| | So, it has been a long time since I have written a blog entry….for those of you wondering why, the story is quite simple—actually it is one word: STATISTICS. Yes, indeed, I have subjected myself to taking Statistics at Smith College. Why, you might ask, should my statistics class cause such a long delay in my blog posting? Simply put, it is because statistics is MY BOSS. It towers over me, forcing me to put my head down in a book for up to 30 hours a week—and I love it. Though I have been forever the math-o-phobe, I grudgingly accepted several semesters ago that in order to complete my Psychology major at Smith College, I would have to face the beast head-on and take statistics. Terrified and wide-eyed, I slogged through algebra last semester, only to be pleasantly surprised that I did much better than I convinced myself I would. However, I feared that Statistics (which is math/psychology 190 in the Course Catalogue) would be a whole ‘nother mountain to climb, and I was right—but for the best reasons imaginable. In Professor David Palmer, I have the best guide through the material that I could ever hope to have, as someone who lacks confidence in her mathematical ability and who is often bamboozled by the odd looking formulae on the board. Professor Palmer does not believe in teaching statistics on the computer; rather, he believes in hand computation, providing plenty of step-by-step examples which enable us to truly understand the concepts behind the calculations. To be sure, I rolled my eyes and panicked when he described his “old school” approach—plenty of repetition, memorization, quizzes, and closed-book exams, taking the time to thoroughly explore the links between the concepts and the techniques as they are applied in the sciences. Indeed, I quickly pictured being lost in a sea of variables whose meanings were impenetrable. But in only four weeks, with three quizzes, an exam, and 59 pages (no joke) of homework, in the most unexpected of places I am yet again presented with a deeper understanding that these types of experiences are why I am at Smith. Do I really want a class that blindly teaches me without understanding? No, I want to be challenged, pushed, confused, and even wrong sometimes, because by taking this class I have learned more about myself, my classmates, better ways to rise to personal challenges—and to be sure, more statistics than I ever thought I would or could comprehend. I didn’t expect to actually enjoy the methodical process of applying formulae—of all the things to enjoy! Now, I am not saying that I have become the “Mistress of Z-Scores” in just four weeks, but I am enjoying the struggle in ways I never anticipated I would. I work hard, get things wrong, spend hours trying to memorize and understand a single concept, and at times feel like I am getting nowhere…but you know what? When someone asks me how my classes are going, statistics is the first class I talk about. When I need help with my homework, I can actually explain and understand what I need help with—well, most of the time, anyway. All truth be told, even though there are fewer and fewer tears—as there were quite a few at first—I may have to accept that at this point I am not going to understand the real purpose of calculating Z-scores (and at this point I would like to send my apologies and sincere thanks to my husband and daughter). So, that’s my story and I’m stickin’ to it: This blog post was delayed by the strong, yet forgiving hand of statistics—and the process of conquering some fear along the way.
So what has been going on in the Admissions Office, you ask? Well, I have heard some murmurings of applications being read, and by now you should have received a newsletter from me confirming some key dates and other important information. I send all of you my best wishes while you await the decision—and if you don’t know what to do with yourself, remember simply to breathe deeply, knowing that just taking the chance to apply to Smith College is reason to feel strong.
Elsewhere on campus, currently there are two powerful exhibitions at the Smith College Museum of Art: Thin and Girl Culture, both by Lauren Greenfield (which I managed to get to see despite the time I dedicate to my statistics course). Thin takes an in-depth look at a wide variety of women living at Florida’s Renfrew Treatment facility, where they are treated for eating disorders. Girl Culture is an exhibition which displays the various, and often conflicting cultural forces at work in the lives of American women. Both exhibitions are intense and thought-provoking, providing a great platform for conversation and awareness. I took my daughter Beka to the exhibits, and the experience was both difficult and enlightening for both of us. I have attached the link here. if you would like to find out more information. I do believe that the exhibition will still be open during the Open House for admitted students in April, so make sure you allocate some time in your busy schedule to see it when you are on campus.
The early March mornings here are still cold, and sometimes I think that I am back in Chicago as the wind freezes my face solid. I manage to get to the gym five mornings a week before classes between 6 a.m. and 8 a.m. The walk from the gym to the Campus Center for coffee and breakfast, while only really taking about 10 minutes, feels like 30 as I battle the late winter chill. This, of course, is made worse by the fact that I won’t wear a hat or ear muffs—did I mention I am stubborn?—but next winter that will change. Yet as I reach the Campus Center and turn around to look at Chapin Lawn and the old buildings, I am ready to get in two hours of study before my first class of the day. For me, this is the best time of day to be on campus: It is quiet, still, and the coffee is so fresh, you can smell it as soon as you open the doors – there’s nothing like starting the day like that!
Until next week, study hard, hold your breath—it’s almost Spring Break!—and March 20th is the first day of spring…
Cheers,
Rachael
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