Back To School

May I always continue to learn something new every day—until my last day when I will learn how to die.

I’ve started back to school and have joined the throngs at one of our local community colleges. This Spring quarter, I am taking three classes—one on Ethics and the Law (as it pertains to chemical dependency issues), a class on doing special evaluations for folks who are seeking treatment, and lastly, a class on domestic violence.

Why, why, why, some may shriek? Well it’s all for future planning and getting a certificate that I want that ultimately makes me a Chemical Dependency Professional.

My peers--sort of, technically speaking....

This deciding to go back took a bit of pondering. Most people I have spoken to have said, in such a gentle manner, “Sounds great but the process and the classes will drive you crazy”. I’m guessing they will be correct at times but I am bound and determined to make it through despite the fact that I possess many years of experience (working and teaching) and according to the State of Washington, they do not count. So, I’m taking a bit of my own advice and just doing it—jump the hoops, click off each class and ultimately end up with the certificate.

A community college is very different than what I have been used to over my academic career. The spectrum of classmates, sights, sounds and events will keep me quite entertained if I can hold the attitude that we are all there to learn together and good for all of us for being there!

Learning has no boundaries and just on my first night I learned about how two women skillfully and thoughtfully chose their seats…Both spoke their streams of consciousness aloud and it took me a minute to realize that they were not talking to me particularly, but to our Universe in general.

Woman #1: Oh my, I’ll never fit in one of those desk seats. Nope, not gonna work—not here or even over there; nope none of them. I wonder where I’ll end up sitting in this room…..
The instructor quickly pointed to a long desk in the back of the room and encouraged her to give that location a try. She happily rolled her large suitcase back there and was satisfied with the solution.

Woman #2: Where shall I sit? Why, I think I’ll sit right here; right here is by the door and if I have to go to the bathroom, I can just get up and go, right from here. Yes, this is good; if I sit over there, well then I will have to walk by people and then everyone will know my business. Yes, I do think this seat right by the door is a good place to sit. This is where I’ll sit.

As I left my class today, I walked outside and was greeted by a group of protesters. They were in their organizing stage--making signs and placing bandannas over their faces to protect their identities. I learned that it was a coordinated protest between Seattle and Olympia organizers: their goal, to protest many things including the police and social injustice issues. For me, I secretly admire their zeal and how they are questioning authority; I am reminded of my youthful passion for Patty Hearst, the SDS, and the many marches I myself have attended over the years.

On the other hand, I take offense at a sign which read, "Rest in peace Maurice Clemmons". He executed four police officers several months ago and was killed by a police officer trying to arrest him. I shake my head in frustration at the sight of the sign.

The irony was that there were a number of police in attendance--almost more than the protesters. When I walked by them, I thanked them for their service--not to be a Polly Anna but because I feel for the dilemmas they must encounter every day and how letting down their guard while drinking a cup of coffee can be their last moment on earth. So, I carry both parts: question authority while examining all sides of the issue.

These officers were entertained by protesting musicians who played an enthusiastic rendition of "Down by the Riverside".

Down By the Riverside

Gonna lay down my sword and shield
Down by the riverside
Down by the riverside
Down by the riverside
Gonna lay down my sword and shield
Down by the riverside
Ain't gonna study war no more.

refrain

I ain't gonna study war no more,
I ain't gonna study war no more,
Study war no more.
I ain't gonna study war no more,
I ain't gonna study war no more,
Study war no more.

Gonna stick my sword in the golden sand;
Down By the riverside
Down by the riverside
Down by the riverside
Gonna stick my sword in the golden sand
Down by the riverside
Gonna study war no more.

refrain

Gonna put on my long white robe;
Down By the riverside
Down by the riverside
Down by the riverside
Gonna put on my long white robe; Down by the riverside
Gonna study war no more.

refrain

Gonna put on my starry crown; Down By the riverside
Down by the riverside
Down by the riverside
Gonna put on my starry crown;
Down by the riverside
Gonna study war no more.

refrain

Gonna put on my golden shoes;
(ETC)
Gonna talk with the Prince of Peace;
(ETC)
Gonna shake hands around the world;
(ETC)

All of this and just my second day of class!
Stay tuned.
PS: I am really sorry if you can't get the tune out of your head for several hours....