I'm a "Non-Traditional" Student

     I must admit I feel very conflicted about today's post.  As a fireman who was on duty 9/11/01, I do feel a bit of an obligation to make this post all about that event.  I certainly have an abundance of memories and stories from that day; however, I just feel that the simple fact I was a fireman on duty that day, doesn't necessarily make my memories and stories any more special than yours.  The truth is, we all possess scars in one form or another, as a result of that tragic day.  So while this post will not be about 9/11, I will nonetheless dedicate it to all of those who remember and will never forget.

     While I may have been a fireman back then, I am a "non-traditional" student today (NTS for short).  I remember I first started hearing the term "NTS" when I returned to the academic world in the fall of 2011.  At first I thought, "Oh yeah, that describes me... I'm married, I have kids, I commute to school, and I have already had one career in this life".  I soon figured out that the term "NTS" doesn't really mean any of those things at all.  The bare-bones truth is "NTS" is simply a euphemism for "Old Fart".  I think it's the university's sneaky little way of creating segregation without really appearing to do so.  I feel compelled at this point to say that I am in no way complaining about this.  In fact, the university also has a way of making us feel honored to be there at such an advanced stage in life.  I mean....I don't really need everything to be ADA compliant, but it sure does make my life a lot easier at times.  And just a quick note to any of you other prospective "NTS's" out there, who may be thinking about returning to school.  I'm a big guy and I tote around a backpack that weighs about 20 pounds.  I'm sure I can be heard huffing and puffing my way to class, all over campus.  So, it was quite embarrassing at first, whenever a young girl who weighs maybe 80 pounds soaking wet and is 4 ft tall,  lugs a back pack that weighs at least 50 pounds AND carries her tuba, passes you on the sidewalk like you were standing still.  AND, does so without even breaking a sweat OR getting winded.  Yes, it was quite embarrassing until...... I simply decided it was cool to be slow.  Now whenever I hear one of those little speedsters, zooming up from behind, I simply slow down, pull out my iphone and stare intently at my reflection.  Oh yeah, I also try my best to hold my breath until said speedster is out of ear-shot.  Another trick... you can just stop dead in your tracks and stare off into the distance, as if you can see someone that no one else can see.  To be honest, I only use this technique as a last resort.  I won't go into the whole story, but it has something to do the last time I used it.  I overheard one of the little speedsters mumble something like, "I'll bet that Old Fart hears voices too".   If I do have a complaint, it is that I can't seem to get those grounds keeping guys to give me a lift to class on one of those spiffy little golf carts they drive around all day.  Then I would really have it made!

     After I had been at UNT for a semester, I was able to apply for the social work program.  Part of the application process was that I had to meet with the director of the program.  To protect his identity, I will refer to him as "Dr. Barbershop" (or Dr. B for short). Dr. B is an older gentleman, who is always neat as a pin.  He doesn't dress fancy or anything of the kind, he is just always very neat and orderly.  I must say he is also one of the nicest men I have ever had the pleasure of knowing.  Anyway, the first time I met with Dr. B, he seemed a bit surprised that I had been out of school for so long (20+ years).  I remember we were making small talk about how much education had changed during that time and as our meeting was drawing to a close he said, "Well Clifton, everything appears to be in order and if you have any questions, you can contact me or you can just go to the department website online".  I replied by saying, "Dr. B, I might feel better just contacting you. The term 'online' was not a term that was commonly used the last time I was in school". (hey, I thought it was funny...)

     Those of you who really know me, know that I honestly care very little about what people think of me.  Having said that, I was a little concerned about how I would be accepted by my fellow students, when I returned to school.  I actually have three answers to that.  Great!....really great!....and plumb awful!  To explain further, the other students in the social work program have always been very cordial and helpful.  In fact, I have even made friends with some of them! (great!).  As it turns out, I am not the only "NTS" attending UNT.  As a result, we old farts often band together. (really great!).  Then at the complete other end of the spectrum, we have the freshmen (plumb awful!!).  For the most part, this group of individuals think they know EVERYTHING and are entitled to EVERYTHING!  They are rude, inconsiderate and self-serving.  Did I happen to mention that I really don't like them very much?  Keep in mind, there are exceptions, but this is the general rule.  Fortunately, something magical seems to happen while a person is a sophomore.  Somewhere along the way, they seem to acquire MANNERS!  I have no idea how it happens, but I am sure glad it does.  I had a sneaking suspicion that God makes some people be sophomores until they learn how to be nice to others.  Then it suddenly dawned on me, I was a sophomore for 20+ years....so it most assuredly must be something else. 


Daily Clifton-ism:  
If it's wet and it's not yours.... don't touch it!


Message from God:
Until you get your house (body) in order, you will not be a good steward of any blessings.


Good Advice to Preachers and Teachers:
The mind cannot absorb more than the butt can endure.


Words of Wisdom from Grandmother:
Get a good education.  It's the one thing that no  one can ever take away from you.


Okay friends and neighbors, that's a wrap!  Thanks for taking the time to read today's entry, I hope you enjoyed it.  Have an awesome day!   CHJ