I’m 57 years old. (None of that "57 years young" stuff. I’m old. I’m OK with it.)
The last time I was a student at Pensacola State College was in 1987 – 33 years ago. And it wasn’t even Pensacola State College then. It was Pensacola Junior College.
The word “internet” wasn’t even a thing. The word “virtual” just meant “almost or nearly as described, but not completely or according to strict definition.”
The world moved slower, but my brain moved much more quickly then.
Still, I’ve starting summer term classes at PSC this week.
I have two classes: Descriptive Astronomy with Bruce Cordell, and American History Since 1877 with Andrew Barbero. And yes, I’m excited. I’m a regular stargazer (my favorite is the red supergiant Betelgeuse, if only because it’s always great to spot a red star). And a history buff (just finished re-watching a documentary on the Roosevelts – Eleanor was my favorite, but, truthfully, I liked all the Roosevelts, whether from Hyde Park or Oyster Bay.)
Yes, I’m ready. And any butterflies come from anticipation rather than nervousness or apprehension.
So, my fellow students, don’t you fret about online courses either. You whippersnappers were practically raised online. Your generation is perpetually logged in and confident with technology. Me? I was amazed when I saw my first Texas Instrument’s calculator in seventh grade, just a couple years after math was invented. I’m at a disadvantage. You youngsters have all the advantages, including a sharper mind. (Yes, just as your body loses strength as you age, so does some of the gray matter. At least in my case.)
In fact, classmates, I might turn to you for a little help during the summer. If so, help the poor old clueless guy out.
But I’m excited to be a PSC student once more.
Disclaimer: I did take two classes at the University of West Florida last summer – a real-world math class and an online journalism class. And if you’re wondering why a 57-year-old is bothering at this point, well, I was a journalism student in the late 1980s when I was hired by the Pensacola News Journal, well before finishing my degree. I spent 30 years with the News Journal, before coming to PSC in August 2019 to work in the Marketing department. I probably don’t need my journalism degree at this point.
But I want my degree. I still need a couple foreign language classes to get my associate degree and will hopefully take French in the fall, just so I can finally understand what Edith Piaf, Charles Aznavour, Jacques Brel and all my favorite French vocalists are warbling on about. (If I listened to more Spanish music, it might be a different story and a different class.)
We all chase education for different reasons. Many of my fellow, much younger students, might be hoping to earn a degree so they can eventually land a great job at a great salary. Others need a degree to advance in their profession. Others just aren’t sure what they want yet, but know an education is always a plus and that PSC can help them find their footing and direction in the real world.
For me, it’s just a matter of pride and competition. Like I said, I probably don’t need my degree at this point. But I want it so so badly. I want my children and grandchildren to watch the old guy graduate. I want them to be proud. I want them to be inspired.
So, my fellow student Pirates, let’s do it. Yes, the world is topsy-turvy and many of you would rather be in the classroom than learning virtually.
And I would love to meet my classmates face-to-face. But this is the reality we live in, ironically a virtual world. If I can adapt at my advanced age, you youngsters, born into a world teeming with technology, can surely navigate some online courses.
Enjoy your summer classes, Pirates. Let’s learn some new things! (Me, I’m hoping Cordell can arrange a field trip to Jupiter’s moon, Europa. I think that’s the No. 1 place in our solar system I would like to visit.)
-- Troy Moon
