The perpetual student

Well I am going back to school. . . .again! This time I am only (7) classes away from obtaining my Associate’s degree. Of course I have been (7) classes shy of my degree since 2005 – the last time I was in school. I don’t know what my problem is. Oh wait, yeah I do. I like to have too much fun.

That was also my problem back in 1996 when my college experience first began at LDS Business College. I was an innocent young girl, new to the ways of big city life (uh oh, this is starting to sound like an adult film). Anyway, I fell into the trap that has caught many college students. Not drugs, drinking, sex or rock and roll. What did I do? I shopped until I spent all my savings. I went to dances at Saltair with my roommates, followed by 2:00AM food runs to Dee’s or Denny’s. I went to video rental stores at 3:00AM and then proceeded to sleep through the movies we rented. I slept in A LOT! I think that pretty much sums up my first college experience. Needless to say, after 3 semesters I was failing and not very interested in school.

So I quit and joined the full-time workforce. I enrolled in Salt Lake Community College in 2002 and made fairly steady progress (at least as steady as can be made when working full time). Why did I quit in 2005? I got tired of school. Not a good reason, I know! Now I get to go back to SLCC this fall at age 30. Here’s hoping that I will be more mature this time around. I know my mother is certainly hoping so – since she promised we would take a trip to Ireland & Scotland when I graduated. At the rate I’m going, she’ll have to use a walker to make her way across the hills and highlands.

I had to take a math placement test yesterday so this joke seems appropriate. Enjoy!

Fifty Years of Math 1957 - 2008
Last week I purchased a burger at Burger King for $1.58. The counter-girl took my $2 and I was digging for my change when I pulled 8 cents from my pocket and gave it to her. She stood there, holding the nickel and 3 pennies, while looking at the screen on her register. I sensed her discomfort and tried to tell her to just give me two quarters, but she hailed the manager for help. While he tried to explain the transaction to her, she stood there and cried. Why do I tell you this? Because of the evolution in teaching math since the 1950s:

1. Teaching Math In 1950s
A logger sells a truckload of lumber for $100. His cost of production is 4/5 of the price. What is his profit?

2. Teaching Math In 1960s
A logger sells a truckload of lumber for $100 His cost of production is 4/5 of the price, or $80. What is his profit?

3. Teaching Math In 1970s
A logger sells a truckload of lumber for $100. His cost of production is $80. Did he make a profit?

4. Teaching Math In 1980s
A logger sells a truckload of lumber for $100. His cost of production is $80 and his profit is $20. Your assignment: Underline the number 20.

5. Teaching Math In 1990s
A logger cuts down a beautiful forest because he is selfish and inconsiderate and cares nothing for the habitat of animals or the preservation of our woodlands. He does this so he can make a profit of $20. What do you think of this way of making a living? Topic for class participation after answering the question: How did the birds and squirrels feel as the logger cut down their homes? (There are no wrong answers, and if you feel like crying, it's ok.)

6. Teaching Math In 2008
Un hachero vende una carretada de madera para $100. El costo de la producciones es $80. Cuanto dinero ha hecho.

Amanda is craving fresh raspberries.