Back to the classroom

Since I entered the classroom as a substitute teacher, I realized how much I truly enjoy being in school, be it in the capacity of a student or instructor. I'll finally be in the classroom as an aide on a full-time basis this fall, but this doesn't sate my craving for more learning. If I could be a career student, I would happily do so. Amid grumbles of studying for tests and such, I would much rather spend my days taking classes, writing term papers, and taking exams than anything else. I plan on returning to school for non-credit algebra classes out of necessity, but lately, I've been thinking that along with those math courses, I should also include other classes out of sheer interest to keep my mind nimble.

One of the things I miss most about being a student is the intellectual stimulation I received from classroom discussions. I have no one among my circle of family and friends whom I can go to to have conversations requiring mental gymnastics and critical thinking. I can feel my brain getting soft from the want of this exercise, and I'm worried that my skills at critical thinking have become rusty. I long for more classes involving the study of literature, creative writing, and philosophy, and the closer the new school year gets, the stronger the pull is to take these courses. I think this may be the key to my sanity as my life gradually becomes busier and busier. The classroom has become my refuge.