I'm an older/late-30s student. First time in college, taking my pre-reqs. A&P I, Intro to Psych, English, and a basic math course (Couldn't be helped).
I was doing fine until I opened the A&P lab manual about 3/4 of the way back. Then, while trying to understand what the heck I was looking at, and all the terms, I had my first moment of doubt.
...then I opened the math book (850 pages) and did the same.
Any tips on calming my nerves? My g/f reminds me that I shouldn't worry- those are all things I'm going to learn, not be expected to know right away. Obviously, but I worry about many things in life, and sometimes I wonder if I'll really be able to memorize and understand all of it.
I was an operations manager for Herman Miller in charge of 500,000 sq/ft of inventory in 3 states, logistics,and Q&A. Usual back room operations (I know, I know, all without a degree).
I feel stupid...rather in over my head- and day 1 is just hours away.
Anyone else ever go through this? What did you do?
Don't worry it gets better. First days are always boring. Don't judge your teacher yet, give her time to warm up. The first stuff you learn in lab is kinda the basic stuff 2. :) If you still don't like her in a couple of days see if you can switch teachers (at my college they give us a week to switch proff's if we want), or just get through it. A&P 1 is a lot of memorization, which is different then A&P 2 which is more concept. Make flash cards and study. You'll find that lecture exams are more about physiology, while lab exams are more anatomy. Their not always like that, but usually they are. Every once in a while you'll find a weird question in a exam.
Don't worry it gets better. First days are always boring. Don't judge your teacher yet, give her time to warm up. The first stuff you learn in lab is kinda the basic stuff 2. :) If you still don't like her in a couple of days see if you can switch teachers (at my college they give us a week to switch proff's if we want), or just get through it. A&P 1 is a lot of memorization, which is different then A&P 2 which is more concept. Make flash cards and study. You'll find that lecture exams are more about physiology, while lab exams are more anatomy. Their not always like that, but usually they are. Every once in a while you'll find a weird question in a exam.
Today lab blew my little mind because she left us to our own devices and the manual doesn't give a very good description to separate Superior/Inferior and Proximal/Distal, nevermind Mediansaggital from saggital from median. FORTUNATELY my Kaplan Flashcards, which scared the crap out of me, but I'm looking at now, are pretty nice in that regards!
You're right, of course, let things get warmed up. I'm just hyper sensitive towards this class as while I can see no reason not to be in it, I don't feel very intelligent.
Use that CD. Not sure which one came with your book but if it has an animation function, use it, use it, use it. That will help with things you should be learning in class.
I take my class online, so not getting instructions. It's the book, her notes, and the lab CDs. So as much as you want the instruction, you can still do it.
Also, if you are in A&P1, you are only on the first chapter of the book. There may not be a lot of lab demo. to do yet. Surely she will be more detailed as time goes on.
Use that CD. Not sure which one came with your book but if it has an animation function, use it, use it, use it. That will help with things you should be learning in class.
I take my class online, so not getting instructions. It's the book, her notes, and the lab CDs. So as much as you want the instruction, you can still do it.
Also, if you are in A&P1, you are only on the first chapter of the book. There may not be a lot of lab demo. to do yet. Surely she will be more detailed as time goes on.
Yeah, Honestly the only thing confusing me is direction/orientation terminology. The lecture hasn't gotten that far, but the lab starts with it.
The CD is the Interactive Physiology 10-System Suite CD.
mississippigirl3000
25 Posts
Don't worry it gets better. First days are always boring. Don't judge your teacher yet, give her time to warm up. The first stuff you learn in lab is kinda the basic stuff 2. :) If you still don't like her in a couple of days see if you can switch teachers (at my college they give us a week to switch proff's if we want), or just get through it. A&P 1 is a lot of memorization, which is different then A&P 2 which is more concept. Make flash cards and study. You'll find that lecture exams are more about physiology, while lab exams are more anatomy. Their not always like that, but usually they are. Every once in a while you'll find a weird question in a exam.