Tonight I discovered something about myself, apparently I can learn to write out balance sheets and income statements. A mere 10 days ago I couldn't even read one, now I'm writing them. Do I understand every concept that goes into the creation of these things? Certainly not, but I am starting to learn something that has historically been completely foreign to me. I have never had to do work of this type and caliber before but I suppose necessity can be a motivating force, especially when you need the grades. It is amazing how quickly you can learn something, at least the basics of something as advanced as accounting. Seriously, I think this can be fun if you get the hang of it. It's kind of like law mixed with some math, but the really fun part is when you understand something like this and read it and begin to interpret what it means and base decisions or opinions from it when the guy next to you is giving you this "deer in the headlights" look like you're speaking a foreign language. Hey, I was that "deer in the headlights" guy, still am to some extent but I'm getting better.
I've mentioned it before but it's worth repeating, the most valuable thing about school isn't what you learn necessarily about the topics you study, it is what you have been exposed to and forced to overcome. If you merely want to learn, read a book. If you want to stretch your horizons and try things you never would have tried on your own, going to school can do that. Honestly I have avoided accounting most of my adult life. It's not that it's hard (it is), but I just don't understand it. I hate talking about things I don't understand; it makes me feel really dumb. But in school you're going to have times when you're the dumb one, get over it and get involved. I can't believe I actually enjoyed that. It's like a really big complicated puzzle that you can start to see take shape as you continue working on it. The concept is becoming more and more clear with each piece. I no longer feel way out of my depth, now I merely feel slightly in over my head (not nearly as bad).
I honestly have no idea what my grade will be for this week but I can tell you one thing, whatever it is I earned it and I feel that I've already gotten my money's worth. I've learned something new for my skill set, I've learned something about myself and I've learned patience (again).
--Cheers, Cajun