How did I get on? Well I will tell you ...
By Humbug25
@Humbug25 (12551)
September 30, 2009 5:37am CST
Some of you might be aware that I started a new course yesterday - introduction to counselling skills. I was quite apprehensive before going because I was worried about having to role play and writing up what I had learnt in that lesson for homework. I didn't know anybody there and we were a healthy size of 19, more than I had expected. The group is great though, open minded, opinionated and very friendly. I have gone through another notebook as I still had to communicate with them regardless of my lack of voice, which was a bit tough. I really really enjoyed it and I no longer have the worries I did have before starting the course. I have already written my review (as they call it) and that seemed to go well. I usually leave that sort of thing til the last minute and then panic and rush things. I am really looking forward to going again next week but now I am curious as to how they are going to teach me the skills I need to become a counsellor.
What would you be worried about going back into a classroom environment?
3 people like this
5 responses
@ANTIQUELADY (36471)
• United States
30 Sep 09
Good for u, have brave u are to do that especially w/the disabilty u have right now w/your voice. I admire u so much. There is no way at my age that i would go back in a classroom for anything. I would be worried about everything, lol. good luck to u.
@wolfie34 (26792)
• United Kingdom
30 Sep 09
I was thinking of you yesterday my friend and was wondering how you got on, and you beat me to it, I was going to PM you to find out! What with your voice as well I suspect that made things doubly difficult but it seems you got on well but then I always knew you would being the kind of person you are! The first session for anyone is nerve wracking but some people have an uncanny way of hiding their nerves and may appear stronger than they are inside! I am starting my pyschology course on Thursday but hopefully I will see some familiar faces who I have studied with before so it won't be that nerve wracking. This probably sounds strange but when I first turn up to a new class I always worry about whether to turn up early or late, because for me its knowing where to sit! If I sit somewhere and no one sits next to me I feel rejection, so I like to turn up late so I can find a seat if I can away from others. Crazy I know but that's me! Keep up the excellent work and I'll know you'll do fine, when you do get your voice back you'll enjoy it even more and I am sure people will appreciate you even more too. I am quite jealous actually LOL! The people on the course should be extremely honoured to have you in their class dear friend.
2 people like this
@Humbug25 (12551)
•
30 Sep 09
Hi ya wolfie
Bless ya hun!! I started this discussion with you in mind because I did say I would let you know how it went. I was a little annoyed at the tutor though because she didn't tell everyone my situation so it meant that every time I came across someone I had to explain to them why I couldn't speak. I didn't want people to think I was a mute or something and there were others that I didn't get to meet that probably have that idea of me. I totally understand what you mean about the sitting down thing. When I got there I was a bit early but there were about 6 people already there and there was a seat inbetween each one it was quite funny to see. The trouble is that when you are late everybody turns and looks at you with that disapproving look hahaha
Cheers wolfie and thanks for your kind comments 
Cheers wolfie and thanks for your kind comments 1 person likes this
@Hatley (164338)
• Garden Grove, California
10 Oct 09
hi humbug25oh you will do just great as I can tell by
your discussions. You sound like you really liked the
class. I can well imagine that it wou ld be hard with
you not able to talk,hope you are doing okay. But with
the enthusiasm you show I can see you acing the course.
At my age I would be worried about younger people accepting
me as a student? I am 82 and I did go back at 56 to finish
my university work and get my degree,it was challenging
but ultimately fun also. But now with grey hair and the
stigma attached to old people,well no I do not think I
could do it.We use the world old in a pejorative way as
though it meant stupid or senile or looney tunes.
1 person likes this
@Humbug25 (12551)
•
11 Oct 09
Hi there Hatley
Aww thanks for your kind words. I am at the begining of a very long journey though. This is just an introduction to counselling and the 'real' course starts next year for 4 years!! I so admire you for going back at the age of 56 to finish university, still my age doesn't bother me at all going back into education!
Thanks 
Thanks 
@kellyjeanne (1576)
• United States
3 Oct 09
Kudos to you, Humbug!
My main worry is always the fact that I like to learn at a much slower pace and am always afraid that all the other students would be way ahead of me. So, while the other students would be a chapter or two ahead I would still be lagging behind. This would cause my anxiety to rise and give me a panic attack. I couldn't take that at all!
Purrs,
Catwoman=^..^= & Mija
1 person likes this
