that other guy’s thoughts

As I sat in the classroom today - utterly confused as to why a just and loving God would allow 2nd-order partial differential equations to be casually used on my second day of class - I couldn’t help but wonder what exactly I’ve gotten myself into.

This class started the same way as every other college class I’ve ever taken, with the professor half-heartedly attempting a lame joke followed by every student half-heartedly pretending to laugh at it. It’s good to see some things are universal.

The Wichita State graduate aerospace program is specifically tailored to the area working professional, (e.g. all classes are Monday/Wednesday or Tuesday/Thursday between 4:00 pm & 8:30 pm) So I was a bit surprised to find that only 6 of the 37 students are returning professionals. Everyone else shows up dressed like they’re headed to a Jimmy Buffet concert. Not that there’s anything wrong with that. I remember those days, and they were awesome.

Obviously, the math content for this class will be rough. Though this is partially my fault, since I don’t remember anything I learned past Calculus II six years ago. If we go deeper than what we brushed on today, I’ll probably have to pick up another textbook for some recreational mathematics reading. Be still, my heart!

Finally, I’d like to take a moment to personally address this state’s 3rd largest university:

“Really Wichita State, these are the best facilities you’ve got? 37 students jammed into a cinder block room with flickering lights and a worn out blackboard? My mental math skills tell me you’re pulling down at least $30,000 in tuition for offering this single 3-hour class. Can I at least get some air circulation to take the edge off the combined B.O. of the 20 Indians that surround me?”