Streak of Gray

FIDM boasts a faculty with extensive industry experience. As I understand it, instructors are coached to "share" with us their industry experience on the first day of class. Lucky students. It usually starts with an introduction that communicates something like this: "I'm a tree hugging hippie. I was married and had a child but my career was too much for him so I had to leave because I wasn't happy not doing what I am 'passionate' about. I am deeply spiritual (but don't offend me by calling me religious.)" After that comes the "industry experience report." Everyone enjoys listening to someone go on and on about all the celebrities they've met, mingled with, and worked for. Please, Ms. Teacher, we're all dying to know that you've lived for a time in New York and a time in London and that you were once on MTV. Hold up that book; you wrote that?! Who are those pretty models on the cover? But wait! Please, please, please tell us more about what tragic condition forced you into those orthopedic shoes at the tender age of 55? And in which of those big cities did you pick up that swaggering sweatpant style? Where did you learn that a gold heart pendant on a chain would so beautifully polish off that otherwise drab ensemble? And my last question, why do all teachers like you always have that streak of gray across their mane of peppery hair? Just curious. Proceed.

Yes, Headmaster

Come Tuesday, I will be beginning my sixth quarter at FIDM. The beginning of the term is always the most enjoyable and exciting time of the school quarter. It is the only time that I am not behind and have not completely destroyed my chances for high grades. I feel so good about myself during those first few weeks. I'm full of high hopes and limitless ambition. But not this quarter. This quarter, the end will be the most enjoyable.

I was once my mom's little Matilda. A brain child. Nothing but finished homework and straight A's. This lasted until my second semester of college. I can't really place my finger on what happened, but ever since then my academic performance yoyo's like Kristi Alley's weight; a 4.0 here, academic probation there, a 3.9, all A's and a D. Odd? Odd is that I'm claiming it publically (over the years, the shame has lessened.) I can't explain my phantom ambition and discipline. Why does it go? Why does it come back?

I was promised by a very trusted source that I will be blessed in my school work and will be allowed to accomplish my goals. Of course, this is dependant on me holding up my end of the deal. So, let's test this.

My goals: To achieve high grades this quarter; to learn all that is expected of me (and more if expectations are low); to stay on top of the demands placed on me and not fall behind; to enjoy what I study; to leave a positive impression on my teachers and earn their respect and confidence.

If these are my goals, and I believe I can achieve them, they are counted achieved if I commit to my faith. (See Chris, not poor Aaron.) Is this how it works? Am I missing something here?