I'm taking Microbiology (with lab), Political Science, and Lifespan Psychology. I've never taken three classes at once before, usually just two, but this semester marks an important milestone for me: I finish up the prerequisites for application into the Nursing program. In January I can apply! It's exhilarating to realize that the first step in this journey is within reach!

Yesterday I sat in the Micro lab and the professor handed out the syllabi. I should get used to this part, but I haven't yet. Reading the syllabus always gives me anxiety. Several pages, stapled together, detailing course objectives, assignment schedules, and exam dates. Unfamiliar vocabulary that I will be expected to understand and "demonstrate mastery of." In every class, I think to myself, "Oh my gosh, I'm going to die. I can never do this." And yet, somehow I get through. In several weeks, I'm sure, gram staining bacteria will be old hat. At least, let's hope so.

As a preview to our studies, yesterday we started bacterial cultures on any two items of our choosing, with the point being to become aware of just how covered in bacteria every single thing in life really is. We took a test tube containing nutrient broth and swabbed whatever we wanted and inserted the swab into the broth to see what grows. I swabbed my cell phone, as if I really want to know. Then we took a petri dish with nutrient agar and again, wiped whatever we wanted to test on the agar to see what grows. I swirled a penny around. We'll see in a few days, and then we'll learn to identify whatever colonies appear.

(Don't look now, Jenna, but you just used "nutrient broth" and "nutrient agar" in sentences!)

Here we go!