onward ho

Started learning Python in computer science, which is better than I'd expected.  Wasn't sure how basic it would be, but thought I'd have to wait until next semester to start any kind of coding.  That class has been going well, everything we've had to do somewhat interesting, and so far, effortless.  We're barely a few steps past ("hello world") for now, so we'll see how that goes.

My second Spanish class went better.  When it was my turn to express how well it was going to my classmates however, I go completely blank half the time.  Like I don't know a word of it.  Feels so familiar compared to Russian, seems like I'm learning it quickly.  Think I'll be ahead of most of the class within a few weeks, but probably still act like a deer in the headlights when they're all hola! mi nombre es, como te llamas?  It's interesting I guess, to see the way language difficulties compound social anxiety, and vice versa.  Yay, practice TT

Least I don't need to write papers or talk to anyone for math, but I'm in over my head there.  Had to skip intermediate algebra, straight into graphing and functions, which I know nothing about.  Really, still need to brush up on how to solve for X², but even here, I feel like I'm catching up quickly.  Had to buy a fancy calculator I'm still figuring out how to use.  Think by the end of the semester, I'll understand it all well enough to go back and correct any weak grades I get early on.  Some teachers let us do that, and unless I'm getting them confused, my math professor is one of them.

Finally, English Composition class.  I keep forgetting about this one.  I'm sure it will be good practice, and the teacher's criticisms probably helpful.  About as fundamental as you can get though, which is why I wanted to get it out of the way early.  This teacher is much less laid back than the others.  Right off, she buries us in color coded rainbow copies of syllabus outlines, guidelines, and other assorted informational materials.  She scares me a little.

English, Spanish, math, science.. Just like in 7th grade again.  Sort of amazing to think that's the last time I was in a situation anything like this.  Even in basic ways, like being around this many people on a regular basis.  Practicing even that itself and as uncomfortable as it gets sometimes, I have to keep reminding myself that there were reasons I hadn't tried this sooner.  Pretty good reasons.  Well, some of them, anyway.

Sometimes still feel a bit like I'm teetering precariously, and just trying not to look down.

TWO WEEKS LATER

Turns out, this was also the day Jenny killed herself.